HOLLYWOOD BEAT: Celebrating Easter in Style

When we lived back East, the place to be on Easter Sunday was the Plaza Hotel. We loved donning our Easter bonnets, and, strolling down Fifth Avenue. Arguably, the place to be on the West Coast is the Four Seasons Hotel, where the food, if not the fashion, is fabulous. We spotted Seal and, Heidi Klum (along with their entire brood), Jennifer Young Hewitt, with a handsome young dude, perennially tan George Hamilton and former mate, Alana Stewart, and, of course, our good friends, Bob and Beverly Cohen, owners of the Hotel enjoying the boundless buffet.

Gary Sinese receiving American Spirit Award from Connie Stevens

Did not spot a single bonnet in the entire room; however, we did get our fill of hat happiness at Carol Connors Annual B in your Bonnet Party at the Beverly Hills Country Club. Wearing sparkly bunny ears, the Oscar nominated songwriter greeted such guests as Marilyn McCoo The Fifth Dimension), Barbra Luna (Star Trek), and Ellyn Snowden, wife the Beverly Hills Police Chief, David Snowden. The effervescent Ellyn refused to wear the Police chief's cap, and also sported a pair of pink bunny ears. But the most original outfit was worn by Deanna Lund (Land of the Giants) recovering from back surgery and hip replacement, who was forced to wear a huge metal corset, which draped alluringly down her lovely legs. She reminded me of Rose McGowan, who has a gun attached to her leg in Tarantino's Grindhouse.

Actors Richard Thomas and George Wendt with Director Scott Ellis at "Twelve Angry Men"

Other's enjoying the fantastic fare, and gigantic goody bags provided by self proclaimed Queen Carol, included Paula Karcher (wife of the heir of Carl's Jr) who motored in from Palm Springs, who particularly loved the home made chocolate bunnies and pumpkin rolls provided by Ms.J.

Producer Chuck Fries, Jon Adelson and Congresswoman Mary Bono at Producer's Awards

Gary Sinase, currently starring in CSI New York, was among those honored at the Caucus for TV Producers, Writers and Directors at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The Oscar nominated actor is using his star power to help rebuild the lives of Iraqi school children, and founded an organization which supplies classroom materials in this war torn nation. He is also the national spokesman for the US Disabled Veterans Life Memorial Foundation.

Barbara Lazaroff, guest speaker for Crown Jewels Royal Purple Luncheon embracing our columnist, Marci Weiner

Congresswoman Mary Bono (Sonny Bono's beautiful widow), and FCC Commissioner, Jonathan Adelstein, were also cited for their support to the Creative Community. The Caucus is the leading organization in Hollywood working toward more creative control and TV content. Kudos go to chair Vin diBono, President Chuck Fries and Lee Miller for a most inspiring evening.

Ellyn Snowden, Carol Connors, Deanna Lund & Marilyn McCoo at Beverly Hills Country Club

And speaking of inspiring, you have until. May 6th to catch Reginald Rose's Twelve Angry Men at the Ahmanson Theatre. Richard Thomas and George Wendt (Cheers), star in this classic courtroom drama, which rings true today, as did when Henry Fonda starred in the award winning film in 1957. Do as I did, and take your favorite attorney (Westsider Laurie Butler, Esq.) to this powerful production.

And last but not least, Barbara Lazaroff, partner and former spouse of Wolfgang Puck, was guest speaker at the Crown Jewels Royal Purple Luncheon at Spago. Lazaroff, truly a woman of all seasons (restaurateur, interior designer, philanthropist and Mom to two talented sons) thrilled the Ladies of the Crown Jewels with her dramatic demeanor, boundless energy, and endless enthusiasm.. She is truly an inspiration to every woman on the Hollywood Beat.

SAVE THE DATE:
On Saturday, May 5, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder will be performing at a charity event benefiting the Silverlake Conservatory of Music (SCM). The 3rd Annual SCM "Hullabaloo" benefit will be hosted by Woody Harrelson and held at The Music Box at the Henry Fonda Theater on Hollywood Blvd. Attendance is limited to only 1,400 guests. Ticket donations are $500 (VIP) or $250 (General Admission), both of which include food, open bar and parking. VIP tickets include a Hollywood rooftop after party and special private performance by Mickey Avalon.

Tickets will go on sale Saturday, April 21st and will be available only over the web at: www.silverlakeconservatory.com. Co-founded by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Hullabaloo" raises funds for the SCM providing scholarships to more than 100 low-income students whose families would otherwise be unable to afford instruments and/or lessons as well as to expand the school's summer camp program.