Category: General

Fight Club Plays to Live Score at The Wiltern


Los Angeles is filled with inventive ideas — some work and some don’t, but I’ll never take the city for granted with its exponential offerings of new experiences. One such experience was ‘Fight Club’ at The Wiltern. The unconventional movie night featured the famed cult classic on a big-screen projector that was displayed just above a live band who played the film’s original score as it aired. The live musical score accompanying the film was performed by Hollywood multi-instrumentalist Angel Roche (Dave Navarro and Ziggy Marley), Eric Klerks on guitar and bass (Grandmothers Of Invention), Damon Ramirez on the synths (Fungo Mungo, Looner), and film composer, Zoë Poledouris-Roche (composer: Conan The Barbarian, Bully).

I went into this experience with a positive attitude, a great amount of excitement, and the embarrassing admission that I’ve never seen ‘Fight Club’ in full. Also, as a lover of all things music, this seemed like a can’t-miss idea. But sometimes ideas are better than its execution, and this is one of those times. For starters, ‘Fight Club,’ though a cult classic that would no-doubt draw a large audience, doesn’t have a substantial amount of music. When the music began, I found myself extremely excited, which means with a different film, this would have worked. Furthermore, the on-stage “acrobatics” as it was marketed, was disjointed and distracting. Acting out scenes as they air just felt odd, and I’d have rather seen a small spotlight on the band as they played instead. It’s also worth noting that since the audience was unaware of exactly what would happen on stage, it’s just not smart to have people running through the crowd yelling things as fights are heard on screen. Translation? — I thought, for just one millisecond, that we might be in the midst of a terrorist attack. I checked in with my surroundings to see if I was the only person with this thought, and I noticed that the energy of the room shifted as others also looked around in fright. It’s possible I’m reading into it, but I pride myself on feeling the energy of a crowd when judging what I see, and I think I’m right here. Though sad and unfortunate, this just can’t happen in a live-theater experience anymore. There are ways to do it, but this wasn’t it.

If I were planning the next event, I’d encourage a film with more music, spotlight the band with a dim light, and introduce the experience with more clarity. Lastly, I’d have more food available for purchase. A for intention, though.

Ravi Coltraine on NPR’s Tiny Desk – WATCH NOW

I once asked a Tiny Desk performer what it was like to perform in NPR’s now coveted performance space and he simply said, “It’s small. It’s exactly what it looks like.” I wish I could offer some intimate inside knowledge that exceeds that explanation, but perhaps that’s what makes it so memorable to watch. The live video series space is that of “All Songs Considered” host Bob Boilen, who conceived the idea with Stephen Thompson after leaving a bar show, frustrated they couldn’t hear the music over the crowd noise. Boilen never thought it would gain the attention it has, but with over 500 performances, the cult following speaks for itself. Below, you’ll see Ravi Coltraine grace the room. As the son of John Coltrane, Ravi’s talent isn’t surprising, and according to NPR, there’s a lot of talent in that circle, as “all members of the band here are performing artists in their own right and come from artistically rich families; drummer E.J. Strickland is the brother of saxophonist Marcus Strickland; Adam Rogers parents performed on Broadway and Yunior Terry is Yosvany Terri’s brother, both heirs to Cuban music royalty.” Watch the stunning performance below.

‘The Affair’ Creator Talks Divorce — Can Women “Have It All”?

Joe Pugliese

In reference to “having it all,” Barbara Walters once said that you can have two of the three. According to the living legend, career, marriage, and motherhood are difficult to juggle, and something’s gotta give. So when When Sarah Treem, creator of Showtime’s ‘The Affair,’ wrote a revealing, raw article for Red about losing her marriage to her demanding career, it got me thinking. Treem asks whether a man could sustain the same lifestyle and whether it’s too much to dream that as a woman.

First, if a man were working 14-hour days and the woman was the primary caregiver to the children, she too might feel emotionally neglected. Furthermore, if that woman moved to a city she hated and gave up her own career to boot, I can also imagine the marriage would suffer. Would the woman be as apt to exit that marriage, or would she stick around longer since that arrangement is more socially acceptable? I’m not so sure there’s a double standard.The real issue here is the lack of support from employers, co-workers, networks, and studios for people in positions of power to sustain their personal lives. There has to be a way to offer more support, and as Treem suggests, if she simply asked for help, perhaps things would have gone another way. But because she’s a woman, she wanted the world to think she could do it all. This does beg a bigger question; however and it’s — should we even WANT to do it all?

Sarah Jessica Parker and Michelle Pfeiffer Interview Each Other

There’s a new wave of interviews where talent interviews talent, and for the most part — it’s a giant fail. First, it demeans the art of the interview. The idea that anyone, include an actor or director can easily engage in an art form of which they know nothing about, is almost insulting to the Howard Sterns and Barbara Walters of the world. Second, it’s indulgent. It usually involves endless compliments and painful gushing rather than hard-hitting, informative fact-finding or any type of comedic exchange. Lastly, since most actors don’t enjoy being asked any type of invasive questions, they’re far too respectful in these exchanges, and it’s just boring. Having said all that, I stumbled across Variety’s actors-on-actors format during a YouTube deep-dive, and I actually enjoyed the Sarah Jessica Parker/Michelle Pfeiffer sit-down. Because Michelle does not fully understand the art of television and Sarah Jessica does both television AND movies, it’s fascinating to see Sarah Jessica’s explanation of the TV art form. In fact, I learned a few things. Furthermore, Michelle seems surprisingly shy, humble, and unaware of her success. Watch and enjoy.

The Lumineers Debut “Angela” Video — WATCH NOW

If you know the history of The Dishmaster, then you know my loyalty to The Lumineers, having interviewed the band in the lobby of a hotel following their video shoot for “Ho Hey,” which would later debut to massive success. I landed that interview just before they hit it big, and I’ll brag about that for eternity. Their down-to-earth personality and sheer gratefulness seems unchanged by their fame, which also keeps my support intact. It’s hard to find a band that doesn’t sell out with a cheesy cover on People Magazine touting their lead singer’s personal life. Watch the new video for “Angela” below.

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Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry Needs to Be Cancelled — NOW

If you’re going to be a death-talking fraud, at least be good at it. Grief is a bear, and it’s personal, and if hell exists, there’s a special place reserved for those who make money off it. For ‘Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry,’ it’s pretty clear this gross man-child doesn’t have the gift. In fact, it’s SO CLEAR, that if you watch the clip below, you’ll see the clairvoyant con-artist actually contradict himself while first telling Khloe Kardashian that her father, Robert Kardashian, didn’t want her there while he passed, only to then say that he was holding on so others would be there. It’s a joke, and I want this show cancelled. Watch below.
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Jerry Seinfeld Explains Rejecting Kesha’s Hug


I’ve heard Jerry Seinfeld is a cantankerous curmudgeon from reliable sources, which shouldn’t surprise anyone whose watched his iconic self-titled show, given that it largely reflected his many social quirks. So when Ke$ha greeted Seinfeld with a hug on the red-carpet and he refused to comply, one can only laugh at the oh-so-Seinfeld moment. Watch the awkward exchange below, followed by Seinfeld’s hilarious explanation of the event. To be fair, it’s a little odd to approach someone during an interview for a hug, and it’s also odd to request a hug from a celebrity, whether your famous or not.

Katy Perry Talks Taylor Swift Feud


Though I’m not a massive fan of Katy Perry’s music, I’ve always liked her character, Sure I don’t know her personally, but she seems exceptionally shrewd in interviews and her barbs at other stars seem more thoughtful than petty. One such star is Taylor Swift, who accused Katy Perry of “sabotaging” her arena tour by poaching her dancers, a thought that later inspired the song “Bad Blood.” Instead of exchanging more passive aggressive barbs, Perry clarified the details with a curt account of the facts. Here they are. Three of Perry’s loyal backup dancers joined Swift’s tour. Before committing, they called Perry who said that although she was not currently touring, she’d hit the road in about a year, so the dancers should place a contingency clause inside their contracts. When the dancers approached the Swift staff about exiting, they were immediately fired. Perry tried to call Swift to straighten out the mess, but according to Perry, she never answered and instead opted to talk about it in the press.

I’m team Perry on this one. First, in almost every industry two weeks notice is an acceptable method of leaving. If an exit would tank a tour, that’s why you create contracts. If the contract has a contingency clause, that’s on your for allowing it. Second, it’s okay to vent through music, but when you identify a party involve and therefore individually assault their character, that moves from venting to bad-mouthing, and I’d like to think we’re more adult. Third, I hate to jump on the feminism band-wagon, but you can’t champion women’s rights and then create a song and video called “Bad Blood.” It’s just hypocrisy.

Tabloid Gossip: Your Week of News

AIKMANLa La Anthony talked about her split from Carmelo. People

Rob Kardashian denies dating Meghan James. Bossip

Tiger Woods got a DUI. NYT

Amanda Seyfried is a happy mom. E! Online

Scott Disick is off the wagon. TMZ

A Bachelorette star landed in the hospital. Wetpaint

Taylor Swift and her new secret boyfriend are busted. ET

Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk are going strong. Wonderwall

Mariah Carey reunited with her much-younger beau. Too Fab

Khloe Kardashian said her friend stole from her. Celebuzz

Chris Cornell’s toxicology report was released. Popsugar

Charlie Sheen has a new girlfriend. Dlisted

Kathy Griffin wants to kill her career. Billboard

Troy Aikman is engaged. Us Weekly

Sarah Silverman told ex Jimmy Kimmel, about life with love Michael Sheen. Vulture

10 Things You Never Knew About Beverly Hills 90210

Hulu has kindly offered a Beverly Hills, 90210 deep-dive, and it has resulted in some serious googling of which I’m moderately ashamed. You can now share my shame with a lot of juicy gossip about a show that has solidified its place in history. Since its cast lived through the high-times of Hollywood, they were met with many perks that are no longer offered today, and a high level of tolerance for some unacceptable antics. Read below to learn more about our favorite alums of Beverly Hills High.

Shannon Doherty Was Fired For Her Haircut

It’s no secret that Shannon Doherty was let go from the series that launched her career, but most people don’t know the straw that broke the camel’s back. While Doherty was already in hot water for her on-set antics, she cut her hair without consulting producers, thereby disrupting the continuity. Her co-stars used the opportunity to confront Aaron Spelling, with Tori leading the pack. Because Doherty had allegedly introduced Tori Spelling to a man who physically abused her, Spelling agreed to their demand. Garth once detailed their feud in her memoir, saying that they were close to blows “when [Shannon] pulled up my skirt, and my bare a** was exposed for everyone on the set to see.” Garth then said, “Come on, b****! We’re taking this outside!’”

Jamie Walters or “Ray” The Wife-Beater Was Fired Due to Fan Mail

Everyone knows that Ray beat Donna, and the actor recently revealed that the role permanently tarnished his reputation. You see, 90210 was extremely popular at the time, and the audience had trouble separating the truth from reality. What people don’t know; however, is that Ray was originally supposed to get help and find redemption, but when the audience began to see Donna as “stupid” for staying with him, series creator/Tori Spelling’s father called for his termination. Walters went away with a cool million for the work he was supposed to perform, but his career never fully recovered.

Brian Austin Green Wasn’t Happy About Tiffani Thiessen Joining the Show

One would think that Brian Austin Green’s behind-the-scenes romantic relationship with Tiffani Thiessen would make him happy about her hiring, but the actor wasn’t pleased with the idea of his fellow co-stars groping his girlfriend. The two dated for a few years and even lived together.

Gabrielle Carteris Was Asked Not to Get Pregnant (In Real Life)

Series star Gabrielle Carteris was notably older than the rest of the cast, so producers naturally assumed she might want to reproduce. This didn’t sit well, and they asked her to hold off. This is similar to the infamous Hunter Tylo story, which set a precedent for all women in the workplace when the soon-to-be Melrose Place actress sued Spelling Entertainment Group and Spelling Television Inc. for her claims of pregnancy discrimination, wrongful termination and breach of contract. She was awarded $5 million. According to Tylo, a producer said, “Why doesn’t she just go out and get an abortion? Then she can work.” Tylo strategically arrived in court each day wearing the sexiest of clothes at eight months pregnant, proving women everywhere can be sexy and pregnant at the same time. Unlike Tylo, Carteris’ pregnancy was written into the storyline, but her new life didn’t quite fit into the show’s theme.

The College Years Were Shot at the Occidental College in Glendale

Producers wanted to avoid the look of Malibu’s beachy vibe, thereby forgoing Pepperdine. The KEG house was actually shot at someone’s real-life home.

Jennie Garth Called For an Actor’s Firing, and Aaron Spelling Made Up a Rumor to Justify It

Jennie Garth was widely respected, and the actress rarely asked for favors. So when she didn’t like her romantic lead, she personally asked Aaron Spelling to fire the guest star. Spelling knew the producers would object given their plans for his future on the series, so he allegedly made up a rumor that the actor was an anti-semite, and he had no choice but to fire him. The producers surmised that Spelling was trying to protect Garth, but it’s rumored that the actor never worked again.

Tori Spelling Had a Fling With Brian Austin and Jason Priestly

Tori Spelling revealed in an on-camera interview that she and Jason Priestley had some fun in the sun during one summer. When asked about the validity of her claim, Priestley simply said it was no one’s business. She also revealed that she and Brian Austin Green had a relationship.

Brandon Walsh and Emily Valentine Were a Thing — In Real Life

Jason Priestly had a long-lasting relationship with his co-star, Christine Elise. They dated for five years.

Jason Priestly Regrets Leaving the Show in Season 9

Though he felt his character had run its course, Priestley regrets leaving the show when he did. Only a fool leaves a show before its final season, he reasoned. Plus, he said that his departure hurt series creator Aaron Spelling’s feelings.His advice to other actors is, “No discussion: If you’re lucky enough to be on a hit TV show, don’t leave until they kill you off. You never know when, or if, the next one’s coming.”

Aaron Spelling Kept His Daughter a Virgin

Though the writers and producers often pitched Donna losing her virginity, Aaron Spelling wouldn’t have it. In fact, all the storyline pitch meetings with Aaron Spelling always began with his daughter’s role, even when she had minimal lines. He finally agreed during the latter part of the series, and Jason Priestly directed the episode.