out and about
Updated: July 15, 2009, 3:20 pm	Share    Print    Email

Michael Jackson Memorial draws friends and stars in remberance. Images courtesy of Google Images

Southampton - The world bade farewell this week to one of the most influential musical artists of our generation, The King of Pop, Michael Jackson with a tribute at Los Angeles' Staples Center witnessed by thousands and watched by millions around the globe as so many networks abandoned regular programming to allow us all to be witnesses to history.

In a program that was more church service than concert, and surprisingly reverential and dignified despite the circus like atmosphere that has surrounded the Jacksons since the first news of his untimely death, dozens of the country's greatest artists shared their memories and love for him via song and statements.

Although it was song that made him famous, the most apt treatments came via heartfelt spoken word - from the moving poem "We Had Him" by Maya Angelou read by Queen Latifah to the words finally spoken by his daughter that left no doubt that Michael was beloved by his children. But for me the most touching and true to life was the testimony of his dear friend our East End neighbor Brooke Shields that put much of his widely chronicled life in perspective.

Having known both of these wonderful performers, I was touched by the manner in which Brooke explained the real Michael that only someone like she - also a child who grew up in the blinding glare of the media spotlight - could understand. "We were called 'the odd couple' by the press and every photo caption referred to this 'unlikely duo' but no one understood the great similarities." In the same manner did the press view the deep bond between Michael and Elizabeth Taylor, another child star who had far too much light thrown upon her to have any form of normal childhood. Brooke and Elizabeth truly understood Michael better than anyone in their circle.

Brooke Shields spoke at Jackson's Memorial.

Brooke spoke lovingly of their relationship, "He had the sweetest and purest laugh of anyone I've known" and contended that their private time was all about laughter.

Quoting author Antoine de Saint-Exupery, she added, "Michael may have been the King of Pop to the rest of the world but to me he was The Little Prince." No surprise that she ended her remarks with a reference to Michael's favorite song of all time - one written over 70 years ago by Charlie Chaplin for his film "Modern Times" - "Smile" and she did continuing with "even though your heart is aching".

At the request of the family Hamptonite Barbara Walters who has profiled Michael and his family for decades was among the guests. Barbara cut short her vacation to Viet Nam with friends Diane Von Furstenberg and her husband Barry Diller to be there to pay her respects.

Impromtu Bon Jovi Performance
On a happier musical note, the 4th of July diners at the newly reopened, up-scaled Blue Parrot received a treat that wasn't on the menu when Jon Bon Jovi (rumored to be one of the popular watering hole's backers) unexpectedly pulled a guitar off the wall and decided to put on an impromptu performance. The New Jersey rock legend and East End resident opened with one of his biggest hits "Who Says You Can't Go Home." The choice was most appropriate and a real kick for old Blue Parrot regulars who were finally back "home" after the restaurant went dark two years ago. Jon went on to "Free Bird." The crowd went wild and grinning he closed with "Dead or Alive." Much to the patriotic audience's dismay he didn't sing his latest recording meant to inspire the Iranian people.

Jon Bon Jovi delights diners at Blue Parrot.

Just recently Jon recorded a song with exiled Iranian singer Andy Madadian in "a musical message of worldwide solidarity" to the Iranian people in the aftermath of the country's recent disputed election. The version of Ben E King's "Stand By Me" is sung in both English and Farsi, and features Richie Sambora, John Shanks and Don Was. Was, who co-produced the track, told Billboard magazine that the recording session came about after he talked with Madadian about "whether there was something we could do just to send out a little message of solidarity," remembering the 1960s, believing music can change things.

"It is not for sale," Was says. "It wasn't intended to be on the Billboard charts, wasn't meant to be a hit record or even pressed on a C.D. It's intended to be downloaded and shared by the Iranian people. The whole idea was to get it into Iran and tell them to carry on, that the world is watching and we're with you."

Ross Humanitarian Award
East Hampton's Jeff Zucker, president and CEO of NBC Universal was honored with the Steven J. Ross Humanitarian Award by UJA-Federation of New York's Entertainment, Media & Communications Division at its premiere Leadership Awards Dinner. The event was emceed by NBC sportscaster Bob Costas and included special performances by comedian Jimmy Fallon and Kathy Griffin. Zucker's fellow East Ender Alec Baldwin presented him with the award.

Past recipients of the award include Michael Eisner, Rupert Murdoch, Sumner M. Redstone, and Richard Parsons. Jason Kilar, CEO of Hulu, an innovative online video service that offers TV shows, movies and clips, and other online destination sites for free, received the UJA-Federation's Rising Leadership Award.

Also attending were Ann Curry, Matt Lauer, Al Roker, Maria Menounos, Stephanie March, B.D. Wong, Carl Quintanilla, David Faber, Joe Kernen, Melissa Russo, Lynda Baquero, and Miss USA, Kristen Dalton. Bobbi Brown and Donny Deutsch.

Amy Sohn's novel optioned by Sarah Jessica Parker.

Author Amy Sohn is beside herself with a little bump she got for her upcoming novel "Prospect Park West" when word got out that Sarah Jessica Parker's Pretty Matches production company optioned the story in conjunction with HBO for a half-hour series. Looks like the popular yuppie stroller neighborhood is going to get the "Sex and the City" treatment.

Says an insider at Simon & Schuster, "It's got sex, parenthood and celebrity. Brooklyn is about to blow up nationally." A rep for Parker said she was unsure whether the star would be starring or simply producing. Last week, The New York Post reported that Parker and husband Matthew Broderick might have secretly bought a townhouse in Prospect Park formerly owned by Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany.

More TV good news for Hamptons.com's Main Street Series host Gina Glickman. For over a decade, Gina has been the Executive Producer and Host of Channel 12's "What's Hot in the Hamptons" and now her work will go prime-time with a series of specials chronicling the best of the best of the 2009 season. This program will deliver never seen before exclusive interview footage from such celebrities as Martha Stewart, Liza Minnelli, Anna Paquin, Billy Joel, Alexa Ray Joel, Christie Brinkley, Susan Lucci, Nick Cannon, Seth Meyers, Bravo TV's Bethenny Frankel, Jill Zarin, Ramona Singer and much more.

Glickman also continue to shine the spotlight on the countless local organizations and volunteers that determinedly and often anonymously contribute to the local community.

Bob Costas emceed Steven J. Ross Humanitarian Awards.

Glickman consistently delivers local programming with a culturally diverse, ethical and socially responsible balance between charity and celebrity, and she remains dedicated to supporting these local social issues, sharing their mission and ultimately raising awareness on Long Island and way beyond.

"What's Hot in the Hamptons" Celebrity Hotspots and Events premieres this Friday at 7 p.m. on Channel 12 and will continue to run Saturdays at 7 p.m. Check your local Cablevision for additional airtimes.

Southamptonite social activists Bob Zellner and his wife Linda Miller-Zellner have invited local artist Dorothy Frankel to exhibit her sculptures at the NAACP Conference, New York City Hilton, on July 13 through July 16. Frankel created the sculpture "Thumbs Up" for Hillary Clinton. Also her NYC installation of sign language hands depicting Love, Connection, Peace, will be included at the NAACP Conference.

The NAACP Centennial Conference promises to be an exciting and historic event, and will highlight speakers including President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Attorney General Eric Holder.

This weekend the Southampton Inn's Sunday afternoon Poolside Party on the verdant lawn was the place to chill out to DJ Derrick Reason's Ibiza style tunes while sipping a pomegranate martini. A flock of hip Hamptonites turned out for the bash this weekend hosted by Sidi Belqaid and Liz Derringer and co-hosts Donna and Dick Soloway.

Partying while MTV cameras rolled to catch the action were model Kate Odell, Page Six editor Richard Johnson and his wife Sessa, Gina Glickman host of Channel 12's "What's Hot in The Hamptons" and Hamptons.com's Main Street Series, artists David Nadal, Kevin Berlin, Justine Di'Anni and Montagu Ferry, John Brand, Lucille McGovern, Donna Lanzetta, Sarah Johnson, Leonard Barton, Lauren Bennett, Peggy Bosson, fashion expert Katlean de Monchy, beauties Alexandra and Elizabeth Andreassen, image guru Montgomery Frazier and scores more of the fashionable. Peter Freese of the newly opened Peter & Annie on Jobs Lane had a full supply of board shorts, bikinis and cover-ups for those who forgot their swimsuits. Singers Jeremiah Silva and Anthony Fleming performed impromptu sets for the crowd. Ever the gracious host, Liz Derringer made everyone feel truly comfortable. As the Mistress of Ceremonies she even joined in the performance with hip hop artist Jeremiah Silva as she did an impromptu rap thanking everyone from MTV, Chi Chi 212 and Page Six for partying the afternoon in fine style!