Tonight March 2, 2010 I volunteered at The Roxy for an event that teamed music, fashion and mission. Shirock is a band from Tennessee who wanted to organize an event that not only brought attention to the ever evolving homeless issue in LA, but also to do something about it. After some calls were made, tweets were retweeted and a few hundred facebookers were fans of a new project. Shirock had successfully booked the Roxy on the Sunset Strip to host their music showcase along with the Daylighters, through mutual friends got Michael Welch (of Twilight fame) to host and start the night with a fashion show by aviationnation (Im not sure why its called this it has nothing to do with aviation...or our nation really.)
So today I was in the midst of applying to more jobs and ran across an ad looking for photographers for a red carpet event happening tonight. This was immediately following an looking for a female escort to the same red carpet!?! It was for a showcase for a band I had never heard of and to benefit some mission I had never heard of. So naturally I did some research and found out the event was to benefit the Midnight Mission of LA.This would be done by collecting clothing and monetary donations at the door instead of selling tickets. The mission specializes in all that of a soup kitchen and homeless shelter but really for those transitioning back into 'the real world' (though I dont know how much realer it gets than living on the street.) Of course the next step for me was to see what I could do to get involved. After calling the publicicst I got Fallon's (the manager) email and sent a letter to see if there was any need for extra volunteers. Within an hour Fallon had responded and was super excited to have me help out.
I was under the impression I would be helping sort clothes upon donation, or doing security or loading trucks, but the event turned out to be a lot smaller than anticipated and they didnt have anyone run donations so I just hung out inside for soundcheck where I met Maya. I did help show people to the head, direct to point persons and answer questions about who was on the red carpet and why they were there (I thought this was funny because the only reason I knew was becaue I actually listened to them speak, I guess most people in Hollywood dont actually take the time to listen.) Maya is a 14 year old local who helped publicize and collect donations for the event. The last time she was at the Roxy she was onstage playing bass with her band. tonight she was there to remember a friend who was recently killed on her way to school due to being hit by a car. The band dedicated a song to Maya and her friend which brought some of the house to tears, it was amazing. The people I met from MM seem really great and Im looking forward to working with them soon.
Pretty much everyone, well most, of the people there tonight were VIP. This is because if you werent in the band, an actor or with the mission you were probably with a record label here to scout, family or friend of the band, actor or mission or maybe you were one of like 80 freaking photographers. And Im sorry to say that I saw how and what these people were taking photos of, I saw the finished product and all Im gonna say is I dont know how they got or are keeping their jobs!!!! Anyway I got a VIP band so I could go all over. Oh also, when I first arrived noone knew where Fallon was so they told me to just chill inside upstairs. It was pretty cool I gave myself a tour of the Roxy, and I have to say I do not know how drunk band boys navigate that hall upstairs because everything looks the same with the stickers. It kinda reminds me of the old state upstairs but with more stickers and less tagging and on acid! Back to the story, while in 'the VIP area' I realized I was standing right next to Mike Welch. We talked about the night, how he got involved and why. Turns out the band and he share some mutual friends who kinda roped him into it, but also his manager or someone is involved with the mission, so he decided to host when asked. He seems like a decent guy, doesnt ever really smile though and always seems uncomfortable no matter who he is around, and honestly he should stick to acting on film and steer away from hosting events. Hes not much of a pump people upper.
*Cool little link between my gigs...Last week I volunteered at a New Filmmakers LA screening on Wednesday night and also with the interviews Thursday. While there one of the founders was showing me a video of 'that twilight boy' and his portrayal of a suicidal moody teen. Well, that twilight boy was Michael Welch. Just thought that was kinda cool. For as big as LA is, its hella tiny and interconnected.
*Another fun connection...my boss's roommate is a celebrity hairstylist and one of his clients is Ashley Greene who stars in the twilight movies with Michael Welch.
Back to the night, photographed a ton on the red carpet (oh and for those of you at home, red carpets are so tiny I know most of you think of this long extravagant thing like you see for the Oscars, but most others for events, premieres, whatever are tiny,) fashion show was quick and nothing new-the bikinis were plain-cute but plain, the logos and clothes looked like something from an Aero or American Eagle catalog and the models acted high as hell, Shirock rocked! Im glad Im not epileptic though, seriously because the band used a lot of flash bulbs that really added to the performance. There is a great chemistry between Pap (keys) and the singer. Bought a Tshirt and CD, chatted with the guys, said goodbye to Fallon-she was sad I was leaving and that I didnt really get to work much, but surprised me when she said she was going to read over my resume and see if we couldnt work together more. Fallon introduced me to Brendan ??? who is from some label and also involved in the mission. Almost got hit crossing sunset, car sounds awful-its gonna be so beverly hillbillies this sunday when i move, stopped for a shamrock shake, arrived back to the burrow to find Ant and Sam watching TV.
Probably missed a ton of super important and fun details, but Im tired and have to get up in a few hours. Boils down to the night was great and I look forward to the future. Also, its really important for those of you who are able to give back to your community. Make time for change, do it with a friend, do it by yourself, just do it! I promise you will not only feel amazing yourself but you will inspire others to start making change. If we all just give a little, imagine the possibilities.
Im pretty sure Shirock is now or started out as a Christian band. They've got this Newsboys meets Maroon 5 feel to them. A lot of there songs are about being lifted up when we need it and even mention God a time or two. I should now mention they are a 5 piece band, with a chick ivory player.
Everything Burns Baby!
Dont forget to smile,
J
Please check out the mission if you are ever in town, they are forver in search of compassionate volunteer..http://www.midnightmission.org/
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