Park City’s Favorite Sundance Gem Helps Throw Awards Party to Benefit Children
Gracious hosts Tiffanie Jodeh (left), Michael Helfant, Mac Africa and Robert Stein with PCV editor Tracie Heffernan, Kim Sarubi (back), Cecy Galvin (front), Phil Cohen and Sher Joudeh.
A month after Sundance 2010 left its mark on Park City, buzz still surrounds the one house party that drew as many celebrities as high-profile Park Citizens. The Saddle Ranch Productions affair, sponsored by Saddle Ranch president Phil Cohen and hosted by The Incredible Hulk producer Michael Helfant, entertainment attorney Tifanie Jodeh, publicist Cecy Gelvan, Jenna Lynn of Ember Live Media and agent Robert Stein (who formerly repped Arnold Schwarzenegger), may have just as easily been called “The Mac Africa Party,” as so many of her friends attended.
Mac, a philanthropic promotional goddess, whose repertoire includes LA’s coveted party lists for Green Door, Vanguard, Aqua Lounge, Les Deux, H. Wood and Citizen Smith, etc. and is a board member of Children Uniting Nations, one of the leading nonprofits helping at-risk and foster youth.
One of the latest events she is helping to produce, the star-studded “Award Celebration Viewing Dinner and After-Party,” will be one of the only LA viewing parties worth noting to benefit a charity, donating 100 percent of proceeds directly to the organization. The black tie red carpet event will celebrate the best movies of the year on Sunday at the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom. The party will also honor Michael Jackson with The Angel Award, to be accepted by his family.
The confirmed guest list hints at a highly A-List presence, including Erika Christiansen, Cheryl Hines, Vivica Fox, Daphne Zuniga and Debbie Gibson. Newly minted Olympic skating superstar and Sundance reality diva Johnny Weir will also attend, as well as Heidi Montag, Randy Jackson, Usher, and Miss USA 2008 Crystal Stewart.
At $1,000 a seat, tickets include a three-course gourmet dinner backdrop against a live viewing of the awards (you know which one we’re talking about!), live and silent auction and access to the exclusive After Party, which Mac is organizing. Limited After Party tickets are also available for $100 at WantTickets.com or by e-mailing macafrica1@earthlink.net. The After Party, including live entertainment by renowned artists and dancing, runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Mac will attend the event from the beginning at 3 p.m., likely mingling with new people and helping the event go smoothly, as is her usual style. During the Saddle Ranch Sundance soiree, she spent much of the evening making margaritas for guests and serving wine, both in the party’s Waterford Crystal glasses. The quality of industry figures at the soiree belied its genuine atmosphere, with guests helping each other to drinks and dishing homemade food on Wedgewood China. The party’s hosts even surprised attendees with gift bags containing Vera Wang picture frames, Revitalash, and Ultraceuticals skin care products, a squeal-worthy surprise for all cosmetically hip women in the house. Ultraceuticals, the scientifically engineered Australian skin sensation, has appeared in Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ and Women’s Health magazines.
Even long-time Park Citizen Mark Blue expressed product envy after managing the entrance for hundreds throughout the evening who claimed a coveted place on “the list.” Among familiar faces inside was actor La Monde Byrd of Mad Men, Larry David Eudene from Pirates of the Caribbean, Montreal-born Park City artist Josee Nadeau and socialite Nancy Nichols. The RSVP list also listed the likes of Melissa Jo Hunter and Tracy Morgan. This year’s guests will hold their breath until the next Saddle Ranch industry soiree, but in the meantime, LA film lovers can get their Mac Africa fix this Sunday at the official Award Celebration Viewing Dinner and After Party.
Katie Cohen, Tifanie Jodeh, Phil Cohen, Cecy Gelvan, Kim Sarubi and Stephanie Siebrant
Park City Clubs “Not Good Enough” for Jon Gosselin
Lunching at Fuego yesterday with Park City girlfriend Morgan Christie, Jon Gosselin (runaway dad of Jon & Kate Plus 8 ) said he’s keeping a low profile — not to stay out of the limelight, but because there are “no good clubs” in Park City. Be fair, Jon, not everyone can hang at their girlfriend’s parents’ place.
The pseudo-lebrity doesn’t scoff at all Park City entertainment, however. Aside from Fuego, he recently enjoyed himself at the Jupiter Bowl and often boards at The Canyons.
Jon and Morgan in Park City
Weekend Nightcap: Moise Bentley Ignites a Cosmopolitan Crowd, Locals Rally for Sunday Funday
Park Citizens celebrated the unofficial start of spring skiing Friday night by throwing back some shots and dancing downtown. Junior & Transportation enjoyed a big audience at Downstairs, while a men’s tourist convention relaxed to Swagger at The Sidecar.
The heat rose on Saturday with Moise Bentley’s debut at Downstairs, a concert heavily anticipated since his late-night Sundance soirees. A cosmopolitan mix of music lovers joined the party, including the talented Kozy Antoine, Elijah Radford and Fekky Lala. The gracious Moise, whose “Can’t Let You Go” has become a radio hit, showed his appreciation for the crowd by keeping the lady-filled dance floor smiling and a lighthearted vibe going in the packed venue.
Mild drama provided entertainment up-street, as a pint-sized predatory perp got the boot at The Sidecar. After the tourist drunkenly groped at girls, Sidecar bartenders apparently gave the lightweight menace a choice: ditch the club or face the cops. With a little help, he chose to jet.
The weekend madness continued Sunday night with a mass rally to Main for The Spur’s famous Mustache March party and the anticipated arrival of Stockholm Syndrome at Harry O’s. Stocholm took a jab at the club’s VIP set up, making fun of the empty hole in the dance floor for couches, although the standing-room-only crowd didn’t seem to mind dancing on the outskirts. The party lasted well past 1 a.m., a rare school-night showing for the season.
March-loving locals better get used to it. Spring Break festivities and St. Patrick’s Day await.
Jill and Craig of El Chubasco at Stockholm Syndrome
The night ended
Saturday Nightcap: Samantha Ronson Spins, A New Cougar Den Emerges
Samantha Ronson played to a packed crowd at Downstairs
The last official chance to party up President’s Day week drew impressive crowds to Main Street Saturday night, with nearly every bar on the street enjoying shoulder-to-shoulder action. Fat Paw entertained a somewhat older audience than the club usually sees, inspiring some dancefloor two-stepping with their country sound. Park City Men’s Soccer Club members added a little youth to the scene, with Marky Thim, Jesse Blaise and Dave Isleip acting as the night’s resident cougar targets. (The Sidecar will shift to its rock roots next Saturday with The Neighbors.)
Down the street, DJ Samantha Ronson played to an enthusiastic crowd for a packed Saturday Set at Downstairs in her first performance since headlining the NYCs Fashion Week appearance of her sister, designer Charlotte Ronson. Samantha, whose tumultuous relationship with Lindsay Lohan has created more tabloid fodder than she cares to think of, is often seen grimacing for paparazzi shots, but for her set in Park City, the celebrity was all smiles, talking to the crowd and mixing lighthearted songs at whim. A diverse mix of people came out for her performance, including hard core SamRo fans, vacationing Kanuks, and scores of local celebrities. PR maven Kristi Slice enjoyed her last night in town before jetting to Vancouver to see boyfriend Jeret “Speedy” Peterson compete in the Olympic aerial competition, while restauranteur Jean-Louis and socialite Nancy Nichols also made appearances. A trio of fashion gurus, including Chloe Lane founder Michael Gribetz, Mary Jane’s owner Lori Harris and Prospect 509’s Camile Crawford added to an already fashion-forward aesthetic, which featured a number of ’80s inspired outfits. Downstairs returns with a new Saturday Set on February 27 with Sundance phenom Moise Bently.
Check back soon for a full photo gallery of the evening by entertainment photographer, Teresa DeWilde.
Club Lespri Hiring “More” Than Just Servers
Club Lespri has always held an air of exclusivity, but this Craigslist post begs the question, just what services are these waiters providing “beyond the restaurant environment,” in such an “intimate and exclusive” setting?
Cellars Prime Steak & Spirits Restaurant (A Private Club for Members)
“Our restaurant is intimate and exclusive. . . so is our work environment. Only the most skilled and the greatest team players should apply. Get to know the Club Members and provide them with excellent service, both in and beyond the restaurant environment.”
Curious contenders are encouraged to drop off a resume at 1765 Sidewinder Drive, Park City UT 84060 or email smcdermott@clublespri.com.
For even further convenience, a Seven-11 store sits across the parking lot
Local Legend Makes Unusual Promise to Speedy Peterson
Park City legend Jimmy Jackson knows how to motivate. When he’s not coaching kids in freestyle skiing, he’s goading his Olympic friends to greatness. After leaving a Facebook message for aerialist Jeret “Speedy” Peterson about Team USA’s new Ralph Lauren turtlenecks — saying they made the athletes look like they’d suffered neck injuries — Speedy replied that he’d give Jackson the sweater when he returned from Vancouver. Seeing the opportunity to inspire the three-time Olympian even beyond the lure of the podium, Jackson made an unusual promise. If Speedy gets a medal, Jimmy will wear the Olympic sweater for all to see in City Park on the hottest day this summer — with Bermuda shorts. Watch the aerial finals on Feb. 25, then look for Jimmy this summer. Speedy’s signature hurricane maneuver is the most difficult jump in the sport. If he lands it, the chances of a baking Jimmy this summer are golden.
Look for Jimmy Jackson in Olympic wool this summer...with Bermuda shorts
Samantha Ronson Returns to Downstairs: Inside Her Mind
DJ Samantha Ronson will return to Downstairs this weekend for an all-new Saturday Set with a touch of drama. The DJ will play just days after ex-girlfriend Lindsay Lohan set the record straight that tabloid rumors of Ronson choking the actress are entirely false.
“This is become a bit much*Samantha R never raised a hand to me, I’ve never said she did* Enough is Enough. Focus on other more important World issues,” Lohan Tweeted.
“Thank you for clearing that up,” was Ronsan’s response. “The high road was giving me a nose bleed! ;)”
SamRo has plenty else on her mind this month, including a Fashion Week performance for her twin, designer Charlotte Ronson’s Fall 2010 collection, and (of course!) a stop in the mountains to liven Park City nightlife.
Before seeing SamRo this Saturday, read into the curious mind of Hollywood’s most talked-about DJ with the top Tweets from @samantharonson this month, including music she’s into, random thoughts, and surprising baby revelations:
* Song of the day: @chrisyoungraps stadium rap! It’s kinda dope! (Feb. 15)
* The best thing about snowfall in NYC- the people wiping out on the black ice the next few days. I’ve done it. It’s awesomely humiliating. (Feb. 12)>
* I’m nobody’s keeper- not even my own. Stop holding me accountable for anyone. Sh*t- not even me. Thanks. Happy black Sunday. (Feb. 14)
* If this town is just an apple, then let me take a bite. (Feb. 12)
* I’m in murders and executions. (Feb. 11)
* I have finally hit that point in my life where I think I miss being in high school. Never thought I’d see the day, but that day is today. (Feb. 10)
* Song Of The Day Typical by Mute Math (Feb. 10)
Mute Math
* back to more important things- mani/pedi with @MarshallBarnes (Feb. 9)
* My friend @tennesseewolf has made the best record I have heard in years. I’m proud to know him. You need this! http://tinyurl.com/ygwlegl (Feb. 7)
* Do you think the who drummer has to wear that shirt? along with those cymbals he kinda has a strange “i’m in a who cover band” thing going (Feb. 7)
At least he wasn't wearing this...
*Just watched the pregnancy pact on lifetime and I was super inspired to have a baby, until I watched stranger at the door. #goodprogramming (Feb. 6)
* In through the out door #namesforagayclub (Feb. 5)
* All The Queen’s Men #namesforagayclub (Feb. 5)
* My friend just prefaced a statement with “to tell you the truth” does that mean every other statement is a lie? (Feb. 5)
Get a clever dose of Samantha live this Saturday at Downstairs. No cover for ladies. Call Dustin at 801-414-0245 for VIP reservations.
Bode Miller Trading Skis for Tennis Racket
Rumors have swirled around Bode Miller’s tennis debut for months, but the downhill Olympic silver medalist has confirmed he will ditch his skis for a tennis racket after the alpine World Cup season. The closet tennis shark won the singles state tournament for Maine while in high school and has instructed at the Tamarack Tennis Club, run by his mother’s family in New Hampshire.
“Tennis has always been a part of my life,” Miller said in a statement released by the USTA. “The U.S. Open National Playoffs is a great concept and I look forward to playing in one of the sectional qualifying tournaments this spring. It will give me an outlet to focus my competitiveness after the Olympics and World Cup season.”
With the goal of connecting more people to the US Open and expanding the tournament’s reach to communities throughout the United States, the United State Tennis Association (USTA) has introduced the U.S. Open National Playoffs, a new system allowing any player 14 years of age or older to vie for a wild card spot in the U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament. Players will compete in sectional qualifying tournaments hosted by 16 of the 17 USTA Sections nationwide (all but the Caribbean), with one male and one female competitor advancing on wild card spots.
Each sectional qualifying tournament is limited to 256 players, and players will not be seeded by any means. Participants can be of any playing level, from aspiring novice to seasoned professional, giving everyone an equal opportunity to advance. The tournaments begin in April, giving Miller just enough breathing room between the Olympics in Vancouver and finishing his World Cup season to tune his skills on the court.
Bode Miller in his other element/Getty Images
Jon Gosselin Moving to Park City
Jon Gosselin, the pseudo-lebrity octo-dad of TLC’s now debunked Jon & Kate Plus 8 series, can’t seem to get enough of Park City. He and Kate had vacationed in town before a nasty divorce made them tabloid fodder, but the 32-year-old Jon has recently come back on his own steam — well, sort of his own steam. He’s been crashing at his new 25-year-old girlfriend’s parents’ Park City digs. After a very publicly affectionate Sundance, including mucho Main Street hand holding and semi-successful attempts at gift lounge crashing, the new D-List duo, who met snowboarding, have remained in Park City. “Park City is home now,” he told locals at the Bing Lounge, where he stood poised in front of the step-and-repeat, waiting to jump in for a photo with supermodel Rachel Hunter. Fortunately for Rachel, photographers weren’t interested in validating his presence at Sundance. Snaps of Gosselin were limited largely to lonely walks with his girl, Morgan Christie, on Main Street. Since the Festival, Gosselin has popped up at such luxurious places as the Market and Maverick.
Gosselin and Christie pretending to hate the cameras
Watch Jeret “Speedy” Peterson Tonight on “The Biggest Loser”
Speedy Peterson. Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Olympian Jeret “Speedy” Peterson, a long-time Park Citizen, shows off his coaching talents tonight as one of The Biggest Loser’s most inspiring trainers.
“You make me feel like a wuss,” he told the crew after taking them through a tough circuit workout.
“I don’t work out that hard,” he said. “You guys are an inspiration to me and everyone at home — you better be an inspiration to yourselves.”
Watch aerial skiing’s most fearless athlete in a full episode tonight at 7 p.m. on NBC.
Sneak peek! (Fast-forward to about 5:00 on to catch Speedy in action.)
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