Seeing Cybill, being civil

SUZIE HARRISON

Keep the going out gear readily available and your energy

turbocharged because there’s no slowing down with the arts and

entertainment scene in Laguna Beach.

Shepherd yourself to Art for AIDS

Laguna Art Museum and AIDS Services Foundation’s “Art for AIDS IV:

An Evening with Cybill Shepherd,” is approaching quickly. It’s just a

week away, Feb. 5, at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa.

It’s a spectacular evening with all proceeds used to sustain the

imperative work performed by AIDS Services and Laguna Art Museum.

AIDS Services Director of Development Kathleen Paylor said with some

fundraisers only 70% of the money raised goes toward the beneficiary.

“Art for AIDS” donates nearly 100%.

Every year it’s been star central. Attendees have included:

Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, Penny Marshall, Warren Beatty,

Annette Bening, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne and Carrie Fisher and Kyan

Douglas from “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” both of whom I

interviewed last year. The list has read like a Hollywood movie

premiere.

This year’s event chairs Al Roberts, Arnold Klein and Jack

Kenefick said the evening will be spectacular with Cybill Shepherd’s

elegant, lounge-style show.

The live auction is unbelievable with Ken Jillson, AIDS Services

board member, whom I adore, fetching thousands of dollars for

high-end, one-of-a-kind celebrity donated items.

“Art for AIDS IV” starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets range from $285 to

$1,000 for individuals and $10,000 to $15,000 for tables of 10. For

tickets or information, call Laguna Art Museum at (949) 494-8971 Ext.

200 or AIDS Services Foundation at (949) 809-8760.

Start your engines for Community Art Project

Don’t be left in the dust when Community Art Project has its art

auction fundraiser on Feb. 26. A preview of the primo works can be

eyed, starting Feb. 3, with an artist reception from at 4 p.m. at

Wells Fargo Bank “Gallery 2,” 260 Ocean Ave.

The mixed-media exhibit features a showcase of original works by

renowned artists. Anne England, Nick Hernandez, Roger Folk, Julita

Jones, Ken Auster, John Barber, Michele Taylor, Jan Sattler, Hedy

Buzan, James Koch, Ralph Tarzian, Pat Sparkuhl, Joan Corman Cheryl

Ekstrom, Pat Whiteside Phillips and Tom Swimm are some of the many

esteemed artists whose work will be auctioned.

“Speakeasy: A Night at the Bank,” will have a Roaring ‘20s theme

and will be in full swing with sizzling art, cool jazz, cold martinis

and premium wine. Don’t worry about Prohibition.

The event is a sure prize with Mike Tauber and Pat Kollenda

teaming up as auctioneers. Many locals have experienced the duo or

even singular antics -- both know how to entertain.

All funds raised will benefit Community Art Project’s new program,

“Beauty Beyond Downtown,” which will expand and focus on areas in

Laguna, besides Downtown, to place public art.

The fundraiser starts at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $65. For

information, call (949) 598-9844.

Voodoo anyone?

Laguna-based ZUMA Press is bringing voodoo and hopefully good ju

ju with it’s newest exhibit by photojournalist Les Stone.

“Vivid Voodoo,” a photographic display of Haiti’s religion --

focused on rituals, sacrifice, possession and love -- is coming to

Ocean Avenue Brewery with an opening reception at 7 p.m. Feb. 2.

Stone, a ZUMA news photographer, has traveled to Haiti more than

30 times in 10 years. His work captures first-hand Haitian voodoo

ceremonies and practices.

“Vivid Voodoo” runs through March 31 at the brewery, 237 Ocean

Ave. For information, call (949) 494-7704.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at (949) 494-4321 or

[email protected].