Remembering Michael- JC Chasez
www.time.com
6.29.09
JC Chasez performed with Michael Jackson three times as a member of 'N Sync.
You were always used to seeing Michael Jackson onstage and performing; it was a very different experience to be sitting on a couch, having a relaxed conversation [with him]. The guy was incredibly nice, gracious, wanted to make sure everyone had everything they wanted or needed. A wonderful host. People didn't necessarily look at him as a person; they looked at him as an action figure. We talked about music, because that was our common ground, but he was more interested about how we felt about what we were going through. Being popular and carrying a heavy workload — you get to the point where you're doing shows five and six days a week with travel and press between that. It's a lot, and nobody knew that better than him, because he had been doing it since he was 6 years old. (Watch TIME's video "Vigil At Michael Jackson's Hollywood Star.")
It's always chaos outside, but backstage, he was so gracious. He was happy that we were there and able to perform with him. [Backstage, 'N Sync could hear Jackson doing vocal drills in the dressing room next door.] They sounded ridiculous. They were like, "Gee gee gee gee gee gee." To hear that but with Michael Jackson's tone on, that quick vibrato at the end of every note, that was so crazy. It was great for me, as an artist, to see that. He was doing vocal drills for an hour before he went out. [His voice was] not something that magically appeared out of him; the guy worked hard for it. Forty years old, and the guy is warming up for an hour before every show. He wanted to give that audience the best he had. There are plenty of people who just go out and sing and let the first two songs warm them up. But he cared. He cared about every note that came out of his mouth when he was onstage. That's saying something.
Comments (0) 07.07.2009. 18:15
William Rast to Expand European Presence
www.earthtimes.org
6.29.09
LOS ANGELES - (Business Wire) People's Liberation, Inc., (OTCBB:PPLB) the designer of high-end casual apparel under the brand names William Rast™, J.Lindeberg™ and People's Liberation™, announced today the company’s plan to expand the William Rast brand in Europe, commemorating the occasion with major launch events in three European cities: London, Berlin and Paris. William Rast, the “New America” denim-culture brand, was founded by business partners Trace Ayala and Justin Timberlake in 2005.
“This is a great opportunity for us to work closely with our European distribution and retail partners to build upon the growing enthusiasm for the William Rast brand in Europe, and to leverage the success we have had in the U.S.,” said People’s Liberation CEO Colin Dyne.
On July 29th at SELFRIDGES in London, William Rast will showcase its Fall 09 collection with a fashion show, and an appearance by brand co-founders Trace Ayala and Justin Timberlake. Additionally, the brand will be displayed in custom designed pop-up shops, located respectively in the women’s contemporary area on the 2nd floor, and in the men’s 1st floor casual department.
In Berlin, at the BREAD & BUTTER trade show July 1-3, William Rast will present their new Spring-Summer ‘10 collection, as well as a newly expanded denim offering that includes a selection of more accessibly priced styles and washes. On the first night of the show, July 1st , William Rast will hold a VIP party, hosted by the brand co-founders at the Berlin Tempelhof airport.
To complete the celebration of the brand’s expansion in Europe, COLETTE, Paris, will dedicate an entire window to William Rast from June 28th – July 5th , and offer exclusive styles from the “New America” denim and collection pieces launched last February during New York Fashion week.
The theme of the pop-up shop and window concepts is based on the brands’ DNA, utilizing a recycled kraft paper construction, also used for the brand’s marketing collateral, branding and product labeling. The recycled kraft paper concept, combined with visually strong graphics, gives the consumer a true William Rast experience in the temporary shops. The window and pop-up shops were engineered in collaboration with acclaimed architectural firm, Johnston Marklee, Los Angeles (JML).
ABOUT PEOPLE'S LIBERATION, INC.
Los Angeles-based People’s Liberation markets and sells high-end casual apparel under the brand names “People’s Liberation,” “William Rast” and, in the United States, “J. Lindeberg.” The majority of the merchandise we offer consists of premium denim, knits, wovens, golf wear and outerwear for men and women. In the United States, we distribute our merchandise to better specialty stores, boutiques and department stores, such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Fred Segal. We also market and sell J. Lindeberg branded collection and golf apparel through our retail stores in New York City and Los Angeles and J. Lindeberg golf wear to green grass golf stores and boutiques in the United States.
In the United States, William Rast distributes its merchandise to better department stores and boutiques, including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales. Outside the U.S., its products are sold to better department stores and boutiques in Canada, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France and the Benelux Region of Europe. The Company also sells merchandise on its website www.williamrast.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are inherently unreliable and actual results may differ materially. Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the expansion or growth plans of the William Rast brand. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the Company's ability to maintain customer and strategic business relationships, the impact of competitive products and pricing, growth in targeted markets, the adequacy of the Company's liquidity and financial strength to support its growth, and other information that may be detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For People's Liberation Harrison & Shriftman 917-351-8600 or CCG Investor Relations Mark Collinson, Partner 310-477-9800, ext. 117
Comments (0) 07.07.2009. 18:06
JC Chasez Recalls 'Shooting The Breeze' With Michael Jackson
www.mtv.com
6.30.09
Few people are lucky enough to have known Michael Jackson on a personal level. Former 'NSYNC member JC Chasez not only had the opportunity to perform with Jackson on several occasions, including at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, but was able to hang out with the superstar offstage as well.
"I think one of the best moments of working with Michael is how kind he was," Chasez recalled. "He was so gracious. He always took time out to let you know he was thankful you were there. [He] wanted to make you feel good about what you were doing up there with him." (Chasez's former 'NSYNC-mate Justin Timberlake recently shared some MJ memories with MTV U.K.)
Chasez also fondly recalls the moments when they weren't performing and when Jackson was just "eating a sandwich, talking about his day. "It was a great experience, hanging backstage, shooting the breeze," he said. "That's what I enjoyed. It was great."
Long before he got to hang with Jackson, Chasez was just a fan who used Jackson's music as an inspiration for his own career. Buying Jackson's Thriller was his first foray into becoming a music fan; later, he performed Jackson's music on the road.
"One of the first tours that 'NSYNC did on the road in America, we actually did a Jackson 5 tribute," he said. "I don't think a lot of people remember that because it was so long ago. We suited up in '70s gear and broke into a couple Jackson 5 tunes. [It was] just one more thing we learned from them."
Comments (0) 07.07.2009. 17:58
Sources Speak on "Needy, Annoying" Jessica Biel, Possible Break Up with Justin Timberlake
www.thehollywoodgossip.com
7.4.09
Jessica Biel is gorgeous, beautiful and sexy.
According to those that know the actress well, however, she's also needy and annoying.
Rumors of a break up between Biel and longtime boyfriend Justin Timberlake have grown stronger this week. Multiple insiders have confirmed as much to The New York Daily News.
“Things don’t look good for them right now - they’ve hit a really rocky spot,” said a source close to Timberlake, adding that issues began during a trip to Vegas JT took with his friends in February because "they got into a huge screaming match over the phone about how she’s always ‘checking up’ on him. She’s extremely needy and is always keeping tabs on him.”
While Lance Bass labels Biel as "fun to be around," others within Timberlake's circle of pals don't agree.
“All his friends think she’s really annoying,” said an insider. “She’s always trying to be one of the guys. She and Justin have no chemistry.”
We don't know either side of this couple well, but our staff has often debated this same theory. Timberlake is one of the most charismatic, outgoing stars in Hollywood. He's the kind of guy that tries to mount his girlfriend at a Lakers game.
Biel, conversely, comes across as far more serious.
Fortunately, she also comes across as naked in the movie Powder Blue, so... uhhh... we lost our train of thought.
Comments (0) 07.07.2009. 17:33
Lance Bass, Judy Gold, Jewel, Carson Kressley, Sarah Paulson et al. Set for Trevor Project Gala
www.theatermania.com
6.18.09
Lance Bass, Mark Consuelos, Judy Gold, Carson Kressley, Meghan McCain, Soledad O'Brien, and Sarah Paulson will participate in the ninth annual Trevor New York Summer Gala, to be held at Capitale (130 Bowery Street) on June 29 beginning at 7:30 pm.
Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Jewel will give a special performance, and the evening will also feature comedy and musical performances. The gala will honor Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and news network CNN.
Proceeds benefit The Trevor Project, a national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
For more information, visit www.thetrevorproject.org.
Comments (0) 06.22.2009. 19:18
Irie Weekend
www.miaminewtimes.com
6.22.09
There are certainly worse karmic fates than coming back as DJ Irie. Let’s see, official DJ for Jamie Foxx and the 2006 World Champion Miami Heat, weekly gigs at Mansion and the Delano, drive-time selector on 99 Jamz, and friends with basically every single celebrity in town. It’s no wonder his annual bash for charity, Irie Weekend, is so well attended by the in-crowd.
The three-day bash begins this Friday at 11 p.m., when Irie headlines a party at Mansion; continues Saturday with a 1 p.m. celebrity golf tournament at the Miami Beach Country Club (2301 Alton Rd., Miami Beach); and culminates Sunday with a noontime celebrity pool party at the Shore Club (1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach). Registered guests include D-Wade, Shaq, Zo, Jonathan Vilma, Kevin Rudolf, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, Akin Ayodele, Nate Jones, Kerry Rhodes, Alfonso Ribeiro, and LFMAO. Proceeds from the golf tournament will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. Foursomes cost $1,750; single swingers pay $650.
Comments (0) 06.22.2009. 19:12
Justin Timberlake Hosts 901 Tequila Launch Party in NYC (FINALLY!)
www.halogenlife.com
6.14.09
Justin Timberlake’s 901 Tequila, which we’ve covered a couple of times, hosted a launch party June 13 in Manhattan’s sorta-swanky-ish Meatpacking District. 901 co-investor Musician/Actor Timberlake, along with 901 president Kevin Ruder (and who knows who else) were on hand to meet and greet the beautiful crowd who lined up at 9:01pm (get it?) to try the new silver tequila.
I will say there were three things I loved about the crowd:
I’m heartened by the trend in mid-thigh, straight-line skirts for the summer. Combine with the 3- to 4-inch heels (either stilleto or chunky), the outfits made the myriad of tanned and toned legs attending look great. I saw only one pair of booties (I do like those) and one pair of gladiators (thank god there weren’t more. Please let this trend die). New York being New York, most folks left JT alone to enjoy the evening and catch up with his real friends (I’m guessing).
Timberlake, in porkpie hat and thick black “Dexter” glasses oversaw the crowd from a raised section of the bar while Ruder worked the crowd. Accompanied by a half-dozen friends and two very large body guards, JT wasn’t so much on display as in the background. Meanwhile a veiled VIP section drew little interest from the crowd as well. During a launch party, don’t you want your VIPs on display?
As far as Timberlake was concerned, he wasn’t big on committing, but did let me know he wanted this product to be huge. I asked him how he liked his own tequila, which garnered a big “duh.” Which of the evening’s featured cocktails was his favorite? “Well, it depends…” I asked him if he’d tried all three cocktails, which got the most enthusiastic response, “Oh yeah! That’s one of the best things about owning your own tequila—you get to try all the cocktails people are mixing up.” Asked him where he saw 901 competing on the tequila spectrum—Corzo, Patron, Partida, Don Julio? JT just nodded and said, “Yup, we’re definitely going up against all the bad boys.” Ruder was more committal—for him, Partida is the luxury tequila that has set the bar to beat. I appreciate the former Anheuser-Busch exec’s lofty ambitions.
Did mister Dick-in-the-Box know much about the tequila process before investing in 901 (he toured Jalisco with Ruder a couple of times prior to the launch)? “Well, I drank a lot of it,” he joked. The company confirms he won’t be a public face/spokesperson for the tequila, but merely an investor. That said, I’m sure you’ll see lots of photo ops with Timberlake at 901 parties. Just the way things work.
901 itself appears to be positioning itself as both a party drink and a smooth sippin’ tequila. The ad campaign "It’s Always Reserved…It’s Always 901…It’s Always (you get the picture) emphasizes the gold-lame-and-viscose atmosphere of trendy Vegas nightclubs, while the press materials stresses the distillation process and drinking 901 neat.
I reviewed 901 last month elsewhere, and didn’t give it the best of reviews. I’d love to say that meeting Ruder (who was exceedingly gracious) and Timberlake (who was a bit guarded) changed my mind, but it didn’t really. Like much of the product out of Tequilera Newton (the Jalisco distillery 901 works with), the blanco tequila is a bit harsh at both the approach and finish, like the shots we used to take in college. A blind tasting of tequilas I did the next day at New York’s Bar Show helped confirm this. My notes for 901 (which I didn’t know was participating) say it has a “bold, earthy nose. On the mouth, it’s a little harsher, with slight pepper tones. Not as complex, though more lemon notes and some mild aromatics.”
Yes, it’s made of 100% Blue Weber agave (it has to be at least 51% by law), yes, it’s triple distilled (some aficionados argue anything more than the required two distillations is overkill and begins stripping tequila of its character). But there’s just something…unfinished about the product. To his credit, Ruder was gracious when I responded that drinking 901 neat wasn’t for me. Perhaps with time and tweaking, it will achieve the sippability JT and KR hope for.
In the meantime, the Dynamic Duo did ply us with three new cocktails: The Pepino (cucumber, citrus and Cointreau), the 901-and-Nectar (a sweet margarita riff with honey blossom syrup) and the Millington (another margarita riff with kumquat marmalade). While all three were a bit sweet for my taste, they were a hit with the younger, party-destined portion of the crowd (at least four ensembles I overheard were chatting up the Vegas nightlife, baby). Of the three, I found the 901-and-Nectar too cloying for my tastes. However, the Millington is a nice balance of sweet and sour, and I quite like the gin-inspired Pepino. It’s a refreshing summer drink that might even fare better without the agave nectar.
As I’ve written before, 901 should find a comfortable home among tequila cocktails and lime/salt shots. If you’re ready to experience a little of the 21st Century Nightlife, mix up the Pepino at home, pump the 80’s tunes and enjoy the summer:
The Pepino (from 901 Tequila)
- 1 1/2 oz 901 Silver Tequila
- 1 slice of English cucumber 1/4 inch thick
- 1/4 oz agave nectar
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz fresh pineapple juice / boiron pineapple puree
- 3 Italian basil leaves
- 1/2 oz Combier (Cointreau) Muddle the cucumber, then add the rest of the ingredients, ice, shake and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of basil
Comments (0) 06.15.2009. 11:37
Justin Timberlake 901 Tequila Launch Party a Success
www.examiner.com
6.15.09
901 Silver Tequila, a new tequila from musician/actor Justin Timberlake and beer-and-spirits guy Kevin Ruder officially launched in NYC this weekend, with a jumping launch party at the swanky Tenjune in the Meatpacking District. Manhattan's Beautiful People, the women dressed to the nines (oh-one) in shiny mid-thigh summer skirts and of-the-moment narrow high heels, waited outside the "secret" destination, in the evening drizzle until the party doors opened at 9:01 pm.
Inside the subterranean hang, 80s tunes ("Raspberry Beret," "Private Eyes") were pumping while attractive hostesses passed out three cocktails made with the new blanco tequila: The Millington, the Pepino and the sugary 901-and-Nectar. 901's "It's Always" ad campaign filled flatscreens in one end of the room, while a veiled VIP section at the other end drew little interest. The crowd waxed and waned through the evening, building towards capacity at about 11:00 pm all under the watchful eye of Timberlake, who stood, flanked by bodyguards, on a riser with a few friends. Timberlake's partner in crime, Kevin Ruder, circulated through the crowd, ever the energetic gentleman, ensuring everyone was enjoying themselves.
I chatted with JT for a bit, and asked him if he liked the cocktails that had been specially blended for his hooch. He laughed as he said, "Oh yeah! That's one of the best things about owning your own tequila--you get to try all the cocktails people are mixing up!"
While the party was deliberately light on camera-hogging celebs, a number of our own local hot chefs were on tap to share in the fun, including Bradford Thompson of the new Bar Artisanal, Gavin Kaysen of Cafe Boulud and Harold Dieterle of Perilla. Nils Noren and Dave Arnold, both from the French Culinary Institute were on hand chilling shots of 901 Silver to -20 degrees Celsius! (I haven't done the math, but I think that's around - 2 trillion degrees Fahrenheit).
All-in-all the party was a rousing success, and Ruder and Timberlake should be in a good position to explode 901 onto the very competitive tequila scene. If you missed the party, you can grab the tequila at La Esquina Taqueria, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Timberlake's own restaurant Southern Hospitality BBQ. You can also pick up a bottle for your home bar at Astor Wines & Spirits, Union Square Wines and Park Ave Liquor. And check out the slideshow below for some summer cocktail options crafted by 901's mixologists.
Justified!
Comments (0) 06.15.2009. 11:34
Sports greats play in charity baseball game
www.star-telegram.com
6.13.09
FRISCO — When the day started with Warren Sapp smack-talking Joey Fatone it was clear that baseball was simply the vehicle for some large people and larger personalities to gather.
Sapp, a former NFL defensive tackle, provided the pregame trash-talk for the Black Socks and made sure to point out, "Oooh, Joey Fat One is here," as soon as Fatone entered the conference area.
Sapp and Fatone were part of a group of celebrity personalities gathered at the Dr Pepper Ballpark to raise money for the Mike Modano Foundation and The Heroes Baseball Program.
Though an afterthought, Modano and the Matt Williams-managed Black Socks won 11-8.
Comments (0) 06.14.2009. 17:52
Alan Peppard: Modano, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, Rich Behm
www.dallasnews.com
6.14.09
The celebrities in town for this weekend's Reebok Heroes Celebrity Baseball game were among the thousands of people who had to go to Plan B when wrath-of-God thunderstorms struck Dallas.
Part of the proceeds from the game go to the Mike Modano Foundation, so it was fitting that Mike's restaurant, Hully & Mo, host the annual boys' night out for the players where everyone eats, drinks and teases one other about how bad they all play baseball.
Alas, Hully & Mo's got zapped with an electricity outage.
Happily, Bill Esping volunteered The Place at Perry's, the steakhouse across the street from Hully & Mo's named for Bill's late father, Perry Esping.
The testosterone-laden bash went ahead with Mike joined by teammates Brenden Morrow and Marty Turco as well as former 'N Sync members Lance Bass and Joey Fatone, baseball major-leaguer Ben Grieve and Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson.
Comments (0) 06.14.2009. 17:45