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BLAIR UNDERWOOD “Many Faces”
NETHERCUT COLLECTION (Continued)
SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA “A Danish Town”
TROY ZESTOS New Hair Styles
“KINGS OF THE EVENING” THE MOVIE MELROSE HEIGHTS COVER GIRL CONTEST
ISSUE 10
COVER GIRL CONTEST The search is on for a fresh new face! Win the Melrose Heights Magazine Cover Girl title and other valuable prizes, such as health products from The Farmacy, a scholarship from John Casablancas School, and more.
PHOTO CONTEST To enter send us your best original photo. We choose four winners per year and publish the top entries. You could be a winner!
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Many Faces of
BLAIR UNDERWOOD The Many Faces of Blair Underwood Deidra Burtonelli
Those who cannot rub their belly and pat their head at the same time can forget hanging out with Blair Underwood. Try acting different roles in several television series, producing and directing movies, writing books, and serving as an activist while maintaining a family life at home. Underwood has not just made every driver in Los Angeles aware of his “Man Up” campaign for HIV/AIDS testing with billboards. Underwood uses all 24 hours in a day. For Blair Underwood, being one of few living true thespians is not enough. The talented actor has been a big and small screen favorite for almost two decades. Blair Underwood is known for his versatile roles in movies, sitcoms, dramas, and soap operas. Having stayed busy in the industry since Krush Groove, Underwood managed to stand out from the crowd of typical Hollywood stars for many reasons. Early in Underwood’s career, he carved a path that restrained him from typecast roles, earning a Golden Globe nomination in LA Law, his first drama series as an attorney, moving on to win an Image Award for his role as a Civil Rights martyr in Murder in Mississippi. Countless educated characters, executives, doctors, love interests, and villains lie underneath Blair’s belt. For this, his fans are proud of the work he has accomplished and stay tuned to find out his next move. Just released is Bridge To Nowhere, a crime drama directed by Blair Underwood. The story depicts the dangerous adventures of a band of men who were fed up at the system which led to several acts of greed after finding bitter-sweet success in the escorting business. The film was shot in Pittsburgh, where Underwood studied the dramatic arts at Carnegie-Mellon University. Underwood is no novice to performing behind the camera. He directed several music videos In the 1990s. His loyalty to his craft on camera remains steadfast during his time directing. Catch him during the week as he steals the show on selected episodes of The New Adventures of old Christine (with Julia Louis-Dreyfuss of Seinfeld) or releasing the arrogant beast on HBO’s In Treatment, moreover the villain of Dirty, Sexy, Money. Some actors spend their entire career attempting to break color barriers to ensure a fulfilling career. Underwood does it with ease. Having received flack from Black fans regarding his characters being of love interest to white women is no stint to his African American patronage. In fact, celebrating its 20th year is Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) a non-profit organization co-founded by Underwood. ANSA promotes grass roots democracy for South Africa in the cause to fight for equal rights and help fund better education for it’s children. Upon authoring fictional novels, he and his family, whom have been the inspiration of some non-fiction pieces, have been in support of the NAACP from which he has won countless Image awards.
���������������������� ��������������������������������������� A MUSICAL LEGEND PASSES AWAY
Maestro Katz
photographer: Steve Eichner
Dr. Ernst Katz, a man who dedicated his life to inspiring young people through music, passed away of natural causes on Tuesday, Aug. 11 in Los Angeles. He was 95 years old. Katz, who was a concert pianist and musical prodigy, decided when he was in his twenties to give back to his community with the most awe-inspiring gift of all -- music. On January 22, 1937, when residents of Southern California were suffering from the Great Depression, and there was no hope for young people, Maestro Katz founded the Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra. He saved pennies, nickels and dimes to buy music and instruments for his young musicians. His motto was: “Give Youth A Chance To Be Heard.” That original ‘Little Symphony’ that he founded blossomed for more than seven decades under his leadership. As it grew in size and stature it was named the California All-Youth Symphony Orchestra in the late 1940s, and in 1960, it became the Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra of California. More than 70,000 musicians, ages 12 through 25, participated in annual auditions and more than 10,000 were selected for membership. For 72 years, Maestro Katz dedicated himself to his orchestra without accepting government subsidy, without soliciting contributions, and without charging membership or audition fees. Katz’ work is unprecedented. He touched the lives of thousands of young people from diverse social, economic and ethnic backgrounds. Many of them still travel a hundred or more miles to attend weekly practice sessions. Katz provided an opportunity for them to focus their energies on the positive – away from drugs, gangs and violence – to make our nation a better, gentler and more harmonious place to live. The Jr. Philharmonic has been an oasis for young musicians. Thanks to Katz’s generosity, they have had the opportunity to perform professional music – from classical Tchaikovsky to Broadway Rogers and Hammerstein – at Los Angeles’ finest venues such as the Kodak Theatre, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Shrine Auditorium. The musicians have also had the chance to be inspired by remarkable talent. The Jr. Phil has played the musicals Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang under the baton of its composer, Richard Sherman and The Music Man conducted by composer Meredith Willson. The orchestra has also accompanied singers like Debby Boone, Pat Boone, Robert Goulet, Florence Henderson, Shirley Jones, Carol Lawrence. Alumni of the Jr. Philharmonic are members of many major symphony orchestras in the United States and around the world. Conductors such as Leonard Slatkin (former musical director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.) and Jorge Mester (Pasadena Symphony) played in their youth under the baton of maestro Ernst Katz. And many popular musicians, including Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, received their musical training in the Jr. Philharmonic.
THE NETHERCUTT COLLECTION
Restoration Excellence
“The Phantoms�
The Nethercutt Collection is believed to have the only complete collection of the Rolls-Royce Phantom series. Starting with a 1930 Phantom I Marlborough Town Car to the stunning 1972 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Limousine.
King Louis XV Desk
testament to an excellent restoration.
In 2001, Mr. Nethercutt passed on the realm of the Nethercutt Collection to his oldest son Jack, who has apparently inherited his father’s zeal to restoration perfection. Jack has supervised all the Nethercutt restorations since and has amassed a win streak that is unsurpassed by any other collection; 26 First in Class awards & 12 Best of Show awards. This compares favorably with wins from 1958 to current of 136 First in Class awards and 32 Best of Shows. Two restorations supervised by Jack stand out; The 1937 Talbot Lago Coupe was a difficult restoration because of numerous color and upholstery changes in the late 1930’s, 40’s & the 50’s. The resulting authentic restoration is spectacular with absolutely correct paint & upholstery color & finish. It runs, drives and performs as new. The Talbot Lago won Best of Show at the 2007 Amelia Island, Florida Concours d’Elegance. And the 1930 Ruxton Sedan, one of the few special Ruxton factory multi-colored painted show cars (painted with horizontal graduating shades of maroon). The Nethercutt Ruxton is the only Ruxton existing to be restored with original upholstery material. This material, known as moiré or silk corduroy was obtained from Schumacher & Co., the 1930 supplier to Ruxton, who made the new material to the exact color & finish as the original. The Ruxton when restored won First in Class and Best American Classic at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours, Best of Show at the 2006 Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance and First in Class & Most
REGINAL T. DORSEY
Celebrates
by Deidra Burtonelli
KINGS OF THE EVENING A FILM BY ANDREW P. JONES
How many times has your mother told you that if you want something done, to do it yourself? Reginald T. Dorsey has a mission in the entertainment business and has done more than put in 37 years of acting, but has since, made his own films with a message that speaks to unbound audiences. Dorsey‘s latest work available is Indican Pictures‘ KINGS of the Evening, in which he acts and produced. KINGS of the Evening is a drama that depicts a tale of brotherhood among five strangers living in a boarding house who find strength in a unique tradition in spite of undergoing life’s hardships. Dorsey plays Benny Potter, a hustlerwhose luck is low, but pride is never lost. Dorsey channeled his character, ‘Benny’ to that of his own uncles who shared similar traits. Although KINGS of the Evening takes place during the Depression, the concept is a timeless piece that addresses current conditions in the U.S . From KINGS of the Evening, Dorsey wants viewers to get a sense of “togetherness and hope“. Alongside Dorsey in producing KINGS of the Evening, was Andrew P. Jones who wrote and directed the movie with Executive Producer, Robert Page Jones. KOTE is so influential that it ended a seven year void in Dorsey’s acting career due to his disappointment in the lack of social awareness in modern filmmaking.
Picture Palace Films present, “King of the Evening”starring Tyson Beckford, Lynn Whitfield, Glynn Turman and Linara Washington
“KINGS OF THE EVENING”
photography: Curtis Williams
She, Her, “Ele” best known as Eleonore Hansson is a Swedish born
beauty with a North African background excitedly introduces us to a refreshing style and persona needed in today’s music industry, ELEgant Soul. Incorporating the sultry smoothness of Sade with lyrical influences from artists like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, Ele ignites a brand reminiscent of the one and only Alicia Keys. Ele’s musical journey began at the age of 10 playing the violin and piano while growing up in Stockholm Sweden. This eventually lead Ele to performing with several established Swedish artists before branching out to pursue a solo career. As this ambitious talent continued to soar, Ele traveled to Los Angles to attend the famed Musicians Institute (MI) in Hollywood California. Ele has since graduated from MI with degrees in vocal performance, songwriting and music production.
LILAC/ LAVENDER
n. ashrub, with delicately perfumed flower clusters, purple, pale mauve, or white in color; /n. an aromatic plant of mint famyly, yielding an essential oil; palelilac color of lavender flowers;
photography: Curtis Williams
Floral mermaid dress by Rubber Ducky, Anat B Accessories by Kiki Design, GLOW. Hair by REDKEN Make up by Simone Danielle
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In 2006, Ele received the call of a life time to perform with the legendary Stevie Wonder at his annual House Full of Toys Benefit Concert at the newly developed LA Live Nokia Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. “Having the opportunity to perform with such a musical genius was a highlight in my career”, stated Ele. “Performing with Stevie Wonder presented me another level of confidence to pursue my passion to establish Elegant Soul as an emerging new music genre”. With a heightened sense of achievement in 2008, Ele released her first solo project “She, Her, Ele”. This album is nothing less then soothing, relaxing and very inspirational. All songs were written by Ele with her also producing several tracks on the project. With original subject matter Free, Who is that Man, and tribute song, It’s all said and done this is a CD well worth its purchase. The CD can be downloaded on iTunes and her website www.elesongs.com. Ele is currently working on her second CD release with producer Daniel King and the Ark Entertainment Group. And, once again Ele has found herself performing this time around with Grammy Award winning artist Sleepy Brown most known for his hit “I like the way you move” performed by Outkast. Ele is definitely here to stay and with a passion of inspiring other artists to follow their dreams, like many of her idols inspired her, you can count on seeing a lot more of this talented songstress in the future.
RED/ ROJO
n. of the color of aterial blood, rubies, glowing fire; of color, including shades, as scarlet, crimson, vermillon, orange-red and the like;
photography: Curtis Williams
Annika Sandberg
D
uring a ten year career in the European Hospitality Industry, Annika polished her talent in Interior Architectural Design prior to launching her career in America. The depth of her study contributes to her expertise in Psychology of Color and Light. Today, Sandberg is a well established Interior Architectural Designer.
“Design is a talent you are born with, says Annika.”Even if you ignore it, it is always present within you”. Sandberg of Sandberg Design knows no limit when it comes to the style of Interior Architectural Design. A master at both commercial and residential design, all clients are assured that Sandberg knows quality. Sandberg uses her knowledge of the “psychology of the occupant and the subconscious mind” to cipher a suitable design.
Sandberg Design
understands how to play a major role in applying the statement their clients are seeking to express in the surrounding of their home or business. Sandberg says, “Design needs to have a balance in all of its creations such as light and dark, colors, size, volume, texture, sounds, smell, cold and warm�. Sandberg wants people to know that design is not just art, but also a communication. Sending the right message is imperative to the effectiveness of a design.
photography: Curtis Williams
Solvang, California America’s Danish Capital
By Denise Jaxon
Living in southern California offers the luxury of sunbathing at the beaches of South Bay, skiing the mountains of Big Bear and playing nine holes on popular golf courses in the high desert, all in one day and nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, one can also visit, Denmark—well pretty close to it. Solvang! A quaint Danish inspired city just two hours from Los Angeles is perfect for a day excursion, but with over 70 wineries available for tasting a bounty of California wines, booking accommodations in one of the luxury spa hotels, historical inns, or comfy bed and breakfasts, is recommended. Solvang, which means “sunny fields” offers something for every taste and every budget.
Founded in 1911 by Danish Americans who purchased the 9000 acres of Rancho de Carlos San Jonata, the founders, inspired to preserve their Danish culture, constructed a Danish folk school, a church and a college where Danish-Americans could be trained in the Danish lifestyle. Solvang’s skyline of traditional windmills, craftsmanship architecture and stork statues positioned on rooftops, which the Danish believe brings good luck, transforms this southern California landscape into old world Denmark.
Photo Courtesy: SolvangUSA.com
CURTIS WILLIAMS
Williams Collection: A jump in a Madrid Park
Foto painting
Williams Collection: Girl in a ďŹ eld
MELROSE HEIGHTS MENS FASHION
100% cotton white polo under Moods of Norway casual plaid suit jacket
“Moods of Norway” Holy Moly! You will for sure bring on the attention in this Moods of Norway cocktail suit.
www.moodsofnorway.com
MELROSE HEIGHTS FASHION by Daima Design
www.melroseheightsmagazine.com
Kaitlyn, Model / Actress up coming Cover Girl
Jumping for Joy
photography: Curtis Williams
KAEL TIMOLIN Melrose Heights newest star. This issue our pick for Cover Trials KAEL TIMOLIN
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BLAIR UNDERWOOD “Many Faces” NETHERCUT COLLECTION (Continued)
REMBERING DR. ERNEST KATZ L.A. JR. PHILHARMONIC 32