Behind the Scenes at Palm Springs International Film Festival 2023 Awards

The 34th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) returned in-person from Jan. 5-16 for the first time since 2020. The celebration kicked off with the Film Awards at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Jan. 5, honoring seasoned filmmakers and performers like “Women Talking” director Sarah Polley, “The Banshees of Inisherin” star Colin Farrell, “Tár” lead performer Cate Blanchett and “The Whale” star Brendan Fraser. The night … Continue reading Behind the Scenes at Palm Springs International Film Festival 2023 Awards

The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) showcases a new Pinocchio exhibition

The IAMLA’s original exhibition, A Real Boy: The Many Lives of Pinocchio, explores the cultural origins, adaptations, and enduring appeal of one of the most popular characters in children’s literature. Written in 1883 by Italian author Carlo Collodi, The Adventures of Pinocchio is on view from November 5, 2022 – October 16, 2023, and is as relevant today as back in 1883. The story has … Continue reading The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) showcases a new Pinocchio exhibition

Debbie Durkin’s ECOLUXE “Endless Summer Festival” honors TV’s biggest night

On Friday, September 9, 2022, the ECOLUXE “Endless Summer Festival” at the Beverly Hilton honored the best of TV during Primetime Emmys weekend. The event benefited spcaLA, an organization dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals.  Guests mingled in the Beverly Hilton’s Wilshire Gardens and devoured a scrumptious lunch served by the Beverly Hilton’s Executive Chef including their handcrafted Donut Wall. The event included … Continue reading Debbie Durkin’s ECOLUXE “Endless Summer Festival” honors TV’s biggest night

Make the most of your time in Malibu

This article was first published in print in Where Traveler LA, July 2022 edition (Page 14 – 16) Malibu: Find your low-key coastal bliss Relax and explore the dreamy coastline – where stars, surfers, sun seekers, beach babes, and nature lovers have flocked for a century to get away from it all It’s easy to understand why Malibu is a top SoCal destination – with its … Continue reading Make the most of your time in Malibu

ECOLUXE RockNRolla Movie and TV Awards Lounge at Yamashiro Hollywood

On Friday, June 3rd, Debbie Durkin’s ECOLUXE Rock ’N Rolla Lounge kicked off Summer 2022 with an event in honor of the MTV Movie & TV Awards and Pride month. This year’s event also benefited the Ukrainian Cultural Center of LA supporting the people of Ukraine.  @ukrainianculturecenterla The covid-safe walk-thru event was held at the historic mountain palace, Yamashiro Hollywood in the garden courtyard and … Continue reading ECOLUXE RockNRolla Movie and TV Awards Lounge at Yamashiro Hollywood

“The Journey” Hollywood Premiere Marks an Historic Night

Those who follow my musical theatre writing career know that I truly appreciate the storytelling, artistry, and emotionality of Japanese manga and anime – especially the way in which they can be translated to western-style theatre, film, and music. On April 12, 2022, I had the opportunity to attend the world premiere of Manga Productions’ newest action fantasy film, THE JOURNEY, directed by Kobun Shizuno … Continue reading “The Journey” Hollywood Premiere Marks an Historic Night

The Top 10 Tastes of L.A.’s Masters

THE TOP 10 TASTES OF LA’S CULINARY MASTERS After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Masters of Taste made its grand return to the Rose Bowl on April 3, 2022 – bigger, better, and tastier than ever before!  Having attended this annual culinary festival for many years, I was anticipating a flavorful Sunday out on Pasadena’s famous field – but never did I … Continue reading The Top 10 Tastes of L.A.’s Masters

Best dressed at Neon Carnival 2022

The world is ready to live again and every age is ready to dress up in any crazy outfit imaginable to express their personality. Add dancing and booze, a late-night outdoor club carnival with celebs and beautiful people in the desert near the Coachella Music and Arts Festival – and you’ve created the best way to let loose in 2022! Here are some of the … Continue reading Best dressed at Neon Carnival 2022

Coachella’s sizzling party scene is bigger than ever in 2022

After a two-year hiatus, Coachella is back in the desert, bigger than ever with more bands and brands and even grander parties. While the intimacy was missed with smaller venues in previous years, (like Rachel Zoe’s ZOEasis at the Parker and Neon Carnival games where you could easily win a $100 gift card from Pac Sun) those days seem to be over, with many events … Continue reading Coachella’s sizzling party scene is bigger than ever in 2022

Celebs celebrate pre-Oscars at the eBay and GBK Brand Bar Luxury Lounge

GBK Brand Bar, the team behind the decade’s most exclusive gifting lounges, hosted the 2022 eBay & GBK Brand Bar Pre-Oscar Luxury Lounge at the Beverly Wilshire with a private retail activation and personalized closet cleanout program in support of the American Red Cross to benefit Ukraine. Celebrities and VIPs had a chance to donate, socialize, and be introduced to a plethora of new brands. … Continue reading Celebs celebrate pre-Oscars at the eBay and GBK Brand Bar Luxury Lounge