An Evening in the HollyWood Hills

The Viper Room

"That right there, that's Johnny Depp's bar. River Phoenix died right there on the side walk," Paul said pointing at the Viper Room. "And over there, that's the Whiskey A Go Go. That's where Jim Morrison got kicked off stage," he continued to let out all these moments in Pop History that I've only heard about from films and books. When did fantasy become reality? Our whole lives we hear of these "Idols" and their stories, but never have I ever thought of the tangibility of the whole thing. But Here it is... Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood. "How am I doing?" Paul asks me. "Great, I wasn't expecting a tour." Truth is... I wasn't expecting any of this.

I came to Los Angeles in order to see for my self what life was like in this make-believe city. A city so far away from what makes me, me... Its streets and buildings never had any meaning... until now. I've met a lot of people who advised me on this and that, but the most important lesson of all was that nothing matters until it happens. This is the city of broken promises - making the fall so much further from the ground. This city is about saying Yes! to everything. Everyone is your friend, but you only care about your self. Saying yes doesn't mean yes... It means talk to me later if you're serious. Its important not to put all your eggs in one basket, but remember to treat each egg with the care it deserves. You wouldn't want one to break all over you...

We arrive to the valet at Matt's building. Matt is a producer and is having a few people over to celebrate Bo's Birthday - a known talent agent. And the guests?

• Elizabeth - Professional screen writer
• Kim - Interior designer (She designed the Soho House - One of the most well known exclusive clubs in Hollywood)
• Chase Jordan - a local band made of Chase, Chase, and Jordan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4DemOb9TYs&feature=relmfu)
• Danny - Just came back from playing a role in "People of Interest" - an upcoming new show.
• Britney - a 23 year-old model
• Vanessa - An actress whose new to the scene

Those are the ones I remember...

I remember speaking to one of the Chases and it was pretty nice to hear his thoughts on Hollywood. To make a long conversation short, Chase said...

"As artists, we have a great responsibility. We are all in this business to make an impact. This city is filled with people that are out to make money. But that's bull shit, we need more people like YOU, that are out here to make a global change and understand the truth behind why we do what we do..."

He was a smart guy and we talked about the Middle East and the Hollywood mind set, and I was surprised to meet so many people who are layered and aren't just about making movies or music. We were talking about real issues and, apparently, these issues matter here too.

"Do you want to come with us to the Pink Taco?" Kim asks me. "I can't. I'm in Paul's entourage tonight..." And just like that they went out for Tacos and Paul and I continued deeper into the Hollywood Hills. We pass Chateau Marmont, one of the most famous hotels in Hollywood, on our way to Christine Forsyth-Peters's house ('How to lose a guy in 10 days'). A woman in a Tuxedo and a pink bow-tie open's my door and welcomes us. They valet the car and Paul and I walk into the house. We're celebrating Christine's daughter's 21st birthday (I found out later that her Godmother is Barbara Streisand).  The house is set on the side of the mountain with a perfect view of Los Angeles beside her private pool. In the corner there is a small bar, where a small latino man was making sure every person at the party was holding a drink... Needless to say, I was drunk!

Jon Peter's ('Rain man', 'Batman Returns', 'Clue') was on the other side of the yard talking to two aspiring, early 20s, wanna-be-actresses. On this side, there were bands and actors from shit I've never heard of, but they all look like Rock stars. Gelled hair, fancy cloths, this-party-is-beneath-me sort of look... But once I said hello and introduced my self, they always turned out to be knowledgeable and nice.

I made sure people heard my name and repeated it several times. Oy, the tactics of a man with no buisness card. "Its Alon. Alon. Alon. My name is Alon. Its like Allan, but with an accent. Alon. Try it... Alon!"  I'd like to see them forget that name! Paul left the party leaving me to share a cab with Vanessa back to Downtown, where the newcomers are usually from. I made sure to say goodbye to Christine before I left and she told me she'll be in touch with me and she'll see how she can help my career move forward. And as I said earlier, no matter what she says, ALWAYS SAY YES!      Who knows maybe she'll actually remember my name in the morning?

I get into the cab with Vanessa and I go forward with my sloppy, drunken moves on her...  And in the heat of the moment she says to me that she's scared for me... "You have to be careful who you get involved with in this city. People here are not always who they seem to be. Trust me, I know..." She stepped out of the cab and I had those words repeating in my head. And all I could think was... "Shit! She could have at least put-out a bit!"   ;-)

Good Night L.A. Thanks for the night out!