March 12, 2015: McDonald's Pressured Into Paying SXSW Artists, Asics Plans Stunning Light Installation for L.A. Marathon, See CW’s Brainy Activations for Zombie Show

1. MCDONALD'S PRESSURED INTO PAYING SXSW ARTISTS: After a band publicly complained that McDonald’s would not pay performers who entertained guests at its activation at South by Southwest, the fast food giant reversed its stand. Billboard: “Scott McNearney, SXSW's Sponsors chief, says the Music festival typically offers one of two value propositions to artists who play Official showcases. ‘They can either take a cash payment or they can take a credential package to participate in the conference and see other showcases. It's up to those artists to decide which package they want.’ While McDonald's offerings are ‘apples and oranges’ to a typical showcase package, McNearney was pleased the company had pivoted over the past few days.” http://bit.ly/1Ahh4RG

2. ASICS PLANS STUNNING LIGHT INSTALLATION FOR L.A. MARATHON: Los Angeles is no stranger to using spotlights for special events, but an installation planned to promote the L.A. Marathon takes the concept to another level. On Friday, sponsor Asics America will have 124 spotlights beaming into the sky that will mark each mile of the marathon route—bright enough to potentially be seen from space. Los Angeles Magazine: “Asics America Senior Director of Marketing Shannon Scott explained that the lighting scheme is meant to commemorate the marathon’s 30th anniversary as well as Los Angeles itself. ‘We tasked ourselves with putting together something extremely unique to L.A.,’ she said. ‘Over 85 people will help us pull it off: 26 trucks will be getting the lights set up at 20 different spots on the course, and we’ll have a helicopter crew taking aerial footage for a live feed. It’s a celebration of this unique course and the city.’” http://bit.ly/1E4kAA9

3. SEE CW’S BRAINY ACTIVATIONS FOR ZOMBIE SHOW: The CW network is promoting its new zombie comedy by offering brain-theme foods from a food truck decorated with the tagline, “Brain Appetite.” Advertising Age: “The network is deploying ‘iZombie’-branded food trucks in select pedestrian-friendly locations in New York and Chicago. On the menu: cerebrum-shaped cake pops and ramen burgers (depending on your perspective, the noodle-y buns either resemble brains or viscera). … In a final push, the CW will screen the "iZombie" pilot at SXSW Interactive on the night before the show's official TV premiere. … Following the screening, ‘iZombie’ will sponsor a soiree hosted by the seemingly ubiquitous BuzzFeed. The theme? ‘Party 'Til You're Undead.’” http://bit.ly/1Bzkl1v

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  Revolution Juice is now open in the Back Bay. The eatery serves cold-pressed juices, smoothies, soups, and other healthy snacks.

CHICAGO:  The Writers Theatre Gala is April 18 at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The evening will have a nightclub-inspired theme.

LAS VEGAS:  The Animal Foundation’s 12th annual “Best in Show” event, in which shelter dogs compete in several categories, returns to the Orleans Arena April 26.

LOS ANGELES:  AEG announced that it is no longer in discussions with the N.F.L. or any N.F.L. teams about its proposed stadium project in downtown Los Angeles.

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  Waterstone Resort & Marina in Boca Raton has hired a new executive chef, Matt Mixon, and director of food and beverage, Dan Clark.

NEW YORK:  The 13th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is scheduled for June 13-14 at Madison Square Park. C3 Presents is producing the event along with chef Tim Love. Changes this year include the elimination of the “fast pass” ticket but more amenities for V.I.P. passholders.

Fashion photographer Nigel Barker will be signing copies of his new book Models of Influence at an event tonight at Ted Baker’s meatpacking district store. The consumer event will include passed prosecco and gourmet chocolates courtesy of Baseema New York.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House New York has named new executive chef Brian Christman for its flagship restaurant. His most recent position was at Smith & Wollensky in Chicago.

The annual A.S.P.C.A. Bergh Ball will take place April 9 at the Plaza Hotel. The theme of the event is “Pup Art” and will feature playing cards with photos of dogs and cats from the A.S.P.C.A. Adoption Center and reproductions of dog and cat portraits in the style of Andy Warhol.

John Keller is the new chef and partner at Cherry at Dream Downtown and Cherry Izakaya. His immediate plans include introducing new dishes at Cherry Izakaya as well as introducing brunch to the Williamsburg restaurant.

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork

TORONTO:  The Green Living Show opens March 27 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The show will feature more than 400 exhibitors, along with green car test-drives and a yoga and fitness stage.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Audra McDonald is among the performers who will pay tribute to America’s swing era of the 1930s and 1940s at the Kennedy Center Spring Gala. The benefit, scheduled for May 3, will include cocktails, dinner, the gala performance, and an after-party.

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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, and Anna Sekula in New York.

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