April 4, 2016: How Apple Invented the Modern Tech Keynote, Inside the Extravagant Underground Parties of Paris, How Car Racing Is Going Green

1. HOW APPLE INVENTED THE MODERN TECH KEYNOTE: Defining an era of tech announcements, Apple’s introduction of the iPod in 2001 also introduced audiences and event producers to a show format that persists today. The Verge: “First, a company sends invites to an event, usually with a dash of mystery. If there's a lot of interest, the curiosity fuels a machine of hype and speculation; companies may even give it a Fast and Furious-style nitrous boost with calculated leaks. Then, there's the big show. The CEO comes out. A gripping commercial is played. A curtain is raised. If you're lucky, a British man will massage you with superlatives until your body becomes a porridge. The only thing that has really changed since 2007 is that the industry has adopted a consistent format. To compete, rival companies just raise the stakes for the audience. Qualcomm tried to make everyone think they were on an acid trip, and succeeded. Microsoft put a headset on people's faces to make them feel like they're on Mars. Google's version of the show once had a guy literally jump out of a plane.”

2. INSIDE THE EXTRAVAGANT UNDERGROUND PARTIES OF PARIS: A Parisian production agency has created a niche as curators of elaborate underground theme parties, drawing Parisians and visitors alike to extravagant spectacles in unusual locations. The New York Times: “For five years, a renegade group known as We Are the Oracle has been hosting such semi-secret parties in elusive sites throughout Paris, including the catacombs, empty railway tracks, and abandoned chateaus. And not always legally. What began as a word-of-mouth soirée among the city’s elite influencers has evolved into seasonal theme parties that combine the mystique of Eyes Wide Shut with the energy of all-night raves and the theatrics of Sleep No More. The parties were dreamed up by Foulques Jubert, 29, a former business student who spent a year attending 24 festivals in 13 countries (including Burning Man in Nevada and Tomorrowland in Belgium) to learn how to bring similar spectacles to Paris.” http://nyti.ms/1N4RpSR

3. HOW CAR RACING IS GOING GREEN: Formula E, the racing circuit for electronic cars that returned to the United States this weekend, does away with one of the signatures of live car races: the distinct yet deafening sound of cars whizzing by. Los Angeles Times: “Now in its second season, Formula E holds 10 races around the world featuring electric-powered cars. … At least year's inaugural Formula E race in Long Beach, many spectators had the same reaction the first time they watched the cars speed by: They would turn to each other with a look of surprise as they heard the cars' whooshing sound rather than the conventional roar of internal-combustion engines.” http://lat.ms/1VjnzRh

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  Article 24 is slated to open late this month in Brighton. Inspired by a vintage garage, the American eatery has a DJ booth and around 170 seats. Menu items will include tacos, ramen, and sandwiches.

CHICAGO:  The League of Chicago Theatres Gala will be held on May 23 at the Chicago History Museum.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA:  The Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort will host Fish to Fork May 6 to 8. The weekend of events will include tasting experiences, fishing expeditions, and a culinary competition, all to benefit the James Beard Scholarship Foundation.

LAS VEGAS:  Fuel the Fight Car Show and Family Fair will take place April 9 at Gaudin Ford. The event, which includes a superhero meet-and-greet, barbecue lunch, and a raffle, will benefit Grant a Gift Autism Foundation.

LOS ANGELES:  The Glaad Awards took place Saturday at the Beverly Hilton hotel and included surprises such as previously unannounced Taylor Swift presenting an award to actress Ruby Rose. Women’s Wear Daily: http://bit.ly/1VpCCZC

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The Longines Global Champions Tour, a horse jumping event, will take place Thursday to Saturday in a course and stadium built on the sands of Miami Beach.

NEW YORK:  The 11th Annual Skating with the Stars Gala, which benefits Figure Skating in Harlem, is set for April 11 at 583 Park Avenue. The event will honor actress Cicely Tyson and Olympic champion ice dancers Meryl Davis & Charlie White.

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

SAN FRANCISCO:  The Clift Hotel has a new Rooftop Bee Sanctuary and Cocktail Herb Garden. Accordingly, the hotel’s Redwood Room has new honey-infused cocktails and dishes.

TORONTO:  The Art Gallery of Ontario will host the Massive Party on April 21. The theme is “Masquerade.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  The Budweiser Clydesdales are planning to visit various Washington locations from Wednesday to Sunday. Stops include Nationals Park, the Verizon Center, and bars and restaurants. The tour is being promoted with the hashtag #BudClydesdalesDoDC.

YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected]. 

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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, Anna Sekula, and Ian Zelaya in New York.

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