1. LADY GAGA, WEARING 9-INCH PLATFORMS, OPENS H&M STORE: This was no boring ribbon-cutting. When Lady Gaga helped open the Times Square flagship of the Swedish retailer H&M, the scene, as one might guess, was near mayhem. New York Times: “Clearly she regarded her appearance at the fast-fashion emporium as some sort of watershed, a collision of culture and consumerism. The album, and her drop-in, were intended, she explained, to evoke Andy Warhol: ‘He took something corporate, Campbell’s soup, and turned it into art.’ Her strategy, she added, sounding pleased with herself, is the reverse: to inject her wayward artistry into a staunchly corporate setting. For a while it was unclear who stood to benefit more from the occasion.” http://nyti.ms/1dzbEYb
2. EVENTS DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM DISGRACED TORONTO MAYOR: As the scandal surrounding disgraced Toronto Mayor Rob Ford grows, brands and events are trying to distance themselves. Even the head of the Toronto Santa Claus parade has urged the mayor—who has admitted to alcohol and drug abuse among a host of transgressions—to stay away from this year’s event. Globe and Mail: “We know the Mayor loves the Parade, but for this year let’s avoid this distraction and put the focus back on Santa and Mrs. Claus,” Ron Barbaro, co-chair of the Santa Claus Parade, wrote in a letter to Ford’s chief of staff. bit.ly/1aIhRgz
3. BARTON G. RECOVERS FROM PARALYZING ACCIDENT: An injury suffered by event producer Barton G. Weiss three months ago was more serious than he let on. Gossip Extra: “I was paralyzed,” he said in an interview from a physical rehabilitation facility near Atlanta. “It was a very upsetting, traumatic experience to be lying there. But the good news is I’m responding well to therapy and I’ll be home on time for Thanksgiving, then back to work the day after.” http://bit.ly/1gLepKv
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: According to the Boston Globe, Lynnfield is becoming a "dining destination." A new, open-air shopping center called MarketStreet has several new restaurants, including Wagamama and Legal C Bar. http://b.globe.com/178aqSC
CHICAGO: Auditorium Theatre will host a kickoff celebration for its 125th anniversary on December 9. The morning affair will include a special announcement.
Exhale Chicago's holiday offerings include private yoga classes and spa therapies for groups.
LAS VEGAS: The Culinary Clash Master Chef Competition is December 13-14 as part of the Venetian’s Winter in Venice holiday celebration. Emeril Lagasse returns as a celebrity judge and Robin Leach will host.
LOS ANGELES: Dick Clark Productions has announced that Rihanna will receive the “AMA Icon Award” and perform at the 2013 American Music Awards, which will broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre November 24.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: Pinecrest Gardens is hosting its annual Masquerade Ball November 23.
NEW YORK: The New York Times interviews Amy Kule, producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: “Obviously, years of planning shape the stagecraft. Ms. Kule is already looking ahead to 2026 when, barring mayhem, the 100th Macy’s parade will be held.” http://nyti.ms/HUNhJS Earlier this year, Kule shared her favorite places with BizBash: http://bit.ly/1b3eUxe
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA: Stockton Record: “The San Joaquin County Planning Commission on Thursday will consider prohibiting new or existing wineries from increasing the number of weddings and other so-called marketing events at rural county wineries. The controversial proposal to put in place a moratorium has been discussed for more than a year. The not-so-narrowly defined "marketing events" are not the only kinds of events wineries can use to promote their wares, but they have become controversial as the boutique wine industry has flourished in the Lodi wine region.” http://bit.ly/1fJKKhJ
TORONTO: LAB Consignment and RAC Boutique will host a pop-up shop at AWOL Gallery November 19-24. The space will offer high-end consignment wares.
WASHINGTON: Alba Osteria, a sister restaurant to Al Dente, opens December 15 at 425 I Street Northwest. The 226-seat restaurant will include a private dining room that seats 22 and a patio that seats 63. The Italian menu will reflect the Piedmonte region with salumi and formaggi, antipasti, house-made pastas, Neapolitan pizza, and Italian and local wines.
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, Lauren Matthews, and Anna Sekula in New York.
BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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