September 17, 2018: Willie Nelson Gets Backlash From Conservative Fans For Playing Beto O'Rourke Rally, Florence Puts Damper on World Equestrian Games, Marc Jacobs Apologizes for Fashion Week Show Delay

1. WILLIE NELSON GETS BACKLASH FROM CONSERVATIVE FANS FOR PLAYING BETO O'ROURKE RALLY: Willie Nelson received backlash from conservative fans after it was announced the musician would be headlining a concert for Texas Democratic Rep. Beto O'Rourke on September 29 in Austin. O'Rourke previously spoke at Nelson's annual Fourth of July Picnic and received a mix of cheers and boos. Washington Post: "On Nelson’s Facebook page, where he posted an article from news outlet Austin360 with the announcement, some of the most striking remarks accuse the performer of aligning with what they believe to be the 'socialist' positions of O’Rourke. One man was so disgusted with Nelson that he offered up his ticket to one of the legend’s upcoming shows. Others were much more supportive of Nelson and questioned those skeptical of the country legend. ... In a news release announcing the concert, Nelson offered insight as to why he’s backing O’Rourke. 'My wife Annie and I have met and spoken with Beto and we share his concern for the direction things are headed,' Nelson said in the release. 'Beto embodies what is special about Texas, an energy and an integrity that is completely genuine.' The outrage comes as O’Rourke and Cruz are entangled in a tight Senate race, described by the incumbent as a 'dogfight,' that has gained national spotlight in recent months. Nelson’s political activism goes back decades, with his support of the environment, same-sex marriage and, famously, marijuana legalization." https://wapo.st/2xj70Q1

2. FLORENCE PUTS DAMPER ON WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES: The World Equestrian Games had to be put on hold because of tropical storm Florence, which continued to bring heavy rains to North Carolina over the weekend. The weekend events at the competition, which takes place in Tryon, North Carolina, were either canceled or moved to a new date. Reuters: "Show jumping, the final discipline of the eventing competition, was moved to Monday while the dressage freestyle was canceled on Saturday and will not be rescheduled. The dressage freestyle, an Olympic event, becomes the second competition to be canceled and no medals awarded after the endurance competition was canceled on Wednesday due to dangerous heat and humidity. 'This was not an easy decision,' said Tryon 2018 organizing committee president Michael Stone in a statement. ... 'Horse welfare has to be the top priority and flying the horses out on the same day as competition doesn’t work, so sadly the decision to cancel the Freestyle had to be taken.' Florence, which crashed into the state as a hurricane on Friday, bringing record rainfall, continues to drench the Tryon International Equestrian Center with the National Weather Service issuing a flash flood warning through Monday for the Tryon area. Conditions, however, are expected to improve dramatically from Tuesday allowing the WEG, which concludes on Sunday with the individual show jumping, to complete the remaining events without further disruption." https://reut.rs/2xnPA47

3. MARC JACOBS APOLOGIZES FOR FASHION WEEK SHOW DELAY: Marc Jacobs apologized for starting his spring and summer collection show at New York Fashion Week 90 minutes late on Thursday. Jacobs traditionally closes out the event, but his show was slated to take place earlier than Rihanna, who held a diverse show for her new lingerie line. USA Today: "In a lengthy Instagram post, Jacobs apologized 'to anyone and everyone who was inconvenienced by my lateness,' adding that he has 'heard, read, and reflected on your frustration, anger and outrage.' Some speculated the show started late to spite Rihanna, whose Savage x Fenty lingerie show took the NYFW finale slot, traditionally occupied by Jacobs. Others wondered if Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour had walked out and headed to Rihanna's show, though she was later photographed standing toward the back of the venue. Jacobs claimed on Instagram that as recently as the night before, he still believed the show would start on time, but by 3:30 Thursday afternoon, he suspected things might begin a couple minutes late. ... Though he's been punctual lately, Jacobs has a history of runway tardiness. The New York Times writes he was routinely an hour or more late, until a show in 2007 began over two hours behind schedule, leading many in the audience to walk out. Since then, Marc Jacobs shows have begun on time. 'After years of being beyond punctual and once again, with every intention of remaining so, the fact is, more is always expected from us with fewer and fewer resources,' Jacobs continued on Instagram. 'That is not unique to me personally or us as a company. I have learned that I need to adjust to our realities.'" https://usat.ly/2pblME1

* LOCAL NEWS *

LOS ANGELES:  Katy Perry and Blake Mycoskie will be honored at the Amfar Gala Los Angeles on October 18 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The gala will be produced by Josh Wood Productions.

Katharine McPhee will perform at the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation's annual gala celebration on October 20 at the Beverly Hilton.

For information on upcoming events in Los Angeles, visit Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale will hold its 12th annual South Florida Ford Men of Style event, presented by Signature Grand, on November 29. 

Generator, a European hospitality brand that specializes in lodging and event spaces, will open its first U.S. property in Miami on September 21. The property has appointed Glenn Valencia general manager, Gui Jaroschy director of bar and restaurant concepts, and Daniel Roy as executive chef. 

NEW YORK:  The AsianInNY 10th Anniversary Fashion Show will take place September 22 at the TF Chen Art Building. 

The 30th annual NewFest, the city’s L.G.B.T. film festival, will take place October 24-30. The festival is presented by HBO and programmed in partnership with Outfest. 

The French Heritage Society’s annual New York Gala Dinner Dance will take place October 31 at the Plaza hotel. Dubbed the Black and Orange Ball, the event will honor French luxury lifestyle brand Lalique and its founder René Lalique. 

P.R. and marketing agency Bullfrog and Baum has been named the agency of record for wellness destination brand Canyon Ranch. 

For information on upcoming events in New York, visit Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork

SACRAMENTO:  The inaugural Latin food and music festival Alma West will take place October 7 at Gibson Ranch Park. 

SAN FRANCISCO:  Terror Vault, a new Halloween-theme interactive experience from Bay Area production company Into The Dark, will run October 10-November 3 at the San Francisco Mint. 

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

JOB BOARD: Post a job or find a job: http://jobs.bizbash.com

With contributions from Claire Hoffman in Los Angeles and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, and Ian Zelaya in New York.

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