LAPD & LAFD Memorial Benefit at “Avalon” in Hollywood hosted by Dan Aykroyd (4/06)

EVENT REVIEW: LAPD/LAFD Memorial Foundations Benefit Show

 
 
(Hollywood CA : April 5, 2006)  The historic Avalon club and restaurant on Vine (formerly
 
"The Palace" way back when) was host venue for this great event — the LAPD/ LAFD Memorial
 
Foundations Benefit Show — which raised funds to help support the families of fallen heroes?
 
in the police and fire departments.  Actor Dan Ackroyd served as jovial host/MC who, amid
 
all the laughs, kept things rolling smoothly and gracefully, at one point even transforming
 
into his Jack Webb channeling persona to give an homage to those who wear the badge,
 
in the dead-on dead-Dragnet-demigod delivery only Dan can do.  Poetic, funny and touching
 
all at once; kudos Mr. Ackroyd. 
 
 
 
Then, after speeches from several police and fire officials — including Police Chief
 
Bratton — the energy really swelled (and oh was it swell) when the band began, featuring
 
Jim Belushi & the Sacred Hearts.  As expected, the best moments were when Dan and Jim

danced  and pranced, both onstage and off (wearing their trademark black Rayban glasses)
 
The performance was quite interactive.  On one number, Jim sang his Sacred Heart out while
 
traversing the audience — while on another, Jim and Dan invited dozens of guests onstage to
 
dance with them and the band as they belted out their kick-ass blend of Rock & Roll/Blues!
 
 
 
There were other cool goings-on as well, like a silent auction, and fantastic food.
 
They wisely gave guests upwards of two hours early on to enjoy the feast before the
 
tributes and tunes began, and rightfully so, since the buffet featured excellent eats
 
aplenty" from: delicious seafood paella to salad to mac-n-cheese to chicken to spinach, and a

delectable display of desserts to die for.  All the dishes were brought in huge pots that provided a

great display before diving into the food!
 
 
 
Wonderful job all around; special kudos to all those at Levine Communications (LCO) for
 
providing the event PR (Dawn and Ali, you rock), as well as Suzanne of Suzanne Events (she
 
always throws boffo bashes, FYI, quite often at the Avalon and upstairs Spider Club), and
 
the friendly staff at the Avalon (thanks to Kobe and Barbara C. for their warmth and
 
hospitality).  Twas a night of feeling, food, fun and fundraising; make a note on your calendar
 
for next year.  Finally, do check out the new Honey restaurant inside the Avalon, a spiffy
 
space on the south side of the venue that features intimate booths and a classy mood.