Latest news with #HollywoodForeverCemetery
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why Everyone In Los Angeles Is Dressing Up To See Movies In A Cemetery
In its 24th year screening movies at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Cinespia has become a must-do summer activity in Los Angeles. Cinespia/Kelly Lee Barrett Short of scoring a box at the Hollywood Bowl or primo seats at Dodger Stadium, there may be no outdoor experience more quintessentially Los Angeles than spreading out a blanket on the grass at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and watching a movie with 4,000 strangers at a Cinespia screening. Cinespia is L.A.'s longest running outdoor film series and has transformed the city's most famous resting place into one of the city's liveliest summer traditions. What began in 2002 with a modest screening of Strangers on a Train has grown into a 24-year cultural phenomenon, complete with pre-show DJs, vintage inspired photo booths, food trucks and cinematic cosplay that could make even the dearly departed celebs nearby (Rudolph Valentino, Judy Garland, Burt Reynolds, et al) do a double take. Set amid the graves and mausoleums of Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Cinespia draws a crowd of thousands on its movie screening nights. Cinespia/Kelly Lee Barrett I love the Cinespia atmosphere no matter what film is screening. On movie nights, Fairbanks Lawn is a combo of backyard movie night, fashion show and picnic party. This past weekend's screening of Romy & Michele's High School Reunion had moviegoers dressing up in blue and silver empire-waist minidresses and taking credit for inventing the Post-it note. This being Los Angeles, celebrities and filmmakers often show up to introduce the screenings, including Demi Moore, Cameron Crowe, Drew Barrymore, QuestLove and the late Paul Reubens. As Cinespia closes out the summer 2025 season, fans are looking ahead to Labor Day weekend and beyond with a roster of crowd-pleasing favorites. Here's what's coming up: Saturday, August 30: The Princess Bride Sunday, August 31 – The Silence of the Lambs Saturday, September 6 – This Is Spinal Tap (with Rob Reiner in person). Saturday, September 13 – Alien I'm always curious about the behind-the-scenes on successful ventures like this, so I checked in with Cinespia founder John Wyatt to ask a few burning questions. Cinespia continues through Labor Day and beyond with upcoming screenings of Princess Bride (August 30), Silence of the Lambs (August 31), This is Spinal Tap (September 6) and Alien (September 13). Cinespia/Kelly Lee Barrett David Hochman: When you started screening movies in a cemetery, did you think of it as a joke, an art project or something else completely? It was a an audacious move. John Wyatt: Originally, we were a film club. A group of us would go see classic movies in a traditional theater. Then I'd plan an after-party to make it more enticing. The club topped out at 100 people, so I started looking for our own place to screen films. Hollywood Forever Cemetery was perfect, with all the Hollywood history, a big open lawn and a mausoleum wall to project on. So, in most ways the original mission is the same as today—to create a fun experience that would lure people out to a classic film. That focus helped me shape the business model early on, with a clear directive for every season, and guidelines that my team could follow. Hochman: Was there one moment early on when you went, 'Whoa, this is a bigger success than I ever imagined?' Wyatt: Immediately it was a success, and when I heard the applause at the end of my first showing, I knew I was on to something. From there, word of mouth spread like wildfire. The dual features of the screenings being this exotic, special event in a wild location, plus a secret happening known only to a few, really fueled the fire. I did no traditional advertising and still haven't, and hearing about the events from friends proved to be so powerful that everyone wanted to join in. We still have that working for us. Even if people haven't been to Cinespia before, they've heard about it from all their friends. This phenomenon is the most compelling advertising, as any studio exec can tell you, and it was a large part of our success. So I'd say it was accidental at first, but I seized on it and made it part of our business. Early on we turned down the Today Show because we thought it would ruin our word of mouth mojo. They have never asked us back! Hochman: You don't need them! You've got a super loyal and super cool fan following. How do you balance the reverence for the past with staying relevant a young audience? Wyatt: I think building lots of extras around the movie helps sustain the appeal. Great DJs playing before the movie, popular restaurants serving food, stylish lighting — we bring over 70 individual lights per show — hosting A-list guests and surprise appearances by the stars of the movies. All that creates a very buzzy atmosphere. For the past 15 years we have built a bespoke photo studio, custom themed to each film, at every event. We have sets, props, professional lighting and photographers who print beautiful photo prints. It's free for all customers and is wildly popular. We see over a thousand guests pose per night. The photo studio encourages people to dress up, in costume or in fashion, and sets a standard on our audience's looks. People see our party photographer Kelly Lee Barrett's great pics on social media and our website and they want to join in. Hochman: And I've heard you screen movies, too. Wyatt: Ha. Yes. The movie has to play in an engaging way and feel fresh and modern. Identifying the films that can still work magic on an audience of 4,000 people is our 'secret sauce' that keeps people coming back with the excitement of the crowd bringing us over the finish line. One benefit of doing these screenings for 24 years is we have patrons who grew up coming to Cinespia. The movies their parents loved are now some of their favorites, I'm sure a few are already bringing their kids to the movies. Movies that debuted in your childhood hold a certain potency. We love turning the audience on to old classics, and adding recent great films they love to the canon. By always looking at our events from the customer's POV, we've been able to keep our screenings relevant, fun and inspiring, and that's what keeps us going. Hochman: What's ahead for Cinespia? New locations? Cinespia 3D? Wyatt: For many years, we have done Cinespia screenings at other historic locations, including Los Angeles State Historic Park, Griffith Park, the 1920s movie palaces of DTLA and now even The Rose Bowl. These are places with historic value and vintage appeal tied to L.A.'s history. Beyond that, we would love Cinespia to teach people in other cities and countries how to create unforgettable film events in their communities and keep the love of going out to the movies an enduring passion around the world. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Why Everyone In Music Is Watching Blue Note's New Hollywood Club By David Hochman Forbes 'Jaws' Turns 50: The Summer Blockbuster That Still Dominates Pop Culture By David Hochman Forbes The Most Joyful Live Show In America Right Now Might Be Cory Henry's By David Hochman
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Finneas and Ashe Announce ‘An Evening With the Favors' Tour
Ashe and Finneas are bringing their collaborative project on the road. This fall, the pair will embark on the An Evening With the Favors Tour. Their debut album as a band, The Dream, set for release on Sept. 19, will arrive just in time for the live run, which kicks off Sept. 18 at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. The Favors will hit the stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, and Central Park Summerstage in New York. The pair will also perform during both weekends of the Austin City Limits Music Festival. More from Rolling Stone Blackpink's Deadline World Tour Is a High-Voltage Homecoming Paul McCartney Reveals Got Back 2025 North American Tour Dates Jay Som Cracks Open Comeback Album 'Belong' With Two New Singles and 2025 Tour Dates Tickets for Los Angeles, New York, and Morrison will be available beginning Friday, July 18 at 10 a.m. local time. Ashe and Finneas will be joined on the road by their collaborators Marinelli and Ricky 'Rat' Gourmet. 'I cannot tell you how highly I recommend starting a band with 3 of your best friends,' Finneas wrote on Instagram last month. So far, the Favors have previewed The Dream with singles 'The Hudson' and 'The Little Mess You Made.' 'This is the way every artist dreams of making an album,' Ashe shared in a statement. 'I want you to feel simultaneously warm, fuzzy, and heartbroken at the same time.' Finneas added, 'People don't sing together anymore when they're recording, but it was so romantic and fun. It's a true 'long-play album' in its real intended meaning. Hopefully, you can have friends over, cook a meal, and play this on vinyl front-to-back.' The Favors Tour DatesSept. 18 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Forever CemeterySept. 26 — Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks AmphitheatreOct. 1 — New York City, NY @ Central Park SummerstageOct. 3 — Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music FestivalOct. 10 — Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Fireworks near me California 2025: 4th of July shows and displays on Independence Day
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Los Angeles County to Host Dozens of Displays Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads South Bay and Long Beach Bring the Bang Orange County to Celebrate with Family Events and Fireworks Inland Empire and Central Valley Join the Festivities Drone Shows and Cancellations Amid Immigration Enforcement Concerns Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Fourth of July Events Expand Across Central California Reminder to Check for Tickets and Local Restrictions FAQs Which Orange County cities are hosting fireworks? What time do most fireworks start? Southern California is set to dazzle this Independence Day with a host of fireworks shows, community events, and patriotic festivities. From coastal cities to inland suburbs, the Fourth of July promises entertainment and pyrotechnics for families across the region. Here's where to catch the most prominent 4th of July fireworks and Los Angeles County, Marina del Rey will hold its annual fireworks at 9 p.m. on July 4, drawing spectators to Burton Chace Park and Fisherman's Village. Gardena's Rowley Park is hosting festivities from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., including food trucks, music, and a 9 p.m. fireworks popular locations include Eagle Rock Park (8:45 p.m. fireworks), Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills (dusk show), and Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch. Dodgers fans can enjoy postgame fireworks after the July 4 game at Chavez Ravine, while Hollywood Bowl features a three-night 'Fireworks Spectacular' with Earth, Wind & cinephiles, Hollywood Forever Cemetery presents Top Gun with a fireworks finale on July 4 and Beach's Seaside Lagoon will entertain from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., concluding with fireworks over King Harbor. Torrance hosts its celebration at the Civic Center, where gates open at 4 p.m., followed by a free fireworks show at 9 Long Beach, the 'Big Bang on the Bay' event on July 3 offers BBQ and pyrotechnics, while July 4 includes waterfront viewing near Shoreline Village and fireworks from the Queen Mary. Various harbor cruises and rooftop parties at hotels like Hotel Maya and Fairmont Breakers promise front-row seats to the skyline Orange County, Huntington Beach's full-day Surf City celebration includes a 5K run, parade, and beach festival, ending with a 9 p.m. fireworks display. Irvine's Great Park Family Festival will combine games and food with a drone and fireworks Union High Stadium will hold its Fireworks Festival, while San Juan Capistrano, Costa Mesa, Anaheim Hills, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana each plan their own signature events. From parades to patriotic-themed concerts, the spirit of Independence Day will shine through every in Riverside and San Bernardino counties are preparing robust celebrations. Redlands will host a parade and fireworks; Moreno Valley's Civic Center Amphitheater plans a full day of entertainment. In Palm Springs, visitors can enjoy a free concert and pool party, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Temecula's Sports Park and Rancho Cucamonga's Epicenter are also prime spots for Bear Lake's fireworks over the water remain a major draw, despite concerns raised by wildlife most communities are moving ahead with Independence Day festivities, a few have chosen alternatives or canceled events altogether. Due to increased ICE activity, East L.A. and other neighborhoods such as Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, and El Sereno have postponed their 4th of July light shows will substitute traditional fireworks in Culver City and San Gabriel. Santa Monica College's 'Celebrate America' show has been canceled due to funding issues, and the Gloria Molina Grand Park event has been postponed in Downtown Los County's lineup includes the Furry Freedom Fest in Clovis, Shaver Lake Fireworks, and Selma's celebration. Reedley, Kingsburg, and Kerman will also stage their own shows. Madera County's Bass Lake and Chowchilla will feature major fireworks displays, while Merced County's Atwater hosts parades, concerts, and a firework finale at Castle Air Tulare and Mariposa Counties, towns like Visalia, Porterville, and Woodlake will come alive with drone shows, patriotic concerts, and food festivals. Lake McClure in Mariposa County offers a lakeside viewing experience for those seeking a quieter events require pre-purchased tickets or wristbands, and some enforce strict guidelines on outside food, drinks, or canopy setups. Residents are advised to verify event details in advance, especially for popular venues where attendance is capped or beaches to baseball stadiums and mountain lakes to city parks, Southern California is offering countless opportunities to enjoy 4th of July fireworks. Whether you're seeking a bustling downtown block party or a relaxed rooftop viewing, Independence Day in the Golden State promises something for County is packed with events like Huntington Beach, Irvine Great Park, Fullerton Union High firework shows begin between 8:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Arrive early to find parking and get a good viewing spot.
