One Door Closes and Many Open

Happy November


This is going to be a great week for Brownstein & Associates for our company and our clients. Halloween is over but I still feel great, like its Purim or something - everything is inside out, upside down and inhibitions are damned! No more hiding behind a straight laced career! We're just as creative as the creatives. And the more we let our hair down the better our work and the more excited we get to take care of the people we are entrusted to promote!

So tonight, Brian d'Arcy James revisits a role he hasn't played in years, The Good Thief. This role garnered him rave reviews, critical acclaim and an OBIE among other awards. It’s a show not to be missed. It’s one of his most memorable performances to date and on behalf of the Keen Company's Tenth Anniversary; we will all be treated to some amazing theater. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at http://www.ticketcentral.com/showdetails2.asp?showid=2207.


Brian, by the way, is ending his tour of the role of the Green Ogre SHREK on Sunday, Nov 8th. He then starts up in TIME STANDS STILL with the amazing Laura Linney, Alicia Silverstone and Eric Bogosian.

Also, that night our other client Eden Espinosa brings her successful Los Angeles show FROM EDEN WITH LOVE to Feinsteins at Loews Regency for two shows that night. This concert is going to be the basis for a new album and it’s more sophisticated, fun and definitely a wonderful time for everyone. To purchase tickets, please visit www.feinsteinsatloewsregency.com.

Then let's not forget that on Monday, November 9th and 16th, Tamara Tunie's husband and our client Gregory Generet will sing his heart out from his new album (RE) GENERET-ION at Feinstein's as well. Tickets are going fast as the publicity spreads about this emerging artist who has received rave reviews from critics!!! Get your tickets now at www.feinsteinsatloewsregency.com.

Now, here's something you can also sink your teeth into! As you know, this is the time for Philanthropy. With so many people out of work and the world going through a recession, charities are finding it extremely difficult to get the funding they need to stay afloat. And small charities do not yet have financial support from Government grants need your support more than ever. One of those charities is Sunflower Children's Charity (www.sunflowerchildren.org). This Friday night, November 6th, Sunflower Children’s Charity is hosting Monte Carlo in New York, a combination boxing match, fashion show and celebrity poker fundraiser. For as little as $100 a ticket you can get in on the action and it’s completely tax deductable. It has something for everyone! Watch Wall Streeters wanting to make a difference, duke it out between each other to raise money for this charity. And the Koch brothers - you know the big promoters in NY and Hamptons? They have been training for 3 months, eating right, not drinking to fight each other in the ring at this event. Then we have Jamie Gold the former World Series of Poker champ hosting the poker section and with celebs like Russell Simmons, Helena Houdova, Ana Ortiz, Mark Indelicato, Reshma Shetty, Tamara Tunie, Paulina Porizkova mixing it with the high rollers, we're in for an amazing time! And let's not forget that we're honoring Music legend Quincy Jones! Buy your tickets today. Visit www.sunflowerchildren.org !!!!Or make a donation!

So yes, this sounds like a newsletter....but here's a little fun tidbit for you...on Halloween I went to a brunch in the meatpacking district with Tim Kelly, Lane Carlson and some other fun cats to meet the infamous "Koch" brothers are Revel. Let me tell you, they do not disappoint and boy do they know how to throw a brunch. Vino was flying all afternoon, with great brunch and great crowd and dance on your chair music. And yes, let me tell you there was a lot of dancing on chairs. I totally forgot what it was like to be in my 20's until I got this reminder like a hard slap in the face. But instead of shying away, I got my groove on like the rest of them. But alas, my age took over and by 5 pm I was home, in bed and conked out! Oh well, I tried, but I do think someone has a photo of a rose in my hair....and I distinctly remember who has it. I must get it back. And dear, wonderful Tim was also having a great Halloween at Eva Marcille Pigford's 25th Birthday and Masquerade Party Just check out his photos on Facebook to see exactly how much! Publicists definitely know how to slam it down; we just don't do it in front of you Ha!!!

We're excited to say that Jon Stone, our former intern who I introduced to Richard Laermer at RLM, hired Jon about a month ago, and everything seems to be going well. Jon loves it so much, he sent me a plant (please G-d let me not kill it) and my team some very fun and caloric candy and popcorn! We're happy he found what he was looking for...another wonderful intern finds placement through excelling with us...Go Jon!!!

Carolanne Coviello, another success story was my former personal assistant. She is also excelling in her new job! We talk all the time and she is rocking it out as a coordinator working on nine beauty accounts and from what I understand, kicking some butt over there! And I'm so happy for her. Congrats Carolanne. Keep up the good work!

But in sad news, we say goodbye to our wonderful coordinator Ashley Cox this week. She has been there for me through thick and thin and will always be a good friend. However, after an amazing year, we, as a group, mutually decided that it was time to move on. She is going to pursue her passion of working in product placement beauty and lifestyle PR. We're sad to see her go, but know that when you get out of college, your first job is rarely your last. I mean, how many jobs have you had until you found "the career." I mean your first job is a valuable learning opportunity to experience different things, know what comes easy, what is a challenge, what you like, what you don't like and what you want out of your life. A time to be on your own for the first time, grow up a little and start to be clear about that. You learn what you are capable of and should build on your strengths and learn how to build on your weaknesses. She had a lot of fun pushing beauty products. Though I must tell you, she does do a mean red carpet! I know the clients will miss her southern charm and happy ways, but it’s time for the bird to fly away from her nest. Did you know I had 4 or 5 assistant jobs in Hollywood working for everyone from Paramount, the old Writers and Artists, ICM and Rogers and Cowan before I ended up at PMK and started my career? And that wasn't forever either. It was hard for me to find out where I fit in. But when I did and I started doing it, one day I woke up and my career was right in front of me and I never looked back. We all have to follow our own path and we know that is going to happen for Ashley too! So for all you beauty cats out there at Siren, Trachtenberg, Blue Sky and more, snatch up our Ashley Cox and you’re sure to get a winner! Bonus? She's amazing at Photoshop and PowerPoint so she's got a lot of added value. If you want more info on how to find her, give us a call!!!!

We have the Precious Premiere, the Lucky Shops Event, Theresa Rebeck's opening of The Understudy, the Jose Cuervo event and Sunflower to look forward to this week so get ready for some great blogs and lots of laughs!!

Oh and last but not least, let's welcome Rachel Miranda to the company as a new assistant. She comes from Abercrombie and Fitch in the management program. PR is her dream and we're thrilled to have her. This week is her crash course in red-carpets so if you see a cute brunette running around with Tim Yates, that's her! Ready to learn and soak up like a sponge!

And the lovely Marti Gould Cummings from Broadway Speaks Out is temping for us on and off this month and it’s a love fest. He'd make an amazing PR person if all else fails. He's been a great help and we are so happy to have him, He's doing an amazing benefit too! BD Wong just signed up for it. It’s called “A Very Mary Holiday” and we're going to help him with the PR. To purchase your tickets visit www.broadwayspeaksout.com.

Happy Week! Let's get it on!

And remember there is a rock and roller in all of you!

Balloons, Music and Celebrities

For starters, I finally got my friend at ET on the phone and we're working on the story. The balloon boy did not win that battle. Secondly, I really don't like unscripted programming and do you remember when MTV actually played music videos. Its becoming increasingly more difficult for someone like me to be introduced to new music when there are places like Sirius/XM where you can choose the channel and the free radio plays the same songs all the time. I loved watching MTV but now its all American Idol. That's the trade off? Perhaps I'm just an oldie but goodie. But then I'm in Spin class at Reebok with the amazing Marc Selden and he puts on this song that rocks my mind. Mind you, It doesn't take a lot but I heard this song that was really awesome called "Nothing Ever Hurt Like You" by James Morrison. Yes he's been around for a while but maybe because he's on the other side of the pond or again it wasn't a "single" it wasn't till three weeks ago that I found my new obsession. Went to Itunes and downloaded all his CD's and like my mom when she burned a hole in her 45 for the Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand," I just can't keep listening to that song. I mean who hasn't wanted to walk through glass for the one you love. Its whether they will be waiting for you on the other side when you are all cut and bloody is the question...

I digress... Our super hot client Reshma Shetty rocked it out in this week's Star Mag in a purple Catherine Malandrino dress. Go Reshma...

Preston Bailey was mentioned in the NY Post on Friday and Mark Indelicato had a super cute boxing photo run in their photo section on Sunday from the Bahamas!

Let's not forget Tamara Tunie doing her "Sunday Routine" in the New York Times - its pretty revealing - def read that one and it shows you how sexy and cool 50 can be.

Very excited about Banana Shpeel but more on that later....

Have a great night and peace out!

Lions and Tigers and Fashion Week Oh My

So Fashion Week has not yet officially started but we all are working behind the scenes furiously trying to get ready for the descending on New York of everything and all things fashion. On our side, we are dealing with getting clients, into shows, where they are going to sit, if they can wear the clothes (and keep them) and /or get transportation to and from. Depending on where you are on the fashion ladder you may get all or none of the above and certain shows truly require a major VIP card to gain entry no matter who you are or how much you like and/or wear the respective designers clothing. One wonders if these designers even know who is being turned down or accepted? Do we know the right people, don't we? Who is getting a favor and who isn't'? On our side, we're pretty lucky. But I wonder how other people are faring this week? I guess time will only tell and we still have a week to figure things out...lets hope it all goes smoothly - more on that later as Fashion Week unfolds and either goes off without a hitch or holes abound...lets hope for the former....

Next Saturday, September 12th Ana Ortiz is hosting the Fitness magazine Mind Body and Spirit Games, in Central Park. We are really excited about it. She is bringing her new baby Paloma and that is even more exciting. Have you seen that adorable baby? For more information about these amazing games visit http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/ and to register for the games you you need to visit http://www.nyrr.org/ (New York Road Runners) and Registration includes a complimentary FITNESS T-shirt and entitles participation in one of the 4 mile races or kid's races. Its really a wonderful event and I urge you all to check it out.

Further, Reshma Shetty is hosting an event for City Harvest to kick off the Grand opening of La Pomme on September 17th. More details on that later.....She had a super sexy fashion shoot shot by the amazing photographer David Needleman with hair by Anna Bernabe and make up by Suzy Gerstein. What an amazing day it was! Will send photos as soon as we get them......


More info on clients! Demian Bichir, Ana Ortiz and Mark Indelicato are all 2009 Alma Award nominees. The ceremony is in Los Angeles and taped on September 17th. One winner will be selected from each category. Wish them luck! Demian is currently shooting a film called "The Runway" and just finished an amazing season on WEEDS. That season really ended with a bang right? Who expected that! I know when I saw it I was completely floored and talking about it non-stop. Can't wait to see what Jenji comes up with next season!

Oh and in New Client News we just signed George Wendt and will be promoting his amazing book coming out in October called DRINKING WITH GEORGE. Follow him at @georgewendt or visit him on his facebook page! We also signed one of the new stars of FELA Sacyon Sengbloh who was formerly in HAIR among other amazing projects. More on her later...as the show gets up and running!

Trying to get everything done because I am giving everyone off on Friday AND Monday for an extra vacation. They definitely appreciate it.

oh and did I tell you that the wonderful people at Tiffany sent me a gift as a token of my appreciation for bringing the lovely Ana Ortiz to Maria Sharipova's event last week? I'm telling you that those people have class! Not to mention it was a lovely, lovely event.

I'm a little tired because its 10:31 p.m. and still in the office. Time to go home. Promise to be funny tomorrow!

Everyone give a shout out to my amazing Senior Publicist, Timothy Yates for being amazing at what he does! He got our lovely client Tamara Tunie a hit in New York Times, and just secured that Stagedoor is going to be in a big national parade...more details to come....

ooh...and the press has just started to hit on our client Preston Bailey's book Celebrations. Check him out at http://www.prestonbailey.com/. What a great Twitter story I have. One of his friends was visiting from Chicago and I happened to be following her on twitter. I used twitter to hook them up and set up a meeting. Only time will tell what will come of it, but I truly believe in the power o of that thing!....

Okay so boring right? Dish will come soon. I promise. But for now, check out @ginarobertsgrey. She writes some really interesting things about pitching reporters and writing successful letters to get your clients in publications. I was pretty impressed by her twitter conference last night. #smbiz. Also @badpitch is really funny too....People never cease to amaze....

PS. Did anyone see Devin Ratray on Entertainment Tonight? Good Luck at the Montreal Film Festival this weekend man! Hope your movie Courting Condi does well. check out http://www.courtingcondi.com/ its pretty damn funny! He is also in the Surrogates but more on that later....
Have a good night!

A Lesson in Philanthropy

A lesson in philanthropy:

This morning, I woke up at the crack of dawn, actually before dawn to take our up and coming client Reshma Shetty to the 125th Birthday Celebration of the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club in Brooklyn. We had secured this opportunity for her to attend this celebration, so that she could get to know a local charity in New York, connect with the children, give back and of course promote her role on the hit show "Royal Pains" on USA. Needless to say, the kids loved her, and and as the show is so new, it was a terrific way to further introduce her to future fans. Bonus points - she even got interviewed by the amazing Anne Craig from "Good Day New York" and there is going to be a photo of her with the children appearing in an upcoming issue of STAR magazine. Those were the "extras" but certainly not the main reason to be involved. At Brownstein & Associates, we truly stress the importance of finding a charity you are passionate about and being active. Not for the publicity, but because you can. We even found out that the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club has a large enrollment of Indian children, and as Reshma is Indian, it was a perfect match for future projects. Reshma got to know them, and they got to know her. Now we have made the perfect match for future endeavors together.

Our experience working with charities goes back many years. For example, we facilitated a relationship between Tamara Tunie the Miracle on Madison event where she will be celebrating her third year working with the organization. The event, which is on Sunday December 6th, allows people to shop on Madison Avenue in certain stores where a percentage of proceeds go to the Children's Aid Society of New York. Tamara has cut ribbons, taught the kids, sang with them, and every year she hosts a charity brunch the morning of the event for VIP's and others. Last year it was frigid cold outside, and even started to snow and rain. But she would do anything for her kids. She has brought some wonderful well needed attention to the charity, and I am sure over time, Reshma Shetty will do the same for The Madison Square Boys and Girls Club as well.

On another note, we were all very moved at Daniel Radcliffe's major donation to the Trevor Project. That organization is so important. He felt moved to help them financially so they could continue the good work that they were doing. I got involved with the Trevor project completely by accident. A friend of mine and producer of HAIR, Andy Sandberg had asked if my client Gavin Creel would perform at the organization's benefit here in New York. Through a wonderful guy Joel Flatow, who works at the RIAA, we were able to get Gavin to be the opening number before Jewel performed. Gavin of course jumped at the opportunity to support them, bring to light important issues facing the community and even presented the "Hero of the Year Award" to Dustin Lance Black, who won the Oscar for "Milk." Gavin, who is openly gay, had an opportunity to talk about his own decision to be public about who he was, and also perform a song called "For Nancy" which is a song he wrote about and for his mother, specifically about how no matter who he is, he is still her son. It was truly a beautiful tribute and timely for all children who are confused, and feeling like they have no place to turn while they are discovering who they are. Trevor project helps these kids, and people like Daniele, Gavin, Dustin, and more, all help use their name to bring to light important causes they are passionate about so the world knows about the great work these organizations do.

Our firm every holiday season represents charities who are planning a benefit and we use our resources to help get celebrities to attend, secure terrific items to auction off, and volunteer our time the evening of the event to help make sure everything goes smoothly. Last year, we worked in tandem with my good friend Lane Carlson and the Sunflower Children to support their annual Poker Tournament to raise money for the organization. It brought us all closer together and helped give a purpose to what we do on a daily basis for our clients. A couple of years ago, we also worked with Souls for Soles and assisted them in launching their 'million pair march' campaign. Our firm used our resources to secure a celebrity name committee, secure Melissa Rivers to do press in New York to raise awareness, and get Scarlett Johannson to include the charity in an event she was doing in Los Angeles to launch her new line of sneakers in conjunction with Reebok. She publicly acknowledged the charity and donated 1000 pairs her new sneakers which went directly to needy children in the Sudan. The list goes on.

All our clients support organizations whether its for Juvenile Diabetes, HIV-AIDS, Eco Friendly living, Arts and Education after school programs for kids, ending domestic violence, and encouraging the education of women in India among others.

We truly encourage anyone, whether they be a celebrity or an every day person to volunteer, and use whatever small amount of free time they can give, to support a charity they feel attached to in some way. In the current economic climate, among other things, so many organizations have been hit really hard and they need our support more than ever. Whether it is contributing money or just time, no matter how big or small, everyone appreciates the effort.

So, get involved today!