At a time when companies in the business sector are cutting back, and even film festivals around the country are being mindful of budgets, AFI threw caution to the wind and tossed a tony bash for the press last night at the film headquarters in downtown Dallas.
The "Ginger Girls" from Joule's PM Lounge caused a few hearts to beat faster when they appeared live onstage amid a package house of high-profile media types.
And, the musical stylings of cover band "Inside Out" - local - put the festive party-goers in a celebratory mood!
Liquor flowed from an open bar with party favors provided by sponsors Zodiac Vodka and Barefoot Wines.
I sipped on the lone house beer - had to keep my wits me, 'ya know - as I strolled through the effervescent press corps raring to be let loose on all the festival offerings over the coming week.
There was a lot of glad-handing, industry hub-bub to put a keen ear to, and - of course - a handful of wheeler-dealers plying their wares here and there about the tastefully decorated lounge.
The finger snacks - sushi and marinated k-bobs from Master Chef Kenichi - were simply scrumptious!
Made a p-i-g of myself and wolfed down quite a few choice morsels.
AFI featured a handful of photographs (Jimi Hendrix & Jeff Beck) by rock-star photographer - Robert M. Knight - who will be honored at a special event on Saturday in conjunction with the screening of Rock Prophecies.
Tyle Dow Bryant, an actor featured in the film, will entertain with an acoustic set.
Don't miss it!
John Wildman, Director of Publicity - who is an articulate outgoing man with great people skills - was on hand to only keeping a watchful eye over the event but catering to every whim.
Yeah, AFI Dallas knows how to treat the press.
Kudos!
In fact, journalists also received a little goodie bag, which was brimming with surprises.
"Origins" offered up four samples of their high-end skincare product which I intend to sample so I don't look like one of those half-dead rockers caught in the captivating stills by Mr. Knight.
And, a new-fangled boomerang from Price Waterhouse Coopers may have been a symbolic gift.
Are they hinting that the economy may be bouncing back soon?
Lonestar coughed up a nifty florescent lamp (TXU Energy) that was pretty kewl-looking, too.
A jar of English Toffee brought back dusty memories of my youth in rural country outside of Oshawa (Ontario).
My Gramma used to make a similar treat from scratch on the stove. The store-bought one in the gift bag was not as tasty as hers (yes, I'm prejudiced, a wee bit) but pretty darn satisfying, nonetheless.
Vitamin Water - all the trend now - was one item I greatly appreciated.
In fact, I am hooked on the nutritious body-hydrators, which are steadily rolling off the assembly-line at soft-drink-makers.
The Kenneth Cole 30 % off discount card will probably go towards a pair of the designer's fabulous comfy shoes.
By the way, tonight is the Gala kick-off for the AFI Dallas and the much-anticipated screening of "Brother's Bloom".
One of the stars of the film - Adrien Brody (what's with the moustache and beard, Adrien?) - and Director Rian Johnson will saunter down the red carpet at AMC at Northpark Mall.
When I mention Brody's name, folks generally have the same insightful response.
"Oh, the piano guy and that Nazi."
The night should be a glittering one.
Tell 'ya all about it tomorrow!
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