STEVE WALTER'S THE CUTTING ROOM READY

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Julian Lennon

MORRISON HOTEL 10 --- When is an opening not an opening? As the guests filed into the new Cutting Room last night, now 44 East 32nd street, people were somewhat confused as whether the event was for the 10th anniversary of the Morrison Hotel gallery or the unofficial opening of the new Cutting Room? Turns out … it was a bit of both: The 10th anniversary of the glittery gallery was hands-down a terrific event. The concept for the gallery first began in April of 2000 as sort of a clearing house for the many photos of Henry Diltz; who's residence in the San Fernando Valley was just getting too cluttered; yet, as owner Peter Blachley says, He knew where everything was; he moved through it like he was on to the biggest secret of all time. About to reveal a hidden photographic-gem in the form of a print, transparency or black and white native.” Soon setting up a location on Prince Street in NYC, business developed quickly. Soon, outposts in Long Island and West Hollywood followed. Two years later, the gallery began repping over 70-like like minded photographers, including Mick Rock and the late-Jim Marshall. If you've ever had the pleasure of strolling by one of their locations, or even gone in; if you're a music fan, the visual impact of their photos would instantly take your breathe away. After a intro by the lovely Maria Milito of Q104.3, Morrison's Blachley and Richard Horowitz, offered a fitting tribute to several key photographers who had passed and an update of their current projects. Now, the new Cutting Room is just a dazzling knock-out, from the moment you walk in, to the now two-level club with a sumptuous stage area, private viewing room upstairs and just, a stunningly beautiful stage. One look will tell you the passion that went into designing the new room; from the unique chandelier to the cannily designed bar area. Steve Walter is to be given a gigantic nod (yet again) for what he has accomplished here. He has yet again brought quality back to the music halls in NYC, that for far too-long really didn't exist in New York. When you think about it, he's had the likes of Sting, Neil Young, Jimmy Webb perform and, none would have played a cheesy-room … no question about it. The club isn't open yet, but the other night was certainly a classy one-off event. Me, I can't wait till its officially open. Seen at the event, were Julian Lennon (who performed); May Pang; Modern Drummer-editor Billy Amendola; Bob Gruen; Mick Rock; PR-man David Salidor with his client Dayme; Phoebe Gellman from ATO Records; Atlantic Records' Bob Kaus; Bobby Bank; Jimmy Celeste; Jonathan Edwards; John Sebastian from The Lovin' Spoonful; Mario Batali; Henry Diltz; Dominic Chianese, Jr.; and, the lovely Susan Hathaway. The official opening for the club could come at any moment; get ready NYC … welcome back!


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STUDIO 54 REDEUX --- Several weeks back we revealed that Sirius/XM radio was about to launch a Studio 54 music channel; with various shows to be hosted by legendary 54 doorman Marc Benecke and Myra Scheer, the executive assistant to 54 owner Steve Rubell (I can only imagine most of her duties were of the messenger kind!); and, that the overall station was going to be executive produced by one-time DJ-wundekind John ‘Jellyebean’ Benitez. Now, as a seasoned veteran of those halcyon times (and, yes, that phrase does apply here – if you can remember them, you weren't really there!) this news has conjured up all sorts of memories – good and bad. First the good: Magical times ... magical music indeed; believe me, I've think of 54 every time I walk by it, which is often as I still live right nearby where the club was and those times will never be repeated; I am honored to have been there ... and, survived. Bad memories: How about legendary doorman Marc Benecke for one. He was an absolute horror back then: rude, crude and often, downright silly. Sure, he was probably carrying out Rubell’s wishes, but I can tell you that on more than one occasion (alright, two or three) he was a downright ass. I'm sure he’s regretted many of those decisions in his later leaner years. Do I want to listen to him on the radio? Hell no! Jellybean was a force of nature in those days. But, truth be told, he made his reputation at The Funhouse on 26th street ... not, 54. Actually, that honor goes to the late-Richie Kaczor ... and, I didn't see him mentioned anywhere! Next week Sirius/XM will have a proper launch party at 54 .... Where they'll attempt to restore the club to its former glory ... for one night only! Jellybean will spin ; as well as Nicky Siano ... and, many of the familiar faces will return. Wonder if they'll have the silver spoon? We often have mentioned NY-pr-man-about-town David Salidor ... who turns out to have been Jellybean’s first publicist and actually got the tongues wagging about him in the first place. I had lunch with David last week and he mentioned that when he spoke to Sirius/XM’s Scott Greenstein, he couldn't even wrangle an invite from Scott. Face it, this is indeed a great idea, but to have some of the original people there, from back then, might not be a bad idea at all ... right? If nothing else, it would give the event more credibility. I think I'd like to see Shep Pettibone and Glenn Friscia there too. Maybe Vince Aletti and Bobby Shaw as well. And, how about Ian Schrager? He was Steve’s right-hand-man (went to jail with him and all) and, more often than not made lemonade out of lemons. Also, maybe Calvin Klein, Bianca Jagger; David Geffen; Barry Diller and Sandy Gallin. Don’t get me wrong, I wish Sirius/XM all the luck in the world with this ... but, some elements here don't seem kosher.


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CBS SHOOTS ITSELF ON SUNDAYS -- In the golden days of TV, nabbing a spot after their 60 MINUTES was like grabbing the golden goose. Often the lead in from that show, would give even a dark horse a somewhat respectable rating. So far this season, their afternoon football game has drifted well beyond the supposed 7:00PM ending, therefore making every show (The Amazing Race; The Good Wife and CSI Miami) begin almost an hour late; effectively throwing their entire Sunday night programming into chaos. I really don't care about Race but, The Good Wife (with the luminescent Julianna Margulies) I do desperately want to see. So far, their three shows this season have been excellent ... even if they come on around 9:45PM EST. Monday night, with the World Series on Fox ran late, so their Terra Nova didn't air until almost an hour later. I guess the lesson earned is: be happy to even have your show on at all.


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Poppy Montgomery

MORE TV --- Poppy Montgomery's Unforgettable gets better and better. She, late of Without A Trace and from Australia, is utterly fantastic as the police detective who can't forget anything; shades of Marilu Henner! Dylan Walsh (Nip/Tuck) is sensational too ... he's pretty believable and they share a winning chemistry. J.J. Abrams' Person Of Interest continues to fascinate as well. In this show, everyone is being watched, taped, and, seemingly followed. If you buy the premise, Michael Emerson is simply mesmerizing, and Jim Caviezel you can't take your eyes off in his black suit, shades and black sun glasses. Their episodes have gotten better and better ... while the jury is still out. I hope this one stays around.


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BRADSHAW - REAL MENTALIST -- Professional psychic Anne Bradshaw is a real wonder. She's a real life Mentalist; using her extrasensory abilities to help individuals with life issues ranging from love, health, finance, career goals and business strategies. She's communicated with performing artists, as well as various law enforcement agencies in solving crimes. She's also conducted gallery readings for families and groups in the tri-state area, where she is based. Part-John Edwards, part-Kreskin (remember him?) she's unquestionably the real deal. She told us that she used to have readings for a select group of Wall Street brokers; seems to me she should still be doing it! She used to do a segment on the Martha Stewart Sirius/XM Radio show; and, now seems ready to break out on her own. She's also been profiled in the New Yorker and Time Out New York. You're going to be hearing much about her in the coming months.


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Cindy Adams

ADAMS IN ZURICH -- Madame Adams (Cindy, that is) just back from Zurich, Switzerland. Her column the other day in the New York Post was hilarious! Would love to have been there. There's no one like Cindy ... only in New York kids!


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Don Johnson

JOHNSON'S BACK -- Django Unchained director Quentin Tarantino has nabbed Don Johnson for the role of the wealthy plantation owner in his new epic; he'll join a cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell. The pic begins lensing later this year. Tarantino is always good for a surprise or two in the casting department; witness what's he's done with John Travolta and David Carradine. Adding Johnson here seems like an inspired move!The liberated slave Django (Foxx) and his bounty hunter partner (Waltz) meet the evil plantation owner in pursuit of a bounty, and he turns the table on them. Tarantino has been talking to Johnson for some time about the role; he most recently played a character called Miles Deep in the recent comedy Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star, but with this, he'll return to the fold in a big way!


Photos By: RD/Kabik/Leon/Orchon/Walter McBride/Sara De Boer/Retna