In LOUKOUMI’S CELEBRITY COOKBOOK, Loukoumi and her friends Dean the dog, Marika the monkey and Fistiki the cat are playing happily when they become hungry. At Loukoumi’s home they discover Fistiki’s Aunt Cat Cora, a character based on celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Cat Cora, the first and only female Iron Chef, and President and Founder of Chefs for Humanity, which works to reduce hunger around the world. Aunt Cat offers to help them make her childhood favorite dish — Grandma’s Special Cream Cheese Cake. The story continues as Aunt Cat guides the friends in gathering and measuring ingredients and preparing them for the oven, all the while sharing child-friendly safety tips.

Beginning with Cat Cora’s recipe for Alma’s Italian Cream Cake, LOUKOUMI’S CELEBRITY COOKBOOK is divided into Weekend Breakfasts, Lunchtime Favorites, After-School Snacks, Family Meals, and Delicious Desserts. With tasty treats for the whole family, the book includes Rachael Ray’s French Toast Cups with Fresh Fruit, Oprah Winfrey’s Corn Fritters, Ellen DeGeneres’ Vegan Sliders, Beyoncé’s Easy Guacamole with Corn Chip Scoops, Betty White’s Chicken Wings, Miranda Cosgrove’s Spaghetti Tacos, Matt Lauer’s Beanie Weenie Stew, Mario Lopez’s Chicken Enchiladas, Marlo Thomas’ Corn Pudding, and Eli Manning’s Lace Cookies — plus recipes from Jennifer Aniston, Katie Couric, Constantine Maroulis, Nicole Kidman, Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Justin Timberlake, Amy Poehler, Neil Patrick Harris, Paula Dean, George Stephanopoulos, Faith Hill, Sherri Shepherd, Al Roker, and many others.

LOUKOUMI’S CELEBRITY COOKBOOK also invites children ages 4 to 12 to submit their favorite childhood recipe to Loukoumi’s Secret Ingredient Recipe Contest from November 1, 2011, through March 1, 2012, to win a chance to cook that recipe with celebrity chef Cat Cora. The children will be asked to complete the statement: “(Recipe Name) is my favorite childhood recipe because… (in 10 words or less).” For details, please visit www.Loukoumi.com, where entry forms will be available this fall.

About the Author:

Nick Katsoris is the author of the iParenting Media Award-winning books Loukoumi, Loukoumi’s Good Deeds, Growing up with Loukoumi, and Loukoumi’s Gift. A practicing attorney and General Counsel of the Red Apple Group, Katsoris sponsors the annual Growing Up with Loukoumi Dream Day contest granting kids the opportunity to spend the day in their dream careers. He also rallies thousands of kids each October to do a good deed on National Make a Difference Day by sponsoring Make a Difference with Loukoumi Day. He resides in Eastchester, New York, with his wife and two children.

Along with the Cooper tour, LIVAN is set to perform six solo dates, starting on November 25^th at the Prophet Bar in Dallas, with shows in New York, Pittsburgh, Akron, Columbus and Jacksonville to follow. Following his previous U.S. tour, the Cleveland Free Press said LIVAN, “grabbed the crowd by their combat boots and delivered…”

LIVAN is an engaging study in contradictions—he has a Masters degree in Psychology; loves a myriad of musical artists from the Clash to Bauhaus, and cites Lord Byron as his favorite wordsmith. Off the Grid, LIVAN’s third full-length release, is 11 tracks of dark, yet manically energetic post-punk rock. Captivating songs like “Little White Lies” and the wickedly propulsive “Undead,” make Off the Grid, produced by LIVAN, at once raw, primal and polished, hearkening back to the darker-edged British bands of the mid- 70s to mid-90s.

Off the Grid is LIVAN’s 4th release in three years, and the prolific writer and performer (who composes on bass, guitar and piano) has grown exponentially with each offering.  2008’s political and fraught Democricy led to 2009’s Happy Returns, which American radio embraced with the title track hitting #8 on the FMQB radio charts.  Now, from Off The Grid, the track “Undead” has also landed at # 8 on the FMQB radio chart, bringing LIVAN’s unique musical style to an even larger audience. This latest post-punk rock offering was produced by LIVAN and all songs were mixed by 2x Grammy Award winner Adrian Bushby (Foo Fighters, Muse), except for the track “Meet Me On The Other Side” mixed by Nat Chan.

LIVAN’s current touring band has an impressive line-up from the alt-rock music scene, including guitarist Will Crewdson (Rachel Stamp, Malcolm McLaren, Johnette Napolitano, Adam & the Ants), bass player David Ryder (Rachel Stamp, Adam & the Ants) and drummer Seven Antonopoulos (Opiate for the Masses, Atrocity, Leave’s Eyes). Crewdson and Ryder are also currently performing with Adam and the Ants.

LIVAN On Tour With Alice Cooper:

November 25                        The Prophet Bar                                              Dallas, TX *

November 27                        Albee Theater                                                Huntington, WV

November 29                        Turning Stone Casino                                    Verona, NY

November 30                        Palace Theater                                                Albany, NY

December 1                        Sullivan Hall                                                 New York, NY *

December 2                        House of Blues                                                Atlantic City, NJ

December 3                        Klein Memorial                                               Bridgeport, CT

December 6                        Hard Rock Café                                               Pittsburgh, PA *

December 7                        Musica                                                                 Akron, OH *

December 8                        The Basement                                                Columbus, OH *

December 9                        Star Plaza Theater                                         Merill-ville, IN

December 10                        Warner Theater                                                Erie, PA

December 11                        Taft Theater                                                  Cincinnati, OH

December 13                        Cobb Energy Center                                      Atlanta, GA

December 14                        Hard Rock                                                      Orlando, FL

December 15                        Jack Rabbits                                                Jacksonville, FL *

*Livan solo shows

 Links:

www.LIVAN.co.uk

www.livan.co.uk/epk

www.facebook.com/LivanMusic

The 6th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival is set to take place May 31 to June 3, 2012, in Los Angeles.  LAGFF showcases new films from Greek filmmakers worldwide. The foremost goal of the festival is to promote Greek Cinema and cultural exchange while bridging the gap between Greek filmmakers and Hollywood. Orpheus Awards are given to the most outstanding new films in the dramatic, documentary and short film categories.  For more information, visit www.lagff.org.

Alexia Vassiliou and Stevie Wonder

Artists for Peace (AFP) announced today the countdown to the largest peace event of the year set to take place on November 1, 2011 (11/1/11) at the Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal CityWalk. The “Never Again” Peace Concert this year will be honoring the legendary Stevie Wonder for his continuous efforts as the United Nations Messenger of Peace.

The “Never Again” Peace Concert is an annual event that brings together some of the hottest artists from around the world for an evening celebrating life and survival. Performances by American artists Chaka Khan, Eric Benet, Pras, Malina Moye will be accompanied by world music performances by Flora Martirosian, Arto Tuncboyaciyan, and Alexia Vassiliou to name a few. The artists will perform hits of their own as well as a special selected tribute song for this year’s honoree.

Touted as one of Greece’s national treasures, Alexia is regarded as a gem internationally, too.  Soulful and versatile singer, songwriter, performer, musician with a series of gold and platinum records to her credit, not the least of which was her debut that sold almost 200,000 copies, Alexia possesses a voice and style that is unforgettably singular.  Striking beauty and inordinate talent—these qualities are surpassed only by the warmth and strength of her spirit.

The “Never Again” Peace Concert serves to increase awareness and create better understanding of the injustices of discrimination. In the words of founder Flora Martirosian, “We must do everything we can so that, in this day and age and beyond, we make sure we educate our youth to be more understanding and harmonious” Martirosian goes further on to say “It is with great respect and pleasure that we are able to give the United Nations Messenger of Peace, the legendary Stevie Wonder the AFP Angel Award for his ongoing work to help others through change.”

Proceeds from the concert event goes to benefit several key charities. These organizations include Children with Leukemia in Armenia, The Chaka Khan Foundation, We Are You Foundation, Genocide Memorial Museum to name a few. You can join these artists and supporters from around the world of music and art. Tickets are now available through all Ticketmaster outlets and Gibson Amphitheatre box office. Tickets start at just $40.

The concert’s founding organization, Artists for Peace began in 2008 by founder Flora Martirosian whose mission is to unite artists from around the world for genocide awareness. Through the universal language of music and art, artists can help influence global change as well as educate and prevent further crimes against humanity. (www.Artists4Peace.org)

“The Promise of Tomorrow,” part 2 of a Greek-American trilogy, continues the story of the Greek immigrant experience in southern California, beginning with those brave soldiers who fought in World War II.  We follow the progeny of the Greek Pioneers as they establish themselves within the community yet struggle with duality – Greek at home and American outside.  Determined to get an education and make a good life for themselves and their families, the Greatest Generation lives up to this synonym.  In a very short period of time, they have become prominent leaders in the arts, business, technology, academia, science and government – virtually all levels of contemporary American society.

The question of identity permeates throughout their adult life:  “We are not just Greeks; we are not just Americans, but we are a new breed – Greek Americans!”

Collaborators in the project are writer and director Anna Giannotis; executive producers Zoye Fidler, Shelly Papadopoulos and John Gregory-Panopoulos, Producers, Antonia Lianos, Gus T. Dalis and Harry Ratner, editor Rich Uber, director of photography Philip Georgious, and composer Bob Luna, along with many hard-working volunteers and contributors.

For more information about the Greek Heritage Society of Southern California, visit: www.greekheritagesociety.org

Gaea Founder/CEO Aris Kefalogiannis with famous chef Cat Cora

This year, Greek-Americans didn’t receive any Emmy Awards but the night had a Greek flavor thanks to the Greek food product brand Gaea. Cat Cora’s Kitchen CCK by Gaea products were included in the gift bags for Entertainment Tonight’s 2011 Emmy party.

Entertainment Tonight is the premiere entertainment news show in the United States.  The exclusive soiree that attracted countless stars took place on Sunday, September 18th at Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles to celebrate television’s biggest night.

The Emmy Award winners were:

Outstanding comedy series: Modern Family
Outstanding drama series: Mad Men
Outstanding miniseries or movie: Downtown Abbey
Outstanding lead actress, miniseries or movie: Kate Winslet, Mildred Pierce
Outstanding supporting actor in a miniseries or movie: Guy Pearce, Mildred Pierce
Outstanding directing for a miniseries, movie or dramatic special: Brian Percival, Downton Abbey
Outstanding lead actor in a miniseries or movie: Barry Pepper, The Kennedys
Outstanding supporting actress, miniseries or movie: Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Outstanding writing for a miniseries or movie: Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey
Outstanding lead actor, drama: Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Outstanding lead actress, drama: Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Outstanding supporting actor, drama: Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Outstanding directing, drama: Martin Scorsese, Boardwalk Empire
Outstanding supporting actress, drama: Margo Martindale, Justified
Outstanding writing, drama series: Jason Katims, Friday Night Lights
Outstanding variety, music or comedy series: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Outstanding directing for a variety, music or comedy series: Don Roy King, Saturday Night Live (host: Justin Timberlake)
Outstanding writing for a variety, music or comedy series: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Outstanding reality competition: The Amazing Race
Outstanding lead actress, comedy: Melissa McCarthy (Mike & Molly)
Outstanding lead actor, comedy series: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Outstanding writing for a comedy: Steve Levitan, Jeffrey Richman (“Caught in the Act”), Modern Family
Outstanding director, comedy: Michael Alan Spiller (“Halloween”), Modern Family
Outstanding supporting actor, comedy: Ty Burrell (Modern Family)
Outstanding supporting actress, comedy: Julie Bowen (Modern Family)

At the end of the evening, Hollywood stars, opinion-makers, trend-setters and the industry elite, including Emmy winners, nominees, presenters and studio heads, went home with a gift bag including CCK by Gaea.

A special barrel of the world famous Tennessee whiskey was selected and donated to the Skylar Neil Foundation in honor of Mötley Crüe’s 2011 Elmer Valentine Award they’ll receive at the Festival for their contributions to the history of the Sunset Strip.

Approximately 290 commemorative bottles will be available at the SSMF Tribute Night on August 18th for a recommended donation of $100 to the Skylar Neil Foundation. Each bottle will include a medallion with the engraving, “Specially Selected for Mötley Crüe.”

According to Jack Daniel’s Master Taster Jeff Norman, the whiskey is particularly well balanced with a hint of soft oak, caramel and vanilla and a pleasing spicy oak finish – the perfect accompaniment for enjoying some serious rock ‘n’ roll.

“It’s hard to imagine rock ‘n’ roll without Mötley Crüe or Jack Daniel’s, and we’re honored to have bottled this special offering for our friends at the Foundation,” said Norman. “And we’re particularly pleased that donations will go to a worthy cause close to the band. As ‘The Crüe’ returns to their roots on the Strip, we couldn’t be happier to be part of this special occasion.”

In addition to the commemorative bottles, a Jack Daniel’s barrel signed by the band and a framed Jack Daniel’s Sunset Strip street pole banner will be available at the silent auction on the Tribute night.

Things couldn’t be going better for Greek actor Christos Vassilopoulos. He moved to Hollywood a few years ago, managed to star in a new feature movie, “Geocashers“, and today married the woman of his life, Antonia Ventouras-Vassilopoulos. The event was a true fairytale wedding that took place on the beautiful island of Kefalonia, Greece, on July 2nd.

The wedding was held at a luxurious hotel in Fiscardo, one of the most beautiful villages of the island, among dear friends and relatives. Fiscardo is also the bride’s place of origin.

Christos with his mother and his wife Antonia at the reception

The actual wedding took place at the chapel of the hotel overlooking the Ionian sea. After the ceremony everybody accompanied the newly-weds for a light drink reception by the sea.

The after party included a first class menu based on local delicacies and fresh fish. The newly-weds and all the guests danced all night under a star-filled Ionian Sky.

We would like to thank Balhambra Suites for their hospitality in Fiscardo.

Phedon Papamichael on the red carpet

The 5th annual Los Angeles Greek Film festival came to an end with a world premiere of “Burning Heads” (To Gala), directed by Giorgos Siougas on Sunday, June 12 at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, CA. The event was followed by the star studded Orpheus Awards Ceremony. The filmmakers whom most from oversees, had the chance to present their work to Greek and non-Greek film goers in the heart of the entertainment capital, Hollywood.

The event’s attendees included celebrities such as Billy Zane, Alexis Georgoulis, Molly Ringwald, Phedon Papamichael and others.

The audience choice for best feature film was awarded to Nick Gaitajis’ “Without Borders”.

“Knifer” by Yannis Economides won the best feature film Orpheus Award.

“RF” by Stavros Liokalos won in the short film category.

Best documentary Orpheus Award went to “The Game Must Go On”.

Music Composer Mikis Theodorakis was honored with a Lifetime Achievement.

The festival’s main sponsors were the John S. Latsis Public Foundation and Earth Friendly Products.

The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) opened with the documentary “Pelican’s Watch” on June 9th at the Laemmle’s Sunset 5 in West Hollywood. Among the attendees there were prominent Greek-Americans of the entertainment industry. Watch the video below and get a taste of the red carpet.