Thu, 22 Dec 2005

Jakarta night life recast in silver screen

JP/24/GUESS

Jakarta nightlife to be on silver screen

JAKARTA: Jakarta night prowlers take note! A local film company is currently in the production stage of a film based on the hottest-selling book Jakarta Undercover: Sex `n the City, a non- fiction work that details Jakartans' debauched nightlife.

Rexinema, a local film studio that has released box-office films such as Jelangkung, Alexandria and Cinta Silver (Silver Love), said that its crew was currently shooting for the film.

Executive producer of Rexinema Erwin Arnada was quoted by Detik.com newsportal that the film would be released for the cinema in early 2006.

Catwalk model Luna Maya (in photo) and best actress nominee at the 2005 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI) Cornelia Agatha are two leading players in the film.

Jakarta Undercover, written by crime journalist Moammar Emka, details the nooks and cranny of Jakarta nightlife, taking its readers to travel the city's red light districts from its brothels, striptease and karaoke bars and massage parlors to gambling dens.

The book sold impressively with early copies being snapped up like hotcakes. Its publisher has shipped more than 100,000 copies of the books since 2003.

Responding to demands from readers, Emka wrote a second edition of the book titled Jakarta Undercover 2: Karnaval Malam (Jakarta Undercover 2: Night Carnival) -- JP

;AP; ANPA ..r.. US-People-David Gilmour Pink Floyd guitarist, singer David Gilmour plans North American JP/24/GUESS

Pink Floyd guitarist, singer David Gilmour plans North American tour[ AP Photo NY107[

David Gilmour plans tour of N. America

NEW YORK: David Gilmour, best known as singer and guitarist of Pink Floyd, has scheduled 10 U.S. and Canadian dates in April in support of his upcoming solo studio album, On an Island.

Gilmour said the tour wa set to begin on April 4 at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

"I've had a fantastic time making On an Island and really want to perform tracks from it, along with my more familiar repertoire," he said.

On an Island will be released in March. The title track teams Gilmour with David Crosby and Graham Nash.

"I'm rather hoping that with this tour announcement people will believe me when I say, 'Honestly, this is the only band I plan to tour with!'" the 59-year-old entertainer said.

Pink Floyd reunited this summer for a Live 8 benefit concert in London. It was the first time Gilmour, drummer Nick Mason, keyboard player Richard Wright and bassist Roger Waters had appeared onstage together since a concert at London's Earl's Court in 1981.

Gilmour's tour also will include performances in Toronto (April 9 and 10), Chicago (April 12 and 13), Oakland, California (April 16 and 17) and Los Angeles (April 19 and 20).

GetAP 1.00 -- DEC 21, 2005 17:37:29

;AP; ANPA ..r.. US-People-Mary J. Blige Mary J. Blige among performers at annual Essence Music Festival JP/24/GUESS

Mary J. Blige among performers at annual Essence Music Festival AP Photo NY108[

Blige performs at 'Essence' musicfest

NEW YORK: Mary J. Blige will perform at the 2006 Essence Music Festival, which is temporarily moving to Houston as New Orleans continues to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.

The annual event, sponsored by Essence magazine, has been held in the Superdome in New Orleans since 1995.

The 2006 festival will be held on July 1 through July 3 at Houston's Reliant Park. Several concerts, a marketplace and empowerment seminars will be featured. A portion of the event will be aimed at helping victims of Katrina.

Other performers will be announced in coming weeks, organizers said in a statement on Monday.

Nearly 500 artists have performed at the Essence Music Festival, which has brought millions of dollars into Louisiana's economy since its inception.

GetAP 1.00 -- DEC 21, 2005 17:37:49