OFFBEAT: From Grammys to local comedy, region ranks high on entertainment

The Hollywood awards season is in full swing, as we prepare for Sunday's Oscars telecast.

Reader Gilda Curry of Munster even shared her photos and experiences with me from her trip to the West Coast earlier this month to attend the Grammy Awards with her sister Dr. Debbey Thomas of Flossmoor.

"I was in Los Angeles for the Grammys getting ready to attend the annual party given by Clive Davis when we got the news of Whitney Houston's passing," Curry said.

"It was chilling. That morning, we had just attended a brunch honoring Sheila E at The Beverly Hills Hotel. I still have the program from the Grammy telecast, my ticket and even my Grammy ID card."

Sheila E, who started as the drummer for singer Prince, is known to many for her signature song "The Glamorous Life." She was also the band leader for basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson's short-lived TV talk show "Magic Hour," which aired from June to September 1998 before cancellation.

This isn't the first time Gilda has attended the Grammys. Her son Sean is director of a large "royalties and rights" organization in the U.S. that collects statutory royalties and distributes them to the artists. He's worked with Stevie Wonder, BB King, Steve Martin and even visited the White House.

Up next, Gilda will be in Chicago on April 14 for an event hosted by her son for the actor Common, who is a family friend.

Something funny

If you're looking for a dose of humor that won't leave you crying about the ticket price, Gaucho's, the Brazilian steakhouse restaurant on U.S. 30 sandwiched between Valparaiso and Merrillville, is offering a full menu of live comedy tonight.

Local funny faces, Ross Blankenship of Schererville and David James Spaliaras of Crown Point, start off the night at 8:30 p.m. opening for national headliner Meechie Hall, who has performed with Jamie Foxx. Admission is just $7 and the doors open at 8 p.m. The show is hosted by DALYNI Productions. FYI: DALYNI.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or (219) 852-4327.