"The Geffen building was transformed by a variety of incongruous, fantastical and absurd images. More than 650 gala guests were seated, donning Hawaiian leis, at Italian trattoria style tables covered in red and white checked table cloths with Chianti bottle drip candles. Centerpieces included bong vases with hemp, Rob Pruitt napkins covered in seemingly drug-induced doodles and waiters wearing t-shirts with phrases from a poem by artist Marc Hundley, that when taken together said "Amazing things/Are happening/In this world." Burly men dressed as angels floated above the dinner guests, suspended from scissor lifts usually reserved for the installation of artwork and lights, while the music that filtered through the room included bird calls, whale songs, and the sounds of thunder and rain. The ambiance was occasionally punctuated by the flurry of dollar bills that exploded from a nearby money cannon. In keeping with the pomp of the evening, a special Ferrari valet area was available at both locations to accommodate guests arriving via Ferrari.
Video
projections streamed across the walls over the course of the evening,
alternating between images of the latest YouTube sensations, Internet
cat memes, how-to videos, deep sea creatures, wild life documentaries,
and a "Wolfgang-Puck-making-dinner" video. The outdoor lounge area,
awash in underwater projections, was located conveniently close to the
smoking area and a "4/20 buffet," which included stoner favorites like
hot dogs, mac and cheese, pizza, Chinese food, and a never-ending supply
of junk food. The marijuana leaf logo featured prominently on the menus
and on glittery pillows and throw blankets that adorned the beds and
lounge chairs for guests to recline on during the night.
Festivities
continued with Renaissance Fair characters in costume, a goat petting
zoo, and a giant panda directing the way to the restrooms. Guests had
their pick between the taffy making area, the goat milk creamery, and an
old-fashioned cotton candy machine spinning candy onto glowsticks.
Smokey the Bear welcomed smokers to the smoking section and guests lined
up to make their own digital flip books, many of whom donned the
outlandish costumes and props that were on hand for them to have their
fun. Guests sipped on fresh juice bar cocktails and wheatgrass shots
while watching a bevy of hula dancers perform.
A
Parisian Style Bistro dinner courtesy of Wolfgang Puck Catering,
included a first course of a frisee salad with julienne of bacon,
poached egg, brioche croutons and sherry mustard vinaigrette, along with
an assortment of Wolfgang Puck breads, rolls and lavosh with sweet
butter. The first course had barely finished when the entire USC Trojans
Marching Band took over the hall. Led by their baton twirler, and
book-ended by tireless cheerleaders, the entire band in sunglasses
marched between the many tables. By the time they filtered out of the
hall, all of the guests were clapping and cheering. Accompanying the
main course of a duo of roasted chicken with jus, grilled New York
steak, roasted asparagus, frites and lyonnaise potatoes complimented by
Wolfgang Puck Private Label wine, were musical performances by Mark Mothersbaugh,
one of the most unique, subversive, and prolific composers and artists
of the era who played the organ and synthesizer, and stand up and comedy
appearances by Nick Kroll, Kumail Nanjiani and soap star and patch-clad Steven Nichols. The highlight of the evening came as legendary American sweethearts and pop superstars The Go-Go's took the stage with a barefoot Belinda Carlisle,
and brought all guests to their feet. Artists, trustees, politicians,
and celebrities rubbed shoulders as the dancing began to hit song "We
Got the Beat."
A
vast spread of desserts, including an Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Spring
Inspired French Macaroons, Mini Coffee Eclairs, Raspberry Creme Brulee
Tarts, and Apple Tarte Tatin were devoured outside under the Geffen
canopy strung with disco balls. The after-party with performances by Jennifer Herrema and Black Bananas, and comedian Rory Scovel
did in fact bring the guests to their feet once again dancing and
chatting until late into the evening. Guests seemed loath to go home,
avoiding the valet and shuttle services until the very last moment.
