“TRIBUTE TO THE STARS” IN EL CAJON OCT. 10: EVENT TO BENEFIT MOTHER GOOSE PARADE FEATURES AMERICA’S TOP CELEBRITY TRIBUTE ARTISTS

By Miriam Raftery

October 5, 2009 (El Cajon) – Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie and Jennifer Anniston celebrity impersonators join a “Tribute to the Stars” fundraising event Oct. 10 at the El Cajon Performing Arts Center to benefit the Mother Goose Parade. Other special appearances include tribute artists for Gwen Stefani, the music of No Doubt, “Twilight” movie stars, and Johnny Depp tribute artist “Cap’n Jack” Sam Sparrow.

The public is invited to join in the fun for $15 a person, $40 for a family four-pack--or splurge on a $45 rock star limo package that includes a celebrity red carpet welcome--complete with paparazzi to commemorate your arrival.

“The common enemy we are all facing today is the economy,” said Sparrow, who was asked by El Cajon Mayor Mark Lewis to lead efforts to save the parade. “It’s forced us to band together like a pirate crew during rough seas.” Fortunately, Sparrow’s efforts raised enough money to halt cancellation of the parade, held annually over Thanksgiving weekend. But more funds are needed.

“I reached out to my friends in the industry,” Sparrow told East County Magazine in an exclusive interview. “They agreed to help as a favor to me, which is amazing. They’re charging only a fraction of their normal fees, and these are the A list—the top celebrity tribute artists in the industry. Their hearts were touched when I told them a 63-year tradition was in danger of being cancelled, and that this is a parade for the children.”

The evening will begin with a limousine dropping off those VIP visitors who sign up for the rock star package--and who are encouraged to "dress for the Academy Awards" to "feel what it’s like on the red carpet,” Sparrow explained. “There will be fake paparazzi taking pictures and shouting people’s names as they arrive. Then around 6 p.m., celebrity tribute artists will begin to arrive—starting with Brad Pitt, Jennifer Anniston, and Angeline Jolie,” he said, hinting that sparks will fly among the trio whose romantic escapades have headlined Hollywood gossip articles.

“No Duh”, an acclaimed tribute band, will perform at 8 p.m. “One of Gwen Stefani’s quotes is `No Duh rocks,’” said Sparrow. Another attraction will be a parody show called “Hillywood” by tribute artists to actors in the popular vampire movie “Twilight.” The artists, from Las Vegas, struck gold with a hit parody on You Tube and now introduce the movie’s real actors at cinematic conventions. Tribute artists for Pitt and Anniston have appeared in the Rose Parade, he added.

The event also features food and wine tasting by East San Diego County’s top restaurants, wineries and breweries,, including Downtown Café, Tabu Sushi, Savanna Grill, Taste of Italy, Press Box, Gio Bistro Wine Bar, Por Favor, New York Bakery, and Rock Bottom Brewery. Gino Limousine will provide limo service for the gala event.

“Our goal for this fundraiser is $20,000,” said Sparrow, whose swashbuckling antics were a hit at a recent benefit for East County Magazine. Guests at “Tribute to the Stars” will have an opportunity to mix, mingle and have photos taken with the celebrity look-alikes, he confirmed.

For reservations, call (619)623-6512. Tickets will also be available at the door.The East County Performing Arts Center is located at 210 East Main Street in El Cajon.