The Hollywood Experience

Today, I had the pleasure of being in Hollywood for a meeting. I don't venture out to Hollywood much as it tends to be full of tourists which equals LOTS of traffic. Yet, the sun was out, the breeze was warm and I got the itch to stop by the Kodak Theater to visit where I used to work. 

One of my first jobs in Hollywood was working at a school called, Hollywood Pop Academy.  We were a training facility for aspiring pop singers where we coached students in vocal performance, vocal technique and music business. This is the school where I got the opportunity to fly to Ukraine and be a judge on Eastern Europe's reality show, American Chance.  Our studios were located on the 2nd level inside the main entrance below.

Recently, there have been rumblings of Hollywood Pop Academy closing so I got curious about whether or not it was still open.  Much to my surprise, our studios were still there.  Looking inside one of the studios brought back so many memories.

For example, every Tuesday morning, our company would hold our team meeting at our sister school, Campus Hollywood, Theater of Arts. It was located across the street in the El Capitan building, where the Jimmy Kimmel Live offices are.

I was always amazed at how many tourists there were no matter what time of year it was.  Today was no exception. I enjoyed seeing the excitement on people's faces as they explored the celebrity impressions near the Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the famous Wax Museum and taking one of the exciting "Sightseeing Tours."

Some may argue that Hollywood Blvd. is dirty and nothing but a tourist trap. After all, it is one block crammed with creepy street performers, knock-off stores and colorful street vendors. However, what I've always felt Hollywood Blvd. does well at is creating an experience for it's visitors.  It's a happy place where you are allowed to dream and be part of the pulse that makes Hollywood what it is: "the land of dreams."   

It's a place where you can feel close to the stars you love.

It's a place where you can let your imagination run free.

It's a place where my creativity overflows when I put pen to paper.

It's a place where I become inspired.