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CO- OWNER-TAMMI GOWER (CENTER WITH HAT) SURROUNDED BY BBVD LEAD SINGER SCOTTIE MORRIS ON HER RIGHT AND TONY GOWER DERBY CO-OWNER SECOND FROM RIGHT AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY BAND.

“DUDE, WHERE’S MY DERBY?”

The cast and crew of Fox’s popular comedy, That ‘70s Show, celebrated the end of another hit season in the style of Hollywood hotspot, The Derby.  Derby owners Tammi Gower and Tony Gower were happy to welcome the eclectic mix of guests that the nightclub is usually known for.  One of the stars of That ‘70s Show, Ashton Kutcher who plays the lovable Michael Kelso, took a break from the evenining’s festivities meet with Tammi and Tony.

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Photo Left to Right: Tony Gower, Ashton Kutcher, Tammi Gower           

THE WHO AND THE HOW AT THE DERBY AS ROGER DALTRY JAMS ON STAGE DURING INTERMEDIA FILMS HOLIDAY BASH

 Intermedia Films recently held their holiday party at The Derby with friends such as Patrick Swayze joining the festivities.  Guests were treated to a one-time only performance by The How, a rock band made up of Intermedia executives led by Co-Chairman Nigel Sinclair on guitar.  And an even bigger surprise came when The Who’s legendary Lead Singer Roger Daltry joined The How on stage and ripped through a dozen stunning versions of The Who’s hit-parade, including “Pinball Wizard,” “Teenage Wasteland,” “Who Are You,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Baba O’Riley,” and more.  After the amazing performance, some of the VIP guests chatted with Derby Co-owners Tammi Gower and Tony Gower.

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Photo #1 Left to Right: Tony Gower, Patrick Swayze, Tammi Gower,

Photo #2 Left to Right: Tony Gower, Roger Daltry, Nigel Sinclair, Tammi Gower

Left to Right:  Roger Daltry jamming with The How on stage.

Left to Right:  Roger Daltry jamming with The How on stage.

STARS COME OUT TO THE DERBY IN SUPPORT OF THE CORNERSTONE THEATER COMPANY 

The Cornerstone Theater Company recently held their 2^nd Annual Bridge Awards and benefit musical celebration, Swingin’ Sixteen, at the popular Hollywood nightspot The Derby.  The event celebrated 16 years of the company’s widely acclaimed body of musical work, and recognized Bridge Award winners for their community-oriented work.  Celebrities and dedicated Cornerstone supporters were on hand and included Amy Brenneman (4-time, Emmy-nominated star of Judging Amy), Bill Pullman (Independence Day, While You Were Sleeping) and Elisabeth Shue (Academy-Award nominated actress of Leaving Las Vegas), all three of which got a chance to meet and say hi to Derby co-owners Tammi Gower and Tony Gower.  Many of the stars stayed until the end and danced the night away with the Swingin’ Deacons.

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Photo #1 Left to Right: Bill Pullman, Tony Gower, Tammi Gower

Photo #2 Left to Right: Tony Gower, Amy Brenneman, Tammi Gower    

Photo #3 Left to Right: Tony Gower, Elisabeth Shue, Tammi Gower

‘THE DERBY DAY' IN THE CITY OF L.A.’ ON APRIL 11TH PROCLAIMED BY MAYOR
COUNCILMAN 4TH DISTRICT TOM LaBONGE MAKES PRESENTATIONS
THE DERBY CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY IN FINE STYLE

Mayor James K. Hahn and Councilman 4th District Tom LaBonge recognized the 10th Anniversary of The Derby nightclub in Los Feliz, by proclaiming "The Derby Day in the City of Los Angeles." Additionally Councilman LaBonge awarded the "Mayor’s Certificate of Appreciation" to Derby owners Tammi Gower and Tony Gower for their work in bring the historic, but previously blighted location back to prominence as The Derby and thereby sparking the economic resurgence and glamour of the Los Feliz-area of Hollywood. The usual lifespan of a Hollywood nightspot is 2 years, and the Derby celebrated its 10th Anniversary on April 11th with a party, concert with Sam Butera and presentation of the proclamations by the Mayor’s office.

Pictured from left to right: Tony Gower, Tammi Gower, Councilman 4th District Tom LaBonge

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Photo Caption:
Left to Right- CDBaby.com founder Derek Sivers, explains the phenomenal success of the online retailer while moderator and DIY chairman, Bruce Haring fields questions. The fourth meeting of Club DIY at The Derby on July 3 allowed music "Do-It-Yourself-ers" to find out how they can market their own CD's with help from an on-line retailer such as CDBaby.com. CLUB DIY is a showcase of the DIY Music Festival and DIY Film Festival. The night features a panel discussion, live music and a film screening. It's held on the first Thursday of each month at The Derby in Los Angeles and in other cities.

TAMMI GOWER
OWNER & FOUNDER OF THE WORLD FAMOUS
THE DERBY
NIGHTCLUB IN LOS ANGELES PASSES AWAY ON AUGUST 9, 2003

OBITUARY

Tammi Gower, owner and founder of The Derby, the trend-setting and world-famous nightspot in the Los Feliz area of Hollywood, CA, passed away the morning of Saturday, August 9, 2003, from complications of cancer.

Born Tamar Ellen Chait on November, 12, 1951 in Los Angeles, Tammi died peacefully in the arms of Tony Gower, her husband, long-time business partner and best friend. Also with Tammi were members of her family. In addition to her husband Tony, she is survived by her brothers Jon Chait of Chicago, Bill Chait of Los Angeles and was the much-loved aunt of Jamie, Eli, Brittany, Meredith and Zoe.

Tammi Gower launched The Derby in April of 1993 along with co-owner Tony Gower, turned it into one of the most acclaimed supper clubs in the history of Los Angeles. On April 11, 2003, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of The Derby and to recognize the major impact on the revitalization of the entire Los Feliz area, Mayor James K. Hahn proclaimed The Derby Day in the City of Los Angeles and also bestowed upon Tammi Gower a personal commendation for her outstanding accomplishments for the community. The proclamations were presented in a special ceremony by Tom LaBonge, Councilman of the 4th Council District of Los Angeles that includes Los Feliz. Tammi was very proud to make her home in Los Feliz and helped preserve and renovate her house previously owned by Our Gang/Little Rascals filmmaker Hal Roach.

Mrs. Gower’s crowning achievement and legacy is The Derby, located at 4500 Los Feliz Blvd. (at Hillhurst). The building was originally built by Cecil B. DeMille in 1928, was one of five original Brown Derby locations 1940-1960 and served as the exterior of Arnold’s Drive In on the hit TV series, Happy Days, in the 70s. Prior to Tammi taking over the location in 1993 it was a run-down restaurant and the area had become terribly blighted. With a strong vision, creativity and passion, Tammi created a venue that brought back the glamorous glory days of early Hollywood, while insisting on a no-snobs atmosphere for her establishment. The new club’s rich retro styling along with the booking policy of she and partner Tony, soon attracted Hollywood’s top stars as customers including Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Jack Nicholson, Cameron Diaz, Bob Hope, Whoopi Goldberg, Jennifer Lopez to name a few. Not to mention helping to launch the careers of innovative neo-swing bands Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Royal Crown Revue, by providing industry awareness, media coverage and a residency to develop strong fan followings. Top name performers that have also graced the Derby stage include Bruce Springsteen, Cheap Trick, Brian Setzer, Live, Roger Daltry of The Who and landmark artists such as Tex Benacke, Ruth Brown, Robert Gordon, Gene Vincent’s Blue Caps and Sam Butera. The Derby has been the location for numerous film and music video shoots including Swingers and Speed, and is a wrap party and holiday celebration destination for productions such as ER, MTV, The Grammys, Just Shoot Me, Charmed, Legally Blonde 2, to name a few. Tammi’s weekly free swing dance lessons brought back touch-dancing to a new generation and even led to many romances and marriages with wedding receptions held at (you guessed it!) The Derby.

In its first 10 years, The Derby and events hosted by Tammi Gower have garnered significant media coverage locally, nationally and internationally by such outlets as MTV, Los Angeles Times, CNN, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, E!, Access Hollywood, TV Guide, Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Glamour, The Food Network and is even listed as a "must see" Hollywood hot spot in international travel guides drawing tourists from as far away as Japan, Great Britain and Germany.

Most of all Tammi Gower was a warm and generous friend to many and could be counted on for support in times of greatest need. She loved helping her friends, family, employees, customers and community and will be missed by all. A private cremation took place in accordance with Tammi’s wishes.

Fittingly, a Memorial Service to celebrate the life and spirit of Tammi Gower will take place at The Derby on Tuesday, August 12, 5 pm to 8 pm and is open to all her friends, family, valued customers and business associates. Additional information available by contacting Steve Levesque at 310-860-9170 or steve@luckmedia.com.

Photo Left to Right: "Pretty Babies" Samantha Shelton and Zooey Deschanel bring their cabaret act to THE DERBY September 17th.

Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums Featuring Miss Carmen Getit

Kristine W

Photo Caption: "Will & Grace" Star Megan Mullally will headline Chick Singer Night at The Derby on Saturday November 1st in support of the nation’s longest-running songfest for female artists. All proceeds from the Chick Singer Night's 15th Anniversary show will benefit BREATHE – A foundation whose mission is to help artists in all aspects of their creative lives. (Photo courtesy of Luck Media)