If ever an invitation comes our way with the possibility of hanging out by a pool and interviewing great talent, it’s very likely that we’ll consider it, especially when there’s a chance to chat with down to earth actresses Amy Smart (7500) and Malin Akerman (Rock of Ages), watch a cool documentary and support a noteworthy organization.

Last weekend, we did just that. We caught up with Smart and Akerman as they hosted the 2nd Annual Ciroc Cabana Club at The Mondrian Hotel’s outdoor lounge Skybar, in partnership with The Art of Elysium, a non-profit that encourages actors, artists and musicians to volunteer their time and talent to children battling serious medical conditions.

Akerman was the first to arrive and reporters were quick to ask her about Tom Cruise and Rock of Ages.

 “It was unbelievable,” she said. “He’s a phenomenal singer. I think it’s going to be a pretty fantastic film. I think you guys are going to enjoy it a lot.”

The actresses were accompanied by their husbands and the Sunset Strip documentary producer Tommy Alastra, as a typically Hollywood-hipster crowd roamed poolside in summer gear and 5-inch heels sipping Ciroc vodka.

 “I love Art of Elysium,” Smart said. “They really make such an impact on the lives of children in hospitals. It’s such an important foundation, it’s really cultivating all these volunteers to go into different hospitals and help bring arts and crafts and light into these kids who really need it.”

The non-profit provided a one-of-a-kind mural by artist Gregory Siff that paid tribute to the 10 blocks and 10 decades of the Sunset Strip, which was on display for guests to admire upon entering Skybar.

 “I approached my friends at Ciroc to come on and help us through the whole initiative,” Alastra said. “Tonight we’ll get to share a sneak peek, with my dear friend Malin Akerman, who has Rock of Ages coming out so I thought it would be a great fit.”  

The 90-minute documentary follows the birth of the Strip, which started as a dusty trading route at the turn of last century, becoming a center stage for music, fashion and all things rock and roll. It features interviews with rockers like Ozzy Osbourne, Tommy Lee, Alice Cooper and members of Ratt, along with appearances by Johnny Depp and Mickey Rourke. No official release date has been confirmed. Check out the trailer below.

“I feel like the Sunset Strip is where the heart of rock and roll started in Los Angeles,” said Smart. “The Strip has so much history. I remember growing up in Los Angeles and going to The Roxy and The Whiskey at 18 years old. Things aren’t the same anymore. There are bits and pieces of it that still remain, but it definitely feels different than when I was growing up.” The Topanga native recommends the Rainbow Room for that nostalgic feel.

Smart co-stars with Ryan Kwanten in next year’s horror-thriller 7500. Directed by Takashi Shimuzu, the film follows a group of passengers who encounter a supernatural force thousands of feet up in the air. 

“It’s a good old-fashioned horror movie,” Smart said. “It doesn’t show a lot of gore but there’s a lot of creepiness to it and it all takes place on an airplane. I think you’ll definitely be closing your eyes.”

When asked about Kwanten, Smart was quick to praise the True Blood breakout star, who is currently filming Hands of Stone in Puerto Rico with Gael Garcia Bernal.

“He’s such a nice guy, what a gentleman,” said Smart of Kwanten. “It’s all about personality for me and he wins. I think he’s super professional. He’s very low key but he’s very talented.”

In between shoots, Smart is also an avid supporter of environmental causes, having worked with Environment California, Environmental Media Association and Heal the Bay.

“We just banned plastic bags in the City of Los Angeles,” said Smart. “I’m so happy.  I was at the press rallies. I testified in front of the LA City Council, it finally happened after about five years of getting the word out.”

“I love doing that. It’s real life,” said Smart. “It’s being part of the change. It really takes thousands of people to make any change but it’s nice to do it at a political level because it sets the ball rolling…now the goal is to ban plastic bags statewide and then nationwide. You work so hard and when you have a win it gives everyone hope on this journey of making it a healthier planet.”

So what are her summer plans?

“I’ll be up in Sacramento lobbying,” she said, smiling.

 

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