Bernie Brillstein, one of the premiere manager/producers in the industry and the orchestrator behind the careers of John Belushi, Jim Henson and a slew of ‘Saturday Night Live’ stars, died this week from complications stemming from double-bypass heart surgery in February.

Brillstein ran the most successful management company in Hollywood in the 1980s and ’90s, repping such stars as Lorne Michaels, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Brad Pitt, Adam Sandler, Geena Davis, Martin Short, Jim Belushi, Dabney Coleman, Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller, Nicolas Cage, Rob Lowe and Jay Tarses.Brillstein partnered with Brad Grey in 1991. After producing such shows with Brillstein as “The Sopranos,” “Just Shoot Me,” “NewsRadio” and “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher.” Grey went on to become the chairman and CEO for Paramount Pictures.

Brillstein was an outgoing, avuncular Santa Clause type who will be sorely missed.

Thursday 07.19.07
WHAT: Premiere of Back Soon at Outfest.
WHO: A talented cast.
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: Regent Showcase Theater
WHY: Because Bad Sweater Guy says eight words in this film! In a locker room!

FRIDAY 07.20.07
WHAT: Book Reading
WHO: Jerry Stahl reads from his new book Love Without: Stories
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Skylight Books
WHY: It’ll be as good a time with an ex-junkie as you can reasonably expect to have.

FRIDAY 07.20.07
WHAT: The Patsy and Annette Show
WHO: actresses Meghan Parks and Vanessa Ragland
WHEN: 8 p.m.
WHERE: The Westside Eclectic
WHY: It’s a comedy/variety talk-show-thing with two adorable gals. And it’s only $8. So if it’s great — wonderful! And if it sucks, no harm, no foul.