Henrick Vartanian
Like the Sheryl Crow song goes: “Like Steve McQueen, all I need is a fast machine…” and so it was.
On Sunday Nov. 07, an all out Motor Parade on Hollywood Blvd. was the kick-off to the 30th Anniversary tribute to Steve McQueen, actor, car lover, and American icon. The event was the brainchild of the innovating, Jules Verne Festival (www.julesverne.org) which gathered hundreds of car lovers and Steve McQueen fans to Hollywood, showing off their identically dark green Ford Mustangs (as seen in McQueen’s memorable film “Bullitt”) in addition to many Porsches, Ferraris and cars made between 1930-1980 representative of McQueen’s love for car racing and the open road. The event concluded with drivers arriving at the corner of Highland Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd., where the spot was inaugurated as the “Steve McQueen Square” in Hollywood.
This week, Jules Verne Festival continues celebrating the life and work of McQueen, the “king of cool”, in a star-studded evening, topping it all off with a special presentation of “Bullitt” (1968; dir: Peter Yates).
In attendance, will be the McQueen family, the cast of “Bullitt” and special guest stars. Son, Chad McQueen will accept the Jules Verne Légendaire Award to Steve McQueen on his behalf. Celebrities confirmed are: Steve McQueen’s grandson Steve R. McQueen (Vampire Diaries) actress and costar Jacqueline Bisset (Bullitt), actor and co-star Robert Vaughn (The Magnificent 7, Bullitt, The Towering Inferno), and music composer Lalo Schifrin (Cincinatti Kid, Bullitt) – all taking place on Thurs. Nov.11, at 7pm, at Archlight Cineramadome in Hollywood. This event is open to public. 
More info: www.julesverne.org