ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORTS FROM THE TIMES, NEWS SERVICES AND THE NATION’S PRESS.

POP/ROCK

Cuban Nominees to Perform After Grammys

It promises to be the hottest after-Grammy party of the week, with all of Cuba’s nominated artists gathering Wednesday for an invitation-only concert at the Casino at Hollywood Park in Inglewood.

Billed as a “gesture of friendship” to Americans, the show will bring together salsa singer Issac Delgado, pianist Chucho Valdes, singer Omara Portuondo of Buena Vista Social Club fame and various lesser-known nominees.

“Despite the considerable barriers that exist between our two nations, our quarrel has never been with the American people,” said Julio Ballester, director of Havana’s legendary EGREM Studios. “When we decided to come to Los Angeles for the Latin Grammys, we also wanted to have the opportunity to present a free concert to express our appreciation for all the great support that Cuban artists have always received from audiences in the United States.”

Before the Latin Grammy show was abruptly moved from Miami to Los Angeles last month to avoid planned protests by anti-Castro Cuban exiles, Valdes and other Cubans had decided to skip the event.

Grammy organizers said the change of venue was required for the safety of artists and guests.

Wednesday’s show is being organized by Latin music promoter Albert Torres with Cuba Si and the newly formed Foundation for Responsible Foreign Policy, which seeks through cultural exchange programs and other means to build a more positive relationship between the U.S. and Cuba.

TELEVISION

Sesno Stepping Down as CNN Bureau Chief

In yet another personnel change at CNN, Frank Sesno, Washington bureau chief since 1996, said Monday he will be leaving the cable network.

His contract expires in October.

Sesno, 46, said he hasn’t decided what he’ll do next. CNN did not immediately announce his replacement.

Numerous top executives have left CNN recently, including Phil Kent, who announced his resignation as president two weeks ago, and Tom Johnson, who retired as chairman in June.

‘Big Brother’ Sparks Protest in Greece

Hundreds of demonstrators protested the season opener of Greece’s version of the unscripted “Big Brother” television show Monday, saying it erodes respect for privacy.

The protesters threw eggs and rocks at the studios of Greece’s Antenna television station in Athens, which is broadcasting the show.

Riot police prevented the protesters from entering the studios. There were no arrests or injuries.

The demonstrators were protesting what they call the degradation of life and privacy in the name of profit.

Wedding Planned for ‘Temptation’ Reunion

Fox has come up with a stunt to promote the second edition of “Temptation Island,” bringing back three couples from the first edition of the series--with one of them getting married--for “Temptation Island Reunion Wedding Special” on Oct. 31.

The special--which excludes the fourth couple, Taheed Watson and Ytossie Patterson, who were kicked off the show and wound up suing the network and producers--will precede the premiere of “Temptation Island 2,” which was filmed in Playa Tambor, Costa Rica.

THE ARTS

Director Resigns From Fresno Art Museum

Six months after taking over as executive director of the Fresno Art Museum, Dyana Curreri-Ermatinger has resigned, citing conflicts with the board of trustees over long-range goals.

Gary Janzen, chairman of the museum’s marketing committee, told the Fresno Bee that the problems had to do with “tone and style.”

“We’re an institution trying to find a balance between being a sophisticated, contemporary art museum and still connect with all segments of the population in an agrarian community,” he said.

Mattel Backs Ballet in Promotion Deal

The English National Ballet’s six-week production of “The Nutcracker” this winter will be sponsored by Mattel, the company that makes Barbie dolls.

The BBC reported that the deal, due to be announced officially today, was worth about $124,000.

Mattel said that the sponsorship was intended to encourage girls to become more interested in ballet.

The fact that Mattel is releasing its first Barbie movie on video in October, “Barbie in the Nutcracker,” may have something to do with it, too.

QUICK TAKES

Elizabeth Taylor has signed a deal with Simon & Schuster to write a book about her jewelry collection. There will be plenty of photos, naturally ....Nickelodeon has ordered 11 more episodes of “The Brothers Garcia,” its Latino-themed comedy series .... ABC is embarking on a multi-program series beginning Sunday titled “Being 15,” examining what it’s like to be a 15-year-old today. Over the next 10 days, the venture will include reports on “World News Tonight,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America,” “20/20” and “This Week,” as well as special material on https://abcnews.com.