01:00 AM EDT on Friday, August 29, 2003

For celebrities, Christmas doesn't just come in December -- it comes at many awards shows.

Backstage at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, the gifts available at the celebrity "retreat" lounge included custom-fitted Fendi eyewear, Tommy Hilfiger jackets, iRiver portable MP3 players, roundtrip helicopter rides by Blue Star Jets to the Hamptons and Motorola cell phones.

Beyonce Knowles, 50 Cent, Britney Spears, Missy Elliott and others participating in last night's show at Radio City Music Hall were invited to peruse the gifts.

Do celebrities ever take more free gifts than they've been offered?

Since they're able to take home an estimated $20,000 in gifts, not that often, said Karen Wood, president of Backstage Creations, although she allows that "sometimes, people will say, 'I'd like some more sunglasses.' "

Celebrity spouses Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman were spotted yesterday having lunch at Brickway, the funky, neon-painted cafe on Wickenden Street.

The couple, accompanied by their three children, kept a low profile during the meal. DeVito wore a baseball cap and sunglasses inside the restaurant. Other diners stole glances at the stars, but maintained a respectful distance.

Their daughter, Lucy, is a student at Brown University.

Grand finale planned for Concert Series
Today, the Summer Concert Series at Naval Station Newport will end with a bang, literally. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Dewey Field, the band Forecast will play contemporary jazz, the band Rhode Island Sound will play rock 'n' roll and top 40 and the Navy Band Northeast will conclude the program with patriotic marches. The finale, at about 9 p.m. will consist of fireworks over Narragansett Bay. The event is free. The general public should enter through Gate One near the Officers' Club.

Compiled by Lifebeat editor Alexis Magner Miller from staff and wire reports.