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Big Band Show Makes Big Bang
Arcadia Weekly Jun 26, 2009
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Kudos to Sally Baldwin, president of the SGVMT, for the success of the fabulous Big Band Show at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, Saturday, June 13th.
The show had everything – music, dancing and singing. I’m a big fan of Richard Allen and his 17-piece orchestra.
Special guests and donors were invited to a champagne and dessert reception during intermission. Very nice.
Star of the evening, Paul Boland, deserves applause, applause. One more curtain call for the entire cast.
“Los Angeles Children’s Chorus Serenades Unsung Heroes at Benefit”
The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus (LACC) turned the spotlight on three of its most dedicated volunteers when it unveiled its inaugural “Distinguished Volunteer Awards” at the choir’s annual benefit, “Serenade,” Saturday, June 6, at the historic El Molino Viejo in San Marino.
Receiving the inaugural awards were ace volunteers Jean Barr (Pomona), Melinda Laun Flores (Monrovia) and Rey Llamas (Los Angeles), who have contributed endless hours of volunteer time, skill and dedication for the betterment of Los Angeles Children’s Chorus.
In addition to the volunteer awards presentation, the evening’s highlights included a live auction, as well as performances by the renowned choir, conducted by Anne Tomlinson, artistic director, and talented LACC alumni Alana Mailes, a freshman at UC Berkeley, and Daniel Reardon, who will attend Yale University in the fall. Proceeds benefit LACC’s artistic and educational programs.
“Volunteers have been pivotal to LACC’s success since its inception,” said Rachel Fine, LACC executive director. “We established this award to demonstrate our deep gratitude for their innumerable contributions. Jean, Melinda and Rey are true standouts who have fortified our mission and organization through their selfless dedication.”
Serenade co-chairs were Alma Aroustamian (Glendale), Annie Yeager Higgins (Pasadena), Katherine Kavich (La Canada), Jennifer Harris Sliskovich (Bel Air), and Andrea Green Willard (San Marino).
The benefit’s decidedly south-of-the-border menu by Pasadena’s The Spot complemented the spectacular location. The Adobe El Molino Viejo, built in 1816 as a gristmill for Mission San Gabriel, is the oldest commercial building in Southern California.
Nestled in the heart of San Marino, today it is filled with antique paintings and furnishings, and the mill’s tranquil garden features native California trees and plants.
Setting the mood from a culinary standpoint were appetizers of miniature chile rellanos, served with a chipotle aioli, sautéed shrimp served with a green onion cilantro sauce, and chipotle chicken salad on a plantain chip topped with mango salsa. The buffet dinner featured a delightful selection of gourmet Mexican dishes. The dessert buffet included guava cheesecake bites, mini dulce de leche crème brulees, and mini key lime tartlets.
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, founded in 1986 and currently concluding its 23rd season, is noted throughout the country for its exceptional artistic quality and technical ability. It frequently performs with such leading musical ensembles as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Under the direction of Anne Tomlinson, artistic director.
