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Cal Phil Opens at Race Track Saturday
Arcadia Weekly Jun 26, 2012
Cherry Liu was a delight to know and work with. Her colleagues at Arcadia Chamber of Commerce as well as everyone who knew Cherry were stunned to learn of her death. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News
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Vanessa Carlton explains how she'll work with Cal Phil this Saturday night - Photo by Terry Miller
photographs by Terry Miller
CALIFORNIA PHILHARMONIC’S PREMIERE
AT SANTA ANITA RACE TRACK This Saturday
By Terry Miller
Officials from the popular California Philharmonic, Santa Anita Race track and city officials including Arcadia Mayor Bob Harbicht marked the beginning of a new era for the CalPhilhamonic orchestra on Tuesday at a press conference announcing the beginning of the new season at the new location, Santa Anita.
Three time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter VANESSA CARLTON who’s hits include A Thousand Miles, Ordinary Day and White Houses, will be playing opening night of Cal Phil’s Festival on the Green at Santa Anita Race Track on Saturday June 30, 2012. Vanessa will also join Cal Phil on Sunday July 1, 2012 for an encore performance matinee at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Carlton was quick to point out that she’s excited to work with a full orchestra at this stage in her career.
DR. ARTHUR C. BARTNER –director of The USC Trojan Marching Band for 42 years was also on hand for and joked with Victor Vener about the early days in bands together. The revered band is kicking off Cal Phil’s new season with a bang both at Santa Anita Race Track on June 30, 2012 and at then Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday July 1, 2012.
There was also an official ribbon-cutting attended by Cal Phil representatives, Santa Anita Race Track officials, City Officials, City Council and Arcadia Chamber of Commerce members.
Cal Phil’s 2012 Summer Season and special guests presented a history-making move to the infield of Santa Anita Race Track, which is now renovated, concert-ready and destined to become Southern California’s premiere outdoor concert venue will be enhanced with a state of the art sound system , comfortable lawn and table seating and lots of stuff for other familymembers to do, for instance: a musical petting zoo. Vanessa Carlton said that was one of the things she admired about Cal Phil .
Vanessa Carlton at the press conference - Photo by Terry Miller
Victor Vener, Cal Phil Director; Andre Vener, Producer Pasadena Entertainment; George Haines, President of Santa Anita; Pete Siberell, Santa Anita Director of Community Services and Special Projects; Vanessa Carlton, singer/songwriter; Dr. Arthur C. Bartner, Director USC Trojan Band and Jay Cohen, Santa Anita’s official bugler participated in the press conference and ribbon cutting with Chamber Executives and Arcadia Mayor Bob Harbicht.
The move came as a blessing for Cal Phil after some tense negotiations with The Los Angels County Arboretum foundation failed. The directors approached Santa Anita with the bold idea of a concert on the infield. A few months later the deal was signed, sealed and delivered.
Cal Phil opens Saturday night with a spectacular fireworks display as well as some of the best music anywhere in the world. Gates open at 5:30 Call for tickets and information (626) 300-8200
