LACHSA’S 4TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION GALA
A special evening to benefit the LA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS
2021 FUTURE ARTISTS [VIRTUAL] GALA 05.02.21 5:00 PM PST
FOUNDATION 2021 FUTURE ARTISTS [VIRTUAL] GALA 05.02.21 5:00 PM PST
This evening of celebration will support the future artists and changemakers of Los Angeles County and help keep high-quality free public arts education accessible to any student with talent and a dream
FOUNDATION 2021 FUTURE ARTISTS [VIRTUAL] GALA SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY LACHSA ALUMNI HAIM
Grammy-nominated rock band HAIM featuring Este, Danielle and Alana HAIM give a special performance for LACHSA!
Multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, actor & producer and LACHSA alumni Josh Groban makes a special appearance at the Future Artists [Virtual] Gala to support LACHSA! 2021 GALA CHAIR
Melina Kanakaredes Melina Kanakaredes, is a multi-talented actor, writer, director and philanthropist. Her work in TV, film and Broadway has earned her critical acclaim. Ms. Kanakaredes is best known for her long running starring role of Stella Bonasera in the CBS series CSI: New York. While working full time on this series, she was inspired and supported by her colleagues to start writing. Melina sold her first penned half hour pilot script to CBS in 2004 and consequently began writing and acting simultaneously on CSI: New York. Prior to CSI: New York, Ms. Kanakaredes starred for five seasons as Dr. Sydney Hansen on the NBC-TV critically acclaimed series Providence. Other television credits include Notorious, Extant, NYPD Blue, New York News, Leaving LA, The Practice and Oz. She also received two Emmy nominations for her work on The Guiding Light. Currently you can see Melina starring as “Dr. Lane Hunter” in the Fox series The Resident.
Melina co-starred with Dwayne Johnson in the film SNITCH. A few years earlier she went back to her Greek roots playing the mythological icon, Goddess Athena in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. And one of her favorite jobs was costarring opposite Robert De Niro in the film 15 Minutes. Other film credits include Rounders, Dangerous Beau- ty and The Long Kiss Goodnight.
Melina is proud and honored to serve on the LACHSA Foundation board. Educating our future artists and our future citizens, through art, is of the utmost priority to Melina. As both an artist and a parent, she knows that there is no better place that exemplifies those values than the Los Angeles County High School of the Arts. LACHSA ALUMNI
Corbin Bleu Corbin Bleu is known for his role in the Emmy award-winning High School Musical franchise, and a long list of theatre, film and television credits, and was recently honored as Entertainer of the Year for his dancing.
Dusan Brown Dusan Brown recently appeared in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, 42, The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar and The Big Bang Theory.
Gabi Campo Natasha Diamond Walker Gabi Campo is known for her work on Broadway including a Natasha is an internationally recognized dancer, actress, and soloist with the recent revival of West Side Story, and starred in The Prom, Evita, Martha Graham Dance Company where she has had the opportunity to perform A Chorus Line and In the Heights. in classic Martha Graham ballet, and to work with emerging contemporary choreographers, including Kyle Abraham, Sonya Tayeh, and Bobbi Jene Smith. Natasha has worked extensively in TV, film, theater, and live performance venues and is also a published author, fitness instructor and the owner of SLEEKFIIT. Taran Killam Taran Killam is an actor and writer, a member of the Groundlings, Norbert De La Cruz III, LACHSA, 2006 and known for his recent ABC series, Single Parents, along with Norbert has performed with Metropolitan Opera’s production of Aida and Aszure How I Met your Mother, New Girl, Mad TV, and Saturday Night Live. Barton & Artists in Germany & Austria (Blue Soup & Busk), Balletto Teatro di Torino (Italy), Sydney Skybetter & Associates. Pre-professionally, Norbert received the Music Center’s 17th annual Spotlight Award, the Emerging Young Artist Award, Youth America Grand Prix 2nd place in non-classical, and represented the Liisi LaFontaine Juilliard School at Kodak Theatre’s first annual Dizzy Feet Foundation Gala. Most Liisi LaFontaine originated the role of Deena Jones in recently, Norbert has: been cast in Warner Bros Pictures’ film adaptation of the Dreamgirls on the West End, played the role of Whitney Tony-winning musical In The Heights. Houston in Born For This, in Boston, and appeared in the Amen Corner directed by Billy Porter. Liisi was a finalist on Quron Clarks, LACHSA, 2014 NBC’s The Winner Is and her first EP titledGolden is now avail- Quron received his BFA from the Institute of the Arts, Barcelona and was r able on iTunes. ecruited into Eva Marts Contemporary Dance Company in Spain immediately upon graduating. He is an Associate Artist and instructor at Lula Washington Dance Theatre, in addition to performing with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre.
Joniece Boykins, 2014 Upon graduating from SUNY Purchase, Joniece performed with the Boston Contemporary Dance Theatre. She is currently a Lula Washington Dance Theatre performer, Associate Artist and instructor. Joniece is also the founder and artistic director/choreographer of Kins Company. LACHSA ALUMNI LACHSA ALUMNI
Shedrack Anderson III Meghan Mahowald Shedrack starred in the Steven Spielberg filmHook , the NBC Meghan, an artist and songwriter who goes by MEGG, re- hit teen series Just Deal, and found global success with the cently released her single and music video, Summer in the movie, Fat Albert. Shedrack was a principal dancer of Ballet South Bay. She teaches voice, has toured all of the country, Hispanico of New York, and an assitant choreographer for Alvin performed with The Used at the Muzink Tattoo and Music Ailey American Dance Theatre. Festival, and appeared on NBC’s The Voice.
Desanka Joe Montoya Desanka studied Opera at LACHSA, and attended Joe Montoya’s recent credits include: Arena Pepperdine University as a Vocal Performance Major, Stage’s Newsies!, Actors Theater of Louisville’s Block transitioning to Berklee College of Music as a Music Association Project, and Les Miserables at the Schim- Business Major. She recently attained her Master’s mel Arts Center.Joe was just commissioned to write/ Degree in Music Business, while pursuing her dreams perform a digital short for the Hispanic Federation’s as an actress, recording artist, and entrepreneur. “Fuerza Fest - ‘Queer-antnie’ Edition”.
Coby Getzug Robert Pendilla Coby Getzug has appeared on Broadway in The Book of Robert has appeared in Broadway and national tours Mo mon and Brighton Beach Memoirs, in the national tour of Kinky Boots, Wicked, Mamma Mia!, and MIss Sai- of Spring Awakening, and in the LA productions of The gon. Robert is also a trainer at Mark Fisher Fitness Lieutenant of Inishmore, The Black Suits and Our Town. and waiting for Broadway to reopen.
H’Atina Gilliard Celeste Rose H’Atina is an independent R&B/Soul/Smooth Jazz Celeste is an actor/singer known for her work Off- Singer-songwriter. H’Atina is the 2019 Indie Soul Choice Broadway and at regional theatres across the coun- Award winner for her song, My Sunshine and winner of try. You can hear her on the original cast albums the 2020 Indie Soul Award for Newcomer of the Year. of We Are The Tigers and Unexpected Joy.
Amy Lawrence Chris Wade Amy Lawrence graduated with the first fourth year Chris is executive producer and creator of Chris Wade Music senior class in 2002. Before the pandemic she toured Productions. Chris has produced vocalists for Oprah’s 2020 China with the Hollywood Film Orchestra as their Vision Tour, and his gospel choir RAISE was recently seen on soprano soloist. Amy is also an accomplished ballroom Fox’s Game of Talents. dancer and started her own school, Amy Lawrence Ballroom Dance. Zora Anilee List Zora is a singer, songwriter, and producer that makes Anilee appeared in the current season of American Idol in the music straight from the heart. Zora has released two Top 24. She attends Berklee School of Music, where she has EPs, Millenial, andrecently rereleased The Perfect EP performed with acclaimed A Cappella group Pitch Slapped. under their very own company, Tinytown. Anilee was a 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts and YoungArts Finalist.
SPONSORS
Thank you to our generous sponsors
CHANGEMAKERS MOTIVATORS Gary Dauberman Marla Garlin Michelle & Jonathan Mitchell Kathleen & Chip Rosenbloom Vivian Rescalvo Stella Jeong & Randall Lee
INFLUENCERS INNOVATORS
Daryl & Toni Barbieri Maggie Kiley & Matthew Puckett Marcy Carsey Melina Kanakaredes & Marc Cherry Peter Constantinides Kate Beyda & Michael Amundson Tobey Cotson Victor Tad Safran David Colden Fund Yuki Cutcheon & John Au Clare & Chris Tayback Felicity Huffman & William H. Macy Todd Garner Zev Yaroslavsky Katja & Sam Newman Harris/Sliskovich Family Jonathan & Allison Zager Melinda & Matt Nix
ACTIVATORS IN KIND DONORS
Lisa Brenner & Dean Devlin Bumgarner/Cassidy Family Cheryl & David Smith Jean & Joe Zenas Sheila and Wally Weisman SPONSORS 2021 LACHSA Future Artists [Virtual] Gala Chair Melina Kanakaredes Advocate Sponsors Creator Sponsors Directed by Gay and Harry Abrams Allison Andreas Melina Kanakaredes & Erica Robson Padraic Aubrey De Line Family Kristi and Chris Bender Janet Borba [ In order of performance ] Martin Bowen Jeffrey Chernov Challen Cates and Cecile and Jeff Chiu Aaron McPherson Michael Clear “Putting it Together” Special Appearances by Heather Clark Fincher Family LACHSA Alumni Audrey Fort Marci and Michael DeSousa Musical Theatre Josh Groban Elisa Haber Audrey and Paul Hanneman Karina Constantinides Dusan Brown Dori Howell Steve Hurley Randy Damas Anne Jacoby and Chris Fria Tomiko Iwata Robert Farr-Jones Vocal Mentorship Laverne McKinnon Gerry and Paul Jacoby Drew Harris Karina Constantinides Eric McLeod Kathy and Randy Katz Thomas Jacobs Penelope Carter Frances Mendez Gary Krausz Akira Kassulke Roberta Kung M.D. Stephanie Mercado Bruno Koskoff Cinematic Arts Kamdyn Moore Kim and Brad Lansill Leilani Patao Shaman Magic Aponte Karen and Matthew Osborne Dale and Donna Lockhart Monique Ramirez Hazel Sepenuk Nikki Ramey Johanna Metzger Lucas Schinnerer Charlene and Zac Moncrief Jose Rodriguez Hazel Sepenuk Piano Mentorship Liora Rothchild and Ben Reder Julie Piatt and Rich Roll Nicole Lam Gail Samuel and The Rarewala Family Dance Desmond Cassidy William Christian Nancy Stiles Bijou Douglas Villa Family Julia Sorkin Marguax Gibson Dance Alumni The Wolf Family Wergeles Family Anabel Orino Joniece Boykins Janet Winnick Solea Powe Quron Clarks Gillian Wright and Eric Wong Charlie Schneider Norbert De La Cruz III Melissa Zafarana Hazel Stover-White Natasha Diamond Walker
Music Theatre Mentorship Daniel Amiel McKenzie Franklin Evan Dexter Derek Ramirez Emily Hsiao Kaela Seltzer HAIM Lucas Schinnerer Produced By LACHSA Principal LACHSA Alumni Hazel Sepenuk LACHSA Foundation John Lawler Alana Haim Fintan Swift Jeffrey Dollinger Danielle Haim Leslie Valenzuela Margaret Yasuda LACHSA Arts Department Chairs Este Haim Lily Zager Melina Kanakaredes Lois Hunter Erica Robson Erica Robson Visual Arts In Memory of Liz Young Guest Mentee Performers Drew McClellan Tomek Adler Penelope Carter Line Producer Barry Markowitz Lola Barbieri Emma Jordan Amy Elvis Kiehl Cynthia Morales Olivia Bluming Desmond Kennedy Michael Powers Ella Canonizado Derek Ramirez Editor Mathis Roll Cameron Covell LACHSA Foundation Theo Taplitz LACHSA Alumni Performers Board of Directors Mazie Wong Shedrack Anderson III Music Director Officers Wyatt Workman Corbin Bleu Cassie Nickols Gonzales Kate Beyda Janci Zelaya Dawn Cantwell James Cross Gabi Campo Music Producer Mark Deetjen “Seasons of Love” Desanka Ryan O’Connell Stella Jeong Coby Getzug Sam Newman LACHSA Student Performers H’Atina Gilliard Writers Vivian Rescalvo Amelia Aguilar Taran Killam Jeffrey Dollinger Johnny Benson Liisi LaFontaine Melina Kanakaredes Board Andrew Bond Amy Lawrence Jack Andreas Angela Alvarado Juliana Candler Anilee List Shedrack Anderson III Karina Constantinides Meghan Mahowald Senior Mentorships & David Angelo Kaylah Copeland Joe Montoya Faculty Advisors Daryl Barbieri Randy Damas Robert Pendilla Vocal-Cassie Nickols Gonzales Elizabeth Dennehy Dominic Domenghini Celeste Rose Piano-Susan Larson Marla Garlin Shireen Estolano-Sridharan Chris Wade Theatre-Susie Tanner Tamara Hunter Robert Farr-Jones Zora Horns - Alex Hahn Anne Jacoby Mackenzie Franklin Melina Kanakaredes Drew Harris Auction Preview Preshow Dance Alumni Coordinator John Lawler Zoey Hawkins Shedrack Anderson Wendy Lawson Drew McClellan Thomas Jacobs Victor Quijada Johanna Metzger Sam Karpinski Brandon Gryde Opening Number Choreography Connie St. John Akira Kassulke Kemp Powers Hai Cohen Jonathan Zager Bruno Koskoff Nicole Lam Pre-Show & Credits Music Videographers LACHSA Foundation Staff Bethany LeBerthon Gerald Clayton Keane Productions Jeffrey Dollinger Coco Mori D1 Productions Amy Elvis Kiehl Leilani Patao Margaret Yasuda Monique Ramirez Lulu Royce LACHSA Arts Education is Generously Underwritten by, Gala Volunteers Special Thanks in part, by the following generous sponsors: Maura Smith Los Angeles County Office of Susie Balaban Education Daryl Barbieri LA County Board of Supervisors ASCAP Trish Bertisch California State University, Bobby Brooks Endowment Blithe Bock Los Angeles California Arts Council Natalie Burns The Music Center California Community Foundation Emily Cline Warner Bros. Colburn Foundation Kimberly Delgado Celebration Entertainment Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Charitable Desanka Blode Kuh Foundation George Ettinger Homeboy Industries Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation Kelley Foster La Cienega Vineyard County of Los Angeles ECMC Foundation Marla Garlin Valerie’s Confections Board of Supervisors Gibson Christi Goodman Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Hennings-Fischer Foundation Sharyn Grose Lachsa Parent Association BCM Foundation Futures Without Violence Elizabeth Halpern LACHSA Ovation Guild Lisa Henderson Tonights Gala is presented in John C. Hench Foundation Music Center of Los Angeles Kathleen Hirose memory of: Pasadena Showcase Esther Ibarra House for the Arts Roberta Jackson Ed Kantor & Liz Young Kim Lansill Carolyn Karpinski Johanna Metzger Heather Morphew Stephanie Obiako Sally Ogle Chip O’Neil Melissa O’Neil Gabi Patao Sondi Toll Sepenuk Randi Song Jose Rodriguez Kara Roth Liora Rothchild Jade Ruggiero Rachel Steinman Alex Wergeles Julie Wolfson Jean Zenas
... and parents, families, and friends of LACHSA like you!