GRAND PERFORMANCES 2017
HONORING
MICHAEL ALEXANDER
SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER
CALIFORNIA PLAZA WATERCOURT
GRAND PERFORMANCES 2017
HONORING
MICHAEL ALEXANDER ABOUT GRAND PERFORMANCES We inspire community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts. Each summer, our stages at California Plaza host local and international artists for live performances and related workshops, master classes and audience discussions. All events are free to the public, enabling entire families, school and youth groups, and other to enjoy the performing arts regardless of their financial ability. Our programs increase exposure to new art forms and ideas; contribute to the artistic growth of local performing artists; promote greater understanding and respect for human differences; and help more people discover how the arts can play a vital role in their lives. As you scan the diverse audience on the Plaza this evening, know that your investment in Grand Performances tonight and throughout the year helps to build bridges across cultures and generations. Thank you for being part of this special evening.
GALA SCHEDULE 6:00 PM Hosted Cocktails | Raffle Open 7:00 PM Dinner and Honoree Presentations | Live Auction 8:30 PM Benefit Concert No intermission | Raffle Close
/GrandPerformances @grandperfs @grandperfs
grandperformances.org
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS Evi & David Meyer and Heidi Duckler & Dan Rosenfeld | The Glusker Family Los Angeles World Airports | Sidley Austin LLP | Sony Pictures Entertainment
BRONZE SPONSORS Jon Neustadter | TrueCar
ADVOCATE Amy E. Yeager | Dream Warrior | Sally House & Scott Miller
TABLES Victoria Kirsch & Michael Alexander | UCSB Arts & Lectures | Liz Johnson Renae Williams Niles & Greg Niles | Terry & Jeffrey Paule | Alice Platt Mari Riddle | Felicia Rosenfeld & David Linde | Gary Stewart | Nancy Berlin & Paul Tepper
HOST COMMITTEE Alison Kleaver EVENT CHAIR
Peggy Adams & Joel Edstrom Celesta Billeci Danielle Brazell Joanna Elliott Tom Gilmore Joel Jacinto Vicki Kirsch Evi & David Meyer Heidi Duckler & Dan Rosenfeld Alison Morgan & Parke Skelton Terry & Jeffrey Paule
Alice Platt Linda Potts Mari Riddle Tony Scudellari & Doug Dawson Helen Simmons Gary Stewart Francine Lipsman-Tansey & Michael Tansey Karim Teymourtache Renae Williams Niles & Greg Niles Amy E. Yeager
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MENU PASSED APPETIZERS
Michael’s Dim Sum: Shrimp and Chicken Shumai Ahi Tuna Tacos Dolmas FAMILY STYLE APPETIZERS
Mediterranean Mezze Platter with Assorted Salads
HOSTS Robert “El Vez” Lopez is the cross-cultural caped crusader singing for truth, justice and the MexicanAmerican way, the modern multicultural hybrid of Americana and Mexicano. He is more than entertainment, he is the Chicano experience presented and told through the songs of Elvis. Robert has performed on GP’s stages numerous times bringing flair, elegance, insight and satire, all while reflecting Latinx culture in Los Angeles. We are excited he is back on our stage again tonight.
ENTREES
Sharon Tay is a co-anchor on CBS2 This Morning. Born in
Oregano and Lemon Char Grilled Chicken Skewers
Singapore and raised in Connecticut, Tay has a Bachelor
Herb and Garlic Roasted Beef Medallions Broiled Swordfish with Artichoke, Tomato and Olives Saffron Rice w/ Green Peas Roasted Eggplant, Squash, Sweet Peppers and Asparagus DESSERT
Dessert Garden
of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in International Relations from Boston University. While covering some of the biggest high-profile stories making headlines, Tay an award-winning journalist has enjoyed a 25-year career in the LA market. CBS2/KCAL9 have been Grand Performances’ official broadcast partner for the past two years and we are delighted that Sharon is a part of tonight’s celebration.
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 5
HONOREE: MICHAEL ALEXANDER Grand Performances celebrates one individual who, more than any other, has shaped our organization and the arts community in Los Angeles. In 1990, following a 22-year career as a performer, manager and curator of cultural programs, Michael became the first Executive Director for a promising new concert series at the newly developed California Plaza. From the organization’s very beginning, he set the tone for our approach to free programming, with an eye to serving the entire community and to developing supportive relationships with local arts, business and civic leaders. He has served on numerous non-profit arts and community service boards where his skills in policy development, government affairs and community relations are vital. Now 27 years after that first free concert, we honor his dedication, vision and service as he moves on to his next chapter.
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HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 7
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BENEFIT CONCERT Fela Anikulapo Kuti was a Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, musician, composer, and scion of the Afrobeat movement. His music is rousing, danceable, deeply political and a part of the Grand Performances' aesthetic DNA. Grand Performances is known for having presented many of Africa's musical giants through the decades including each of Fela's sons, Femi & Seun twice. Fela’s seminal 69 Los Angeles Sessions (which GP presented in an exclusive show with Sahr Ngaujah in 2014) chronicled the musical crucible that helped him to form not only a whole new blistering, hypnotic musical style but equally important— it ignited his nascent political activism. It is fitting for GP to celebrate Fela's life tonight, his influential stay in Los Angeles, and the 20th anniversary of his passing (he was 59 when he died in 1997) with a concert that honors his music and his activism.
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ALL-STAR BAND Todd Simon MUSIC DIRECTOR TRUMPET (Ethio Cali)
Sahr Ngaujah FEATURED VOCALIST
Alfredo Rodriguez PIANO
Patrick Bailey
GUITAR (Jungle Fire)
Kibrom Birhane
PIANO/KEYS (Ethio Cali)
Martin Casillas 2ND GUITAR/BACKGROUND VOCALS
(mexico68)
Kahlil Cummings
PERCUSSION (Kendrick Lamar)
Rahul Marwah CHAIR Alison Kleaver VICE CHAIR Paul Tepper TREASURER Janet Chung SECRETARY Greg Salter ASSISTANT SECRETARY Jan Fogelman IMMEDIATE PAST-CHAIR Simone S. Branigan Michael Dolphin Jennifer Fisher Mark Flaisher Deborah Glusker Brent Imai Karen Molleson Howard Rubinroit Tony Scudellari Jared Seltzer Tara L. Taylor Debora Vrana
STAFF
Mari Riddle
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Nurit Smith
Randall Fisher
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Steve Haney
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Alan Lightner
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
TENOR SAX (Aloe Blacc) PERCUSSION (Jungle Fire) STEEL DRUMS/PERCUSSION
(Rhythm Roots All-Stars)
Brandon Owens
BASS (Robert Glasper/Yuna)
Dave Ralicke
Christie Lesinski Leigh Ann Hahn Mark Baker
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
Bria Chavez
MARKETING MANAGER
Jodi Feigenbaum
2ND TRUMPET/TROMBONE
DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
Jimetta Rose
PRODUCTION MANAGER
(Dengue Fever)
BACKGROUND VOCALS
TeAmir Sweeney DRUMS (Ethio Cali)
Jared Tankel
BARITONE SAX (Budos Band)
Doug Lowry Katie Luna
FINANCIAL MANAGER
Zindy Landeros Valle OFFICE MANAGER
Fred Stites
PRODUCTION MANAGER EMERITUS
Ezra Donellan LIGHTING
Jesse Ramos
FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER
Toby Tittle AUDIO
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DONORS
IN-KIND DONATIONS
Laurie Allen
CBS2/KCAL9 Center Theatre Group Concord Music Group Michelle Heilpern with Perfect Paris LA Clippers MOCA Nederlander Concerts Omni Berkshire Place Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Omni Los Angeles Hotel Pez Cantina Grand Central Market Tesla Wayne Kramer and Margaret Saadi Kramer of Jail Guitar Doors United Airlines East West Players/JACCC OUE Skyspace LA The Wine House Warner Bros. Entertainment Collective Color Opticus
Eileen Cooley Gerald Faris Karen Fischer THE HIT HOUSE Patrick O’Heffernan Cindy Pailey-Aboody Lois Saffian Leda Siskind & Larry Gordon GP Photos by: Farah Sosa and Brian Feinzimer Tribute Book design: Wendell Pascual
MOBILE GIVING UNITES US It’s easy, quick and simple! Follow the steps below to help support Grand Performances' programs and you’ll see your name pop up on our big screen tonight.
1
Text the word UNITE <space> PLEDGE AMOUNT <space> YOUR NAME to 56512 Ex. UNITE 500 Fela Kuti
2
Check your messages for an automated text response and click the link provided.
3
Fill out the payment information and press DONATE.
Take a stand for the arts. We are STRONGER together!
TEXT
UNITE TO
56512
to help support our programming.
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 11
2CAL Plaza wishes to thank Michael Alexander for his 27 years and countless hours of dedicated service to Grand Performances, his successful development of the performing arts and continued community service to the Downtown Area.
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1Cal Plaza would like to thank and congratulate Michael Alexander for his dedication, vision, and support of the arts in Los Angeles. 300 S. GRAND AVE LOS ANGELES, CA 1CALPLAZA.COM
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 13
Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza sits atop historic Bunker Hill in the heart of sophisticated downtown Los Angeles. The proximity of this city center four-diamond hotel to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad, MOCA, L.A. Live, Dodger Stadium, and other world-class theaters, museums, and sports and entertainment venues make indulging in this cosmopolitan world effortless.
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Denco Family congratulates and thanks Michael Alexander for a career in service to the arts and the diverse peoples of Los Angeles, and for building in Grand Performances an institution that connects and educates our community. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud to support GP as it builds on Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy and pursues its mission to inspire community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts.
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 15
The leadership and staff of Dickerson Employee Benefits and Dickerson Insurance Services is proud to give Grand Performances a standing ovation as Los Angelesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; premier summer music concert series for over 30-years. Congratulations to Michael Alexander for your decades of service in delivering one of a kind concerts to Angelenos; and we offer a warm welcome to new Executive Director, Mari Riddle as you lead Grand Performances into its next chapter of success.
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to our good friend and
Downtown pioneer, Mike Alexander!
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 17
Union Bank has been a proud sponsor of Grand Performances for the last decade.
Year after year we return to support this quality, free program that the people of Los Angeles.
Congratulations on 31 years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you are a cultural treasure!
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The Arts can take you
even we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t!
United Airlines is proud to support Grand Performances.
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 19
Greenberg Glusker proudly supports Grand Performances in celebrating 31 years of FREE performing arts and providing a stage for local and international artists, bringing the
of the world together in one place.
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You are an arts
.
Thank you for leadership and contribution to the arts in LA County. We are grateful.
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 21
Thank you Michael Alexander for your steadfast support of North Indian classical arts through the yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and your continued advocacy of the Leela Institute for the Arts and Chhandam Chitresh Das Dance Company in preserving and furthering the legacy of kathak master Pandit Chitresh Das.
Leela Institute for the Arts and Chitresh Das Dance Company
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From Gambit to gaidas, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to BAM, folk forms to ballet positions, you’ve placed a spotlight on Los Angeles and Grand Performances as the world’s most center for the development, creation, dissemination, and appreciation of global music and dance. Take a bow Michael; it is well deserved. —The AMAN Alumni Society
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 23
At U.S. Bank, we know the value that a vibrant art scene brings to the . Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we are proud to help support the local arts organizations so they have a platform to keep inspiring our community. usbank.com/community U.S. Bank is proud to support Grand Performances!
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Inner-City Arts congratulates Michael Alexander for this
honor! Well deserved!
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 25
THE STINGRAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S warmly congratulate our member Michael Alexander for his exemplary, , and tireless work in the pursuit of free access to quality global performing arts in Los Angeles for the past 27 years. Congratulations, your Stingray brothers. Ed Helmer, Joel Schechter, Stan Kamin, Stewart Mennin, Jerry Millstein, Peter Israel
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Sony Pictures Entertainment congratulates Grand Performances and warmly salutes Michael Alexander on 27 years of inspired leadership!
Los Angeles World Airports and its 4,000 employees is proud to support Grand Performances and its mission to inspire community, celebrate diversity and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts. By partnering with Grand Performances, our LAX travelers have been treated to amazing music by many wonderful artists.
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 27
From Kindergarten through Grand Performances, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve admired you all the way. Congrats on a great career and an even better retirement.
Evi & David Meyer Heidi Duckler & Dan Rosenfeld
TrueCar is proud to sponsor Grand Performances and to honor its Executive Director Emeritus, Michael Alexander for his 27 years of serving our community through the arts. TrueCar supports Grand Performances and its mission to inspire and enrich community with free access to quality performing arts.
www.truecar.com
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Congratulations Michael for over a quarter century as Grand Performancesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first Executive Director. You have been an innovative and important arts leader in this city and beyond, bringing diverse communities downtown for some of the best shows in Southern California. Significantly, you helped lay a strong foundation for Grand Performancesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; future. I wish you the best in your post-GP life! Jon Neustadter
Congratulations Michael on your stellar career in the arts! We really admire your dedication and enthusiasm! Thank you so much for your contributions to the quality of life in LA. Love and Best Wishes for your next chapter, Richard and Ann Rowland
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 29
For over 15 years,
we have been collaborating with some of the most forward-thinking arts organizations in the world. We are honored by our affiliation with Grand Performances
FULL SPECTRUM MARKETING SOLUTIONS www.dreamwarrior.com
“I’ve always said music should make you laugh, make you cry or make you think.” –Kenny Rogers THANK YOU, MICHAEL, FOR ALL THE LAUGHTER, TEARS AND JOY YOU HAVE BROUGHT US OVER THE YEARS! XOXO, Billie Greer
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“Music is my religion.” – Jimi Hendrix
Sidley is proud to honor Michael Alexander, Executive Director Emeritus and to support Grand Performances and its commitment to showcasing global performance arts in Los Angeles.
Howard Rubinroit Senior Counsel and Grand Performances Board Member 555 West Fifth Street 1999 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, CA 90013 Los Angeles, CA 90067
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 31
The Angels Flight® Railway Foundation salutes our longtime board member and trusted advisor, Michael E. Alexander, for his decades of service to Grand Performances, the California arts community, and the Angels Flight® Railway.
Adele Yellin, Hal Bastian and Nyal W. Leslie
Angels Flight® Railway Foundation board members meet in 2010: Michael E. Alexander, Marc B. Leh (counsel), Dennis R. Luna, John H. Welborne, Adele Yellin.
Martha and John Welborne thank Michael for his years of friendship and leadership. His Grand Performances is a major legacy that Los Angeles will continue to enjoy long into the future.
Michael Alexander, Michael Connelly, and John Welborne at the Angels Flight® Railway “soft opening” in 2010.
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The Glusker Family is extremely proud to honor Grand Performances as it celebrates 31 years of presenting free and multi-cultural performing arts to our diverse city of Los Angeles. And a very special thank you to Michael Alexander for your 27 years of love and commitment to GP!
Deborah Glusker, Joan and Jerry Elledge, Sue and Steve Glusker
The Music Center pays tribute to Michael Alexander for his outstanding career in the arts and innovative contributions to the cultural communities of Los Angeles. Bravo! 135 North Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012 | musiccenter.org
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 33
Collective Color proudly supports the good works of Grand Performances Congratulations Michael! Thanks to you, LA's collective summer begins and ends with you in mind. Today, music lovers and friends unite in your honor. It's a pleasure having been GP's printer of choice through the years. Congratulations on your retirement, Amigo! With lots of love and gratitude! Your Friends at,
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Dear Michael/Dad/Grandpa, We love you and are all so proud of you as you move to the next phase of your personal and professional life post-Grand Performances! You continue to live by your mantra, "The arts are a right and not a privilege"â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we are so grateful for your indefatigable energy in the service of bringing beauty to our crazy world! You inspire us all with your honesty, your positive spirit, and your warmth towards humanity. Mazel Tov!
Vicki, Seth, Janelle, Shaindy, Jasen, Amber, Timothy, Ellie and Jack
Our city is culturally richer and more alive thanks to the vision and dedication of Michael Alexander. His way of connecting diverse communities through the universal languages of music and performance will continue to thrive with Mari Riddle at the helm.
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 35
Congratulations to Michael Alexander on his retirement, and for a lifetime and career dedicated to bringing music, dance and culture to Los Angeles. We wish you much joy in the next chapter of your life. We also wish Grand Performances continued success for years to come.
Francine Lipsman-Tansey and Michael Tansey
Congratulations and Mazel Tov, dear Michael, from the Kirsch and Wolf familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;we love you and applaud your lifelong dedication to keeping the arts alive in Los Angeles and beyond! On to the next chapters...
Rosalie, Vicki, Mitch, Jan, Jane, Jamie, Sergei, Ari and Adam
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Have fun “clowning around” in retirement.
Love, Tut, Gary, Alice, Dan AND Lily
Congratulations and thank you Michael for your wonderful contribution to Los Angeles. As you go into the next phase of your life, do what the Muslim spiritual guru Rumi taught: Run from what’s comfortable Forget safety Live where you fear to live Destroy reputation Be notorious
Ani Zonneveld
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 37
The Taylor Family proudly salutes Michael Alexander on his retirement as Executive Director. We will miss your unbridled, trailblazing creativity and passion for the arts that fueled nearly three decades of leadership at Grand Performances.
Michael, the LA dance community champions YOU and all that you have done in service of the performing arts! Thank you for everything, and best wishes on the adventures ahead.
Bravo, Tara, Charles & Quattro Taylor
Thank You & Congratulations Michael for 27 years of fabulous events! Tai-Ling Wong
Thank you Michael and Grand Performances for all the wonderful concerts youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve brought to Los Angeles!
Tom Schnabel KCRWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rhythm Planet
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Best wishes Michael as you embark on the next chapter of your amazing career. You are a treasure. Los Angeles is very lucky to have you Ronda Berkeley and Mel Green
Thank you so much, Michael, for inspiring all of us in the greater L.A. community through thrilling art available to all!
Carol and Carl Selkin
The man, the hat, the music. Thank you, Michael, for your years of elevating global culture and bringing people together in L.A. You and the Grand Performancesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team have helped make our city a better burg. Dance on!
Tom and Cass Cheyney
Your long-time buddies want to congratulate you on opening the door to community access to outstanding, free music in LA.
Caryl and David Lightfoot, Peter and Trudy Israel, Carol Schneider and Bill Donnelly, Don Green and Barbara Weismann
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 39
Bravo and thank you, Michael, for all your years of dedication, not only to GP, but to the larger community, and for always keeping your eye on the ball.
Best wishes and appreciation to everyone at Grand Performances! Keep up the great work, your programs enhance the quality of life for all.
With affection and admiration,
Ruth Eliel and Bill Cooney
Mona Field www.lwvlosangeles.org campaign.mona@gmail.com 213.368.1616
Latino Edge Magazine is proud to support Grand Performances and the People, Trends & Cultures that inspire the music and art helping to bring our communities together.
With great appreciation for all you’ve done for the performing arts in Los Angeles.
www.LatinoEdgeMag.net
Best wishes on your retirement.
I feel privileged to have been in “the room where it happened”.
Leonard M. Lipman
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Michael, You are an amazing and inspiring force for good. Friends Always,
Charmaine Jefferson and Garrett Johnson
Take a deep bow, Michael. Thank you for your passion, enthusiasm, and indefatigable support for the Arts in California.
Adam Gottlieb and Rebecca Plack
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is proud to have partnered with Grand Performances for the final concert of the summer. Grand Performances stands as an important example of how the arts can create communities and bring people together, and LACO looks forward to future collaborations in support of that mission.
HONORING MICHAEL ALEXANDER 41
Thank you and much respect to Michael Alexander. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Greg Leeper
Proud video services provider to Grand Performances for 10 years and counting! For more info contact:
info@opticusvideo.com (213) 537-8361
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Congratulations to Michael Alexander â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a California dance warrior!
Michael â&#x20AC;&#x201D; From Hashomer to the Watercourt Stage, your vision and achievements have always been Grand. Zei gezunt!
Join Lula Washington Dance Theatre for the 30th Annual Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance!
Danny and Capital & Main
January 25-28 2018 in Los Angeles at the Sheraton LAX Hotel. For more information call (323) 292-5852
Safarian Choi & Bolstad LLP proudly supports Grand Performances and congratulates Michael Alexander on a fantastic career. Thank you for all your contributions to the community and the best to you in retirement.
Thanks for the memories.
Leigh Ann Hahn Director of Programming Grand Performances 26 SEASONS
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