On Saturday, September 10, 2016, the Los Angeles Music and Art School (LAMusArt) hosted its annual Stars for the Arts Benefit Dinner at the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live, with many in attendance to help support opportunities for underserved students in East Los Angeles have access to arts education programs.
The sold out evening featured a concert and screening of the award-winning documentary film The Girls in the Band, followed by a VIP rooftop dinner at Target Terrace by Wolfgang Puck. Dunia Elvir, host of Telemundo 52’s morning newscast “Noticiero Telemundo 52 a las 5 a.m. y 6 a.m.” served as the emcee.
LAMusArt was recognized at the top of the evening for its 71 years of service to the community of East Los Angeles. Executive Director, Manuel Prieto, was presented with a certificate of recognition by Edith Gonzalez from the office of First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis on behalf of the City of Los Angeles and Supervisor Solis.
The concert featured performances by LAMusArt student members of the tuition-free Choir and Jazz Ensemble, directed by Teaching Artist Austin Chanu. These tuition-free programs provide opportunities for local East Los Angeles students to enroll in music education programs at no-cost.
Evening honoree and distinguished LAMusArt parent Santiago Aponte who, for the past 18 years, has brought five of his six children to partake in LAMusArt programs said, “I would not have been able to provide [my children] with as much exposure to the arts as they have fortunately received without LAMusArt tuition-free programs and scholarships.”
Following the screening of The Girls in the Band, director Judy Chaikin was honored for her directorial work and for her support of LAMusArt and its students. Chaikin, who is a native of East Los Angeles, founded the Jules Chaikin Memorial Trumpet Scholarship – named after her late husband, renowned trumpeter, Jules Chaikin – which has raised funds to support LAMusArt students throughout the years.
After accepting her award, Chaikin also thanked and recognized personal friend and colleague Michael Greene, producer of The Girls in the Band. Several featured musicians from the film who were in attendance this evening were also recognized and included: Roz Cron, Corky Hale, Nedra Wheeler, Suzanne Morissette Cruz, and Ann Patterson.
Following the concert and screening, guests had the opportunity to enjoy the Grammy Museum exhibits. VIP guests moved upstairs to Target Terrace where they enjoyed food and drinks by Wolfgang Puck beneath the stars and sights of Downtown Los Angeles. During the VIP dinner, entertainment was provided by the music group the Swing Dames and guests also had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items, with proceeds benefitting LAMusArt.
LAMusArt would like to thank all in attendance for their support and for making the event a huge success. Special thanks are extended to Diamond Sponsors: Arclight-Pacific Theatres, Union Bank, and Jane and Lou Castruccio.
To make a donation please click here.
To view more photos of the event click on the albums:
Photos by CBGRAPHY.
Dunia Elvir arrives at Stars for the Arts.
Event emcee, Dunia Elvir from Telemundo 52, welcomes guests to Stars for the Arts.
Judy Chaikin, director of The Girls in the Band; featured musicians Roz Cron, Nedra Wheeler, Suzanne Morissette Cruz, and Ann Paterson; and Michael Greene, producer of The Girls in the Band, are recognized.
Judy Chaikin (center), Director of The Girls in the Band and Honoree, and family.
Executive Director, Manuel Prieto, accepts a certificate of recognition from Edith Gonzales commemorating LAMusArt’s 71 years of service.
The LAMusArt tuition-free choir performs at the concert.
Santiago Aponte (far right), LAMusArt parent Honoree, and family.
Santiago Aponte, LAMusArt parent, accepts his award and certificate of recognition.
Musical group, the Swing Dames, performing at the VIP dinner at Target Terrace.