Palisadian Cheech Marin, comedian-actor, will be the featured guest performing a special comedy duet with his wife Natasha Marin, an acclaimed concert pianist at a gala benefiting the Boyle Heights-based Neighborhood Music School (NMS) on Saturday, Sept. 13.
In celebration of the school’s centennial anniversary, the event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, award presentation, entertainment and a raffle at the Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles beginning at 6 p.m.
Housed in a charmingly restored 1890s Victorian Home, the Neighborhood Music School (NMS) provides low-cost music instruction and performance opportunities to children who might not otherwise have access to the joy, hope and passion that music can instill.
Composer/conductor John Williams will present the school’s inaugural Mancini Award to arts philanthropist and music education advocate Ginny Mancini. Named in memory of her renowned husband, Henry Mancini, the award is bestowed upon individuals whose professional and civic endeavors advocate and promote music education opportunities for low-income children. Mancini’s best-known works include the jazz theme to The Pink Panther film series.
“We are so pleased to be presenting Ginny Mancini with Neighborhood Music School’s very first Manicini Award,” says NMS Board President Jeff De Francisco. “Ginny has been a long time supporter of the work we do at the school and is a champion of music education for children. She continues her husband Henry’s legendary role as a musical ambassador and inspiration to others.”
To honor the school’s past, celebrate its present and look ahead to the future, the evening will feature several other highlights, including performances by NMS students and 75-year-old Mickey Fruchter. In his 50th year as an NMS violin teacher. Fruchter will perform a duet with his former student, 23-year-old NMS office manager Bernard Leon who started taking lessons at the age of four.
Limited edition 50th Anniversary Pink Panther albums will be among the raffle prizes.The evening is pink tie optional, a nod to the 50th anniversary of the Mancini-composed Pink Panther theme.
Tickets are $250 per person. The address for the Jonathan Club is 545 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90071. Parking will be validated.
For more information, visit www.nmscelebration.org or call Gala Chairperson Megan Ferkel Earhart at (323) 723-2967.
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