The arts departments of Los Angeles Valley College, Pierce College and Moorpark College joined forces to present the first annual Showcase Awards at Los Angeles Valley College’s Main Stage Theater.  This was an effort not only to showcase performers from each school’s music, dance and drama departments, but also to produce a competition where which the winners would enjoy generous cash prizes.    

 LA Valley College Alum, and veteran actor, Ed Begley, was the master of ceremonies for the evening.  Star of dozens of movies and television shows, he is probably best known for his work on the hit television series, “St. Elsewhere”.   In his introduction, Ed mentioned other notable actors who studied at LA Valley College in North Hollywood, including motion picture actor Kevin Spacey, television actor Tom Selleck and Michael Richards (Seinfeld’s “Kramer”).  

The show opened up with the Greg Iker Jazz Trio, featuring Mr. Iker on the piano.  They played a classic four-on-the-floor jazz roaster and then laid out a cool bossa nova that was intro’d with an awesome bass solo.  Very nice. 

There were many performers that graced the stage for the evening.   The most notable included: 

Violinist, Lusine Marukyan of Los Angeles Valley College (www.lavc.cc.ca.us) .  She performed “Perpetual Motion” by Mirzoyan and was accompanied by her mother, Sirarpi Zirekyants.  This is one of the more complex pieces in the repertoire that requires the utmost precision and steadiness of nerves of the performer.  The piano part is very difficult as well.  These ladies played incredibly well together, tightly, and with strong command of their instruments.  This was a real treat.  Ms. Marukyan also performs with the Valley Symphony. 

Vocalist, Grace Rivas, of Pierce College (www.lapc.cc.ca.us), sang a moving rendition of “Sabor a Mi,” the beautiful classic love song, and was accompanied by pianist Katie McNamee.   Very beautiful, indeed. 

Contrabassist, Brenton Kossak, of Moorpark College (www.moorpark.cc.ca.us) , performed the Sonata in G Minor for contrabass, by Henry Eccles.   Since sonatas are typically written for piano and instruments in the higher registers, this was a rare opportunity to witness a performance of a sonata on a contrabass.  Mr. Kossak played the bass very nimbly and with passion. 

Actress Alex Bowerman, of Valley College, then performed a solo piece from Craig Lucas, “Blue Window.”   This was a moving performance of a compelling piece where which the character pleads with her boyfriend, bringing the actress to tears.    

Also in attendance for the evening’s festivities were college president, Dr. Tyree Peter; Dennis Reed, Dean of Fine Arts (performing, fine and media); Mr. Raul Castillo, Executive Director of the Patron’s Association Foundation; Associate Vice Chancellor, Jr. John Clerk; actor Hector Elizondo; and Gary Cradle of corporate sponsor, Warner Bros..       

©2005 Scott Detweiler.  All Rights Reserved.

 

Scott Detweiler is an accomplished composer in his own rite and has just released his sixth CD.  For more details, log on to www.detweilermusic.com, or write to scott@detweilermusic.com.