The show must go on for school arts’ sake
SM PIER — Santa Monicans can enjoy live music with ocean views this weekend as hundreds of local students perform on the pier.
More than a dozen student bands, choirs and orchestras will be showcased during the second annual Celebration For the Arts all weekend at the Santa Monica Pier. The groups represent elementary, middle and high school students from throughout Santa Monica and Malibu schools.
The fete is intended to exhibit student talents while raising money for art programs throughout the school district, said Linda Gross, executive director of the Education Foundation of Santa Monica-Malibu, whose arts’ affiliate — For the Arts — serves as event organizer.
“This is a dazzling weekend of free performances.” Gross said. “These students are remarkable musicians destined for great achievements.”
For the Arts is a community-wide effort to raise $15 million to ensure that every student in the Santa Monica-Malibu public schools, beginning in the earliest grades, receives a broad introduction to the arts — music, visual arts, dance and drama. To date, $1.5 million has been raised through the effort.
“This year will be better than last, because we have a better understanding of what works,” said Richard McKinnon, a spokesperson helping to promote the event. “What works so well about the celebration is the combination of good weather and the beach, with all of this talent.”
“What works so well... is the combination of good weather and the beach, with all of this talent.” — – RICHARD MCKINNON For The Arts Spokesperson
On two stages at the eastern end of the pier, more than 800 students will present a range of vocal, instrumental, jazz, classical, chorale, operetta, dramatic and other performances, according to Gross.
Teen celebrities — such as Jeremy Sumpter (Peter Pan), Steven Anthony Lawrence (Even Stevens), Cole Evan Weiss (Sandlot 2) and Rose Bloomfield (Disney Movie Surfers) — who have joined the celebration, will introduce student and community performers and sign autographs at the VIP guest booth.
‘Venice’ comes to SM Pier The weekend lineup includes two benefit shows hosted by Venice, the locally-based and high-profile music group who are looking to raise money for the Education Foundation and For the Arts campaign.
Venice is a band comprised of two sets of brothers — Michael and Mark Lennon, and Pat and Kipp Lennon. The cousins, born and raised in Venice, have been a staple on the California club scene for several years, renowned for their four-part harmonies and live performances. Venice has toured or recorded with rock stars such as Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Stevie Nicks and Phil Collins.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to give something back to the community where we grew up,” said Michael Lennon. “Venice is part of the local landscape here in Santa Monica and Malibu.
“Our kids go to school here. This community is our community.”
Venice will perform a VIP Benefit on Friday. The $150 ticket will include a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. at the carousel, followed by Venice’s performance at 8:30 p.m. at the Arcadia Nightclub, also on the pier. Venice will also appear live at 7 p.m. on Saturday, during a community concert at Arcadia. Tickets for that show are $35.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 7, 2005. Read the original PDF.