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Lafayette Rotarian Dick Holt conceived of the event over 25 years ago to provide a showcase for local school music programs while also raising money to support their efforts.
While admission to the event is free, the annual concert is currently raising about $20,000 a year, thanks to the efforts of Holt and his other Rotarians. Holt says, "Half of the money raised goes directly to support the local school music programs in the public schools and the other half goes to Rotary-sponsored programs such as Meals on Wheels, Trust in Education, and Rotary Scholarships."
Participants in the program include Stanley Middle School, Acalanes High School, the Rossmoor Big Band and Roosevelt Middle School from Oakland, and, in recent years, it has expanded to include young dancers and singers from the Lafayette Town Hall Education and the Performing Academy.
The Stanley Middle School Jazz Messengers, under the direction of local legend Bob Athayde, were recently named one of the top five middle school bands in the United States. In addition, eighth-grader Walter Serwin won first prize in the nation for an arrangement he composed for a saxophone quintet.
Athayde says, "This [concert] is a fun activity for us and a chance for students to give back to the community. Playing music to make people happy reminds us that musicians are servants of the people, just like in Mozart's time."
Lauren Gibson, in her first year at Acalanes High School after taking over for longtime director Norm Deas, will bring her Jazz Ensemble - fresh off a performance at the University of Nevada at Reno Jazz Festival.
Lafayette Rotarian Mo Levich has directed the Rossmoor Big Band for the last 20 years. Holt calls him "instrumental in the local music scene."
The event will open with a musical fanfare with brass players from Acalanes, Stanley and Rossmoor, and will feature former mayor Don Tatzin as one of the brass members.
John Coleman, president of the East Bay Municipal Utility District board of directors, and Lafayette Mayor Mike Anderson, will speak at the event. Holt credits Coleman as being "extremely supportive of our efforts."
In addition to donations from Rotary members, major donors include Diablo Foods, Cortese Investments, Lamorinda Weekly, Lafayette Chamber of Concert, and many more. "A lot of people and organizations step up and write big checks," says Holt. "We've bought a lot of trombones and drum sets and many other items for our local music programs."
Raffle tickets, with prizes such as weekend getaways and other worthwhile winnings, will also be sold by Rotarians and Chamber of Commerce members to raise funds. Prizes have been donated by local corporations and individual donors.
The outdoor stage was built and funded by the Lafayette Rotary Club with help from the Lafayette Community Foundation and individual donors. Shortly after completion, the stage was dedicated and deeded to EBMUD to be operated by them for the use and enjoyment of the entire community.
In addition to the entertainment, food and drinks will be available for purchase, and chairs and shade tenting will be provided in a perfect picnic setting on the lawn.
Golf cart shuttles will be available to and from the parking lot to the stage area for those who desire it, and public restrooms and a children's play area are nearby. Parking is available for $7 all day or at metered parking.
Other community events planned in May:
Moraga Community Faire, May 11
The 2019 Moraga Community Faire and Car Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 at the Town's Rheem Valley Shopping Center - offering a wonderful opportunity for a family fun day! While a free event, there is a $5 charge for unlimited Kid's Zone activities include pony rides, bounce house and mazes, Bot Bash Party and Bay Area Ball Players. There will be food trucks, live music, wine and beer, and over 70 classic cars and booths to meet local artists, business and organizations. The booths and activities will be in the parking lot in front of CVS. Ride your bike and get free valet parking. The Moraga Community Faire and Car Show is organized and sponsored by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.moragachamber.org/faire.
Orinda Restaurant Tour, May 7 (see story Page B8)
Taste of Lafayette, May 14 (see story Page A3)
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA