”
O my man I love him so
”
! It’s a familiar refrain that has been spinning ’round and
’round in the heads of the Gilroy Arts Alliance for the past year.
Ever since the concept was planted by fans who attended their Diva
Concert, the idea of
”
Divos in Concert
”
has grown into what promises to be an evening of pure
enjoyment.
“O my man I love him so”! It’s a familiar refrain that has been spinning ’round and ’round in the heads of the Gilroy Arts Alliance for the past year. Ever since the concept was planted by fans who attended their Diva Concert, the idea of “Divos in Concert” has grown into what promises to be an evening of pure enjoyment.
And not to worry, it’s not a rock band sporting inverted flower pots as headgear. This concert will feature twelve local men who will serenade and entertain you. The evening also promises a silent auction, a live auction with auctioneer Addie Bakich, fun and games with emcees Rod Pintello and Kevin Heath, delicious food catered by Loritta Bonfante-Johnson, wine from Hecker Pass Winery and centerpieces created by metal artist Paul Loughridge.
Featured performers include Andoni Bundros, composer pianist and choir director, Alan Hosida who attends San Francisco State University and the ever charming, always smiling Ryan McBrearty, who just graduated from San Francisco State University with a major in broadcasting. Also on the list, appropriately costumed and coifed, Don “Elvis” Prieto will bring down the house with two of the “the Kings” ever popular numbers. Another of Gilroy’s famous, Ted Sanchez, will croon as only Ted can do; get ready to swoon, ladies!
Known not only in Gilroy but the entire bay area and beyond, Paul Myrvold, of theatrical fame, will grace the stage with lyrics that promise to go straight to the heart. Last seen as El Cid in Pacific Rep’s “Man of La Mancha”, Paul recently won the San Francisco Bay Area Theater Critics Circle Award for his performance in “Grey Gardens” at TheaterWorks. In October he will be seen in “La Honda” at Pacific Repertory Theater in Carmel.
Lance LaShelle, a local boy with stage credits in New York and L.A. has prepared a medley of tunes we can’t help but enjoy. Lance graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Arts in LA. and after earning his Actors Equity card he auditioned for Bob Fosse and received a call back. He didn’t land the job, but what an experience! Lance is currently the Associate Artistic Director of Jewel Theater in Santa Cruz.
One of the things I love about this kind of performance is the discovery of “hidden talent” in our community. People from all walks of life who are willing to step onto the stage and and entertain. Rob Christopher is one of these. Rob is an attorney who does a little farming on the side. A few years ago he took on the role of Professor Harold Hill in SVCT’s “The Music Man” and theater goers sat up and took notice. Then, just a few months ago, he again graced SVCT’s stage playing Frank Butler in “Annie Get Your Gun”. Singing, dancing and playing the comedic romantic leading man, Rob again proved himself to be an entertainer with style, winning the season’s best actor award. You will love his “Divo” renditions.
Another recently discovered talent is Bill Tindall of Morgan Hill. An interior designer, Bill started acting at Pintello’s Comedy Theater four years ago, was cast in SVCT’s “Arsenic and Old Lace” and has become a regular on both stages. Up to now local audiences have not heard Bill’s luscious singing voice. We are all in for a special surprise.
Last but not by any means least is Gilroy’s renowned choir director, Phil Robb. Phil’s high school choirs have been winning accolades for years, twenty five if you’re counting. Last year Phil’s Chamber Choir was given the ultimate honor, a performance at Carnegie Hall. If you kept up with reports you know that Gilroy made a name for itself in New York City thanks to Phil’s talent, inspiration, hard work and dedication. Whenever we see Phil’s name on a program we look forward to hearing outstanding choirs. Well look out everyone! This time you will hear the man himself and what a treat it will be.
I have yet to mention another highlight of the evening, The Martan Mann Trio. For those of you who attended the “Divas in Concert” last year and raved about the band you will be happy to hear that they are back again this year. Martan, who teaches at Cabrillo College, is widely know in the Bay Area. Check his Web site for current performances.
“Divos in Concert” will be presented Sept. 26 at the LaVigna Event Center at Hecker Pass Winery, Gilroy. Tickets for the fundraiser include food, wine and entertainment and may be purchased at Booksmart in Morgan Hill or Sue’s Coffee Roasting, Monterey at Fifth Street in Gilroy, or call (408) 847-1441. Admittance is by pre-sale ticket only. The $35 ticket price goes up to $40 after Sept. 21.
