Spend this weekend enjoying performances by local and renowned artists showcasing some of the upcoming shows at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. Every corner of The Wallis’ campus will come alive with music, dancing, roving theater performances, comedy and a dance party at dusk featuring an eclectic mix of music to end the night.
The free two day event includes works by The Wallis’ first artist-in-residence Michael Arden, and LA-based contemporary dance group Jacob Jonas The Company—as well as family-fun activities, classes, cash bar, and food trucks.
Bring out the whole family!! It’s going to be a fun-packed weekend.
Where: Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts; 9390 N Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
When: Saturday, September 10 from 2-10 pm/Sunday, September 11 10-2 pm
Saturday Events:
- Beverly Hills High School Marching Band – showcasing the civic pride of their school and the city, the Beverly Hills High School Marching Band kicks off the celebration with a special opening musical performance around The Wallis’ campus.
- Colburn School – young musicians on the rise will give chamber music and solo performances in the Bram Goldsmith Theater, as part of a central partnership with the renowned school.
- Deaf West Theatre – members of Deaf West Theatre, a company that builds bridges between the deaf and hearing communities in Los Angeles for 25 years and recently brought audiences the Tony Award-nominated revival of Spring Awakening, will perform a special American Sign Language (ASL) cabaret featuring both signing and vocals.
- Debbie Allen Dance Academy’s Break the Floor Hip-Hop – world-renowned choreographer of film, television and stage Dave Scott (“So You Think You Can Dance,” High Strung, Step Up) and hip-hop master Chantel Heath will “Break the Floor” with a free hip-hop dance class for the community.
- Debbie Allen Dance Academy’s Ensemble (DADA) – members of the DADA ensemble will perform an excerpt from the hit musical Chicago, choreographed by Jazz Master Kim Hale.
- Films of Harold Lloyd – a longtime Beverly Hills resident, Harold Lloyd (1893 – 1971) was one of the most popular and influential film comedians of the silent film era alongside Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, making nearly 200 films between 1914 and 1947. Throughout the weekend, The Wallis will showcase a selection of cinematic works of Lloyd, many of the films featuring old footage of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, including the famed Beverly Hills Hotel. WelcomeFest Lineup
- For The Record: Scorsese – For The Record returns to Los Angeles to celebrate legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese with American Crime Requiem, the first theater production of The Wallis’ 2016/17 season, opening on September 21. Select members of the For The Record: Scorsese cast will be featured performing various songs from Broadway hits to pop music on the WelcomeFest outdoor stage.
- The Foshay Jazz Band and Combo – students from James A. Foshay High School, located in the heart of Los Angeles and the home of jazz legends Eric Dolphy and Billy Higgins, will perform a varied program of jazz.
- GRoW @ The Wallis Drum Circle with Andrew Grueschow – Grueschow facilitates a drum circle, leading participants as they play and layer patterns with various percussion instruments, body percussions and vocal chants. Drums will be provided.
- GRoW @ The Wallis Performance with Madeleine Dahm – theater director and choreographer Madeleine Dahm will direct a number of spontaneous site-specific movement theater pieces throughout The Wallis. Inspired by the textures and light of the building, the hidden corners, ledges, windows, pathways and corridors will come to life with unexpected and impromptu movement, living sculpture and sound. The performance will feature several of the young artists who participated in the recent GRoW @ The Wallis course The Art of Choreography.
- GRoW @ The Wallis with Beth Peterson – creating puppets, masks, pageants, parades and puppet shows for over 16 years, Peterson will share her master talent and expertise with WelcomeFest attendees as she leads a participatory puppet making workshop.
- GRoW @ The Wallis Jazz Jam Session with Jamey Tate – attendees are invited to bring their instruments and play in a jam session led by professional musician and GRoW @ The Wallis’ The Art of The Small Ensemble instructor Jamey Tate. Youth and adults are welcome.
- Impro Theatre – the critically acclaimed improvisational theatre company performs Twilight Zone UnScripted: Abridged, a completely improvised play in the style of Rod Serling’s classic television series.
- Jacob Jonas The Company – the 21st Century dance company creates a mix of contemporary ballet and acrobatic movement with a focus on making dance for both live audiences and the camera. Two artists from the company will perform an original work designed specifically for The Wallis’ outdoor Promenade Terrace twice throughout the day.
- KCRW Dance Party – a dance party at dusk featuring an eclectic mix of music curated by DJ Aaron Byrd, in partnership with KCRW, ends Saturday night.
- Lorenzo Johnson & Praizum Gospel Choir – harnessing the heart and soul of this generation, Praizum has provided a fresh voice on the music scene using performing arts as a positive outlet of expression and a tool to reach and influence their community. Praizum will perform a selection of original music compositions, covering an array of inspirational and positive music including hymns, traditional, contemporary, hip-hop, R&B, Christian, and gospel. WelcomeFest Lineup
- Melinda Sullivan and Sarah Reich – tap phenoms Melinda Sullivan and Sarah Reich, also known as “The Sole Sisters,” combine their exceptional talent to present a special duet performance for WelcomeFest audiences. Both artists tour the world teaching and choreographing, and perform together regularly at the Blue Whale in Los Angeles. Sullivan is best known for her appearances on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and Reich for her performances with the highly popular music group Postmodern Jukebox.
- Michael Arden’s Pop-Up Sondheim – the mind of brilliant Stephen Sondheim explodes throughout The Wallis as musicians, singers, actors and dancers explore the songs of this legendary composer and lyricist of Merrily We Roll Along. Explore the grounds and hidden corners of the glorious campus while enjoying some of Broadway’s greatest songs in an immersive and experiential presentation of music, dance and film.
- The Miracle Project LIVE! – the extraordinary individuals comprising this performance troupe of self-advocates of all abilities (verbal and non-verbal) have grown through The Miracle Project and shared their voices and talents on some of the greatest stages around the country. As activists, they are changing the way the world perceives autism and inspiring audiences everywhere. On September 10, The Miracle Project LIVE! will present original and familiar songs from various genres.
- Self Help Graphics & Art’s Barrio Mobile Art Studio – incorporated in 1973, Self Help Graphics & Art’s mission is to drive the creation of new work by Chicano and Latino artists through fine art printmaking and multiple visual forms. The Barrio Mobile Art Studio brings art creation to the streets and now The Wallis, facilitating a mono print silkscreening workshop. WelcomeFest attendees can also join accomplished Los Angeles-based artist Wayne Perry in a participatory mural painting session throughout the two days
Saturday Events:
- Beverly Hills Public Library – the library, encouraging the wonder of learning in children and people of all ages, continues its dedication and service to the Beverly Hills community by providing impromptu storytelling and reads-alouds. Visitors are encouraged to read, relax and renew their acquaintance with storytelling, old and new.
- Deaf West Theatre – the theatre company returns on Sunday to guide audiences through a special “Sign/Sing-Along” led by Josh Castille, other extraordinary Deaf West artists and select members of the Street Symphony Chamber Choir. Audience members will have the opportunity to learn a number of signs in a musical context.
- Dance Sundays with Debbie Allen & Friends – Debbie Allen returns with her popular Dance Sundays series leading a Salsa class designed for the whole family. Debbie Allen Dance Academy Latin Fusion Master Lyrik Cruz and a live band join her on The Wallis’ terrace. Dance Sundays continue throughout the season on the second Sunday of each month, exploring the various genres of dance including African, Hip-Hop, Tap and more (full schedule forthcoming).
- Films of Harold Lloyd – see above description. WelcomeFest Lineup
- GRoW @ The Wallis with Beth Peterson – see above description.
- Invertigo Dance Theatre – audiences are invited to move and groove with the dance theater’s company members as they lead a workshop featuring a fun warm-up, movement games and teach participants new dance steps. No prior dance experience is needed and all ages and abilities are welcome to join.
- Phat Cat Swinger – a 10-piece “Little-Big Band” for lovers of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Michael Bublé and The Brian Setzer Orchestra! The dapper men of Phat Cat Swinger bring style, class, charisma and an explosive energy on stage with every performance. Just combine their ingenious song list with a powerful 5-piece horn section, jumpin’ rhythm section, and their Canadian Crooner Curtis Parry for an instant party at WelcomeFest! Oh, and dancers of all experience levels and ages, The Wallis welcome you with our big open dance floor!
- Self Help Graphics & Arts’ Barrio Mobile Art Studio – see above description.
- Sir Matthew Bourne OBE – Matthew Bourne, the UK’s most popular and successful choreographer and director, will take to the stage with The Wallis’ Artistic Director Paul Crewes. Bourne is the creator of the world’s longest running ballet production of “Swan Lake,” a five-time Olivier Award winner and the only British director to have won the Tony Award for both Best Choreographer and Best Director of a Musical.
- Street Symphony Chamber Choir – comprised of musicians from the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Street Symphony regularly creates live, free, on-site musical experiences for those who do not have access—the homeless, the mentally ill and the incarcerated. For a special one-day chorale performance, the professional musicians perform family-friendly music sharing their special talents at WelcomeFest.
- Young Storytellers – The Young Storytellers engage creativity through the art of storytelling. The mission of the organization is to inspire young people to discover the power of their own voice. Young Storytellers invites attendees to tell their personal stories through an interactive social media installation.
Celebrate Performing Arts During WelcomeFest at The Wallis
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