Fernando Pullman Community Arts Center Gala!

You know? Good is happening.  I was sitting on the steps of the house and I waved to a car passing by.  (I was born in Mississippi, and if you know anything about the South, you know that people wave and speak to each other. )  Well, the black Mercedes pulled over, the driver got out of the car and came over to me, introduced himself as Fernando and we started talking.

...He a teacher,  and has a music program for children.  He started the Washington High School Jazz Band (I was thinking - "I've seen them perform at concerts; and I went to Washington High School").   He provides performing art classes for children in the community: drama, music and dance, and it's free.  He has some good supporters in the entertainment industry that support him and his non-profit organization.  He invited me to bring Girl, and any other children I knew,  to enroll in his summer program.   I commended him on his much needed, services to the children in the community, and offered to volunteer my services for sewing and costume design for their upcoming stage production of "The Lion King".  As he left, I was thinking, "man he does an aweful lot for kids in the community"..  

Well, a couple of days later,  Girl's Mother enrolled her in the summer arts program at the Fernando Pullman's Community Arts Center in Leimert Park.  In case you didn't know, Girl is "America's Next Top Model"  and this summer she'll be taking drama and dance. You go Girl!

Couple days later "Me and Girl" received a phone call.  We were invited to be guests at the Gala!  We were so excited!!  

I later learned - over the years Fernando's students have performed for many dignitaries, including president Ford and Prince Charles.  His students have performed with Jackson Browne, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Lionel Hampton, Wynton Marsalis, Al Jarreau and many other incredible musicians.  They have opened the Playboy Jazz Festival four times (that's probably where I saw them) and traveled to Cuba, Brazil, Spain and New York.  The Gala was a tribute to Wayne Shorter and it was presented by Herbie Hancock! 


Gosh.  I felt a little embarrassed and humble after learning who this man, that  pulled over to speak/respond to my neighborly wave, was.  But, obviously I didn't need to know.  


Below "are a few photos" from the event:

"Me & Girl"

Chef Govind Armstrong of Post & Beam Restaurant

Chef Benjamin Ford's menu -one of the four featured Chefs

Chef Neal Fraser's Menu - one of the featured Chefts

"Girl"

"Me and Girl" had a great time!  And we were very thankful for the gracious invitation.  


If you have, or know of children, in south Los Angeles, who could benefit from this summer arts program, call and get them registered, 323.292.2700.  The program is for 6th grade and up.

photos by: eve