On October 19, 2009, 250 friends and guests gathered for Education Through Music-Los Angeles' 4^th Annual Benefit Gala at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. It was a magical evening featuring performances by Honorary Co-Chairs Johnny Mathis and Patti Austin, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, and Emcee Justin Guarini. ETM-LA was proud to honor both Music Educator Vincent Houser and Grammy-Winning Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band each with Shining Star Awards. The event raised approximately $60,000 to support ETM-LA's music education programs in underserved schools as part of the core curriculum for every child.

A silent auction and cocktail hour on the patio kicked off the evening as guests energetically bid on over sixty hot items including a John Williams Autographed Star Wars Package, an Adam Sandler Autographed Collection, and Miley Cyrus Autographed pieces. Chairman Patrick Cole and Emcee Justin Guarini welcomed all the guests, and Executive Director Victoria Lanier spoke about ETM-LA's mission and the importance of keeping music in schools so every child may benefit from music and a well-rounded education.

Advisory Board member and Grammy-Winning Composer Michael Giacchino led the live auction, which included tickets to a Lady Gaga concert and meet and greet, guitars signed by Trisha Yearwood and Miley Cyrus, and the opportunity to conduct a recording session for hit show "Lost." The Live Auction was followed by a Shining Star Award presentation to Vincent Houser for his contributions to Los Angeles youth and the Buckley School as both musician and music educator for over 30 years, and for his tremendous work as a founding Board member for ETM-LA. Mr. Houser then conducted a moving performance of ETM-LA's violin and guitar students from two partner schools - Castelar Elementary and St. Sebastian - on "Ode to Joy" joined by Big Phat Band members and several Buckley students.

Co-Chairs Booker White and Michele Nardone awarded Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band a Shining Star Award for their leadership and achievements in the field of music and for Gordon Goodwin's Award-winning musical compositions which have continued to expand musical boundaries while inspiring middle and high school bands across the country. The Big Phat Band then performed a riveting set including George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (arranged by Gordon Goodwin) with sensational solos from members of the band.

Justin Guarini, Season One American Idol Finalist charmed guests with his winsome personality as emcee for the evening, and sang two soul-rendering tunes including Marvin Gaye's What's Going On (arranged by Dave Giuli). Justin then introduced Grammy-winning jazz icon, Patti Austin to the stage, who dazzled on George Gershwin favorites (arranged by Michael Abene), I'll Build a Stariway to Paradise and Lady Be Good. To top off the evening, legendary singer Johnny Mathis divinely graced the audience with his greatest hits - My Foolish Heart, Let the Good Times Roll, and Misty written by Johnny Mathis (arranged by Gordon Goodwin).

Education Through Music-Los Angeles gratefully acknowledges Honorary Chairs Johnny Mathis and Patti Austin; Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band; Justin Guarini; Vincent Houser; Booker White and Michele Nardone and the Event Committee; Minor Details Productions; Michael Giacchino; ETM-LA's Board and staff; the students and principals from Castelar and St. Sebastian Schools; Catalina Jazz Club, and all of our sponsors, contributors, volunteers, and attendees who helped make our event a success.

Click Here for more gala photos

Johnny Mathis Photo by: Rex Bullington