In a celebration of Pilipinos in Jazz and the general Pilipino American community, the Filipino American Library held its 8th Annual Gala and Benefit Concert entitled "Jazzmopolitan: A Celebration of Music!" This year's event was a high-energy showcase of today's groovin'-est Jazz legends, while giving well-deserved thanks to Pil-Am leaders.
Taking place at the modern Aratani Theater deep in downtown Los Angeles, the event detracted from the usual dinner-and-entertainment of the past FAL Galas. After the crowd filled the theater's seats, the FAL board brought on their honory board member to start the show. That board member, Denise Dador, the famed Los Angeles ABC 7 News Anchor, started the show talking about FAL's commitment to the community. After an energetic performance by the a capella group, Three of A Kind, FAL posthumously awarded community activist Ester Soriano-Hewitt a spirit award. Ester co-founded the National Committee for the Restoration of Civil Liberties in the Philippines (NCRCLP) in San Francisco when Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in the Philippines in 1972. She led many demonstrations and rallies in front of the LA Philippine consulate against Marcos.
Spirit awards also were given to Asian Journal for community-building journalism and Macy's for corporate philantrophy. Actor and comedian Alec Mapa, a San Francisco native, received the Role Model award for his work with the LGBT community and as a positive role model in shows such as Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewisves.
The event celebrated both Pilipino American History Month and FAL's 23rd anniversary with awards and also a great Jazz show. Pilipino and Pil-Am artist took the stage with their own unique and soulful expressions of music.
Want to hear some real Pilipino-inspired Jazz? Check out a run-down (provided by FAL) of the groovin' Jazz artists at the show:
Three of a Kind
Award-winning masters of a capella singing.
Charmaine Clamor
The first Pilipina artist to place on both the World Music and Traditional Jazz music charts. She was awarded as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the United States and is a purveyor of "jazzipino" music.
Mon David
Winner of the 2006 London Jazz Vocal Competition and recipient of the prestigious Awit Award with the best jazz recording of 2006.
Becca Godinez
Actress, singer, composer, muscisian and recording artist.
Michael Paolo
One of the most in-demand versatile and cosmopolitan saxophonists in pop, soul, and contemporary jazz for nearly 20 years.
Tateng Katindig
Musical director and piano master who is a member of the group "Dark Sunday." His is called the "Filipino Oscar Peterson" for his lightening-fast piano playing.
