BERLIN IM LICHT – A KURT WEILL CABARET
Encore Performance!
Performance Date
Sunday, October 20th – 7pm
“COME, TURN ON THE LIGHTS SO WE CAN SEE WHAT THERE IS TO SEE: BERLIN IN LIGHTS!”
Performed by
Aaron Benham and Michelle Jasso
After a completely sold-out performance in July, longtime friends and collaborators Jasso and Benham return to Wanda’s to present their musical love letter to Weill’s prolific opus. This encore performance will feature more original German lyrics, along with a sneak peek at their next program, currently in development: An exploration of the music Weill wrote during his two-year Paris chapter (1933-1935).
German-born American composer Kurt Weill revolutionized what theatre could be – both in terms of musical form and satirical content – through his collaborations with Bertolt Brecht in Berlin. Their “epic theatre” exploits led to Weill’s music being banned in his native country, and earned both Weill and Brecht a place on the Gestapo’s hit list. Fleeing to the U.S. in 1935, Weill was quickly influenced by Broadway and jazz, and would ultimately collaborate with many greats of Broadway’s Golden Age: Ira Gershwin, Alan Jay Lerner, and Ogden Nash to name a few. Longtime friends and artistic collaborators Jasso and Benham present a musical love letter to Weill’s prolific opus.
Aaron Benham is an award-winning music director, pianist, and composer. More at aaronbenham.com
Michelle Jasso is an award-winning performer with credits encompassing opera, cabaret, theatre, television, commercial, and voiceover. More at michellejasso.com
PAST CONCERTS
A Venice Extravaganza
Featuring Tom Marion, Benny Brydern, & Michael Jost
Performance Date
Sunday, September 29th – 7pm
Born in Dreieich, just outside of Frankfurt Germany, guitarist Michael Jost (pronounced ‘yoast’), found his way to the bohemian Venice Beach boardwalk, in Los Angeles California, where he now lives and makes music.
Owing to Michael’s unique European heritage, his rigorous classical training, and his 21st Century American experience, you can hear something very different in his passionate, Spanish-style guitar. Michael’s travel companion is Miss Lucy, a Flamenca guitar built by Tomas Delgado of Candelas Guitars. She has a strong character, with a warm and beautiful sound.
Tom Marion, who co-founded the Parlor Boys with Janet, is a unique musician.
He is the last of the old-time Italian string players. He plays guitar, banjo and mandolin with equal grace, and in a style that virtually
disappeared before World War II.
Benedikt Brydern started as a musical protege on the violin giving his first public concerts at the age of 10. He lives in Los Angeles now and composes for film and the concert hall. He has won numerous awards and competitions.
Circus of Strings
Featuring West African Kora Master Prince Diabaté, Guitarist Michael Jost, & Milo Gonzalez and Friends
Performance Date
Sunday, September 22nd – 7pm
Born in Dreieich, just outside of Frankfurt Germany, guitarist Michael Jost (pronounced ‘yoast’), found his way to the bohemian Venice Beach boardwalk, in Los Angeles California, where he now lives and makes music.
Owing to Michael’s unique European heritage, his rigorous classical training, and his 21st Century American experience, you can hear something very different in his passionate, Spanish-style guitar. Michael’s travel companion is Miss Lucy, a Flamenca guitar built by Tomas Delgado of Candelas Guitars. She has a strong character, with a warm and beautiful sound.
Considered to be one of the leading kora players of his generation, Prince Diabaté brings not only total mastery over his ancestral tradition, but a commitment to renew it through fresh ideas and exchanges with musicians from many cultures. His years in the USA produced collaborations with artists and groups as diverse as The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, Adam del Monte (Flamenco), Grammy winner, Ozomatli (Hip-Hop/Latin rock)and Grammy nominee, Michael Brook. The musically adventurous griot has incorporated reggae, rap and blues into his work occasionally punctuated by the funky
use of the wah-wah pedal. Lately he has adapted the music of the Wassolou to his repertoire, which he plays, self-taught on the kamelen n’goni. The result is entirely his own creation: a fresh, powerful brand of twenty-first century Manden music, which
remains strongly rooted in traditional codes and references.
A Taste from the Heart
Featuring Cydney Wayne Davis, Betty Gouche, Rita Obermeyer, & Stu Pearlman
Use code GUEST for $10 tickets
Performance Date
Sunday, September 15th – 7pm
Rita Obermeyer, a long time member of Pacific Resident Theatre is excited to return to PRT’s Concert space, to sing some of her favorite songs. She is joined by 3 gloriously talented women to sing a bit of Jazz and the Blues on Sunday September 15 th at 7pm. These fabulous women are joined by Pianist extraordinaire, Stu Pearlman, with the hope that maybe a friend or two may drop in.
CYDNEY WAYNE DAVIS is a seasoned professional singer, songwriter, actress, playwright and producer. She has sung background for some of the biggest names in the music industry including Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker, The 5th Dimension, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. Cydney recently won The NAACP Theater Award for BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR and is currently producing her first solo EP and a play about her life entitled “The Star Behind the Stars”.
Betty Gouche is the Mother of four beautiful, gifted children. Betty was raised by an Anointed Baptist Minister and a Mother with a Beautiful Soprano voice. Her parents bought her a piano for music lessons and she began playing the piano in church at the age of thirteen. Songwriting and singing are her gifts, and favorite things to do. Bettys favorite music nowadays is Christian music and she is looking forward to sharing some of her songs.
STU PEARLMAN is a professional pianist, keyboardist, songwriter, producer and arranger who is accomplished in a wide range of musical styles including Pop, R&B, Country, Musical Theatre, Classical, Jazz and Blues. Stu is a sought after musician for corporate events, private parties, weddings, bar Mitvas, concerts and church services. Formerly a musician for Motown’s Jobete Music Publishing Company, Stu currently works with The My Hero Project’s audio department.
DAY AFTER DAY
The Life and Music of Doris Day
Performance Date
Sunday, September 8th – 7pm
Deborah first stepped (danced!) into the role of Doris Day in 2021 with the P3 Theatre Company’s production of “Day After Day” at the Ernest Borgnine Theatre in Long Beach. Deborah has portrayed other famous chanteuses including Patsy Cline, Rosemary Clooney, and Judy Garland, to mention a few. Nothing prepared her for the staggering level of talent and stardom that the ever-humble Day embodied. Deborah depicts Day from her early career as a 16-year-old nightclub singer to her mid-40s as she launched her television career. Deborah walked away with “Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical” for her portrayal of Doris! Musical director, David Cohen and Trio, accompany Deborah in this stunning adaptation of this beloved Hollywood Icon, Doris Day.
LUCY LETSCHER
National Youngarts Award winner Lucy Letscher returns for one night only before leaving for NYU Tisch’s Clive Davis Institute!
Performance Date
Sunday, August 4th – 7pm
Lucy Letscher is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Her music beautifully encapsulates the essence of the teenage experience, creating a blend melancholy and discovery. In the past year, Lucy has collaborated with organizations like the artist collective SofarSounds, and local theaters to curate captivating performances featuring other local artists. She’s not just a songwriter but a versatile musician, proficient in piano, guitar, violin, drums, and bass. With a deep well of emotion and a desire to connect with her audience, Lucy draws from a diverse range of influences and experiences, crafting a sound that resonates on a personal level. Lucy has received a National Youngarts award, recently graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy, and will be attending the Clive Davis Institute at NYU Tisch in the fall.
BERLIN IM LICHT – A KURT WEILL CABARET
Performance Date
Sunday, July 21st – 7pm
“COME, TURN ON THE LIGHTS SO WE CAN SEE WHAT THERE IS TO SEE: BERLIN IN LIGHTS!”
Performed by
Aaron Benham and Michelle Jasso
German-born American composer Kurt Weill revolutionized what theatre could be – both in terms of musical form and satirical content – through his collaborations with Bertolt Brecht in Berlin. Their “epic theatre” exploits led to Weill’s music being banned in his native country, and earned both Weill and Brecht a place on the Gestapo’s hit list. Fleeing to the U.S. in 1935, Weill was quickly influenced by Broadway and jazz, and would ultimately collaborate with many greats of Broadway’s Golden Age: Ira Gershwin, Alan Jay Lerner, and Ogden Nash to name a few. Longtime friends and artistic collaborators Jasso and Benham present a musical love letter to Weill’s prolific opus.
Aaron Benham is an award-winning music director, pianist, and composer. More at aaronbenham.com
Michelle Jasso is an award-winning performer with credits encompassing opera, cabaret, theatre, television, commercial, and voiceover. More at michellejasso.com
A LITTLE FUN AND WHIMSY
WITH RITA OBERMEYER
Rita Obermeyer, a long time member of Pacific Resident Theatre is excited to return to Wanda’s, PRT’s Concert space for another concert on Sunday at 7pm June 9th. Rita is singing some of her favorite standards performed with a Bluesy, jazzy style. She is, of course accompanied by her also favorite pianist, the fabulous David Barker with the hope that maybe a friend or two may drop in.
Performance Date
Sunday, June 9th at 7pm
ALOKE DASGUPTA & SUPRATIK SENGUPTA
Performance Date
Sunday, April 28th at 7:00pm
From humble beginnings to the international stage, Aloke’s journey is one of inspiration and determination.
Encouraged by an uncle who played sitar to pursue his creative passion and cautioned by a brother to adopt a traditional occupation that would pay the bills, Aloke chose accounting as his profession.
While excelling at a day job keeping books, his passion for music continued to grow until he decided to transition to music studies. He obtained a graduate degree in Ethnomusicology from San Diego State University.
This led to an epiphany: while the sitar might have support from percussion and drone instruments, it plays a single and distinct line whereas western music involves musicians coordinating their performances to create a melodic style that is completely different.
DARDEN
Performance Date
Sunday, April 14th at 7:00pm
With Michael Jost Opening
Hailing from the sunny shores of Orange County, California, Darden isn’t just a band; they’re a family of five siblings – Clarah, Havilah, Tabbi, Josiah and Noah- bound by blood, rhythm, and a shared love for the music of the ages. In the heart of Orange County, Darden has spent years curating their musical sound. With a genuine passion for crafting authentic tunes, they have ventured into the realm of Alternative Americana. In their early years, they performed as a family band in various churches all around the U.S. Most recently, they ventured overseas, completing a German tour in 2022.
Each member of Darden adds his or her unique talents to the musical mix. Together, Darden creates its own unique blend of guitar, bass, mandolin, keys, and soulful lyrics. Influenced by timeless bands like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and The Beatles, Darden brings its own fresh perspective to the rich tapestry of Americana. Harmony is the heartbeat of Darden. Blessed with angelic voices, these siblings turn each song into something all their own. This is exactly what
captivates Darden’s audiences everywhere they go.
Darden isn’t just a band; they’re storytellers. Their music carries the essence of shared moments on the highway, a testament to the unbreakable bond that family, music, and the open road can forge. From Fullerton to the hearts of listeners worldwide, Darden’s music transcends boundaries. Their journey is a testament to the power of family, music, and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream in harmony.
Survivor’s Cabaret and Friends
Performance Date
Sunday, April 7th at 7:00pm
Performed by
Kendra Munger, Alex Enbeg, and Musical Theater Friends!
David Scott Cohen on Piano
A Benefit Performance for STAY WITH UKRAINE.ORG, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to getting tactical medical supplies including tourniquets to the front lines in Ukraine.
This is Kendra Munger and Alex Enberg’s 3rd cabaret fundraiser together, and this time Kendra has invited some of her musical theatre co-stars to join the show and raise money for Ukraine! Come out for an evening of music, and save lives by supporting STAY WITH UKRAINE.ORG. Every $36 buys a tourniquet and saves a life!
A singer and actress, Kendra created the role of Princess Diana in the original Off-Broadway cast of “Queen of Hearts”. In Los Angeles, roles have included The Beggar Woman in “Sweeney Todd” at the El Portal, Glinda in the original production of “Next Fairy Tale” at the Celebration Theatre and Helena in Salty Shakespeare’s “A Midsommer Night’s Dream” directed by PRT’s own Nancy Linehan Charles. Film/TV: Star Trek: Picard, NCIS, A.P. Bio, Y&R, All My Children, and the recurring role of Peg Entwistle on the cult web series They Live Among Us.
Kendra is joined by long-time PRT lead actor, Alex Enberg, who’s returning to PRT for the third time since his stroke in 2013 at the age of 41. Doctors gave Alex no hope of coming out of his coma, and we invite you to share in his inspirational recovery. Alex will play guitar and collaborate on a number of songs. Among his many PRT Credits: The Swan, Playboy of the Western World, Big Love, Lulu and Hello Out There. Fim/TV credits: Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Next Gen, Gia, Junior, American Sweethearts, NYPD Blue and Murder One.
Maestro Aloke Dasgupta
Performance Date
Sunday, February 18th at 7:00pm
Performed by
Maestro Aloke Dasgupta
From humble beginnings to the international stage, Aloke’s journey is one of inspiration and determination.
Encouraged by an uncle who played sitar to pursue his creative passion and cautioned by a brother to adopt a traditional occupation that would pay the bills, Aloke chose accounting as his profession.
While excelling at a day job keeping books, his passion for music continued to grow until he decided to transition to music studies. He obtained a graduate degree in Ethnomusicology from San Diego State University.
This led to an epiphany: while the sitar might have support from percussion and drone instruments, it plays a single and distinct line whereas western music involves musicians coordinating their performances to create a melodic style that is completely different.
Aloke’s tutelage under one of India’s greatest maestros, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and his own musical instincts have underpinned his genre-bending reputation as an Indian classical musician who can blend Indian and Western harmonies to deliver a unique sound that began breaking barriers when he decided On a fuII-ti me career in music
Mark Leggett and Michael Jost
Performance Date
Sunday, January 28th at 7:00pm
Performed by
Mark Leggett and Michael Jost
Mark Leggett is a guitarist/composer in Los Angeles. His many credits include music, film and television projects with Levon Helm, Dolly Parton, Werner Herzog, Richard Thompson, My Name Is Earl, Kylie Minogue, among many others. He is twice nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for his music scores. As a guitarist he has been featured in Acoustic Guitar, Fretboard Journal and Fingerstyle Guitar Journal. Mark plays regularly in the Los Angeles area both solo and with The Mark Leggett Quartet.
Michael Jost’s music is a journey in time & space fueled by his passion for music & his instrument. His main instrument is the guitar with all the different colors & emotions. Michael’s influences are very multicolored & involve different styles, continents and time periods. Live or on in the studio expect to be surprised…
Guitarras Hermanas and Peter Demian
Performance Date
Sunday, November 5th at 7:00pm
Performed by
Michael Jost, Frank Slamka, Peter Demian, and Greg Cruz
A true Venice Legend, Singer Songwriter PETER DEMIAN is the man with the golden voice & the matching stories. He will be featuring another Venice Legend, the one & only Gregory Cruz on guitar. Together they will perform songs from Peter’s latest album: Mother Earth & so much more. It doesn’t get much better than Peter Demian live in an intimate venue like Pacific Resident Theater.
MICHAEL JOST & FRANK SLAMKA will perform some of their newest compositions. They will perform on their “Sister Candelas Guitars” These 2 Spanish guitars have been built literally from the same tree… While the guitars are sisters, Michael & Frank play together like brothers. Get lost in some sweet songs sung by beautiful guitars.
Gabrianna “Punky G” Crawford
Performance Date
Friday, November 17th at 8:00pm
Performed by
Gabrianna Crawford
Gabrianna “Punky G.” Crawford, a Los Angeles native, has developed her unique style from taking her original spoken word content and blending them with her original melodies combined with her love for Rock & Roll. Punky G. infuses her messages of love, hope, respect, faith, unity, and individuality in melodies that stick, words that matter, chords that unite, lyrics that heal, provoke and restore! Blending various sounds and styles of rock, soul, funk, spoken word. Punky G. tends to fall into her own genre called Rock Fusion. With a bold yet graceful approach to challenge and confront the status quo, Punky G. strides in a lane of her own, between her broad lyrical content and musical diversity. Providing the world with timeless melodies and timeless content, her music will make you dance, rock, cry, laugh, think, perhaps even change. She has spent the foundation of her career performing in juvenile halls, camps, schools, churches, mentoring programs, and bars and clubs.
It’s Never Too Late
Performance Date
Sunday, September 17 at 7:00pm
Performed by
Prince Peter (formerly Peter Elbling)
Prince Peter is an actor, writer and musician. As well as acting and writing for tv and movies, Peter also wrote the NY Times best-seller, The 1980s – A Look Back (written in 1979) and the novel The Food Taster, which was published in 20 countries around the world. His one man show, “It’s never too late,” starts its World tour Sept 17 th at the Pacific Resident Theater in Venice.
“It’s Never too Late,” sees Peter return to music, his first love, and also dive into the world of storytelling, which he recently discovered. Both the songs and stories are original. He will be accompanied by wonderful musicians Leon Rubenhold on guitar and Rick Moors on bass. There may be some surprise guests. Then again there may not.
Featuring an art show with Joseph Muchina Mwangi
Prince Diabaté and Michael Jost
Performance Date
Sunday, September 10 at 7:00pm
Performed by
Prince Diabaté and Michael Jost
PRINCE DIABATÉ hails from a prominent, Malinké family from Guinea, West Africa. He learned his art from his father, Djéli Sori Diabaté. Breaking with tradition, his father also taught Prince’s mother, Hadja Djéli Sira Cissoko, to play kora. The young boy became an exceptionally early starter by accompanying his parents to their concerts throughout West Africa. Despite his father’s disapproval, he decided to make music his life. When he was eight years old, former Guinean President, Sekou Touré, came to his home town, Kindia, for a celebration in Independence Square. Braving the outraged soldiers and his own fear, the young musician grasped his kora, threw himself at the President’s feet and played a special song for him. Greatly touched by his skill and audacity, Sekou Touré became his benefactor, enrolling him into the National Children’s Theatre in Conakry. At 16 years of age, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, he stumbled upon a videocassette of Jimi Hendrix and, inspired by what he heard, entered an international kora competition. Taking first prize that day he became known as ‘Prince Diabaté, Prince of the Kora.’
MICHAEL JOST’s music is a journey in time & space fueled by his passion for music & his instrument. His main instrument is the guitar with all the different colors & emotions. Michael’s influences are very multicolored & involve different styles, continents and time periods. Live or on in the studio expect to be surprised…
Jason and Ridley and Downs Family Jam
Performance Date
Saturday, September 16th at 5:00pm
Performed by
Jason Downs, Ridley Downs & Family
Bill Burnett in Concert
Performance Date
Sunday, August 27 at 7:00pm
Performed by
Bill Burnett
Michael Jost
Matt Bunsen
& Special Guests
A Life, in Music
Performance Date
Sunday, August 13th at 7:00pm
Performed by
Alan Trinca on Keys
Jordon Matlock on Guitar
Summer Sizzle
with Nathan and Brenna
Performed by
Brenna Yeary
Nathan and Brenna are back again and this time they’re turning up the heat with Summer Sizzle! Broadway’s Nathan Madden (An American in Paris, Hello Dolly, Chicago) and songstress Brenna Yeary are bringing Broadway favorites, classics from the American Songbook, and some smokin’ surprises you won’t want to miss. Come see the duo audiences coast to coast have been calling “a breath of fresh air” and “the best evening out in ages”!
Nathan Madden received his BFA from the Juilliard School and has taught and performed worldwide. He graced the stages of countless theaters during two seasons with Ballet Jazz Montreal, touring with Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away, and guesting with Lar Lubovitch Dance. Nathan started his Broadway journey with CHICAGO, became an original cast member of Christopher Wheeldon’s An American In Paris, where he covered two leading roles, and was thrilled to be a part of bringing back the revival of Hello Dolly. As a choreographer, he was awarded the “Héctor Zaraspe Prize” for exemplary movement, was a finalist for the Capezio ”ACE Awards”, and has had his workplace in “The National Society of Arts and Letters” competition. Currently designing and creating fountain choreography worldwide with Water Entertainment Technologies and loving it! “I’m so grateful to be continuing to grow from “Glory to Glory.”
Brenna Yeary has studied with Douglas Davidson, Claire Warden (The Shakespeare Forum), Andrew Borthwick-Leslie (The Humanist Project), Dianna Shoenborn (The Linklater Center), as well as intensives with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and The Central School of Speech and Drama in London. She apprenticed at Flat Rock Playhouse and considers it her artistic home away from home. Favorite NYC and regional credits include Henry V (Henry), Zelda (world premiere), Noises Off (Poppy), Guys and Dolls (Sarah u/s), It’s a Wonderful Life (Mary Bailey), Cabaret (Sally), Romeo and Juliet (Juliet/Tybalt), and Much Ado About Nothing in Reading, UK. Brenna is passionate about making the actor’s journey accessible to anyone curious about their capacity for connection and discovery. She loves people-watching, finding treasures on Craigslist, caramel cone ice cream, and light bulb moments