The pride of being Pittsburg
"Adopt-A-Seat" continues rebirth of Creative Arts Building (CAB) as Pittsburg becomes a mecca for entertainers in the East Bay.
Another historic event for Pittsburg's hidden jewel, the Creative Arts Building on the Pittsburg High School campus. As restoration work continues, some of Pittsburg's Own home grown talent gave an outstanding performance on the 2,000 seat theatre stage, peeking out with 216 seats restored so far, made possible by the Pittsburg Soroptomist $5,000 donation and over $17,000 in individual seat adoptions. The smaller theatre came out of hiding and was unveiled in March with all 242 seats restored through a $40,000 grant provided by Supervisor Federal Glover and the Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund.
Contra Costa Supervisor Federal Glover, Chamber of Commerce President Wil Rigmy, Sponsors, and other VIP's were treated to a pre-concert dinner held at the Liberty Hotel Restaurant hosted by Adopt-A-Seat Committee Chairs Sam & Melody Baugh, PUSD Board Member Vince Ferrante. At Snooker Petes Bar & Grille, CAB Concert Sponsors were hosted by PUSD Superintendent Reed McLaughlin, Pittsburg High School Principal Tim Galli, CAB Concert Committee Members Tim Stone & Marisa Belleci. PUSD buses lined up outside the restaurants for the VIP Concert Shuttle.
The buses pulled up to the Creative Arts Building, the largest indoor performance venue in Contra Costa County. Greeting the sponsors were CAB Concert Committee Chair Chuck Dybdal & Committee Member Tom Lewis, who led them through the Little Theatre and up on the stage. The sponsors were overwhelmed with pride to see every seat in little theatre restored, along with new carpets, shined floors and polished walls. Also, pointed out were the plaques affixed to seats honoring sponsors and contributors, along with Adopt-A-Seat memory plaques. At that point the VIP Shuttle arrived from the Liberty Hotel Restaurant. Adopt-A-Seat Committee chair Melody Baugh led Supervisor Federal Glover, Chamber of Commerce President Wil Rigmy, and other VIP's through the Little Theatre and on the stage, and through to the 2,000 seat Big Theatre stage, as well. The tour was a powerful presentation of how sponsors contributing dollars are spent.
Pittsburg JFL President Robert Belleci & his coaching crew worked the parking lot security with diligence. As CAB committee member Tom Lewis reports of a phone call he received from his San Ramon Boss, "He was very impressed with the music, facility and parking lot security." The Pittsburg JFL did a fantastic job, not only directing traffic and keeping the lot secure; they exemplified their presence, walking people to their cars after the concert as well. Audience members entered the CAB lobby feeling safe and ready to be part of yet another CAB historic event!
And that it was! The evenings stars appeared on the same stage that has been graced with the likes of …Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Joe Tex, The San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, and international talent.
The show began with an off stage skit between our famed CAB Concert host, Olympic gold medalist Eddie Hart and CAB Concert Committee member Tom Lewis. The parody involved Hart not getting his Tux in time, and luckily finding Johnny Steele in the house. Hart's tuxedo was provided (well in advance) by Ostertag's Tuxedos. Hart is a one-time world record holder in the 100-meter dash and holds age-group records as well. The microphone was graciously passed from the fastest graduate of Pittsburg High to the definitely the funniest.
Pittsburg's Own Johnny Steel (John Lopez) was hilarious! His stories of Las Vegas, the rendition of the Irish dance, and numerous digs at the generosity of Restaurant owner Guillermo Muniz had the audience keeled over in laughter; dubbing Muniz as the "Mexican Santa Claus," for being everywhere at once.
Steele often relies on his own experiences and his Pittsburg roots as a source of his humor, and although his comedy career began in 1984, those who grew up with him remember his comical takes on every subject. If he was given more time, he would have had us rolling on the floor about everyone & everything in the theatre. Steele graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1978.
The very talented Alto & Soprano Saxophonist Dominic Mercurio and his band Nfocus performed "Funk Jazz," with all songs written by the band. Their original compositions were done in a contemporary style integrating Jazz with R & B. With Martin Johnson on drums, Dominic Mercurio on Sax, John Duarte on Percussion, Pat Duffey on Guitar, and Cleve Oliver on Bass. The musical roots and combined individual jazz styles of these band members were a perfect fusion for an outstanding performance. Mercurio is a Pittsburg High School graduate.
Well, we talked about the fastest runner, now let's talk about the fastest drummer. The extremely talented Leo Vigil, who performed with the Phd's at the last series concert, together with the extraordinary talents and stage chemistry of his own band created a breathtaking "CABFEST" performance. Vigil "sprinted a mile" at lightning-fast speeds in a song titled "Double Madness" from his newly released "Diversity" CD.
Vigil's versatility of style from dynamic double bass rhythm to accenting with subtle tones is outstanding. Joining Vigil were all accomplished & talented musicians; saxophonist Johnnie Bamont, Pianist John Seppela, Guitarist Cedrike Dennis, and Bassist Baba Elefante. The band gripped the audience with their combined individual talents with songs from his Jazz CD, "One, Two, Trio;" "Killer Joe," "Dolphin Dance," "Black Orpheus," and "The Pump." Next showing off his exceptional range from smooth jazz, Latin jazz, funk and rock, from his brilliant "Diversity" CD, was a wonderful song titled "Purple Mist." The next song also from "Diversity" showcased "The Vigilettes." Vigil proudly introduced two of his daughters, "Tara & Sierra.," who sang background to "I'll take you there."
Although Vigil did not graduate from Pittsburg High School, he was raised here and was an award holder & active member of the Pittsburg Swim Team, participating in other community and PHS activities. Comedian Johnny Steele presented Vigil with an authentic traditional "Block P," and deemed him an honorary PHS Grad! Steele, withstanding his usual wit, continued to generate bolts of audience laughter throughout the show.
Vigil closed his performance with his dynamic "Double Madness" performance." It's no wonder why drummer Leo Vigil is the first to be called to substitute for drummers throughout the state. Leo Vigil is an accomplished composer, arranger, and producer, and recently performed in Alamo for his good friend and Concert Promoter Jim Ocean.
During intermission audience members were super jazzed from the performance so far.
Community members, school, city and county officials gathered and mingled throughout the theatre and into the lobby. Hyped with pride and joy, audience members were buying the artist's CD's, and the artists were signing autographs. The ambiance of the theatre was filled with the pride of being Pittsburg. Also available for sale were CAB Concert & Adopt-A-Seat T-Shirts, concessions, and the opportunity to "Adopt-A-Seat." Anyone adopting a seat at the performance received the "CABFEST" commemorative poster designed by Pittsburg artist Francis Palermo and were able to select the specific seat to adopt.
After intermission, The CABFEST continued with CAB Concert host Eddie Hart. Among the special guests that were in the house included Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, Pittsburg Mayor Nancy Parent, Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce President Wil Rigmy, Rotary President Mike Stoiber, and Soroptimist President Diane Gibson-Gray. Other special guests acknowledged were Concert Promoter Jim Ocean, Walt & Bobbie Hill, and Jack & Julie Pollard.
Hart introduced "Adopt-A-Seat" Chairpersons Sam & Melody Baugh. Melody explained the "Adopt-A-Seat Project," and introduced PUSD Board Member Vince Ferrante, and Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover. Supervisor Glover passionately supports the "Adopt-A-Seat program and was instrumental in acquiring a $30,000 grant from Calpine and presented it to the "Adopt-A-Seat" committee. The money will be used to restore a minimum of 200 more seats in the Creative Arts Building Big Theatre. The community is urged to support this worthwhile project.
The CABFEST continued…and Nicky D was in the house. A lifetime goal of accomplished entertainer Nicky DePaola was to sing on the Creative Arts Building stage. DePaola gave his outstanding guitarist Russ Lanier, who owns Pinewood Studios in Antioch the opportunity to begin his set, who sang "Stormy Monday." DePaola took us through several decades with his smooth voice and passionate soul, opened with the jazz-era favorite, "Sonny." Then did a tribute to "Sam Cook Medley," and sang Motown hits such as "Cupid," and "You Send Me." DePaola brought us back to the 40's with the classic, "Fly me to the moon."
He closed with a favorite of mostly everyone, "Me and Mrs. Jones." DePaola was accompanied by the dazzling keyboardist Dan Daniels, who founded the band "Pure Honey," the well-known guitarist Russ Lanier, and the popular drummer Gary Ostertag. Nicky DePaola and his band gave an outstanding performance. DePaola really had the crowd going. It's a shame the night was over, it seemed that no sooner did he get the crowd going, it was time to go.
DePaola was voted Reno's best lounge act of 2001 and is known for his hit single "Pillow Talk, which reached No. 29 on the adult contemporary top 40 in 2000, as well as five CDs , including his debut project "This Game of Love," which also ended up on the charts, and his most recent CD, "Uptown Mood" recorded at Capitol Records. DePaola is a Pittsburg High School graduate.
The May 21st CABFEST was fantastic, with an outstanding bill of talents. The Pittsburg Creative Arts Building CAB Concert Series, along with all the combined talents and community pride & support was a truly heartwarming experience. The community support such as the "Adopt-A Seat" restoration program and Benefit Concert Series in collaboration with grants, sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales will restore the entire Creative Arts Building and return it to the state-of -the-art theatre we have enjoyed in the past.
For more information about "Adopt-A-Seat" Program: www.phs-catheatre.org
For more information about Cab Concerts: www.cabconcerts.com
Also visit: www.johnnysteele.com www.leovigildrummer.com www.nixd.net
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