A beautiful winter’s spell seemed to have been cast over Segerstrom Center for the Arts, creating a magical setting for its 46th Candlelight Concert.
More than 400 guests gathered, contributing more than $2.79 million to support the Center’s array of stellar entertainment, artistic, education and community engagement programs including American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and the School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities.
Mother and daughter, Marta Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage chaired. It was also the first time for many long-time donors and supporters to meet the Center’s new president Casey Reitz and his wife Naomi. They arrived in Orange County just a few days before from their home in New York, where Reitz had been president and CEO of Second Stage Theater.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers provided the eponymous concert and The Revolution, Prince’s former band, pounded out songs that kept the dance floor filled through the final hour. And, as guests left Segerstrom Hall and the 46th annual Candlelight Concert, they were treated to afterhours In-N-Out burgers and soft drinks.
Other noted guests included Marta Bhathal’s husband Raj and Lisa’s husband Richard Merage, Elizabeth Segerstrom, Jennifer and Anton Segerstrom, Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Sally Segerstrom and Toby Andrews, Susan and Steve Perry, Jane Fujishige Yada and son Grayson, Julianne Argyros and daughters Lisa and Stephanie, Jaynine and David Warner, Wendy and Mark Hales, Nancy and Rick Muth with daughters Veronica Vlasik and Stephanie Watts and their husbands, Deborah and Larry Bridges, Valaree Wahler, Sally and Randy Crocket, Angela and Jim Has, Elizabeth An, Sara King and Kamran Pahlavi, Susan and Tim Strader and their family, Dee and Larry Higby, Betty and S.L. Huang, Maureen and Bill Callahan, Courtney and Jason Howard, Rett, Lindsay and Chad Coluccio, and Ling Zhang.
Pictured:
Casey Reitz, President Segerstrom Center For The Arts and Elizabeth Segerstrom
Steve Martin