With fall comes serious agenda

SUZIE HARRISON

This is my last look at arts and entertainment for the summer, well

my last column of the season.

The paper will hit the press at the Autumnal Equinox and I’m ready

for the more mature (questionable) side of my column to show.

Last week was generating some sizable seismic activity with the

return visit of Jane Goodall. This weekend will be exciting with the

AIDS Service’s Foundation extravaganza at the Festival of Arts

grounds on Saturday and the final Music in the Park concert on

Sunday.

BYE BYE LOVE

It’s sad but true -- Sunday is the final Music in the Park free

summer concert. Though there is no known cure for getting over it,

the best remedy is to attend. It’s going to be the Big Bang of

concerts offering an explosion of sounds with Elvis Schoenberg’s

Orchestre Surreal. The band’s performances have been described as

bold, eclectic and theatrical versions of classic rock songs that are

infused with classical music quotes. It’s an original experience and

is being brought back to Laguna by popular demand.

The concert is from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Festival of Arts grounds at

650 Laguna Canyon Road. Bring blankets, beverages, friends and family

and be a part of the fun finale. For the skinny, call (949) 497-0716.

JANE GOODALL RETURNS

Jane Goodall returned to Laguna Beach Saturday with her message of

hope at a benefit for the Jane Goodall Institute and the Cougar Fund.

I’ve always found that her last name is quite fitting as she

represents doing good for all -- at least that’s my interpretation.

It’s no surprise that she was honored as being the United Nations

Messenger of Peace.

World-renowned wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen and

writer/filmmaker Cara Blessley Lowe, who both are co-founders of the

Cougar Fund, accompanied Goodall.

The dynamic of these three people is incredible -- they are

brilliant, caring, wonderful people who have contributed so much to

the betterment of this world. It’s an honor to know them.

Goodall’s speech leaves the audience in awe. She is so inspiring.

“I have met more and more young people who have seemed to give up

hope,” Goodall said. “This is what has lead to the creation of [these

youth groups]. This is what has brought people here tonight.”

“Hundreds of thousands of young people around the world can break

through [the wall to the other side],” Goodall said. “They can have a

better chance to change the world. Their eyes are shining, they are

influencing each other ... they are our future.”

She illustrated her speech with so many wonderful stories and

experiences. It was a remarkable journey.

“There is another message,” Goodall said. “That peace will come,

but we must be ready for it. We must be ready that something

fantastic will happen.”

It was a magical evening and was brought to Laguna Beach through

the hard work of Brenda Stouffer of the Heart and Soul Coalition. To

make a donation, go to www.janegoodall.org or www.cougarfund.org.

GENEROUS LAGUNA COUPLE

Laguna Beach resident Ron Davies hosted a birthday celebration for

his wife, Santina’s, 50th birthday. What makes this event extra

special is that the guests were asked not to bring gifts but instead

to make a donation to AIDS Services Foundation. The best part is that

Ron Davies gave a $50,000 donation to AIDS Services Foundation in

honor of his wife’s birthday.

“The Davies’ exemplify altruism, Al Roberts board president of ASF

said. “Their generosity is a true gift of life. It may keep food on

the table when a client must choose between groceries or medication,

pay rent for a family when they have nowhere to sleep or help

rehabilitate someone to get back on their feet.”

About 100 guests attended the celebration, including Hollywood

icon Barbara Eden.

WORLD’S FAIR IN LAGUNA

Start spreading the news as AIDS Services Foundation is hosting

this year’s World’s Fair, bringing the essence of New York City to

the Festival of Arts grounds.

Guests are invited to get a taste of the Big Apple as they enjoy

the return to the days of dinner and a show.

The World’s Fair New York will include the “Way Off Broadway”

musical featuring big splash has-beens.

“It’s everything you loved about Splash without the water,” event

co-chair and entertainment director Ken Jillson said. “Spoofing

award-winning musical favorites, ‘Way Off Broadway’ is certain to

entertain guests through out the evening.”

A dinner buffet will be hosted by The Sundried Tomato Cafe and

Catering with exciting happenings under the city lights including a

chic casino and silent auction.

General admission tickets are $125 with major donation levels

ranging from $1,00 to $25,000. For information, call 809-5700. The

Festival of Arts is at 650 Laguna Canyon Road.

* SUZIE HARRISON is a reporter for the Laguna Beach Coastline

Pilot. She may be reached at (949) 494-4321 or

[email protected].