Gail Rich Award recipients join cast of Lehrer Celebration

Two Gail Rich Awardees, Lori Rivera and Joe Farrara join two additional new cast members, Mark Levy and Mr. Sven Davis for the second annual “Viva La Lehrer” celebration of the life and songs of legendary satirist Tom Lehrer Thursday, April 9 at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in downtown Santa Cruz.

Lori Rivera is remembered from Shakespeare Santa Cruz and the Cabrillo Music Festival locally, and her one-woman presentation of Joe Ortiz’s “Smoke” in San Francisco and New York. She previously toured with the recording group “The Bobs.” Joe Ferrara, popular Shadowbrook and The Catz restaurant crooner sang the National Anthem before SF Giants games for 31 consecutive years. Locals have been inspired by the folk anthems performed by Mark Levy for decades, and Mr. Sven Davis, writer and humorist from the Planet Cruz Comedy Hour, will serve as the show’s Master of Ceremonies.

A total of 22 individual performers including opera diva Lizz Hodgin, Kylan “Elements man” deGhitaldi, the all-Lehrer Dixie-ragtime skiffle band The Lehrermen, and the Gold Standard barbershop quartet Constellation will bring Lehrer fans back for more of his wacky, sardonic and diabolical humor.

Mr. Lehrer, whose catalogue of unusual songs from the 1950’s and 60’s has attained cult status on three continents. Presently a UCSC professor emeritus he has given permission to perform his songs but chooses not to get involved in their presentation.

The Bay Area’s favorite street performer, The Great Morgani, will serenade attendees as doors open at 6:15pm. Tickets for the 7:00pm show are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and proceeds will benefit Alcohol and Drug programs of Encompass Community Services. Call 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.VivaLaLehrer.com for a link to the ticket service. The Kuumbwa Jazz Center is located at 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. For additional information call Peter Nichols at (831) 423-3607.