Phoenix Boys Choir to Host 2015 Gala in October

The Phoenix Boys Choir will be "putting on the ritz" for its major Gala, "That's Entertainment!" on Saturday October 17, 2015 at 6:00 pm in the Memorial Hall of Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road.

The Annual Phoenix Boys Choir Gala raises funds to support the 68 year-old organization and its scholarship programs, which enable boys from all segments of the community to participate.

The October event will honor two community leaders and long-time supporters of the Boys Choir: Phoenix Theatre's Artistic Director, Michael Barnard, and Sal Rivera, Partner of Rivera Law Group, P.C. Mr. Rivera, a Phoenix Boys Choir alumnus will be honored with the "Leadership Through Song" Award, and Mr. Barnard will be presented with "Heart of the Arts" Award.

Both men have been involved with the Phoenix Boys Choir for many years and are vocal advocates for the positive impact the Choir has on forming the future leaders of tomorrow.

Sal Rivera is a partner and shareholder of Rivera Law Group, P.C which practices in the areas of government relations, tort, and commercial litigation. He is an active leader in Arizona, guiding numerous political, legal, community and charitable organizations. He has chaired and served on key committees and commissions through appointments by Governor Napolitano and Mayor Gordon and has served as the founding President/CEO of the Arizona Economic Resource Organization.

Mr. Rivera was a former member of the Phoenix Boys Choir in his youth and has served on the Board of Trustees as its Chairman.

Michael Barnard is currently entering his 17th season as Phoenix Theatre's Producing Artistic Director, concentrating his efforts on continued growth of the theatre in production, education and new work development. Last season, he directed Memphis and Mary Poppins in the Mainstage Theatre as well as a collaboration with The Phoenix Symphony of Oliver! Michael is an adjunct professor at Arizona State University's School of Music and was named 2009's Artist of the Year by the Governor's Arts Awards. He received the Leadership in Arts Award from the YWCA in 2012, and in 2011 the National Arts and Letters Award for outstanding contribution to the field of Musical Theatre.

Mr. Barnard is a long-time supporter of the Phoenix Boys Choir, partnering with the organization on collaborative programs, vocal development and choreography.

"We see time and time again how the Phoenix Boys Choir has positively impacted the lives of the young men in our community. It will be a wonderful night to enjoy the beautiful voices of today's Choir, while honoring Mr. Rivera who is such a special alumnus and leader for the community and Mr. Barnard who brings so much to the artistic life of the Valley." - Gala Co-Chairs Mary Farrington Lorch and Jo Finks
The evening will feature extraordinary live and silent auctions, as well as cocktails and dinner catered by Michael Mazzocco of The Herb Box.

The Phoenix Boys Choir will be joined by a cast of favorite local performing stars for an exhilarating program inspired by the greatest musical hits from Broadway and Hollywood.

Tickets for the 2015 "That's Entertainment Gala" are $200 and may be reserved by calling 602-264-5328 ext 23.

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