8th Annual Star Awards at SCERA to Honor 10 People, 2/23

Those who have made significant contributions to the arts in a variety of categories will be recognized for their achievements in enriching the communities and citizens of Utah at the 8th Annual Star Awards held Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem.

Grammy-nominated and world-renowned violinist Jenny Oaks Baker will receive the night's biggest award -- The 2013 Star Award. Author Dean Hughes will receive the Lifetime Achievement honor. Awards will also be given to Neal Barth for theater, Frank Magleby for visual arts, Janice Kapp Perry for music, Mary Bee Jensen for dance, Daynes Music as Friend of the Arts, Thanksgiving Point as Advocate of the Arts, Debi Richan for volunteerism and Janet Swenson, special recognition.

"We recognize that the scope of talent and commitment to the arts in Utah is tremendous, and the Star Awards are a way of calling attention to their achievements and applaud their talent and dedication," says Adam J. Robertson, SCERA President & CEO. "The challenge of the nominating committee is in choosing from an amazing array of people, which is the kind of challenge every arts organization should have."

James Arrington, the popular director, actor and playwright, will host the awards as characters from his hilarious play "The Farley Family." Aunt Pearl, Grandpa Farley and other quirky characters will bring a light and humorous spirit to the ceremony. The awards are interspersed with live entertainment, and will follow an elegant dinner by the UVU School of Culinary Arts and a silent and live auction. 100% of the proceeds from the evening will support SCERA's non-profit charitable Endowment for the Arts.

Each honoree will be given a plaque and make a short acceptance speech. A video tribute for each will be shown at the award ceremony, featuring friends, family and associates speaking on the attributes of each honoree and their contributions to the arts.

The general public is invited to attend the Gala and Star Awards, and the following options are available: 1) Dinner, silent and live auctions, and VIP seating for awards and entertainment is $95/person or a table of ten for $950 2) Awards and entertainment only for $10. Reservations are required, and may be made by calling SCERA at (801) 225-ARTS or online at www.scera.org.