Media Advisory and Photo Opportunity

Friday, October 21, 2016   9:00 a.m.

STUDENTS OF ALL ABILITIES TAKE THE STAGE TO CELEBRATE COMMUNITY HEROES AS THE MUSIC CENTER PRESENTS THE 38^th ANNUAL VERY SPECIAL ARTS FESTIVAL

– The Only Festival of its Kind in Los Angeles Offers More Than 5,000 Students Their First-Ever Opportunity to Be Stars for the Day with Performances on The Music Center Plaza –

WHAT:        More than 80 groups of students with disabilities from K-12 schools from all over Los Angeles County will perform at the 38^thAnnual Very Special Arts Festival presented by The Music Center.  This free festival gives students of all abilities the opportunity to celebrate their artistic achievements and pay tribute to their heroes.  The festival features continuous performances by the students all morning on two stages on The Music Center Plaza, along with visual and performing arts workshops – including workshops led by students from local high schools – and a display of more than 1,000 pieces of artwork based on the festival’s theme, “Heroes.” 

Students will also enjoy performances by Diavolo|Architecture in Motion and The Alley Cats, a “Heroes in Training” obstacle course, a LAPD police car to explore, dance lessons and face painting by Los Angeles County High School of the Performing Arts students, stilt walkers, a magician, mimes, a disco, a showcase of exotic animals from the Wildlife Learning Center, puppies from Guide Dogs of America, and much more.

WHEN:        Friday, October 21, 2016

                     9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.                       

WHERE:        The Music Center Plaza 135 N. Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA  90012
Media check-in table located on The Music Center Plaza in front of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, under the colonnade on the Hope Street side.                                         

WHY:           The Music Center advocates the benefits of arts education and believes the arts are crucial to the development of every child.  Its long-standing Very Special Arts Festival, developed in partnership with LAUSD and the Los Angeles County Office of Education, reaches out across Los Angeles County to give students of all abilities an opportunity to develop and showcase their creative talents.  Teachers receive curriculum materials in advance to help them develop and share the most appropriate performances for their students.

PARKING:    Parking for media trucks is available in front of Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Avenue.

Media planning a live shot and needing closer parking should contact Bonnie Goodman at 213-208-9539 to make arrangements.

NOTE:         Highly visual and emotionally compelling event, featuring students of all abilities and of all ages performing in front of an audience of their families, teachers and other students.  For many, this is their first performance in a public setting.