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The Man Behind The Music - A fundraiser for DesertArc - Nov. 14, 2009
All star cast makes event memorable.
There was music, music, music – at a luncheon followed by a huge concert at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort on Nov. 14. The non-stop event was “The Man Behind The Music” featuring Dennis Lambert whose chart busting rock and pop hits include “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)” “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “ Nightshift,” “Pink Cadillac,” “Baby Come Back” and “We Built This City.”
Both the afternoon and evening events were produced by Bette King Productions, a long time friend and admirer of Lambert who decided that while he has been nominated for 12 Grammy’s, received two American Music Awards and a Country Music Award, this man so respected in the entertainment profession was unknown to the general public. King decided it was time to fix that and a tribute concert to Lambert was planned. It was Lambert who said that there had to be a purpose for the concert, aside from honoring him. That is when DesertArc came into the picture. Funds raised from both the luncheon and concert benefited DesertArc celebrating its 50th anniversary of providing support services and employment opportunities for hundreds of developmentally disabled people in the Coachella Valley on a daily basis. Mary and Hank Hendler and Sir Alfred DiMora were honorary chairs.
Many of the celebrities who were to perform that evening attended the luncheon including Connie Stevens and her two daughters, Joely Fisher and Tricia Leigh Fisher, Elaine Paige, England’s favorite musical star who flew in from London for the event, and the Commodores. Other celebrities present at the luncheon were Ernest Borgnine and Cloris Leachman with her son, George Englund Jr. and her former husband, producer and author George Englund. Radio favorite Dan McGrath was master of ceremonies with King. “Pyro,” a marvelous magician, entertained after luncheon and so did cabaret entertainer “Divorah Herberg” with a large group of back up dancers. Candy Stoddard, who has benefited over the years from DesertArc, drew a standing ovation when she sang “You Light Up My Life.” In addition to training and finding employment for its “clients” — DesertArc also has programs to develop social and artistic skills.
The concert at Agua Caliente Casino Resort’s The Show featured many of those who have worked with Lambert including such stellar names and talented individuals as Natalie Cole, Paige, Stevens and her daughters, the Commodores, Dave Koz, Peter Beckett, Ronn Moss, JD Crowley, Tavares, Tom Laughlin and Delores Taylor “Billy Jack,” and the woman who had everyone on their feet cheering, Seidah Garrett performing the song she wrote, “Man In The Mirror.” Another unforgettable part of the evening was a performance by the DesertArc Choir. Hefty congratulations to the Agua Caliente Casino Resort and The Show. All gate proceeds were given directly to DesertArc.
Photography by Pat Krause
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