Article announcing fundraising concert to benefit College of the Desert Foundation featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell. Published in the January issue of Desert Charities News.

1. Page 14 Desert Charities News – desertcharities.com January/February/March 2015
WhenTonyAward-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell takes the McCallum
Theatre stage on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, his performance will benefit
College of the Desert (COD) programs in the arts. The concert, “Stepping Out
For College of the Desert with Brian Stokes Mitchell,” will take place at 8 pm
with Foundation Board members Diane Gershowitz and JoAnn McGrath once
again serving as Event Co-Chairpersons for the popular fundraiser.
A new energy around the arts, an important
component of the area’s Creative Economy as
defined in the regional economic development
blueprint, is quickly making the College an
important resource for those seeking careers
as creative professionals. The arts classroom
and studio spaces have been expanded and
are now connected to the comprehensive
academic community, the Marks Art Center, a
new Theatre Stagecraft facility and the adjacent
McCallum Theater. The new contemporary arts
studios, exhibit space and related facilities are
full of light and celebrate an innovative learning
environment to inspire creativity and support
student success in the classroom and beyond.
“Everywhere you look, successful COD
creative arts graduates are changing the lives of
desert residents for the better,” says Gershowitz. “They are your architect,
journalist, artist, photographer, painter, accountant, engineer, teacher,
filmmaker, web designer and more.” “Supporting COD programs in the arts
BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL’S
FEBRUARY
PERFORMANCE TO SUPPORT
By Cindy Duffy
is one of the smartest investments we can make
for our community,” adds McGrath. “Thanks to the
generosity of our donors and community partners,
all proceeds from the event will go toward funding
new equipment, staffing, and programming.”
Visual and performing arts were among the first programs established at
College of the Desert when facilities were opened in the mid 1960’s. Now,
more than fifty years later, new campus visual and performing arts facilities
inspire more than 1,300 annual creative arts students who look to the College
each year to pursue their dreams and careers.
“Our community is one that embraces the arts, inspiring students to pursue
imaginative and fulfilling careers in a variety of fields,” explains Joel Kinnamon,
College of the Desert President. “Throughout the Valley there are many art
galleries, exhibitions, concerts and live performances. Architects are revered
here thanks to Modernism Week, and filmmakers celebrated at the Palm
Springs International Film Festival. We are working to prepare the College for
the next generation of visual and performing artists and professionals who will
play a major role in expanding our creative economy.”
Tickets are on sale for “Stepping Out For College of the Desert with Brian
Stokes Mitchell” at $125, $85, and $65 per person. To purchase, please visit
mccallumtheatre.com or call 760-340-2787.
Dubbed “The Last Leading Man” by the New York Times, Stokes has been
one of the central leading men of the Broadway theatre scene since the early
1990s. A star of the new CBS hit TV series “Madam Secretary” opposite his
2013 College of the Desert Foundation benefit co-star Bebe Neuwirth, he also
appears in a recurring role on “Glee” as one of Rachel Berry’s (Lea Michele)
two dads. Stokes will perform beloved Broadway standards accompanied by
his quartet, showcasing an amazing musical versatility and powerful baritone
that has kept him in demand by the country’s finest conductors and orchestras.
He has also generously agreed to conduct a Master Class for COD performing
arts students.
College of the Desert is a
substantial economic engine for
the Coachella Valley, adding more
than $30 million annually to the
local economy. COD offers more
than 1,000 classes in 89 different
course areas in multiple locations
throughout the Coachella
Valley. Education and skills
learned at the College translate
directly to higher earnings for
students and increased output
for local businesses. Support for
College of the Desert leads to
enhanced programs and services,
ensures access to state-of-the-
art technology and equipment,
and keeps the Valley workforce
pipeline filled with well prepared,
highly trained workers needed to
help our economy thrive.
For more information about
College of the Desert Foundation
and to inquire about sponsorship
opportunities, including a pre-
event reception/dinner and on-
stage post-performance reception,
please call 760-346-3363 or visit
codfoundation.org.
COLLEGE OF THE DESERT
New Energy, Facilities Prepare College for
Next Generation of Creative Professionals
PROGRAMS IN THE ARTS