By Ted AYALA

The stars will be out on the night of Friday, May 13 at Glendale’s Alex Theatre (216 N. Brand Blvd.) as the newly formed Glendale Pops Orchestra (GPO) will be performing its inaugural concert accompanied by a host of musical guests.
Matt Catingub, artistic director and conductor of the GPO, will be joined by guest stars Kenny Loggins, David Benoit and Monica Mancini in a concert that will span various musical genres such as swing, bossa nova, and rock.
Loggins might be best known to audiences from the duo act Loggins and Messina. Loggins afterward has pursued a successful solo career where his efforts in writing songs for films have been highly praised.
Pianist and composer David Benoit has won wide acclaim for his work in smooth jazz. He also has a deep background in classical music, stemming from his years as a student at El Camino College and the now defunct Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute.
Monica Mancini, daughter of renowned composer Henry Mancini, has worked extensively in film and has recently enjoyed a Grammy nomination for her album Ultimate Mancini.
“The Premiere” starts at 8 p.m. Preceding the concert will be an event for VIP ticket holders at 6 p.m. at GATE Space on 101 N. Brand Ave., Suite 140. All proceeds from “The Premiere” will go to Glendale Arts, which helps fund the Alex Theatre and GPO.
Tickets and more information is available by visiting online www.alextheatre.org/patrons/boxoffice.php, or by calling the Alex Theatre at (818) 243-2539.

  Leisure, May 12, Ted Ayala