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FEBRUARY 2, 2024 | Volume XXI, Issue 05
Henderson ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ a Joyous Crowd-Pleaser Candice named Chamber By Eric Marchese | Special to the LB Indy When it comes to larger-than-life show-biz greats, few can match the storied life and career of Thomas Waller, the pianist, composer and performer lovingly known as “Fats.” Waller reveled in life, and his appetites for food and drink were part of his legendary personality as he packed a lifetime’s worth of fame, pizzazz and just plain fun into his 39 years. In 1978, less than four decades after his demise, Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr., wrote a socko musical revue that rolls out one great Waller tune after another. Now, Fats Waller fans can enjoy this popular show in a Laguna Playhouse production that does its subject proud. The show, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” is named for the hit song Waller co-wrote with Andy Razaf and Harry Brooks for the 1929 musical revue “Hot Chocolates.” As the title number, the broad, pleasing song, the biggest hit of Waller’s career, leads off the show while introducing us to its five performers: Dedrick Bonner, Summer Nicole Greer, Jenelle Lynn Randall, James Tolbert and Amber Diane Wright The playlist features more than 20
Ambassador of the Year
James Tolbert and Amber Diane Wright star in “Ain’t Misbehavin’” at Laguna Playhouse. Photo/Jason Niedle.
of the prolific composer’s pieces and a handful more he popularized. The music reflects Waller’s brash, mischievous, fun-loving personality to the max. Film shorts featuring Waller reveal his performing style and, of even more import, his stage presence, from the devilish grin and raised eyebrows to the sly, playful expression. A singular talent, and the most
popular black entertainer of his time, the impish clown prince of hot piano would mug for the camera, the only performer of the ’20s and ’30s to combine the Harlem Stride popularized by James P. Johnson, Euºbie Blake, Luckey Roberts and Willie the Lion Smith with LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE, PAGE 12
Festival of Arts Announces Death of Artist Patrick Kelly By LB Indy Staff The Festival of Arts has announced that Patrick Kelly, a longtime Laguna Beach resident and FOA exhibitor, died on Jan. 21 at his home in Palm Springs, Calif. Kelly, a renowned artist with a passion for vibrant colors and an extensive and diverse body of work ranging from abstract to classical themes, was born in Paddington, London, England, on Aug. 19, 1937. As a young man, he pursued his studies in fine art and industrial
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design at the Hammersmith School of Art in London, graduating with a national diploma in industrial design in 1957. After graduating, Kelly immigrated to Canada and later to the United States in 1960, where he held various positions in industrial design. Settling in Laguna Beach in the late 1960s, he dedicated himself to his true passion—art. Kelly became an integral part of the Festival of Arts community, exhibiting for an impressive 42 years, with his first
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appearance in 1961. Kelly’s work garnered widespread recognition throughout his artistic journey and was collected worldwide. The Festival of Arts obtained two of his pieces, “Series II” and “Monolith,” for its Permanent Art Collection in 1990. Beyond his role as an exhibitor, Kelly made numerous contributions to the Festival, serving as a board member, curator and membership director. PATRICK KELLY, PAGE 13
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By Clara Beard | LB Indy The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce announced Candice Henderson as the 2024 Chamber Ambassador of the Year during its annual Installation Mixer held last Wednesday, Jan. 24, at Skyloft. Henderson, a local luxury real estate agent who also received recognition from Sen. Dave Min and Assemblymember Diane Dixon the same evening, said the accolades came as a shock. “I was surprised and honored,” said Henderson after learning she was slated for the award. “I let the Chamber know after five years of participation, primarily as the chairperson for the Taste of Laguna, their main fundraising event each October, that I was excited to receive a shiny Chamber name badge. I didn’t realize there would be a special installation event for new board members and ultimately award me multiple accolades, certificates, and awards from city and state representatives.” Chamber Ambassadors are a group of local business leaders who give their time to act as official Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce business boosters. They call on members throughout the year to remind them HENDERSON, PAGE 16
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