Honey WHiskey Trio
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
SPONSORS
DALE KORMAN
(In Memory of Maestro Frank Fetta)
Ann and Marty Gallagher Nancy and George Mannon
Ted and Carolyn Porter
Cliff Numark
OUR MISSION
In partnership with the City of Torrance, The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation’s mission is to enrich the community through the performing arts by providing diverse cultural, educational and entertainment experiences of the highest quality.
OUR VISION
The vision of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is to connect our community through culturally enriching experiences.
THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF TOCA AND THE ARTS IN THE SOUTH BAY
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation would like to acknowledge that the Armstrong Theatre is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Tongva people in the Swaanga Village. We ask you to join us in acknowledging the Tongva community, their elders both past and present, as well those of future generations. www.tongvapeople.com
Welcome to Our 2025–2026 Season
Welcome to a brand-new season with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation! I’m honored to step into the role of Board President as we continue TOCA’s proud tradition of celebrating the arts in all their beautiful diversity.
For over three decades, TOCA has been a cornerstone of creativity and connection in the South Bay. That legacy continues today because of the passion and dedication of our community—our artists, audiences, partners, donors, and volunteers. Together, we make it possible to bring inspiring, thought-provoking, and joy-filled performances to our stages.
At TOCA, we believe the arts are for everyone. Whether it’s your first time in the theater or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we invite you to explore this season’s lineup and find something that speaks to you. From laugh-out-loud comedy to moving musical performances and cultural celebrations, there’s truly something for every taste.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support. I hope you’ll consider deepening your connection with TOCA—subscribe to our season, become a donor, or lend your time as a volunteer. However you choose to engage, know that you are a vital part of our mission.
I look forward to seeing you at the theater—and to all the unforgettable moments we’ll share this season.
Warmly,
Camilla Seferian President, Board of Directors
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
Welcome to the 2025/2026 season at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation!
As we turn the page from our milestone 30th year and look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude—not only for where we’ve been, but for where we’re going. Each season is a new opportunity to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the incredible power of live performance.
At TOCA, we’re not just curating a season—we’re creating space for discovery, connection, and joy. Whether it’s world-class music, laughout-loud comedy, soul-stirring theater, or family programming that ignites young imaginations, our goal remains the same: to offer something memorable for everyone who walks through our doors.
I continue to be inspired by the artists we work with, the team behind the scenes, and especially you— our audience, donors, and community partners—who make it all possible. Your enthusiasm and support are what keeps TOCA vibrant and thriving.
Please explore this brochure and find the shows that speak to you. And as always, if there’s anything we can do to make your experience better, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@TorranceArts.org.
Let’s make this season one to remember. See you at the theatre!
Chris Wolf Executive Director
Honey WHiskey Trio
“Three sisters went to play and dance through golden rays of sunshine…”
Honey Whiskey Trio tells stories through song and stomp, highlighting the musical traditions of American Folk Music.
They arrange and explore music from the front porches, music halls, and hymn books of early America, and create new music that honors these rich histories. Beyond the stage, their passion for music education, community engagement, and singing unapologetically drives them as they work with youth and adult vocal ensembles and lead community workshops with lifelong music lovers across the United States.
“The Honey Whiskey Trio have become a part of our family of artists that we invite back at every opportunity. Beautiful, soulful, with exquisite harmonies and a gentle sense of humor.” - Carolyn Elliot, former Director of Programming and Education at The Broad Stage
“Their sound is intoxicating… To simply classify this trio as folk, bluegrass, or jazz would be to do them a great disservice. What I hear is great music and what I see is great joy.” - Bluegrass Spin
“They always leave you sitting at the edge of your seat, waiting with bated breath for each new beautifully executed phrase. The women of HWT are also gifted educators, captivating their pupils with humor, grace and honesty, a unique and valuable combo.” - Lisa Forkish, Founder & Executive Director of the Women’s A Cappella Association
Courtney Gasque Politano grew up on a horse farm in Vermont, a far cry from the fast pace of Los Angeles. She comes from a musical family so when they weren’t riding, someone was always practicing. Courtney received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in French Horn from Indiana University and her Master’s degree in Jazz Studies with a concentration in Vocal Jazz from CSU, Long Beach where she sang in the vocal jazz group Pacific Standard Time, under the direction of Christine Guter. Courtney does Communications and Development for a school in North Hollywood and also teaches Middle School music, choir, rock band, and strings. She hopes to eventually be able to work for an Arts non-profit overseeing their educational programming and outreach.
As a composer and arranger, Courtney focuses primarily on vocal music, in the folk & bluegrass tradition. She arranges for Honey Whiskey Trio, church groups, and various choral ensembles.
Ann Louise Jeffries Thaiss was born and raised in Northern Virginia. In 2008 she made the big move out west and settled in Long Beach, CA. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. As a student, she sang in Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg and Pacific Standard Time under the direction of Christine Guter. Ann Louise regularly gigs and records with many different Long Beach-based performers and, of course Honey Whiskey Trio (under the direction of the honeys).
Ann Louise teaches preschool music at Manhattan Beach Preschool and is currently in school for her credential so that she can continue to educate Elementary aged children for years to come!
Christina Wilson was born and raised in Southern California’s Inland Empire, and now resides in Long Beach, CA. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Jazz from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach. As a performer she has sung with Pacific Chorale, under the direction of John Alexander, Vox Femina Los Angeles, under the direction of Dr. Iris Levine, and Honey Whiskey Trio. She also has performed with the a cappella group Hive and the band Neil Frances. As a composer and arranger, she has written pieces in classical, contemporary, and jazz genres for middle school, high school, and collegiate vocal ensembles in the United States. As an educator, she has been part of the vocal faculty at Musicians Institute in Hollywood and continues to teach alongside Courtney and Ann Louise through Honey Whiskey Trio’s community outreach efforts.
Thank You
SEASON PARTNER
City of Torrance
Eleanor Marie Land
Family Trust
$10,000 - $49,999 - STARS
Paul & Rita Keil
Pearlston Family Trust
Torrance Refining Company
$5,000 - $9,999 – CO-STARS
Sares-Regis Group
Supervisor Janice Hahn
Surf Management, Inc.
$2,500 - $4,999PRODUCERS
Jean Adelsman
Continental Development Corporation
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Jane and Jim Isomoto
Dale Korman (In Memory of Maestro Frank Fetta)
Lori Mizuguchi
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
$1,000 - $2,499 - DIRECTORS
Ann and Marty Gallagher
Nancy and George Mannon
Ted and Carolyn Porter
$500 – ANGELS
Tammy Khan
Rod and Crystal Macdonell
Gerald and Carol Marcil
Ellenmary Michel
William Oberholzer
Jim Olds (In Memory of A.Y. & Joyce Olds)
Athena Paquette Cormier
$250 - FRIENDS
Reuben and Sabrina Ayala
John and Louise Bye
Mary Hoffman and Bob Habel
Glen and Fumiko Isobe
Russell and Carole Lefevre
Frank and Marilyn Miles
Fred and Ann Peitzman
Andrea and Ron Perez (In Memory of John Popovich)
Nancy Richards
Laura Savitz
Winnie Seieroe
Sylvia Stadlman
Christian and Robin Wolf
$100 - FANS
Amy Blomgren
Janice Burrin
Ann and Victor Cooper
Helen Dennis
Lynn Fernandez
Judy Golden
Gary Hastings
Janet Johnson
Eleanor Jones
Pentti and Ginger Jussila
Lynda Kraemer
Kenneth and Doris Nakakura
George and Helen Nakano
Peter and Vicki Pellerito
Pamela Popovich
Maurine Swilley
Hazel Taniguchi
Paula and John Verbeck
Kurt Weideman and Sue Golden
TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION BOARD
Katy Geissert, Founding President
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Camilla Seferian, President
Heidi Cunningham, Vice President/Secretary
Winnie Seieroe, Treasurer
David Kartsonis, Immediate Past President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jean Adelsman
Sara Baillie
Liliana Dongo
Jim Olds
Peter Pettler
Rosemarie Piccioni, Ed.D.
Laura Savitz
ADVISORY BOARD
David Benoit
Shannon Dean
Scott Douglas
Donna Duperron
Steve Fechner
Patrick Furey
Ann Gallagher
Jonah Hirata
Sherry Kramer
Gesuina Lafayette
George Nakano
Steve Napolitano
Bill Oberholzer
Ted Porter
Ritas Smith
Kurt Weideman
STAFF
Christian Wolf, Executive Director
Sharon Sapigao, Administration
Susan Lyon, Artist Hospitality
Tes Schaff, Graphic Design
