LiveArt Gala 2023
Fabulous Artists. A Stellar Experience
Welcome to the 2022-2023 Season at the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts and the 14th year of LiveArt, a premier artistic event that showcases unique artists and genres. This annual donor event comprises the main fundraising efforts of the LiveArt Committee.
A Night in The Roaring Twenties
Starring Alex Mendham and His Orchestra
With Special Guests Amanda Castro and the LA Follies
Friday, January 27, 2023

Alex Mendham
“You really hit the spot last night! You and the band are a sensation!” ~ Highclere Castle
Alex Mendham and His Orchestra was founded by the debonair, white-tie-and-tails-wearing bandleader to sweep audiences away with the high style and musical glory of the ‘20s and ‘30s. He and his Orchestra have turned the music of a golden age into a worldwide concert touring show.
Initially, Alex Mendham pitched his wild idea to the owners of London’s Savoy Hotel, and the Orchestra embarked on a long-standing residency in the hotel’s hallowed ballroom. Request performances soon followed at many iconic venues around the capital, including the world-famous Ritz Hotel.
“Alex and the Orchestra are incredible, there’s nothing quite like them!” ~ BBC Radio: Jonathan Ross
This vital early period allowed the Orchestra to hone its signature style and sound, playing together each night. Soon, the allure of taking their music to the world stage became too great for Alex and His Orchestra to resist. Beginning with the now legendary sell-out show at the Kursaal Concert Hall in Belgium, Alex Mendham has taken his orchestra to new heights internationally, performing everywhere from the lush art-deco Cicada Club of Downtown Los Angeles to open-air concerts in the gothic palaces of Russia, via grand scale events upon the romantic canals of Venice. Outside of their live performances, the Orchestra is a mainstay of BBC Radio and has lent its talents to productions for film and television.
Join the festivities this season as we celebrate our fourteenth edition of LiveArt with a Gala that includes:
• VIP reception before the show from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Cast Party after the show from 9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Gold Circle seating located on the Orchestra pit at cafe tables and includes wine service before the show at our top donor levels.
Special guests for the evening include Amanda Castro and members of the LA Follies. They will appear in the evening performance, and they will headline the Gala Party later that night as we transport the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts back to the Roaring Twenties.