HOLLYWOOD—Special guest, Ruth McCartney was born and raised in Liverpool in the “swinging ’60s.” She began to study guitar, singing and dance at the tender age of 4, and then continued with her musical education, adding piano lessons from the age of 7, and guitar from the age of 12. Ruth was greatly influenced during her teens by such legends as Liza Minnelli, Shirley MacLaine and British institution, Gary Glitter. She has always been a fan of “the spectacle” and to this day, continues the tradition in her own live shows, the most recent of which were in Moscow, St. Petersburg and eight different cities in Siberia, Russia. Ruth became a household name there during appearances on Russian TV and in Armenia in 1989. It was then that Ruth bonded with the people of these countries. During that time the rouble was not an exchangeable currency and consequently she donated all the proceeds of her first three tours to various Soviet charities including the children of Spitak, Armenia who were so horribly devastated by the earthquake of 1988. Little did she know that she would experience a similar trauma in California only 6 years later.
Friends of Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park is a nonprofit organization which presents 50 concerts every summer at the Levitt Pavilion, featuring a diverse lineup of artists from acclaimed, emerging talent to world renowned seasoned, award winning performers. All concerts are FREE admission, making live music and the arts accessible to all. Since 2007, Friends of Levitt has presented 130 concerts with over 85,000 in attendance. The tide has turned in MacArthur Park. As music has filled the park, so have families, friends and Angelenos from all over the city, creating community through music.
WHAT/WHO: McCartney to appear on behalf of Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park. Friends of Levitt Pavilion is proud to announce, Ms. Ruth McCartney (sister of Paul) to introduce the opening act, Harmony Project, at Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park 2010 Opening Celebration. Harmony Project, a nationally recognized and award-winning youth orchestra will perform a tribute to The Beatles. The Harmony Project targets at-risk youth in Los Angeles and promotes positive youth development through year-round music lessons and ensemble participation. The evening will also feature cumbia rhythms from Grupo Algodon and contemporary Latin music from the celebrated Pete Escovedo Orchestra.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 7
5 p.m. – Harmony Project – inner city youth orchestra performs a tribute to The Beatles, introduction by Ruth McCartney
6 p.m. – Grupo Algodon – popular group from El Salvador represents El Salvador’s rich culture with a musical blend of tropical Caribbean, cumbia and merengue
7 p.m. – Opening Ceremony with federal, state and local elected officials
7:30 p.m. – Pete Escovedo Orchestra – Legendary Latin sensation Pete Escovedo, a major force across Latin music genres since the late 1960s, from Latin jazz and salsa to rock and Latin pop, performs with his celebrated orchestra.
WHERE: West 6th Street & S. Park View Street (northwest corner of MacArthur Park) in Los Angeles
