Join us at the beautiful Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, California for Crowden Music Center’s Biennial Gala
Infinite Expression
Saturday, March 14, 2020
5:30 pm
Reception & Silent Auction
7:30 pm
Dinner and Live Entertainment
8:15 pm
Live Auction and Fund-a-Need
Featuring:
Hot Club of San Francisco,
Fischoff Medalists the Meráki Quartet,
and performances by a group of Crowden All-Stars!
Location:
Hot Club of San Francisco
This ensemble of accomplished and versatile musicians celebrates the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s pioneering Quintette du Hot Club de France with style and panache. The Hot Club of San Francisco borrows the instrumentation of violin, bass, and guitars from the original Hot Club while breathing new life into the music with innovative arrangements of classic tunes and original compositions from the group’s superb lead guitarist, Paul Mehling. Featuring the amazing violin of twice GRAMMY® Award-winning Evan Price, the velvet vocals of Isabelle Fontaine and a swinging rhythm section, the group never fails to surprise and delight.
This performance is made possible by support from Ting & Associates, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.
Meráki Quartet
The Meráki Quartet was formed by four 14-year-old students in the fall of 2016 through Crowden's Youth Chamber Music Program. Four months following its inception, the quartet participated in the Jane Galante Competition at the Yehudi Menuhin Chamber Music Seminar in San Francisco and earned second prize. They have since won Bronze in the 2019 Fischoff Junior Strings/Piano Competition, appeared on NPR’s From the Top with Christopher O'Riley, performed at the Rex Salon and Herbst Theater with the Alexander String Quartet, opened for the St. Lawrence String Quartet, and played at Berkeley City Hall for Mayor Tom Bates. The group derives its name from the Greek “μεράκι,” meaning “soulfully artistic.”

Live Auction Previews

Scotland Vacation
Visit Anne Crowden's native home!

Celebrity Chef
Celebrity Chef Daniel Patterson prepares a six course meal for up to 10, in your home

Mexico Vacation
Stay in historic San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for an entire week

Chef's Table at Prima
Italian fine dining and wine experience for six with Chef Peter Chastain

Harry Potter
An unforgettable theater experience at the Curran

Squaw Stay & Ski
Ski right out of your luxury condo at The Village in Squaw Valley

Aspen Music Festival
An insider's experience with official Aspen luthier Joan Balter

Jay Haide Instrument
Choose your beautiful, quality violin or cello with exceptional sound

Dessert and Wine at Your Table
Share a showstopper cake and bubbly with your table guests at the Gala
2020 GALA CO-CHAIR
Maria Poncel

2020 GALA CO-CHAIR
Shelby Gans

Honorary Co-Chairs
Ann & Gordon Getty
Deborah O’Grady & John Adams
Honorary Committee
Alexander String Quartet
Paul Dresher & Philippa Kelly
Bonnie Hampton
Kronos Quartet
Michael Morgan
Johanna Pfaelzer
Richard & Myriam Misrach
Quartet San Francisco
Jonathan Moscone
Lois De Domenico
Gabriela Lena Frank
Susie Medak
2020 GALA CO-CHAIR
Shelby Gans
