The Valley Line: L.A. Zoo presents its annual ‘Beastly Ball’
The “Music on the Main” summer concert series at Descanso Gardens is going full swing. I just love this weekly event. What could be better than sitting under beautiful oak trees at Descanso listening to jazz?
On a recent night, Louie Cruz Beltran had concert-goers up on their feet and dancing to salsa, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll.
Louie is a favorite at this venue and, as he warmly welcomes area residents and visitors to the concert, it always seems he’s delighted to be in La Cañada.
Tonight, L.A. native and soulful alto saxophonist Danny Janklow will perform at Descanso. So throw together some snacks and your favorite beverage — don’t forget your lawn chair — and attend “Music on the Main.” It is a wonderful summer thing to do!
--
Another favorite summer thing to do for Angelinos is to attend the L.A. Zoo’s “Beastly Ball.” In fact more than 700 people turned out June 11 for the 46th annual “ball.”
Even though earlier in the day had been unusually misty, by the time the event got underway the weather was dry, if a little unseasonably brisk.
It is so much fun to wander about the zoo, grazing at the different food venues and chatting with zoo keepers about their furry or scaly friends. There are always a selection of small animals out to meet and greet guests — my favorite thing to do.
There was a brightly colored parrot who was an expert at taking paper money from your hand and then depositing his reward into a box. He seemed to be enjoying this activity and the people loved giving him money.
A beautiful lanner falcon, perched on its caretaker’s gloved hand, blinked a welcome to guests as they stopped to admire his intricately fashioned feathers.
As I entered the venue, I found La Cañada residents Connie Morgan and her husband, Matt Glombek, greeting guests. Connie is president of Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn. (GLAZA) and she and her husband are longtime local residents.
Connie said the L.A. Zoo is all about connections — through conservation programs, connecting animals to others of their species and connecting visitors to the natural world.
John Lewis, director of the zoo, greeted guests along with his wife Debbie and daughter-in-law Leah Lewis.
More than 700 guests visited the animals that night and enjoyed “after-hours” at the zoo. The event raised about $1.1 million.
In the crowd were GLAZA Co-Chairmen actress Betty White, Richard Lichtenstein, and rock icon Slash, a GLAZA trustee.
The evening celebrated the L.A. Zoo’s essential work and honored wildlife supporters/longtime GLAZA donors Patricia and Stanley Silver while bestowing the Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award on actor/environmentalist Ed Begley Jr.
--
JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.