By Juan Markos
Hollywood, California (The Hollywood Times) 02/26/2024 – On February 25th, 2024, a benefit concert for Autism Care Today was held at the Hollywood Club LA. The concert featured Katrina Aguilar, a San Diego-based singer who graduated from the esteemed Boston Conservatory in 2015 as a Vocal Performance Major. Aguilar performed her Cabaret show titled “Part of Your World,” which detailed her experiences living with autism and how she discovered her passion for singing despite initial difficulties with speech.
The event was hosted by Christopher Tenney, a stand-up comedian, who is also on the autism spectrum and whose opening routine was received with great enthusiasm by the audience.
Singer George Steeves, who opened for Katrina Aguilar, shared his personal story and connection to the charity. Steeves, a film and television actor, was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 11 and spoke about his acting career, writing, and performing in his own one-man shows at the Hollywood and Edinburgh fringe festivals.
The show was directed and produced by Clifford Bell, a seasoned Cabaret impresario with 40 years of experience in show business. Bell collaborated with pianist Brad Ellis, and together they provided beautiful accompaniment to the performers. Ellis, known for his work on Glee, served as music director and pianist for the event.
It was a moving experience for the audience, with Katrina Aguilar’s performance being particularly inspiring and emotional. Bell, who has worked with icons such as Walter Cronkite, Colin Powell, and Michael Eisner, has also co-created the successful touring show Direct From Broadway, featuring Tony Award winners Debbie Gravitte and Michael Maguire, with frequent collaborator Lara Teeter.
Check out our conversation with Clifford Bell, producer/director, singer Katrina Aguilar and pianist Brad Ellis:
Overall, the concert was a great success, and the performers left a lasting impression on the audience with their heartfelt performances and inspiring stories.
Autism Care Today (ACT) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to raise awareness and to provide treatment services and support to families to help their children with Autism achieve their full potential. Learn more at www.act-today.org
