In this episode of Spark, you’ll meet individuals who are using their skills as producers, presenters, fund-raisers and all-around great schmoozers to energize and invigorate the Bay Area arts scene. Cal Performances is one of the country’s premier? presenting organizations. The man at the helm here is impresario Robert Cole. Follow him as he works the room — here and in New York — to bring the best of world dance and music to the Bay Area. Then meet Angela McConnell, one of the most successful fund-raisers in the Bay Area Arts community, and witness her latest achievement, helping to raise almost $12 million in the wake of the dotcom bust to build a new Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) in Mountain View. Finally, we’ll catch a glimpse of a day in the frenetic life of Jordan Simmons, artistic director of the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, as he juggles roles in the classroom, on stage, at the center and in the community.
In this Episode
Cal Performances and Robert Cole
Go behind-the-scenes with Robert Cole, who's turned Berkeley's Cal Performances into a world renowned venue.
Community School of Music and Arts
Catch Angela McConnell in action, as she raises money to build a permanent home for the Community School of Music and Arts.
East Bay Center for the Performing Arts
Visit the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts and see how they support artists.