The Peninsula will be getting its own little brush with fame next month when legendary American folk singer, Joan Baez, breezes into Atherton to perform a special benefit concert for the Peninsula College Fund.
Joining Baez will be the award-winning soprano ensemble, Bella Sorella.
The benefit, entitled "High Notes for Higher Learning," will take place on March 2, and will focus on raising awareness and scholarship funds to support the nonprofit, which helps local low-income, underrepresented, first-generation college students to achieve their educational and career goals through its comprehensive program of four-year scholarships, one-to-one mentoring, summer internships, and college and career success training.
The Peninsula College Fund’s highly successful programs provide its scholars with the resources, knowledge, and necessary tools to succeed in college and beyond, preparing them to be productive and giving members of their communities.
Baez said she is a big supporter of what the fund is doing.
"Supporting The Peninsula College Fund through participation in this event is consistent with my history of uniting music with humanitarian, environmental, and, in this case, educational, causes,” said Baez. “I am delighted to assist a local group so devoted to advancing opportunities for low-income, first-generation students."
Bella Sorella, a soprano ensemble featuring singing sisters-in-law Nova and Susanna Jiménez, along with Joyce Lee on violin and Danielle Naler on piano, will perform a collection of melodic and ethereal duets, all highlighting the power of love and connection.
In this case, the connection is particularly special in that Nova and her husband, Tomás, are mentors to a Peninsula College Fund student who will graduate from the University of California-Berkeley, this coming June.
"Our mentee is an amazing young woman who has worked incredibly hard to succeed, despite many obstacles,” said Nova Jiménez. "Mentoring her has been a joy, and now, the opportunity to give back to The Peninsula College Fund through our music is especially rewarding."
"Joan Baez is an icon, and we are honored to share the program with her," Nova added.
Prior to the concert, guests will be treated to a reception featuring gourmet hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants along with a selection of regional wines, thanks to generous donations from Alana’s Café, Epicurean Group, Evvia, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Gordon Biersch Brewing Company, Humanitas Wines, Il Fornaio, Jessup Cellars, John Bentley’s, Menlo Grill Bistro & Bar, Pulgas Ranch Wine Co., Safeway, Sunset Wine Club, Trellis Restaurant, The Village Pub, and Vino Latino Wine Club.
Serving as honorary chairpeople for the event are Judge LaDoris H. Cordell (Ret.), former Vice Provost of Stanford University; Francisco Jiménez, Professor, Santa Clara University; and Congresswoman Jackie Speier.
Event sponsors include Facebook, Flegel’s Home Furnishings, and Kepler’s Books.
Charles Schmuck, founder of the Peninsula College Fund, said everyone at the nonprofit is thrilled to have this chance to work with Baez and Bella Sorella for such an event.
"Our vision for this event is to raise scholarship funds and awarness about the Peninsula College Fund so that we can serve more deserving first-generation students in their quest to go to college," Schmuck said.
THE DETAILS:
When: Saturday, March 2. Pre-concert reception at 6 p.m., Concert at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Homer Center, Sacred Heart Preparatory, 150 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton
Tickets: $125 up to $1,000. Tickets can be purchased online on the Peninsula College Fund website.
More Information: www.PeninsulaCollegeFund.org
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