Matthew Shepard Benefit Concert
Please join us to celebrate our special day and enjoy the Magic and the Passion of Big Band Music!
A Benefit Concert for The Matthew Shepard Foundation
Featuring Vocalist
Pearl Grace Zimmerman & Her Big Band
with Music Director & Saxophonist
Kyle Zimmerman
Beloved & Legendary Orange County Pianist & Educator
Ron Kobayashi
Special Guest Vocalist
Drew Tablak
Vocalist, Choreographer, and Dancer
Joe Gregore-Duffield
Plus, a scene from an original play written by Nikki Pearson,
set at The American School in Switzerland where Matt & Nikki met
What
Matthew Shepard Benefit & BIG BAND Concert
Where
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
33501 Stonehill Dr. Dana Point, CA 92629
33501 Stonehill Dr. Dana Point, CA 92629
When
August 12, 2023, 6:30 PM - 6:30 PM
pERFORMERS
Pearl Grace Zimmerman
DOCTOR BY DAY, TORCH SINGER BY NIGHT
Pearl completed the Vocal Performance requirements for a Music Major at Pacific Union College in Angwin, CA, then ultimately followed her passion to become a Functional & Integrative Medicine physician.
Tonight’s concert includes songs by her musical heroes, Barbra Streisand, Julie Andrews, and Natalie Cole. Pearl has enjoyed being the lead vocalist for several bands in college, as well as singing for churches, weddings, and other events. Pearl’s thrilled that her passion for music helped inspire her son, Kyle, to become a professional musician.
Pearl’s epic dream come true is singing with a Big Band under Kyle’s direction. 100% of the proceeds for this concert will go to Matthew Shepard’s foundation, in honor of his legacy and mission to “erase hate and replace it with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.” Pearl is immensely grateful to God, my church family, Gloria Dei, and to our Pastor David Mattson for giving loving support to this cause.
Tonight’s concert includes songs by her musical heroes, Barbra Streisand, Julie Andrews, and Natalie Cole. Pearl has enjoyed being the lead vocalist for several bands in college, as well as singing for churches, weddings, and other events. Pearl’s thrilled that her passion for music helped inspire her son, Kyle, to become a professional musician.
Pearl’s epic dream come true is singing with a Big Band under Kyle’s direction. 100% of the proceeds for this concert will go to Matthew Shepard’s foundation, in honor of his legacy and mission to “erase hate and replace it with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.” Pearl is immensely grateful to God, my church family, Gloria Dei, and to our Pastor David Mattson for giving loving support to this cause.
Kyle Zimmerman
MUSICAL DIRECTOR, TENOR SAX, CLARINET
Kyle Zimmerman is a native Californian, born in Loma Linda. After moving to Whidbey Island, WA, he fell in love with the saxophone while playing with the South Whidbey Middle School Jazz band. In 2010, he moved to Portland, OR and joined the American Music Program, directed by Grammy winning director Thara Memory. The American Music Program competed all over America in competitions such as New York’s Essentially Ellington Competition.
In 2018, Kyle completed a BA in Music Performance from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Kyle moved to Los Angeles to start his career as a professional musician. He now works as an arranger, private saxophone and clarinet instructor, studio musician, and performer. Since moving to LA, Kyle has toured with Vietnamese pop star, My Linh, with Derek Hough’s 2019 national tour, performed at the ACE Hotel Theatre with Roc Nation artist Victory Boyd, and recently plays saxophone for international jazz star Jesus Molina.
In 2018, Kyle completed a BA in Music Performance from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Kyle moved to Los Angeles to start his career as a professional musician. He now works as an arranger, private saxophone and clarinet instructor, studio musician, and performer. Since moving to LA, Kyle has toured with Vietnamese pop star, My Linh, with Derek Hough’s 2019 national tour, performed at the ACE Hotel Theatre with Roc Nation artist Victory Boyd, and recently plays saxophone for international jazz star Jesus Molina.
Ron Kobayashi
Pianist
Ron Kobayashi has performed with a variety of musical artists including Mel Torme, Kenny Burrell, Peter Frampton, Tom Scott, Margaret Whiting, Peter White, Najee, Eric Marienthal and comedian Bob Saget. For five years Ron served as musical director for the Hollywood Diversity Awards where such stars as Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson and George Lopez were honored. In 1992 Ron performed for President Bill Clinton.
In 2005 Ron was awarded “Role Model and Inspiration for Asian Americans in the Field of Music” by the Orange County Asian Business Association. Ron has been a music educator for more than 30 years. He currently teaches at the Orange County High School of the Arts and Vanguard University (both in Orange County, Calif.) and Biola University (in La Mirada, Calif.).
Drew Tablak
vocalist
Drew Tablak’s critically acclaimed vocal ability and performance versatility has given him
the honor of being a guest soloist for the Long Beach Pops Symphony Orchestra, The Premier Chorale of Los Angeles, The Pacific Symphony, The Orange County Symphony and The Golden State Pops. He has been a soloist at Carnegie Hall and has also made guest appearances on Glee and on American Horror Story. He was also a featured guest on the Emmy nominated PBS special, “Songs Of A Lifetime.”
Drew was the soloist at the ground breaking ceremony for Disneyland Shanghai and was recently privileged to be the soloist for the Disney Candlelight Processional. He currently works in the world famous Dapper Dans, and proudly sang with The Mad T Party Band and the illustrious Voices of Liberty. Drew proudly owns the Drew Tablak Vocal Studio.
the honor of being a guest soloist for the Long Beach Pops Symphony Orchestra, The Premier Chorale of Los Angeles, The Pacific Symphony, The Orange County Symphony and The Golden State Pops. He has been a soloist at Carnegie Hall and has also made guest appearances on Glee and on American Horror Story. He was also a featured guest on the Emmy nominated PBS special, “Songs Of A Lifetime.”
Drew was the soloist at the ground breaking ceremony for Disneyland Shanghai and was recently privileged to be the soloist for the Disney Candlelight Processional. He currently works in the world famous Dapper Dans, and proudly sang with The Mad T Party Band and the illustrious Voices of Liberty. Drew proudly owns the Drew Tablak Vocal Studio.
Joe Gregore-Duffield
Vocalist, Coreographer, and Dancer
Joey has been the producer & director for the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus for 7 years and has been a singing member, dancer and choreographer with them for 25 years. Before chorus, Joe has performed in California, Hawaii and Colorado in productions of A Chorus Line, Damn Yankees, Fame, Sophisticated Ladies, Pajama Game, The King & I, Grease, Guys and Dolls, Once Upon a Mattress, South Pacific, Unsinkable Molly Brown, and 6 productions of West Side Story. He recently performed his sold out one-man show in San Diego called Unwrapped: Confessions of a Chorus Boy. Joe says, "It is such an honor to sing with Pearl after all these years".
Nikki Pearson
Playwright, and matt shepard's close personal friend
Nikki Pearson is excited to share a scene from her first play inspired by her close friendship with Matt. They first met in boarding school at The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) where the play takes place. Nikki has been a professional photographer as well as a teacher of journalism and photography to elementary students.
Kathleen Delaney
Director
GRT Board President, GRT Producing Director, The Laramie Project Director Director, Christmas time Origins 2021 & 22,
Director/Producer of Unhidden Figures, Director/Producer of Holiday Traditions & Trappings, Director PHUBBING 2020 NINE WINNING ONE ACTS Director/Exec Producer of MOTEL 66. Broadway/Off Broadway/Nat tours: Mazeppa/Gypsy(Betty Buckley & Pam Meyers), Ruby Rae/The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Patty Lombard, Larry Gatlin), Sheila/ A Chorus Line, Mrs.
Lovett/Sweeney Todd. Arkadina/ The Seagull, Gertrude/ Hamlet. GRT Lori/Love or Best Offer, Cheryl/ Birthday Club, Thank You for the Music. Lauren/ Wine and Squeeze, Miss Preen/ The Man Who Came To Dinner. Voice Over roles span decades,
Director/Producer of Unhidden Figures, Director/Producer of Holiday Traditions & Trappings, Director PHUBBING 2020 NINE WINNING ONE ACTS Director/Exec Producer of MOTEL 66. Broadway/Off Broadway/Nat tours: Mazeppa/Gypsy(Betty Buckley & Pam Meyers), Ruby Rae/The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Patty Lombard, Larry Gatlin), Sheila/ A Chorus Line, Mrs.
Lovett/Sweeney Todd. Arkadina/ The Seagull, Gertrude/ Hamlet. GRT Lori/Love or Best Offer, Cheryl/ Birthday Club, Thank You for the Music. Lauren/ Wine and Squeeze, Miss Preen/ The Man Who Came To Dinner. Voice Over roles span decades,
Aiden Hanlon Smith
Actor- Playing Matt
Starting his acting journey at 7, Aidan Hanlon Smith flourished at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Now pursuing Comedy Arts at Depaul University, his comedic charm and timing shine.
This versatile performer effortlessly navigates between heartfelt drama and side-splitting humor. Beyond the spotlight, he remains grounded, advocating for social causes. With unwavering determination, Aidan is set to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and comedy. A rising star and prodigy, audiences eagerly await the next chapter of his brilliant career.
Axel Valentine-Baroque Truitt
ACTOR-PLAYING WESTON
Born in his beloved hometown of Seattle, Washington, Axel Valentine-Baroque Truitt is a young author, actor, singer, poet, and playwright currently in his junior year of high school. He enjoys theatre, history, classical studies, and reading. His biggest inspirations are Anne Rice, Stephen King, and Edgar Allen Poe. He currently lives with his parents in Southern California.
Concert for a cause
Please join us in support. 100% of the proceeds will be going to The Matthew Shepard Foundation. To learn more about Matthew and his story please visit https://www.matthewshepard.org/
The Matthew Shepard Foundation’s mission is to amplify the story of Matthew Shepard to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people. Their work is an extension of Matt’s passion to foster a more caring and just world. They continue to share his story and embody his vigor for civil rights to change the hearts and minds of others to accept everyone as they are.
Matthew's Story
The story of Matthew Shepard began on December 1, 1976 when he was born to Judy and Dennis Shepard in Casper, Wyoming. He went to public school in Casper until his junior year of high school when he moved with his family to Saudi Arabia. Matt completed his high school education at The American School in Switzerland because there were no American high schools in Saudi Arabia at the time. In both high schools, he was elected by his peers to be a peer counselor. He was easy to talk to, made friends easily, and actively fought for the acceptance of all people.
Matt had a great passion for equality. His experiences abroad fueled his love for travel and gave him the chance to make many new friends from around the world. Matt’s college career eventually took him back to Wyoming where he studied political science, foreign relations, and languages at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.
The horrific events that took place shortly after midnight on October 7, 1998 would become one of the most notorious anti-gay hate crimes in American history and spawned an activist movement that, more than a decade later, would result in passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a federal law against bias crimes directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people. Two men, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, abducted Matt and drove him to a remote area east of Laramie, Wyoming. He was tied to a split-rail fence where the two men severely assaulted him with the butt of a pistol. He was beaten and left to die in the cold of the night. Almost 18 hours later, he was found by a bicyclist who initially mistook him for a scarecrow.
Matt died on October 12 at 12:53 a.m. at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado with his family by his side. His memorial service was attended by friends and family from around the world and garnered immense media attention that brought Matt’s story to the forefront of the fight against bigotry and hate.
The life and death of Matthew Shepard changed the way we talk about, and deal with, hate in America. Since his death, Matt’s legacy has challenged and inspired millions of individuals to erase hate in all its forms. Although Matt’s life was short, his story continues to have a great impact on young and old alike. His legacy lives on in thousands of people who actively fight to replace hate with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.
The Matthew Shepard Foundation’s mission is to amplify the story of Matthew Shepard to inspire individuals, organizations, and communities to embrace the dignity and equality of all people. Their work is an extension of Matt’s passion to foster a more caring and just world. They continue to share his story and embody his vigor for civil rights to change the hearts and minds of others to accept everyone as they are.
Matthew's Story
The story of Matthew Shepard began on December 1, 1976 when he was born to Judy and Dennis Shepard in Casper, Wyoming. He went to public school in Casper until his junior year of high school when he moved with his family to Saudi Arabia. Matt completed his high school education at The American School in Switzerland because there were no American high schools in Saudi Arabia at the time. In both high schools, he was elected by his peers to be a peer counselor. He was easy to talk to, made friends easily, and actively fought for the acceptance of all people.
Matt had a great passion for equality. His experiences abroad fueled his love for travel and gave him the chance to make many new friends from around the world. Matt’s college career eventually took him back to Wyoming where he studied political science, foreign relations, and languages at the University of Wyoming in Laramie.
The horrific events that took place shortly after midnight on October 7, 1998 would become one of the most notorious anti-gay hate crimes in American history and spawned an activist movement that, more than a decade later, would result in passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a federal law against bias crimes directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people. Two men, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, abducted Matt and drove him to a remote area east of Laramie, Wyoming. He was tied to a split-rail fence where the two men severely assaulted him with the butt of a pistol. He was beaten and left to die in the cold of the night. Almost 18 hours later, he was found by a bicyclist who initially mistook him for a scarecrow.
Matt died on October 12 at 12:53 a.m. at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado with his family by his side. His memorial service was attended by friends and family from around the world and garnered immense media attention that brought Matt’s story to the forefront of the fight against bigotry and hate.
The life and death of Matthew Shepard changed the way we talk about, and deal with, hate in America. Since his death, Matt’s legacy has challenged and inspired millions of individuals to erase hate in all its forms. Although Matt’s life was short, his story continues to have a great impact on young and old alike. His legacy lives on in thousands of people who actively fight to replace hate with understanding, compassion, and acceptance.
Thank you to our Sponsor
A special thank you to our sponsors Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Pearl Zimmerman, MD, MPH, Inc.
We are immensely grateful to God, our church family, Gloria Dei, our Pastor David Mattson, and Pearl Zimmerman, for giving loving support to this cause.
We are immensely grateful to God, our church family, Gloria Dei, our Pastor David Mattson, and Pearl Zimmerman, for giving loving support to this cause.
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