Annual Filipino American Library Gala to Celebrae Jazz Music and Honor Community Achievement

LOS ANGELES – The Filipino American Library (FAL), the only Library of its kind in the US, is set to showcase some of the finest Filipino and Filipino American vocal talents in jazz at its annual Gala & Spirit Awards on Saturday, October 11. Departing from its usual “home” at the Biltmore Hotel, FAL will present its first concert, “JAZZMOPOLITAN: A Celebration of Music” at the Aratani Theatre of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo.

The evening’s performers include Charmaine Clamor, the first Filipina artist to place on both the World Music and Traditional Jazz music charts garnering consistent radio and internet airplay, awarded as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the U.S. and purveyor of “jazzipino” music; Mon David, winner of the 2006 London Jazz Vocal Competition and recipient of the prestigious Awit Award with the best jazz recording of 2006; Becca Godinez, actress, singer, composer, musician and recording artist; Michael Paulo, one of the most in-demand versatile and cosmopolitan saxophonists in pop, soul and contemporary jazz for nearly 20 years; Three of a Kind, the award-winning masters of a cappella singing; and musical director and piano master Tateng Katindig, a member of the group “Dark Sunday” who is called the “Filipino Oscar Peterson” for his lightning-fast piano playing, along with his band.

FAL’s Annual Spirit Awards, which acknowledge contributions to the Filipino community, will be awarded to Ester Soriano-Hewitt (posthumously for Community Service), The Asian Journal (for Community-Building Journalism), Macy’s (for Corporate Philanthropy) and Alec Mapa (for Role Model Award). This year, FAL is especially proud to welcome Ms. Denise Dador, ABC7 News Anchor and Health Reporter, as its Honorary Gala Chairperson. This year’s event will commemorate Filipino American History Month and FAL’s 23rd anniversary. Over the past seven years, the FAL Spirit Awards have been bestowed to many recipients including actress and Grammy-nominated recording artist Tia Carrere, actor Lou Diamond Phillips, community organization FASGI (Filipino American Service Group, Inc.), LA Times photojournalist Luis Sinco, General Antonio Taguba, the Asian American Studies Center of U.C.L.A., Grammy-winning recording artist apl.de.ap (of the Black Eyed Peas) and television producer and hostess Jannelle So (Kababayan LA).

More than 800 guests are expected to attend the Gala this year. The net proceeds from this event support FAL, the first and largest Filipino library in the country. Its mission is to actively promote the history, culture, and professional achievements of Filipinos and Filipino Americans through the book collection, leadership development, and cultural programming, thereby contributing to the achievement of a culturally dynamic, multiethnic America. Please visit www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org for more information.

FAL is proud to have this year’s Gala at the Aratani Theatre because, as part of the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center, it is the preeminent presenter of Asian American performing and visual arts nationally. Through this collaboration, the Gala will not only raise funds for FAL’s programs and services, but also advance its mission to achieve a culturally dynamic, multiethnic America.

“Jazzmopolitan” begins at 6:00pm with a VIP Reception. For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 213-382-0488, or contact the JACCC Box Office at 213-680-3700 or www.jaccc.org.

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