Up Tempo Ethos’ Gala Benefits Music Students to the Tune of $92,000

Cada Gerrans - Songbird

Portland, April 17th, 2014. Ethos’ second annual Ovation Gala was held at the newly-minted Sentinel (formerly The Governor Hotel). With 400 guests, the nonprofit more than doubled last year’s attendance, and raised $92,000 for
music education. Pete Krebs and the Portland Playboys kicked off the night by providing a jaunty Western swing backdrop for the silent auction in the Grand Ballroom. (photo credit, Nina Johnson) Founded in 1998, Ethos provides music lessons, multicultural performances and workshops to more than 7,000 students a year.

Scott Moore and ED Jedidiah Chavez

Pete Krebs entertained during the Silent Auction.

Ed and Leah Hershey, Donna and David Keller, Sam Adams

Liam Richard-Ricke sang Katy Perry’s “Firework” after the audience watched a video about the effect that music – and Ethos – have had on his life. A sea of 400 guests raised their candles as Liam serenaded them with the befitting lyrics, “You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine/Just own the night like the 4th of July.”

Emcee Tony Starlight and auctioneer Kelly Russell led the enthusiastic crowd through an impressive list of auction items, ranging from vacation getaways to studio recording time to VIP concert tickets. The most sought-after item, however, was a 2000 Paul Reed Smith electric guitar in brilliant emerald green. During the second half of the evening, guests were treated to a variety of outstanding performances by students, accompanied by their instructors and parents. The repertoire showcased the range of music styles that Ethos teaches – from a jazz ensemble performing the old standard “Autumn Leaves” to the aptly-named rock outfit, Death By Thumb, closing out the night with Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” (The crowd then cheered them through seven encores.) While all the performances elicited thunderous applause, two in particular commanded standing ovations. Cada Gerrans dedicated Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird” to her mother, Margaret, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

From Ethos:

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our table sponsors, gala committee members, staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, auction donors, encore sponsor Winderlea Vineyard and Winery and our media sponsors, El Hispanic News, PQ Monthly and KZME. Visit Ethos’ Facebook page to view the event photo gallery, courtesy of our photographer, Nina Johnson.
Thanks again to everyone who came together to make the evening possible. We look forward to next year’s event!

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.