Spotlight Visalia features local turned Hollywood artist Stan Taylor on April 26
VISALIA – For nearly 90 years, Visalians have taken to their local Fox Theatre stage. While it has seen major acts from around the world, the Visalia Fox continues to serve as a venue for local performers to get their footing or their voice in the theater arts.
It is only fitting then, that its stage is used for a benefit concert for the historic theater while showcasing local high school talent about to embark on their next step to study performing arts in their college years.
Spotlight Visalia with Stan Taylor will take place one night only, Friday, April 26. Taylor is an El Diamante graduate, who in his school days was known by his real name, Stan Carrizosa, Jr. His love for music and his dynamic voice got him a start as the winner of the ABC/Disney reality show, “High School Musical: Get in the Picture.”
In 2017, Taylor was featured on “The Steve Harvey Show,” where he brought the house down with his performance of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Since then he has continued to develop a successful career as a Soul and R&B musician in Los Angeles, with a new studio album scheduled to be released later this year.
One of Taylor’s most successful endeavors thus far is a string of vintage hits entitled “The Classic Series.” In his own journey as a musician it’s clear that Stan sees himself as a student of some of his great idols including Al Green, Billy Paul, Frankie Valli, Bill Withers, and Stevie Wonder.
Aspiring artists like Taylor will take the stage prior to him. One senior from each of Visalia’s high schools will perform, showing off their talent which has allowed each of them to become the recipient of a Spotlight Visalia scholarship of $500.
Three contestants were selected by the drama department of their schools. A committee narrowed them down to one from each school. Those recipients and performers are Cale Lindsay from Golden West, Hannah Suggs from Redwood, Felicity Diaz from Mt. Whitney, and Abigail Sorber from El Diamante.
Proceeds from the event, which include ticket sales and sponsorships, will help to sustain the historic venue and advance education in the performing arts, said McKenna Friend-Hoffman, patron relationship manager. It will also aid in opening up a summer internship program at the theater.
Previous Spotlight Visalia performances have featured local talent including Run 4 Cover and the Bill Butts Big Band.
Ticket pricing is $15-$55. Student tickets are just $5. Sponsorships start at $250, and some levels include tickets to a special tented VIP reception on Encina St. before the concert.
“If our mission to sustain the historic Visalia Fox Theatre and inspire our youth to take the stage speaks to you, please consider becoming a sponsor,” said McKenna Friend-Hoffman. “Enjoy this exclusive pre-party with other arts philanthropists, and meet and greet with the Spotlight Scholarship winners. Walk the red carpet with your guests, and then experience this memorable evening from premium reserved seats in our Lyles-Porter auditorium.”
Tickets may be purchased at the Fox Theatre box office at 300 E. Main St. For more information regarding sponsorships, please contact McKenna Friend-Hoffman at [email protected] or 559-625-1369 x202.
