“Empowering Hearts” – Single Mothers Outreach – by Ed Masterson

Ed Masterson of SOS Entertainment served as Emcee for "Empowering Hearts" Photo by Michele Buttelman

SOS Entertainment was recently privileged to work with Single Mothers Outreach of Santa Clarita, on its 2nd annual Empowering HeArts Gala, held at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center on Saturday, November 19, 2011.  This was the second year that SOS Entertainment was asked to participate in the event, providing a 50″ flat screen LCD television to assist in the presentation of the Honoree’s stories and the visual works created by the Artist’s.  Ed Masterson, Sales & Marketing Manager for SOS, served his second stint as Emcee, with this year’s theme entitled, “Breaking Barriers”, and honoring eleven women for their courage and perseverance in becoming successful women in a variety of life-challenging situations.  More than 100 guests attended the black-tie event, which offered sparkling wine, hors d’oeuvres and live music from Jose Garcia on guitar accompanied by a keyboardist.  The eleven honorees were originally introduced at a reception in September and then paired with local artists and writers to tell their individual stories.  This unique event is a celebration of women, art and community, and features the combined creative efforts of Santa Clarita Valley writers and artists who created unique and inspiring works based on the real life stories of the 11 women who embodied this year’s theme.

Mitzi Like, Honoree & Maureen Benoit, Artist & Grand Prize Winner for 2012 Single Mothers Outreach, Empowering HeArts, "Breaking Barriers" event. Photo by Lindsay Schlick

The artists’ work was reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, who awarded the grand prize to local photographer, Maureen Benoit, for her composite shot of  Mitzi Like, CEO, L/B/W Insurance & Financial Services in Santa Clarita.  Like was selected for her story detailing the struggles conquered while rising from single mom to CEO of one of the most successful insurance companies in California.  Like’s photo was displayed along with the other works, which portrayed honorees in photos, paintings or mixed media to tell their individual stories.  “These women are iconic,” said DaAnne Smith, executive director of Single Mothers Outreach. “These 11 women are the role models who set the standard, who define the theme of breaking barriers.”  Each of the “Breaking Barriers” nominees proved to be truly amazing women, and were introduced as part of the evening’s festivities.

Like’s team at L/B/W Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. nominated her because as a single parent, she started and pioneered advancement for women in the insurance industry.  The staff of Single Mothers Outreach nominated Tamara Gurney after she climbed the ranks to become a bank president in a traditionally male-dominated industry.  Gail Ishimoto was nominated by her son because she worked two jobs while attending college full-time so she could provide her sons with a better life.

Honorees for 2012 Empowering HeArts, "Breaking Barriers" - Single Mothers Outreach. Photo by Lindsay Schlick

Nominated by the Single Mothers Outreach board of directors, Marlee Lauffer is an independent, successful woman working in real-estate development with Newhall Land.  Debora LeBlanc, the single mother of two boys attends school full-time while battling cancer, was nominated by Charter College.  Levitt Pavilions nominated Elizabeth Levitt Hirsch; she turned her life-long passion for the arts and music into a source for social change that contribute to community strength.  DaAnne Smith nominated Gloria Locke. Locke was a sixteen-year-old living on the streets of Detroit when she convinced her mother to move to California to begin a new life.  Barbara Ralsten’s daughter nominated her mother because this single mother broke through the barrier of domestic violence and substance abuse.  When one of her children was sexually abused, she became an advocate to bring the abuser to justice, and appeared on national television to bring attention to the issue.  Nominated by her family, Maria Rodriguez was a newly widowed woman when she smuggled her then seven-year-old son out of Cuba to the United States shortly after Fidel Castro took power. Seven years later, Rodriguez fled the country as a political exile to the United States to be reunited with her son.  College of the Canyons nominated Julie Visner, a 30-year employee of COC and dedicated counselor, she helped countless students find satisfying career paths as she has battled back from cancer.  Laura Pecham nominated Jayme Wisdom. Wisdom is an 8th grade science teacher who is raising a special needs son without the support of nearby family.  Single Mothers Outreach empowers parents and their children by providing hope, support and resources so that families can become self-sustaining.  All proceeds from the gala event will benefit the programs and services of Single Mothers Outreach, helping the organization to continue its mission organized around its four pillars of success: assist, grow, sustain and inspire.  SOS Entertainment is proud to work with organizations like Single Mothers Outreach of Santa Clarita…congratulations to all eleven very special women honored during this year’s Empowering HeArts, “Breaking Barriers” event…truly an honor to have shared an evening with you.

Honorees & Artists - 2012 Empowering HeArts, "Breaking Barriers" - Single Mothers Outreach. Photo by Lindsay Schlick

Dancing With The Priests – Our Lady of Perpetual Help by Ed Masterson

OLPH Pastor Monsignor Richard Martini, dance partner, Ingrid Blanco, and Emcee, Ed Masterson of SOS Entertainment - Photo by Michele Buttelman

SOS Entertainment recently provided a DJ, an Emcee, sound, lighting, video, and decor for what may have been the first ever “Dancing with the Priests” event held in the United States.  Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Santa Clarita, launched the unique and fun-filled event chaired by OLPH parishioner and community volunteer, Margaret Shapiro, who guided the sold out event to a waiting list only affair in its very first year.  “We were so thrilled that the event was sold out,” said Shapiro. “We even had a waiting list of people who wanted to attend.”  Shapiro said the evening promised to be “the party of the year.”

Styled after ABC’s monster hit show, ‘Dancing With The Stars”, and emceed by Ed Masterson of SOS Entertainment, accompanied by fellow host, Reena Newhall, the event featured the three Catholic priests from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and their professional dance partners,  performing a waltz, a  swing dance and a dance of their own choosing in front of a packed house of more than 300 guests at the gala fundraiser dinner held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia.   OLPH Pastor Monsignor Richard Martini, OLPH Associate Pastor Father Raymond Marquez and Father Norm Supancheck of Alemany High School put their dance reputations on the line for the cause of  benefiting the On the Way capital building campaign for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Newhall.  As on television, the event also featured a three-judge panel who awarded scores to the dancers.  At the end of each dance routine the couples were offered critiques by the judges and each judge held up a paddle displaying a score between one and 10.  Judges Chris Donald, Russ Evans and Brandy Thilesen all have professional and/or competitive dance experience.

OLPH Associate, Father Raymond Marquez & dance partner, Kathy Rakness - Photo by Michele Buttelman

Martini, Marquez and Supancheck trained for weeks with their dance partners Ingrid Blanco, Kathy Rakness and Toni  Giammalvia.  Willy Arroyo of  D’Wilfri DanceArt and Entertainment provided the rehearsal space and the choreography for the dancers.  Arroyo also provided expert dance commentary during the evening.  Reena Newhall of A Chorus Line dance and costume store provided the costumes for the dancers and also interviewed each dancer as they waited for the judges’ scores.

SOS Entertainment stepped up to the task of transforming the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Valencia into a dance environment worthy of the competitors.  DJ, Ron, cued up each dance couple’s selections and kept the music and energy moving as the competition unfolded.  A bumpin’ “front of house” sound system, accompanied by six satellite speakers placed strategically throughout the ballroom delivered the power and emotion of each number to the guests.  Intelligent lighting “moving heads” emulated the look of the TV show by strafing the ballroom with shafts of light, and enhancing each performance with just the right amount of light to match the emotions.  Live video coverage sent to two large screens in the front corners of the ballroom, providing each guest with an unobstructed view of the action on the dance floor.  Well placed LED color flood lights provided a rainbow of brilliant hues that washed over the couples and dance floor as they performed.  In keeping with the themed grand prize trophy design of a mirror ball, SOS Entertainment mounted a large mirror ball high above the judges table to shower the room with just the right amount of dance hall magic.

OLPH Pastor Monsignor Richard Martini hoists Mirror Ball Victory Trophy after 1st Place finish w/ partner, Ingrid Blanco - Photo by Michele Buttelman

After three rounds of dances, the competition scores were very close but Monsignor Martini earned a huge response from the crowd when he appeared on the dance floor in a flashy costume with a DWTP (Dancing with the Priests) cap worn sideways.  He performed a youthful hip-hop dance and finished strong by throwing open his jacket to reveal a “Vote 4” T-shirt that featured a martini glass, complete with olive garnish.  In the end, with only one mirror ball trophy up for grabs, the final round of voting and the judges scores found Martini the victor, but by a paper-thin margin of only 2.5 percent.  Martini took a victory lap around the dance floor with the mirror ball trophy hoisted above his head to the cheers of the attendees.  Awards and final comments were provided before kicking off the after party for all to join in.

SOS Entertainment cranked up the dance volume and guests and competitors alike hit the dance floor to show off their moves with mirror ball lighting the way.  Watching the energy and enthusiasm in the room with a smile on his face, Willy Arroyo said he was honored to be able to work with the priests and teach them to dance.  ”This was a wonderful experience and I mean that from my heart,” he said.  Arroyo and Blanco danced a special exhibition performance after the competition portion of the evening was concluded.

The DJ played into the night as people continued to flood the dance floor and enjoy the feelings of camaraderie, friendship and  accomplishment for having been part of such a unique and enjoyable event.  SOS Entertainment is always honored and privileged to participate in our community, and to provide top-notch service for organizations like Our Lady of Perpetual Help and amazing events such as “Dancing With The Priests”!

Dancers & Judges stand proud after a truly amazing performance! Photo by Michele Buttelman

9th Annual “Festival of Trees” – Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita by Ed Masterson

Santa Welcomes Visitors

SOS Entertainment was proud and very honored to participate in the 9th Annual “Festival of Trees”, which once again returned to Santa Clarita to dazzle residents and visitors alike with an unbelievable display of Holiday magic and decorative genius.  Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, this year’s festival featured an eleven day run at the Westfield Valencia Town Center, from November 11th thru November 23, and raised $100,000 through the generous donations of 12,000 visitors, sponsors and donors alike.

As usual, there was an eclectic and impressive collection of full-sized Christmas trees…Tiki Tiki Tiki Room tree, Elves at Work, and It’s a Charlie Brown Christmas… as well as gingerbread houses, table-top trees, stockings and wreaths on display and for sale at ongoing special events and public viewings.

The Festival of Trees began with a VIP Night on November 11th and opened to the general public on Nov. 12th, allowing visitors to enjoy the creative tabletop trees, stockings, wreaths, live stage entertainment and strolling magicians, as well as a wide variety of activities to keep younger visitors busy in the kids’ area.

SOS Entertainment on hand for Sound, Lights, Power & Music

SOS Entertainment was once again on hand to provide Sound, Lights, Music, Live Performance Sound Support, Pipe & Drape Decor and Power Distribution for the festival’s eleven day run.  This year’s event took place in a 100,000 square foot, empty future retail space at Westfield Valencia Town Center.  All power for the event, which included light sources for general illumination, electricity for trees and decorations, all activities, stage performances, video presentations and music, had to be powered from electrical sources not located inside the undeveloped retail space itself.  Working with our partners at Westfield, SOS Entertainment provided distribution panels for channeling the electrical power from remote breaker boxes and spreading it throughout the facility to provide power for the vast collection of trees and other lighted decorations, as well as utility and public areas.  Another large part of this year’s event was the live performances by community groups and also well-known professional groups such as The Young Americans.

The 2011 Jingle Jam featured an adult nightclub in partnership with the Jack and Jill of America Foundation on Nov. 12.  About 100 adults enjoyed the live music of famed recording artist Rick Whitfield and dancing to one of SOS Entertainment’s hottest DJs.  The 5th annual magic show produced by the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 280 enjoyed a new twist.  Past shows were held in the spring or summer.  Holiday Hocus Pocus used magic to tell a wonderful seasonal story to a crowd of more than 300.  In addition to live performance support and power distribution, SOS Entertainment also provided general illumination and decorative lighting in the form of breakout patterns projected onto the floor in the shape of snowflakes, as well as high-powered LED color washes to flood areas with rich Holiday color.  Skilled sound and lighting technicians from SOS Entertainment were on hand for all live performances, as well as for the setup, strike and delivery of all equipment.

Snowflake Breakout Pattern by SOS Entertainment

SOS Entertainment is always proud to partner with non-profit community organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, as we do throughout the year on a variety of B&G Club events.  As with all non-profit organizations, the people running them are the key to their ongoing success…we love working with Jim, Ronda and Brian, who are some of our community’s finest people.  We also feel very privileged to work with great community partners such as Westfield Valencia Town Center, and their representatives, Raj, Stacie & Mike, who always provide such tremendous support for all events taking place on their property.  Special thanks and recognition to the over 350 volunteers who assisted and worked at the event over the eleven days, and also to the wonderfully generous people and companies of our community who provided such amazing financial support to this year’s event.  This year’s Holiday Season may almost be over, but each of us at SOS Entertainment is already looking forward to next year’s “Festival of Trees” and the excitement it brings to town…all the Best in 2012!

Lighting & Power Distribution by SOS Entertainment

Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley – 27th Annual Celebrity Tribute Honoring Jim Hicken

Jim Hicken - "The Loan Ranger" Photo by Michele Buttelman

The "Mighty Z Players" Photo by Michele Buttelman

SOS Entertainment was proud to be a part of the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, “27th Annual Celebrity Tribute”, honoring, Jim Hicken.  This year’s theme was “The Loan Ranger Rides Again”, a nod to Jim’s position as President / CEO for the Bank of Santa Clarita.  Held at The Odyssey in Granada Hills, the event featured a Western theme, complete with nostalgic music and Jim’s unforgettable and dramatic entrance into the ballroom on his trusty steed “Silver”…played by a stick pony…and accompanied by the stirring strains of the William Tell Overture, aka “The Lone Ranger Theme”.  Community favorite and Mistress of Ceremonies, Carol Rock, kept the event moving at a brisk clip, and celebrity auctioneer, Mark Drilling, worked his usual magic with the generous crowd, acquiring much needed funds for the programs Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley administers throughout the year in pursuit of their mission, “To Improve The Lives And Status of Women in Santa Clarita”.  Money raised at the event goes directly to the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley Foundation, which provides financial benefits to a variety of local agencies throughout the year.  The evening’s entertainment also featured an old time “radio” performance by the “Mighty Z Players”, under the direction of Marilyn Hackett.  The “Mighty Z Players” are pictured above and include, from left to right:  Wayne Hackett, Marilyn Hackett, Leon Worden, Frank Rock, Eddie Frierson, Duane Harte and Paul Strickland.  Performing a classic episode of “The Lone Ranger”, the Players brought down the house with their spot on performance.  The crew from SOS Entertainment was on hand to provide six-speaker sound system with multiple microphones, both wired and wireless, LED stage lighting, video screens & projectors, themed music and the occasional “Voice of God” introduction provided by Ed Masterson throughout the evening.  SOS is always honored and pleased to work with non-profit organizations located both in our Valley, and throughout Southern California, to provide great production value for the best price possible.  Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley is one of the great organizations in our community…each of us at SOS Entertainment appreciates and looks forward to working with Zonta as we move forward into 2012…”Hi-Ho, Silver!”

El Rancho Homecoming – New School…Perfect Fit (by Eric Burnett)

I had a feeling from the moment I first met with Director Mary Chapman and her ASB class that El Rancho High School was going to be a great fit for SOS Entertainment.  You may be wondering what I mean when I say a “great fit.”  SOS prides itself on forming solid relationships with people who are committed to selflessly creating memorable and positively beneficial events for and in their community.  A lot of “party-goers” take for granted how much planning, fundraising, designing and labor goes into an event (even one as short as two hours).  It takes a special type of person/group to work so hard for others knowing that the same people they are working to entertain will never fully appreciate the effort that was put forth to please them.

A few weeks into the planning process, Mary told me that her ASB was putting on a car wash to raise funds so they would be able to afford an SOS event package that would blow away any and every Don that stepped into their gymnasium on Friday, October 29th.  This is when I knew that EL RANCHO WAS FOR REAL!!  These guys and gals took some major time to raise money so they could put on a spectacular Homecoming event for their classmates and I gotta tell ya, all the hard work paid off!

An unprecedented number of El Rancho students filled the Don’s gymnasium on Friday night.  They were greeted with beautiful waves of white drape that the ASB purchased and hung themselves so they could spend more of their “SOS Budget” on flashier things like Liquid Color Flood Lights, High-Powered Lasers, and Vertical Trussing Pillars with Moving Head Spotlights and LED Color Panels.  Quite the mature and intelligent decision, I would say.  Under the masterful control of SOS Lighting Tech E-Man Tolentino, these lights created the perfect club feel to go along with the MORP Homecoming theme that the Dons had adopted.

A Kaleidoscope of Colors

The whole night was a blast of high-energy shuffling, enthusiastic hand-clap sessions, the occasional “Stanky Leg,” a slow jam for all the lovers and some dubstep remixes that had everyone losing a little bit of control (I know that I couldn’t help but get goosebumps from all the positive energy that was exploding out from the dance floor!). All-in-all, El Rancho’s Homecoming was what I consider to be the perfect first dance with SOS Entertainment.  The gym looked spectacular.  The attendance bar was raised.  The crowd was rocking.

If you don’t believe me, just take a look at this awesome video that the ASB cut together:  El Rancho Homecoming 2011

Next on tap for El Rancho High…Winter Formal 2012.  Personally, I can’t wait to see what this hard-working and dedicated ASB is going to come up with.  For those Dons who were at Homecoming, expect even bigger and better.  For those who missed out, you might want to consider not making the same mistake twice.  See you there!

Boys & Girls Club Auction – 40th Anniversary!!! by Ed Masterson

"Slash" aka Derek Sage in control at the DJ booth.

SOS Entertainment was proud to be on hand when the The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley held its annual “Boys & Girls Club Auction” on Saturday, June 4, 2011.  This year’s event held the very special distinction of being the 40th anniversary of what has now become one of the most beloved and time honored traditions here in the Santa Clarita Valley.  Making the occasion even more special was the return of Tony & Reena Newhall as chairpersons for the event…Tony & Reena were the chairpersons for the very first event held 40 years ago!  Nostalgia ran hot on June 4th as the theme for this year’s event was “Thriller – A Flashback to the Eighties!”  Guests and performers did not disappoint as most came decked out in classic 80′s attire and danced the night away to musical entertainment provided by guest  DJ, “Slash”…our very own Derek Sage, fully attired in Guns N’ Roses costume and wig.

Intelligent Lighting aka "Moving Heads" creating the 80's club throwback.

This year’s event gave SOS a chance to go wild with innovative staging, trussing, sound and lighting design.  The visual set piece was a huge stage, topped by a “goalie post” trussing structure with wings, that held two monster video screens on either end of the stage, for projecting auction items and music videos.  Lighting design was a combination of LED color floods that bathed the room with super intense colors befitting the theme, and a large collection of “intelligent lighting”, which featured club-style “moving heads” that knifed through the atmosphere, providing just the right touch for an 80′s throwback.

1st Class auctioneer working the crowd.

Sound was provided by a custom, large front of house system, backed up by 15″ satellite speakers spread throughout the building to provide crystal clear audio for announcement of the auction items, as well as the bumpin’ soundtrack for the after hours party and dancing.

Decor was 85 miles of pipe & drape…kidding…it was a huge warehouse though!  Pipe and drape helped to separate sections of the warehouse and also provided a backstage area for catering and other important elements of the event.  Specialty decor also included ceiling mounted, inflatable, lighted “stars” in brilliant colors, as well as a 40′ backdrop that was suspended from the trussing structure, and featured classic 80′s images such as a DeLorean, a revolutionary invention called the CD, a Rubik’s Cube and for all you “Flashdance” fans…wait for it…girls in leg warmers.

Inflatable, lighted stars creating the magic for "Thriller - A Flashback to the 80's"

SOS Entertainment is always proud to be associated with the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley.  So many people worked so hard to make this year’s event the quality experience it was for all in attendance…Tony & Reena Newhall, Jim Ventress, Ronda Chobanian, the Board Members for the Club’s respective Boards, the Committee Members for this year’s event, Craig Peters of CB Richard Ellis for arranging the location, Greg Amsler, Tamara Levine and the staff of Salt Creek Catering for the amazing menu, the army of Volunteers, the Sponsors and in-kind donators, the guests and attendees…the list is almost endless…each of us at SOS is very proud to have been a part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration, and we look forward to many more years of involvement with such an outstanding organization.

San Juan Hills Sadie Hawkins – Say that Five Times Fast and I’ll Give You a Plaid Shirt and some Jeans (by Eric Burnett)

San Juan Hills High School. Geographically not the nearest of SOS’s schools. But the drive down south is always worth it, and I’ll give you 4 reasons (in no particular order) why:

The Annual Swallow's Day Parade: "Saddle Up!"

Reason #1 – The Swallow’s Day Parade

This 53-year-old Mission Viejo tradition celebrates the spring return of the swallow population and I’ve got to tell you, the people of San Juan Capistrano know how to throw a homecoming party! We couldn’t walk 50 ft. without seeing someone decked out in cowboy gear and slightly caked in mud. Awesome!

San Juan Hills' Epic Auditorium: "O Fortuna!"

Reason #2 – State Orchestra Competition at San Juan Hills

The Stallions happen to have one of the more impressive auditorium/concert halls in the United States. We arrived early enough to sneak a peak and listen to some very talented schools duke it out in the Orchestral Competitions being held within this awe-inspiring structure.

Yummers

Reason #3 – Tacos

Some of the best tacos I have ever had were being sold outside of the gym, before and during the dance. Good call, ASB!

Reason #4 – The Rockin’ Stallions!

Adorned in a color-wheel of plaid shirts, boot-cut jeans and straw hats, the Party-People of San Juan Hills High came dressed the part and ready to rock with the SOS Crew.

San Juan’s ASB has never been known to lack ambition, so I wasn’t surprised in the least when they requested the very impressive box truss package for their Sadie Hawkin’s Dance. This 3D structure became the perfect corral of lasers, LED punches, and moving head spotlights for the wild Stallions.

20x20' Box Truss: Standard Corral Built to Contain Wild Stallions

Before we knew it, the large gym was filled with more color than you could throw a lasso at. Wild designs of green and red were etched on the walls by four of our powerful lasers and accented over the dance floor by the water-based haze that we filled the room with. This same haze worked to add a third dimension to the beams of the color-changing spotlights and LEDs that shined from the lining of the box truss.

The Stallions' Shirts weren't the only things Shining Bright that Night!

With bellies full of taco meat, hearts full of excitement over the annual Swallow’s Celebration, and egos carrying the general swagger that only real cowboys and cowgirls can embody, the Stallions didn’t let up from the evening’s start to it’s epic finish.

Anticipation for the following week’s Class Competition led to a particularly memorable final moment. The students officially kicked off the Competition by seeing which grade could get more hyped during the breakdown of a throwback “Sandstorm” session. Without our “official” decibel-reader, it was hard to tell whether the Junior or Senior Class was stronger at first. But an impromptu extra showing of spirit by the Senior’s put them ahead and allowed them to take home the glory in the end. All that was left to do was play their class song, “Forever” by Chris Brown and thank them for making our night such a blast!

Let the Class Competition Commence!!

So dear reader, if you ever happen to find yourself in Mission Viejo towards the end of March, you know what to do. Strap on you cowboy boots, rock your plaid, say ‘hi’ to the swallows and the local orchestral culture, then grab a taco and join us and the Stallions while we dance the night away. Believe me, there isn’t any other place you’d want to be.

Foothill Sadie Hawkins – 2011: A Drape Odyssey (by Eric Burnett)

od-ys-sey (n. pl.)
1.  An extended adventurous voyage or trip.
2.  An intellectual or spiritual quest: an odyssey of discovery.

Captain’s Log
Stardate:  March 19^th, 2011

The SOS Crew and I have embarked on a perilous mission into a new realm of entertainment.  The Knights of the Foothill Galaxy have requested transport from their world, into the outer regions of space.

Not to be deterred by a challenge, we have quickly begun to engineer and construct a massive launch capsule capable of carrying the hundreds of citizens whom have been chosen to explore the great beyond.  We have already erected a two hundred foot wide wall of pipe and drape  that serves wonderfully as our ship’s fuselage and surrounds our Command Center Stage.

Our "Command Center Stage." The Central Hub of our Ship.

Going into this mission, we knew that our only possible hitch would arise in the creation of the capsule’s roof.  Thanks to proper prep work, a rigging point has been located on the ceiling of the gymnasium that is housing the ship.  We are using the “Man-lift” (a somewhat archaic devise, used to raise crew members 25 ft. into the air) to connect 80 ft. lengths of drape from the rigging point to the pipe and drape horseshoe.

"All Systems Ready. We are a Go for Launch."

This is no small feat and a less courageous crew would have tucked tail and returned to mission control, had they been faced with this challenge.  With the job done and the proper final adjustments being made to insure the structural integrity of the capsule, we are now ready to step aboard and join the Knights for what is always the most enjoyable and exhilarating part of these missions.  This is truly why I joined SOS.

With all systems go and everyone aboard, we have begun the count down from the command center stage.  10…9…Cue B. Blair to activate the lighting board.  8…7…Fire up Kevin Bowers and his dancing shoes.  6…5…4…Make sure helmets are on and secure.  3…2…Prime music for drop-in.  1…

Our Galaxy. It's a Beautiful thing.

Sooner than you can begin to miss gravity, we’re there.  UV lights color the white walls of the hull and the ceiling of our majestic vessel.  The Knights’ outfits glow florescent green, pink and yellow.   Buzz Lightyears and Star Trek Commanders are truly in their element.

We’ve spent hours in orbit and still have not tired of the final frontier.   A rush of sadness has come over me now that we are nearing the mission’s conclusion.  But I have to say, excitement and adrenaline is also present in my psyche.  The end of one adventure marks the beginning of another.  Right now, my sights are set square on the Mission Viejo Galaxy.  Launch date: April 30^{th, 2011.}   Mission: Prom.

Yorba Linda Sadie Hawkins – Dr. Seuss was a Blast!! (by Eric Burnett)

It was a cool night in La Habra,
and the streets were all bare.
Spring was knocking at the doorstep.
Still, winter filled the air.
Most sensible La Habrans,
had turned in for the night.
They had nuzzled under covers.
They had turned off all their lights.

But atop the hills of Yorba Linda,
there were many still awake.
There were lights that would dazzle
and music that would shake.
What created such excitement?
What produced so much noise?
Why, it was the Yorba Linda Mustangs
and the SOS boys!

A Serious System for a Serious School

What had once been a courtyard,
had completely been transformed
into a rip-roaring dance floor
that ASB had adorned
with balloon-arch the-plenty
and big, bright posters to boot!
Dr. Seuss would be amazed
by what some leadership could do.

A Beacon of Color and Sound atop the Yorba Linda Hills

Some people, they were worried
that the night would be too cold;
that kids would dress for fashion;
that they would dress too bold.
I won’t lie to you reader,
layers were few and far between.
But don’t forget that music and spirit
can warm up any scene.

We hit them with electro.
We hit them with Hip-Hop.
We hit them with Rebecca Black
and still they wouldn’t stop.
Nate Large put on a light show
that was rockin’ to the beat.
It seemed like there was nothing
that would lead to our defeat.

The Mustangs are getting Wild!!

Only one thought still would haunt me.
It would shake my confidence.
“CO2 makes students cold.
What if they shudder when it vents?”
Still, the Mustangs made the order.
(One that we promised to deliver).
So I signaled Nate to hit ‘em hard
and hoped they wouldn’t shiver.

CO2 Blasters in all their Glory

Hallelujah! What an uproar!
What a showcase of delight!
The Mustangs thrived on CO2.
You should have seen the sight!
They loved it when the beat was fast,
and times when it was slow.
They even asked for a few blasts
while tearing down the show.

So take this as a lesson;
the moral to this tale.
When skies are dark and wind is cold,
when surely you will fail.
Keep on pressing forward.
Let human spirit take the lead.
Replace your doubts with music,
and surely you’ll succeed.

So many friends.  So much good times.
We must do this again.
On the scale of awesome,
Yorba Linda is a TEN!
I can’t think of a better way
to spend a chilly night,
than outside with the Mustangs,
celebrating life.

3rd Annual Dancing With Our Stars (by Ed Masterson)

SOS Entertainment - "Dancing With Our Stars" - Photo by Gary Choppe

The 3rd annual “Dancing With Our Stars” event took place on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at The Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills, and SOS Entertainment was once again honored to be a sponsor, providing sound, lighting, music and an MC for this high energy dance celebration that played to a sold out crowd of 400 people.  Conceived in 2009 by local entrepreneurs, Anna Ott and Linda Hafizi, “Dancing With Our Stars” benefits participating non-profit organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley, by pairing a volunteer dancer for each non-profit, with a professional dancer who serves as partner, instructor, mentor and coach.

Participating non-profit organizations and their dance teams for this year included:  American Diabetes Association, Lori Blumenthal & Errol Leon / American Red Cross, Diane Blair & Joshua Becket / Canyon Theatre Guild, Roxie Ramey & Shannon Gallagher / Carousel Ranch, Dana Sachs & Billy Parish / Cystic Fibrosis, Scott Klein & Ingrid Blanco / SCV Domestic Violence Center, Aja Alexander & Michael Sidney / Family Promise, Laurie Ender & Ed Failing / Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, Shelley Hann & Willy Arroyo / SCV Homeless Shelter and The SCV Food Pantry, Marsha McLean & Nick Dale / Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, Robert Gandara & Sandy D’Elia / Single Mother’s Outreach, DaAnne Smith & Eric Falconer / Soroptimist International Greater Santa Clarita Valley, Dora Zavala & Erick Padilla.

SOS Entertainment - "Dancing With Our Stars" - Photo by Gary Choppe

This year’s qualified judges for the event included Ken Shiry, Teresa Shiry and Wiley Simpson, all professional dancers and instructors themselves, as well as very supportive in their analysis of each dance team and their selected routines.  A variety of dance styles were on display…Cha-Cha, Salsa, Retro Disco, West Coast Swing, Tango, Afro-Latin Medley, Samba, Broadway Mix and Waltz…all performed masterfully by the amateur dancers and their professional partners.  ”Judges Choice” Awards were given for Best Male Dancer, Scott Klein, representing Cystic Fibrosis, and for Best Female Dancer, Dana Sachs, representing Carousel Ranch.  The Overall Winner was Dora Zavala, representing Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley, who generated the most overall votes with her sultry performance of the Cha-Cha.

The SOS crew was on board for year three sponsorship, to provide custom sound, lighting, music and DJ talents for the event.  Also on hand was Ed Masterson, Sales & Marketing Manager for SOS, serving as emcee, and working closely with Anna Ott and Linda Hafizi, to keep the event on schedule and the energy high.  Lighting for the event was a combination of high-intensity Sapphire Color Wash, accompanied by pure white Follow Spots to highlight the dancers on the floor.  An eight-speaker, custom sound system provided a bumpin’ soundtrack for the huge ballroom and capacity crowd, and the dance floor was packed all night with competitors and attendees alike.  Huge screens, projectors and live video feed provided each guest with an outstanding view of each dance number as well as dancer reactions to the judges comments.

SOS Entertainment - "Dancing With Our Stars" - Photo by Gary Choppe

‘Dancing With Our Stars” was recently named “Organization of the Year” at the Santa Clarita Valley Press Club’s annual Newsmakers of the Year event.  The generosity of the Santa Clarita Valley was on display at this year’s event, as always…each participating non-profit organization was able to raise money for their respective programs and the people they serve.  Great respect and compliments go out to Anna Ott and Linda Hafizi as creators of the event, as well as their collaborators Rose Chegwin and Candy Spahr, and their entire team of volunteers who helped to make the event such a huge success.  Each of us at SOS Entertainment was honored to step it up for “Dancing With Our Stars”, and we look forward to next year’s event with high hopes and much anticipation…five, six, seven, eight!

SOS Entertainment - "Dancing With Our Stars" - Photo by Gary Choppe