Concert planned to help rebuild Garfield High School auditorium

Officials at the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) announced today that a benefit concert to rebuild the Garfield High School auditorium will be held at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City on October 14. Proceeds from ticket sales will help fund the rebuilding ofthe historic Garfield auditorium that was destroyed by fire in May. Performers at the Garfield Benefit Concert include the legendary Eastside rock group Los Lobos, Tierra, Little Joe y La Familia, Little Willie G and El Chicano. The event is organized by LAUSD, the Garfield Alumni Foundation and community members. Tickets are now on sale at the Gibson Amphitheater box office and Ticketmaster.
"I greatly appreciate our entire East Los Angeles community coming together to help rebuild Garfield's auditorium," said School Board Member Yolie Flores Aguilar, who represents the area. "Their support represents the determination of our community to preserve the beauty of our schools and all of our commitment to our students."
"When the fire occurred, we received numerous calls from members of the community who wanted to contribute to Garfield auditorium rebuilding efforts," said LAUSD Superintendent David L. Brewer III. "I applaud the performers and organizers who have given freely of their time and talent to support this important cause."
"Garfield high School represents the very essence of what East Los Angeles is all about. It is the soul of the community and holds a very special place in the hearts of the many bands that originated in this community," said members of Los Lobos. " As musicians who draw inspiration from East Los Angeles, we are happy to be a part of the re-building effort. This benefit concert will serve as a celebration of the spirit and the soul of East Los Angeles."
Built in 1924, the Garfield High School Auditorium has been the site of countless awards ceremonies, plays and meetings at the iconic East Los Angeles High School. The May 2007 fire destroyed the auditorium and rendered it unusable for thousands of Garfield students and families.
LAUSD is leading the reconstruction of the historic auditorium, which will occur in two phases. In the first phase, the original 1924 blueprints and subsequent renovations in the 1950's analyzed and a plan developed to involve the community in the rebuilding process. The District has also engaged an architectural historian who will assist with the process of restoring features of the original building.
LAUSD has established the "Fund to Rebuild Garfield Auditorium." Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch. For more information on how to make a contribution, contact the LAUSD Office of Communications at213-241-6766.For more information about the October 14 Concert to Rebuild the Garfield Auditorium, call Ticketmaster at 213-480-3232 or online at www.ticketmaster.com .