Concert for grad night set

Suzie Harrison

Gary Shapiro, a math teacher at Laguna Beach High School for 22

years, will present the 16th annual fundraiser concert for the “Safe

and Sober Grad Night” party Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

The concert, called “No Suits Allowed,” will be made up of student

performers and will be arranged and accompanied by Shapiro, who is

also a musician.

“It’s a fundraiser for the seniors every year,” chairperson Pam

Levin said.

She explained that almost every high school has a “Safe and Sober

Grad Night” program. The graduates will be bused to an all-night

party in lieu of going out and partying.

“It’s a good way to end graduation,” Levin said. “It usually has

different forms of entertainment and is a lot of fun for the kids.”

She said the location of the party is a big surprise.

All of the proceeds will go toward the 2004 Grad Night fund.

Shapiro volunteers his time to organize the students, rehearse and

accompany some students with their pieces as well as solo

performances.

“Usually 24 to 30 different students play, this year there are 28

students,” Levin said.

She said it is like an “unplugged” kind of concert.

Students perform a variety of pieces, including original

compositions. There will be bands, guitarists and vocal selections.

Levin gives big kudos to Shapiro’s generosity.

“He’s just a really interesting, great guy and a great, great math

teacher,” Levin said. “He encourages the students and helps them to

get out there [and perform].”

She explained that students invite their friends and families and

the families invite more friends and relatives.

“It’s kind of like a hometown kind of thing,” Levin said.

The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. but tickets will go on sale at

5:30 p.m. at the Laguna Beach High School’s Artists’ Theater at 625

Park Ave. It’s usually a sellout so people are advised to purchase

their $10 tickets early.