4:45pm | Long Beach, it’s time to squeeze into your high school letterman’s jackets and party dresses. The classic, local high school rock band is taking us back in time.
When Susan Beeney, executive director of Long Beach charity New Hope Grief Support Community thought about who her organization might honor at their annual fundraiser “Give Hope,” the choice was simple: The Emperors.
In 1961, Millikan High School senior Steve Watts birthed the rock ‘n’ roll band called The Emperors. For the next 50 years, Watts and other originals Randy Budihas and Joe Marques provided musical pleasure for teens of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s at after-game dances at all the local high schools.
In the 1960s, Beeney and her then high school boyfriend (and today her husband) Rick would regularly attend post-football game dances at the Jordan Canteen, where they boogied their hearts out and were a part of The Emperors’ local teen legacy.
Beeney contacted Emperors founder Watts, who had just discussed with his wife the fact that 2011 marks the band’s 50th year and that a celebration was in order. And so the stage was set.
With their continued focus to give back to their community, the band agreed to allow New Hope to honor them at the “Give Hope” annual fundraising event.
New Hope has a mission of “helping grieving people of all ages find hope and healing.”
The “Give Hope” event, celebrating the 50 faithful years of The Emperors, is scheduled for this Sunday, May 1, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Seaport Marina Hotel.
Tickets are $25 per person for admission and appetizers and can be secured by calling New Hope at 562-429-0075. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Reservations are requested by calling the number previously mentioned.
Event: “Give Hope”
When: Sunday, May 1, 4 – 7 p.m.
Where: Seaport Marina Hotel
Cost: $25 donation
RSVP: 562-429-0075