LA nonprofit’s benefit concert to star music and stage legend Becca Godinez

“Becca Godinez: In My Life” is Becca’s most intimate show to date. CONTRIBUTED

LOS ANGELES – A nonprofit organization in Historic Filipinotown serving the Filipino community, will kick start a year of raising funds for ongoing programs with a concert by actor/singer Becca Godinez on Saturday, March 12 at the Aratani Theater.

“Becca Godinez: In My Life” is Becca’s most intimate show to date as she revisits her time as one of the Philippines’ most in-demand performers during the 1970s and 1980s.

The 40-year-old Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) is co-producing the show with Individual Health Care Services, Inc. FASGI has provided community programs that include mental health education, naturalization application assistance, arts incubation, health and wellness, and assistance to WWII veterans. It has also implemented programs to deal with COVID protocols and prevention.

The musical journey will trace Becca’s career as hit-music recording artist, concert singer, television host, and thespian with Repertory Philippines.

Joining her on stage are special guest artists Mike Monserrat (dancer/choreographer and member of the original “Penthouse 7” crew), Spanky Rigor (co-founder/musician of the 70’s hit group VST & Company), Broadway actors Jennifer Paz (“Evita,” and  “Songs for a New World”), Red Concepcion (“Miss Saigon,” and “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”), Nicole Santiago (“Mama Mia” and “Criers for Hire”) and Natasha Kaiserman (Becca’s daughter), who will be making her L.A. concert debut.

Also performing are guest vocalists Charmie Morales, Leah Auditor and Tina Cruz. Myke Gonzaga, one of the most in-demand musical directors, leads the band which also features Abe Lagrimas, Jr. (drums), Bryant Simpson (bass), Sandro Rebel (keyboards) and Michael Seaman (piano).

Cocoy Laurel, one the Philippines’ legendary actors and Becca’s co-star in many theatrical productions will make a special virtual appearance. Becca said, “Gosh, my career spans about 50 years!  I chose each guest because they were all part and parcel of what I’ve done as a performer.”

FASGI’s Executive Director Yey Coronel-Alcid stated, “The FASGI Board wants all our fundraisers to be memorable and fun. Becca understands and shares FASGI’s passion in helping those in need to lead richer and more fruitful lives.”

Funds raised will go towards additional services for seniors, human trafficking survivors, and artists/performers with our Arts Incubator Program, a revolving loan fund for U.S. citizenship applicants who find costs prohibitive, and the Kalayaan Festival, a whole day of medical and holistic healing for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.”

Co- Executive Producer Trinity Foliente, owner of Individual Health Care Services said, “I have known and partnered with FASGI since Yey Coronel became Executive Director in 2015.  FASGI always goes the extra mile to help the community in any way possible.  They are dependable and efficient and never cease to amaze me.”

Tickets for the one-night-only concert on Saturday, March 12 are $100/$60/$45 and can be purchased by contacting Yey Coronel 818-271-0901 [phone/text] and Trinity Foliente 818-455-2132 [phone/text] or via email at [email protected]. Special balcony pricing of $25 is available for seniors, military, and students by calling 818-271-0901. Tickets are also available at the Aratani Theatre website by visiting www.jaccc.org or by calling 213-680-3700.

The Aratani Theater strictly follows current State, County and City COVID protocols, which change daily.  To maintain a safe environment for the artists and the audience, patrons should be prepared to wear masks once inside the theater for the duration of the entire show and may be asked to present valid vaccination cards.  The venue will not accept negative COVID tests results. Patrons should be vaccinated and/or boosted prior to entering the theater.

For more information on the concert, visit The Filipino American Service Group, Inc. at www.fasgi.org.  Becca Godinez:In My Life is produced and directed by LXV Enterprises, LLC to benefit the Filipino American Service Group, Inc.