West Side Story

Amber Willard DOWNTOWN Most people want recognition for a job well done. But for singer Betty Wand, it's more of a compliment if others don't notice. Wand, who lived in Glendale for more than 20 years, is returning to The Alex Theatre for a one-day screening today of the 1958 musical, "Gigi," in which she sang for Leslie Caron, the female lead. Wand, whose husband was active in the Glendale Chamber of Commerce for many years, will share stories with the audience about her experiences as a film and television singer.

The La Cañada Towne Singers celerated their 17th in year April. This independant choir is proud of their work and susccess in producing the best in choir music. A large cake was presented to conductor Sean Boulware. The choir surprised him in celebration of his 30th birthday and fourth season as conductor. His family was also present. Boulware's father-in-law, Stephen Schroth, his wife Michelle and mother-in-laq Liz Schroth who also sing in the choir were present. The 100+ member Towne Singers was founded by Phyllis Winnaman in 1987 in La Cañada.

Candidates' forum on tap The Armenian American Real Estate Assn. will host a candidates' forum for the 43rd State Assembly district from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Glendale Pacific Community Center, 435 S. Pacific Ave. The 43rd Assembly District covers the cities of Glendale and Burbank as well as the Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater, North Hollywood neighborhoods of Los Angeles. There is a primary election scheduled for Tuesday, June 6. For more information call (818)

Program receives $1,000 donation GLENDALE -- The Women's Committee of the Glendale Symphony Orchestra Assn. recently received a $1,000 contribution from a charter officer of the organization, Margareth (Mickie) Hamer. The funds are designated for the Ensembles in the Schools philanthropic project in which sections of the orchestra are introduced on a rotating basis each year to classes in the Glendale Unified School District. The Women's Committee meets on the first Thursday of each month from September to June.

Irish singers return for fund-raiser LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE -- Cherish The Ladies, a leader in performing traditional Irish music, will return in a benefit non-subscription concert at Descanso Gardens Saturday with the Pasadena Pops Orchestra. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnickers and the concert begins at 7:30. Descanso Gardens is at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge. Tickets are from $25 to $80. For reservations, call (626) 792-7677 or check out the Web site at www.pasadenapops.

RITA PARDUE- FALLMAN Mark Keppel parents and producers Lee Briggs and Leslie Waltzer invite everyone to this season's Stepping Stone Players production of "West Side Story." The Stepping Stone Players continue to reach their goal of building a sense of community through participation by people of all ages and backgrounds in the experience of theater. "West Side Story" is directed by Herb Isaacs. Performances are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept.

Music from Broadway, TV and film gets a pops twist when the Glendale Renaissance Orchestra performs at the Alex Theatre. The evening's highlight is a tribute by guest star vocalist Lorna Luft to her mother, Judy Garland. The third concert of the season, "Broadway Meets Hollywood," will be on Sept. 16. Luft will sing a 40-minute segment titled "Songs My Mother Taught Me. " She has performed in concert throughout the world, on and off Broadway, and in film and television. "This is my office," she said.

TODAY GLENDALE Tai chi classes are from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, 1500 E. Chevy Chase Drive. The class is $4 per session. To register, call 409-8057. The Glendale Adult Recreation Club holds ballroom dancing from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at 201 E. Colorado St. For more information, call 241-6140. 2AZZ1 and The Body & Soul Band performs from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at The Rusty Pelican, 300 Harvey Drive.

With a performance at Carnegie Hall notched into its musical belt, the Burbank Chorale brings a stronger experience to patrons of its upcoming local concerts. Exploring new material and new venues is part of the group's focus, board President Kyrian Corona said. "It's all a part of our vision for this performing-arts group to try new things, expand our horizons musically and geographically and bring this experience back to our core audience to enrich their experience," she said.

Opera buffs throughout Southern California seldom have difficulty assuaging their thirst for performances of great vocal artistry. The roster of virtuosi singers ? both those who live and work here locally or travel to Los Angeles from arts capitals worldwide ? appearing on a regular basis with area orchestras and opera companies reads like a veritable Who's Who of opera legends. Far more rare is the opportunity to discover these singers on their way to becoming the stuff of legend.