Photos by Lesly Hall
The Big Band of Barristers donated their time for a fundraiser for PAPA (Palisades Americanism Parade Association) on Sept. 24 at Mercer Hall on the Palisades High campus. The 17-piece band and four vocalists are all attorneys, judges or clerks, and under the direction of attorney Gary Greene.
Many of the musicians had attended conservatories or music school before turning to law. When Greene asked this talented group why law, the answer was universal: “I want to make a living.”
L.A. Lawyer musical categories include the Los Angeles Lawyer Philharmonic (orchestra), Legal Voices (choir) and the Big Band of Barristers. One or more entities have played at major events and venues across Los Angeles, including Disney Hall, since the groups’ formation in 2012.
On piano at Mercer was a longtime Palisadian, Justice Arthur Gilbert. Practices are held at his house every Monday, and even though a presidential debate was scheduled last week, so was practice.
Singing with the Big Band were soprano Barbara Gilbert, alto Linda Hurevitz, tenor Ken Freundlich and baritone John Blumberg. The four are also members of Legal Voices.
Gilbert (Arthur’s wife) is a retired court reporter, Hurevitz practices labor and employment law, Freundlich is an entertainment lawyer and Blumberg’s specialty is medical and legal malpractice.
Hurevitz was asked about the “vintage clothing” the singers were wearing. “It’s actually new, but at Unique Vintage in Burbank, they have contemporary designs from every era,” she said.
The vocalists also rehearse at Gilbert’s house once a week, with Jerry A. Ranger as their music arrange, Hurevitz said.
About Mercer she added, “The acoustics in here are terrific; it has a nice warm sound.”
Visit LALawyersPhil.org or email Big-Band@LALaywersPhil.org or follow on twitter @LALawyersPhil.
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