Out of this world fundraiser benefits Polly Klaas Community Theater

Located in Petaluma, California, the Polly Klaas Community Theater is a small 100-seat theater that serves as a tribute to Polly Klaas, who was tragically abducted in 1993.

“Polly had a deep passion for theater and actively participated in all her school productions,” explained Howe. “In honoring her memory, her mother emphasized the importance of cherishing Polly’s life rather than focusing on her death.”

Howe took those words to heart. The theater, once shuttered for 20 years, was reopened in 2022 as part of a community effort.

“One of the best ways to commemorate Polly’s spirit is by filling this theater with the energy, joy, and talent of young performers,” Howe added.

Petaluma business owner Michael “Bug” Deakin has always understood the importance of the theater in the community and he wanted to help out by organizing a rock and roll fundraiser.

“Music is so powerful because it brings everybody together. It’s one of those things that can take you back to a joyful place in your life,” Space Orchestras lead signer Sebastian Saint James said.

Space Orchestra, a 13-piece Joe Cocker tribute band, will perform a two-night concert.

“This is a full-bodied orchestra that you can feel down to your bones,” Deakin enthusiastically declares.

“It’s a rock and roll orchestra from outer space,” Saint James said.

The band will perform Cocker’s iconic “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” album.

“The live record by far is one of the most overwhelming joyous live records to ever be released,” Saint James said.

“It’s the kind of music that you really feel something,” Howe said.

Deakin has rallied the community behind the event. Rock and Roll Chef Gray Rollin who just returned from a tour with Linkin Park is co-sponsoring the event. His restaurant, Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Taproom is in Santa Rosa.

“I’m so happy to be a sponsor with the Space Orchestra and the Polly Klaas Theater in Petaluma,” Rollin said.

The event has also attracted the support of iconic music artist Stanley Mouse who is well known for his Grateful Dead and Journey album covers. He has created an original concert poster to commemorate the event.

“The amazing sound of this 1911 church repurposed as a theater is going to just roll your socks up and down folks. You got to come see the Polly Klaas Theater,” Deakin said.

Howe is excited about this event as well as the theater’s future support of performing arts.

“It’s so important that we as a community have a place for performing arts,” Howe said. “We will be here for generations to come and it is all because of this community that cared so much.”

For more information on the Polly Klaas Community Theater, visit https://www.pollyklaastheater.org/.

Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Employees Locked Out and Executives Sent to Indian Reservations As the Purge at HHS Hits Its Stride

Staff Unable to Access Premises and Senior Managers Relocated to Native American Lands During Ongoing Clean-up at Health Department

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began the first phase…
Tesla owner fights back with warning to Cybertruck vandal, vows to 'make an example' of suspect

Tesla owner issues a warning to Cybertruck vandal and promises to take action against the suspect

As protests against Elon Musk’s Tesla brand are sweeping the United States,…
Kidney donor Jose Gregorio Gonzalez detained by ICE in Chicago area, hopes to save brother Jose Alfredo Pacheco; release pending

Release Pending for Chicago-Area Kidney Donor Jose Gregorio Gonzalez Detained by ICE, Aims to Save Brother’s Life

In BERWYN, Illinois, it has been reported by ABC7 that a man…
Boston DA considering criminal charges against ICE agent who arrested illegal immigrant during trial

Boston District Attorney Contemplating Criminal Charges Against ICE Agent for Arresting Undocumented Immigrant During Trial

A district attorney from Massachusetts is contemplating bringing criminal charges against an…
Orland Park, IL 2025 election results: Incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau concedes to challenger Jim Dodge, buoyed by Arab American vote

“Orland Park, IL 2025 Mayoral Election: Challenger Jim Dodge Wins Over Incumbent Mayor Keith Pekau with Support from Arab American Community”

ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Orland Park is getting a new mayor…
Budget-Busting Climate Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act Must Go

Remove Expensive Climate Measures from the Bill to Lower Inflation

By  President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats capitalized on the public’s concern…
Meghan Markle reveals the eyebrow raising price of her jam

Meghan Markle shares the surprisingly high cost of her jam

Meghan Markle’s jam will cost up to £10.82 for a jar as…
Myanmar's military declares a ceasefire to ease quake relief as the death toll tops 3,000

The military in Myanmar announces a pause in fighting to help with earthquake relief efforts as the number of deaths exceeds 3,000

A temporary ceasefire was declared by Myanmar’s ruling military in the midst…
Bodycam in Connecticut house of horrors shows suspect after stepson's fiery escape

Footage from body camera in Connecticut reveals suspect following stepson’s escape from burning house.

Bodycam video from the Waterbury Police Department captures Kimberly Sullivan, the suspected…
White Lotus star Carrie Coon claps back at Meghan McCain in ugly spat over her support of Trump

Carrie Coon from “White Lotus” responds to Meghan McCain in heated disagreement regarding her endorsement of Trump

The White Lotus star Carrie Coon has clapped back at Meghan McCain amid the…
Leading Canadian conservative says Ottawa should remove all tariffs as 'Liberation Day' arrives

A prominent Canadian conservative suggests that Ottawa eliminate all tariffs as a way to celebrate ‘Liberation Day’.

In anticipation of President Donald Trump’s planned reciprocal tariffs labeled as “Liberation…
What is tuberculosis? Chicago area's Waukegan High School sees case of TB, Lake County Health Department says

Understanding Tuberculosis: Case Detected at Waukegan High School in Chicago Area, Confirmed by Lake County Health Department

CHICAGO (WLS) — A case of tuberculosis occurred at the freshman/sophomore campus…