SCR/Party Play with Ann Conway

David Liu, Gala Chair Betty Huang and band leader John Tu

Band leader John Tu on drums

David Liu on bass

Tripping the Night Fantastic with
J. T. and The California Dreamin'
at "Affair in Shanghai"
By Ann Conway

SCR Gala Ball "Affair in Shanghai,"
September 8, 2007. Call 714-708-5504

"Have fun! Get up on the dance floor and dance. Please!"

Talk about a mandate for merry-making. When corporate leader/musician John Tu—leader of the J.T and The California Dreamin' symphonic band—says those words, he's talking straight to the SCR supporters who will attend the colorful and exotic "Affair in Shanghai" gala on Sept. 8 at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

On the playlist: Just about every major hit from the '50s, '60s and beyond, performed by a musical ensemble featuring not only guitar and drums but cellos, violins and horns, along with background singers and lead singers. "This is a full-blown band, not a small rock 'n roll group," Tu says. "And we have an Elvis impersonator who looks more like Elvis than Elvis, a Rod Stewart who absolutely looks and sounds like him and a Ray Charles!"

For Tu, a founder of Kingston Technology in Fountain Valley—a firm that designs, manufactures and sells computer-memory products world-wide—the dream began when he was a teen living in Taiwan in the '50s. "When I was in high school, about 14 years old, I tried to play the Western style of music on guitar. The first time I heard Elvis Presley on the radio, I thought 'Wow! This is exciting!' That was the beginning for me." Since then, Tu has turned to playing drums. "It felt more natural," he said.

Tu came to this country in 1972 and nearly a decade ago organized the band he says "was always my dream, my passion." Since then, the musical super-group has been in demand at high-level entertainment events throughout the Southland. In fact, "Affair in Shanghai" Chair Betty Huang was so thrilled to dance to Dreamin' at a recent Chapman University benefit, she approached Tu to ask him to perform at the annual SCR gala benefitting its Annual Fund.

Tu not only said yes, he generously offered his symphonic band to SCR for the evening at no cost. "We want to do this for the community," Tu says. "Its something positive for art ... and it's fun." LET'S DANCE!

(Proceeds from the SCR Gala constitute the first and largest donation to the theatre’s Annual Fund, in support of education programs.)

Conductor Larry Ball	Larry Ball adds vocals
Stu Pearlman on keyboard	"Rod Stewart" (Gregory Wolfe)
Pete Petyerkin	Yarone Levy and Ernie Hernandez
John Tu gets in the swing	String section