Over 400 guests enjoyed a sit down dinner with all the fixin’s at the 33rd Annual Mama Liz Thanksgiving dinner. The Hermosa Beach Kiwanis and Rotary clubs donated their halls in Valley Park and guests were served by community volunteers.
Over the past several years, musical director Jonathan Coleman has transformed the once quiet dinner into a showcase for local musicians.
Guests were welcomed at noon by the Dixieland sounds of pianist Jerry Rothschild, trumpet player Bob White and banjo player Jim Jones. Non stop performances followed by Zeller and Boyce, Johnny Pal, the Harrow sisters Talia and Becca, Michael Pliskin, Sabina and the Friendship Drum Circle, Joe Cipolla, Noelle, Mike Holmes and Jack Tracy. Former Blues Images Iron Butterfly guitarist and vocalist Mike Pinera ended the performances with his 1970 hit “Ride Captain, Ride.”
Bassist Mike Creamer accompanied most of the performers.
Balloonman Dennis Forel charmed children and adults with his whimsical inflatables.
Donna Dawick organized the volunteers and Misty Dawn gathered up over 40 cooked turkeys from fellow Berkshire Hathaway Realtors. Sandpipers donated over 50 pies and Sandy and Michael decorated the Kiwanis Hall with brightly colored, helium balloons. The annual event is hosted by Easy Reader and the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis and Rotary clubs. ER
