From Encino Patch:
After more than two years of construction at a cost of about $125 million, the Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) at California State University, Northridge, is ready for its closeup.
VPAC doors will swing open Saturday evening for a black-tie kickoff fundraising event expected to raise more than $1 million toward the remaining $27 million in construction costs. As many as 1,700 eager arts patrons will pay from $1,000 for the cheapest ticket to $250,000 for a table of 12 and permanent recognition on the Honor Wall in the Grand Lobby Atrium.
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Performing artists scheduled for the inaugural two-hour show include Andy Garcia, Calista Flockhart, Benjamin Bratt, Jane Kaczmarek, Steven Weber, Noah Wyle, Nancy Cartwright, Keith David, Eric Stoltz, Tyne Daly, Cheech Marin and Sandra Oh. Musical artists expected to perform include singers Monica Mancini and Andrew Lunsford, trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, composer Davis Gaines, saxophonist Dave Koz, opera star Carol Vaness and ballet dancers Gillian Murphy and Jose Carreno.