Redlands Symphony Gala goes roaring '20s with Club Zanja theme

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Symphony is set to throw its annual fundraising gala with a jazz-age twist on Saturday, June 7, transforming the Orton Center at the University of Redlands into a 1920s-inspired nightclub dubbed “Club Zanja.”

The immersive event will blend classic gala features like silent and live auctions with theatrical nods to local history and a spirited dance competition featuring community leaders.

“We really wanted to celebrate not just the Symphony and the impact of artistic access in our community, but we wanted to celebrate Redlands in a fun and immersive way,” said Symphony Executive Director Kevin Eberle-Noel.

Guests will be greeted by costumed characters portraying figures from Redlands’ past, including Mayor Archibald Brock, Constable Jose Rivera and philanthropist Grace Stewart Mullen.

The evening’s centerpiece is the “Dancing with the Stars” contest, featuring live musical accompaniment by Symphony musicians for the first time.

This year’s contestants include Adrian Hyatt-Ward, Suzanne Lunn-Doll, Rachel Roche, Dominic Lopez, Bob Rettig, and Armando Reyes. The winner will be determined by community votes. These community stars are business leaders, mentors, and ambassadors of the spirit of Redlands.

Attendees will also learn the “Sankey Strut,” a dance invented for the event and styled after Redlands circa 1925.

Proceeds from the gala support the Symphony’s artistic and educational programs, including free concert field trips for all local 4th and 5th graders. Ticket sales currently cover only about 30% of artistic costs, while grants support roughly half of the educational programming.

The gala begins at 5:30 p.m. on June 7. Tickets are $150 per person or $1,500 for a table of ten, available through May 30.

For details, visit SymphonyGala.com or call 909-587-5565.