What if you had a chance to see Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Haslip, Airto, Don Grusin, Kevyn Lettau, Russell Ferrante, Walfredo Reyes, Jr., and Richie Garcia all in one night of music in an intimate environment AND you could help people with special needs in the process? On Sunday, December 5th, 2004, this incredible event came to fruition on the LA Music Academy's grounds from 4-8 PM. As if this lineup weren't already enough to send the audience home smiling, inspired performances from TRAP and Club Aspire students left the crowd speechless.

The evening began with three dances by the High Spirit Dancers, choreographed by Lynette Adams. Ranging from abstract modern to upbeat hippie-inspired, the dances showed great range and enthusiasm, especially when they had the opportunity to "solo" their skills. The Y-Spirit and Club Aspire Drummers then took the stage, accompanied by the "Latin Pocket Pals," consisting of percussionists Chalo Eduardo (Samba Nova), Munyungo Jackson (Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul), Jorge Bermudez (The Grateful Dead, Tower of Power), Ron Powell (Diana Ross, Sergio Mendes, Kenny G.), and Fernando Diez (Rhythm Slam). Demonstrating the therapeutic benefits of rhythm on verbal and motor skills, the performers played various drums while chanting rhythmically. An engaging percussion ensemble piece followed, showing off the percussion prowess of each of the performers.

Legendary percussionist Airto Moreira (Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, Paul Desmond) then graced the stage with a rhythmic blessing for the evening using pandeiro and a collection of percussion instruments. After Airto's fluid and inspiring performance, 7-year-old Kodi Lee brought jaws to the floor. Joined by Airto, bassist Rene Camacho (Celia Cruz), and drummer Eddie Tuduri, the autistic wonder's hands danced over the piano keys with incredible rhythm as he sang "On Broadway," "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," and "Shout," all with the soul of an old bluesman.

After a dinner break, pianist Don Grusin (Quincy Jones, Friendship) teamed up with drummer Walfredo Reyes, Jr. (Santana, Steve Winwood), Rene Camacho, saxophonist/flutist Katisse Buckingham (Herbie Hancock, Dr. Dre, Andy Summers), and Airto to play several original tunes. Most were penned by Grusin and one penned by Buckingham featured the horn player's considerable skill in rapping. Following their performance, Academy Vocal Department Chair Kevyn Lettau offered a few of her beautifully crafted songs as well as a couple of standards with bassist Jerry Watts, pianist Russell Ferrante (The Yellowjackets), Airto, and percussionists Richie Garcia (Sting, Phil Collins, Don Henley) and C.G. Ryche (Benise, Igaba). To close, Lettau set the holiday mood with a stunning arrangement of "Silent Night" in German and English and was joined by Katarina, who signed the classic song during the performance. After this special rendition, Gifted Artists Records recording artist Trieanna Moon picked up the tempo with a couple of tunes, including an energetic version of "Hound Dog," accompanied by bassist Jimmy Haslip (The Yellowjackets), Russell Ferrante, and Eddie Tuduri. The evening culminated with a much anticipated performance by Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa), Jimmy Haslip, Airto, and Russell Ferrante. The quartet left the audience ecstatic. Said one 4th quarter Academy student: "I can't believe all these musicians get together to do this in this chilled setting...it's so cool to be able to be here to hear and see it!"