Andrew Hires and Nima Mashkouri Plan Series of Fundraising Community Events

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Searching for a way to contribute to rebuilding the community, two Palisadians discovered a win-win-win situation.

Andrew Hires described looking for a way to rebuild the community experience that people are missing, as well as support businesses that are trying to restart operations while fundraising to support Palisades workers.

Combining these avenues, Pali ❤️ Beats was founded by Hires and Nima Mashkouri—both residents of the Highlands—to host fundraising events at still-standing venues in the community, providing music and a place for people to gather.

“We are all too familiar with the experience of our friends and family losing or being displaced from their homes and community,” the organizers wrote. “As we have been traversing this experience, one thing we wanted to make sure of is that the supporting members of our community, the workers whose livelihood depends on the Palisades, also feel our reciprocal support.”

The collective was formed to “hold a series of dance music events that serve complementary goals,” which are to “bring displaced community members and friends back to reconnect with the people and the area,” “support businesses that have reopened to serve the small but growing community,” “provide direct support to severely impacted Palisades workers,” and “have fun.”

“We invite anyone with a love of dance music or the Palisades to join,” Hires said.

The two behind the campaign provide music under the names DJ Nimazzo (Mashkouri) and DJ Godwin (Hires), as well as DJ Ace (Mashkouri’s 13-year-old son, Aria). When not working on Pali ❤️ Beats’ events, Mashkouri is a full-time dentist, while Hires is a professor of neuroscience at USC.

The first fundraiser took place at Spruzzo Restaurant & Bar in the Highlands on Friday, August 15, billed as “a night of house and deep grooves for a cause.”

“The support we got was really touching,” Mashkouri said, adding that prompted them to think: “OK, maybe we’re onto something … the intention is so pure and genuine. How can we bring that to our community that’s going through major trauma?”

Hires described connecting with the manager at Spruzzo ahead of the event, who he said was “super excited” to host it there.

Proceeds from the sold-out inaugural evening went to support Palisades workers who were impacted by the fires, with one recipient in particular.

“We were thrilled to partner with Spruzzo for our first event,” the organizers said. “There were over 100 attendees, whose contributions allowed us to directly give over $2,500 to our first recipient, Coach Tara [Shriner].”

Over the course of 30 years, Coach Tara has taught “thousands of Palisades children” in the Palisades Hills Recreation Center pool, hosting up to 37 open group lessons per week at the time of the fire, they said.

“Unfortunately, the Palisades [Hills] rec center burned in the fire and the pool is expected to be non-functional until at least mid 2026, severely impacting her livelihood,” the organizers said.

DJ Ace has been “making a name for himself on the local Palisades birthday party and school dance circuit,” the organizers said. Recent events, in addition to Spruzzo, include a Marquez Charter Elementary School dance.

“At Spruzzo, he was able to deploy a deeper dance groove than a typical kids party, to the delight of the crowd,” organizers said.

Local organizations and businesses also provided support for the event, with security “generously donated” by ACS and lighting by Angels Music Productions. Visual support and recording was done by Pali ❤️ Beats partner Michael Boidy of Boidy Films, who is “developing a documentary, ‘Heart Beat,’ which examines the profound connection between sound and healing through stories of doctors, patients and musicians currently leading the charge in this revolutionary field.”

Hires said he felt “it truly showcases evidence of a nascent return to Palisades movement.”

“We love the Palisades and are committed to rebuilding and restoring the community,” he said.

Hires has lived in the Palisades since 2014, first in Marquez Knolls before moving to the Highlands. His wife grew up in the Palisades, attending Marquez Charter Elementary, Paul Revere Charter Middle and Palisades Charter High schools.

“We have three children, all of whom attended Marquez, including two on January 7,” he said. “All three learned to swim from Coach Tara.”

Mashkouri, who practices dentistry in Santa Monica, has lived with his wife and two children in the Highlands for 12 years.

“Both our children attended Marquez and are now attending Paul Revere,” he said. “Both were Tara Shriner’s swim students.”

After the Spruzzo event, Hires said they asked themselves, “What can we do next?” They said they also took into consideration that families would want to attend with kids, prompting an event that wouldn’t have attendees staying “out too late.”

Pali ❤️ Beats is currently “building energy” for its next event, which will be a “free sunset dance party” on the deck at Gladstones the evening of Friday, September 19, from 6 to 10 p.m. They are expecting a “substantially bigger crowd” between 200 and 400 attendees.

In addition to supporting businesses and fundraising for workers, the events also give the community a chance to gather with Palisadian friends: “Having that conversation with people is going to allow—and gives people a vision that they can—return,” Hires said.

He said the events are also designed to be something to look forward to.

“Pali ❤️ Beats believes in the power of music to connect, heal and transform,” Hires said. “Optional on-site donations will directly support a new set of impacted Palisades workers. All people and all ages are invited to share in the experience in one of the most beautiful locations in all of Los Angeles.”

For more information, including about the Gladstones event, visit instagram.com/dj.nimazzo.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

St. Matthew’s Music Guild announced its 2025-26 concert season on Wednesday, September 3, which marks its 41st anniversary.

The upcoming season, featuring the “critically acclaimed Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s,” will be led by Music Director Dwayne Milburn—and is set to include “an array of world-class soloists and ensembles.”

“The community of Pacific Palisades has been devastated by the January 2025 fires,” Milburn said. “Our subscribers and patrons know how powerfully music heals and brings people together.”

The season will open on Friday, September 26, with “renowned violinist” Movses Pogossian, who will perform Felix Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto in E minor.” The program also includes the overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 2.”

Next will be Raehann Bryce-Davis—“in an evening of operatic fireworks”—on November 7, followed by Bach Collegium San Diego in George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” on December 5.

The first performance of 2026 will take place on February 6, featuring The Gesualdo Six: “Queen of Hearts.”

“LA Phil principals Boris Allakhverdyan (clarinet) and Whitney Crockett (bassoon) in [Richard] Strauss’ ‘Duet-Concertino’ [is next on] March 20, 2026,” according to Music Guild. “David Garrett plays [Joseph] Haydn’s ‘Cello Concerto in D major’ on ‘A Classical Journey’ [on] April 24, 2026.”

The season will conclude with a finale on May 29, 2026, with concertmaster YuEun Gemma Kim in Antonín Dvořák’s ‘Violin Concerto.”

The Music Guild season typically takes place at St. Matthew’s Church in Pacific Palisades, but since the fire damaged the structure, it has convened in an alternate venue.

“The remediation of our beloved church has reached an encouraging milestone, passing the halfway point with completion anticipated this fall,” read information on the church website. “Our renowned musical instruments (especially our world class organ and pianos) require specialized and extensive cleaning and renovation from the smoke and ash deposited on and in them during the fire. Though this process will take several months, it will not hold us back from returning to the church. Given the current schedule for cleaning both the inside and outside of the church, including the pews, walls, ceilings and sacraments, we expect to return to limited services and some Parish events in the church by early October.”

Music Guild concerts will temporarily take place at St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church, which is located at 1227 Fourth Street in Santa Monica. September and November performances are set to take place in Santa Monica, with “an anticipated return to St. Matthew’s Church in December.”

Single tickets for concerts are available for $45, while a season pass for the seven concerts begin at $285.

“We look forward to the coming season,” Milburn said, “and our return to St. Matthew’s Church soon.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit musicguildonline.org.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Theatre Palisades’ “The Wisdom of Eve” opened at The Blue Door theater on Friday evening, September 5.

“Though we have lost our physical space, our dedication to the arts and our community remains steadfast,” Theatre Palisades wrote on its website.

Since the destruction of Pierson Playhouse in the Palisades fire, Theatre Palisades has presented two shows at alternate locations: first “Jest a Second!” and now, “The Wisdom of Eve,” the stage version of “All About Eve,” written by Mary Orr.

“‘The Wisdom of Eve’ pulls back the curtain on the cutthroat world of Broadway, centered around the seemingly innocent Eve Harrington,” read a synopsis. “She arrives as a devoted fan of the legendary actress Margo Crane and is hired as her personal assistant. But as Eve sets her sights on the spotlight, her relentless ambition unleashes a chain of manipulation and betrayal that threatens to destroy careers and friendships. This masterful play explores themes of envy, manipulation and the ruthless pursuit of success, mirroring the intense drama of its cinematic inspiration.”

The Theater Palisades version is directed by Sherman Wayne and produced by Martha Hunter. The cast includes, in alphabetical order, Philip Bartolf, Isabella DiBernardino, Steve Frankenfield, Manfred Hofer, Hunter, Richard Johnson, Sara Kaner, Maria O’Connor, Eric Trigg and Amy Witkowski.

Though overall the casting of the show is A-plus, DiBernardino in particular plays a convincing Eve Harrington—an intense, emotional part throughout the two acts. From the audience standpoint, she really seems to immerse herself fully into the role, leaving viewers on the edge of their seat from start to finish to see how it all unfolds.

The show includes a host of characters—from a reporter to an agent to those involved with putting on plays—with each actor bringing a unique personality to each role, making for a memorable performance.

“Praised for its sharp wit and clever humor, ‘The Wisdom of Eve’ is a behind-the-scenes theatrical experience you won’t want to miss,” Theatre Palisades shared, “especially those who work in the entertainment industry or ever wanted to find their way onto the stage or silver screen.”

Remaining performances will take place Friday, September 12 and 19, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, September 13 and 20, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, September 14 and 21, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available for “The Wisdom of Eve” for $25 for general admission and $22 for seniors and students. All performances take place at The Blue Door theater, located at 9617 Venice Boulevard in Culver City.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrepalisades.org.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Chamber Music Palisades announced its 29th season of concerts on Thursday, August 28, featuring a lineup of “exciting chamber music.”

“Our roster of musicians includes the New Hollywood String Quartet, the Los Angeles Wind and Piano Sextet, the harpist from the Hollywood Bowl and LA Phil, and a trio of violin, viola and flute,” Chamber Music Palisades President and Artistic Director Susan Greenberg said. “Join us for works by [Johann Sebastian] Bach, [Joseph] Haydn, [Johannes] Brahms, [Maurice] Ravel, [George] Gershwin, [Billy] Childs and [Bruce] Broughton, along with a world premiere by local film composer Lolita Ritmanis. The ever-popular Alan Chapman—who has been our commentator since our inception 29 years ago—will be joining us once again this season.”

The season will officially begin on Wednesday, October 8, with Greenberg (flute), Tereza Stanislav (violin), Rafael Rishik (violin), Rob Brophy (viola) and Andrew Shulman (cello). The program includes Arthur Foote’s “A Night Piece for flute and string quartet,” Haydn’s “Symphony #101 in D Major,” the “Clock” for flute and string quartet, arranged by Lisa Portus, and Ravel’s “String quartet in F Major.”

The next concert will take place Wednesday, December 3, with Greenberg, Cristina Montes Mateo (harp), Maya Magub (violin) and Brophy. The program includes works by Federigo Fiorillo, Broughton and Ravel.

The first concert of 2026 will take place Wednesday, February 4, with Greenberg, John Walz (cello), Barry Tan (piano) and Ritmanis (composer). The program will feature the world premiere of “Duo for flute and cello.”

The season will conclude on April 15, 2026, with Bernadene Blaha (piano), Kevin Fitz-Gerald (piano), Greenberg, Jonathan Davis (oboe), Sérgio Coelho (clarinet), Judith Farmer (bassoon) and Amy Jo Rhine (horn).

Prior to the fire, Chamber Music Palisades performed in venues like Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades and St. Matthew’s Church. Until further notice, concerts will take place at Brentwood Presbyterian Church, which is located at 12000 San Vicente Boulevard.

In addition to the formal season, Chamber Music Palisades also hosts free concerts for the community throughout the year, the next of which will take place Saturday, September 27, at 3 p.m. at Brentwood Presbyterian Church.

“This program features the artistry of flutist Susan Greenberg alongside the acclaimed and award-winning Zelter String Quartet,” Chamber Music Palisades wrote. “The program includes beloved masterpieces by [Wolfgang Amadeus] Mozart, Beethoven, [Felix] Mendelssohn and Ravel, and a vivacious modern piece, ‘City of Angels,’ by Los Angeles composer Todd Mason.”

Subscriptions for the season are available for the four Wednesday evening concerts for $120, as well as individual tickets for $35. Students with a valid school ID are free.

“Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you,” Greenberg concluded.

For more information, including full programs and links to purchase tickets, visit cmpalisades.org.

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Palisadian Steven Barber likes nothing better than shining the light on American history.

He was able to build Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 monuments for NASA, he finished his second Sally Ride (the first American woman in space) monument at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley in 2023, and his vision led to the unveiling of a monument of President Donald Trump in Florida earlier this year.

“In our country’s history, nobody’s ever been able to build a monument of a sitting president while in office,” Barber said. “That was my finest moment.”

Barber is busy these days, as he is now orchestrating the building of the bust and podium for the 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who served one term (from 1977-81) and died in December 2024 at the age of 100.

The sculptors are brothers Mark and George Lundeen and artist Joey Bainer. Barber said the unveiling will take place at U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis in 2026 during the 250th anniversary of America celebrations.

Barber has also been commissioned to build a second Trump monument, this one of the moment he came down the escalator at Trump Tower upon announcing he was running for president. That could be unveiled next July 4 on America’s 250th birthday.

Barber said he is working with the Trump administration on building monuments of additional former presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, as well as Founding Father Benjamin Franklin.

“This journey has been absolutely amazing,” Barber said. “I started out eight years ago with a vision to build the Apollo 11 monument, and I’ve been going strong ever since. I’m about shining the light on American exceptionalism, whether that be in the areas of science, government or entertainment. I try to rise above all of the political fray because I don’t make policy and I don’t make history, I simply record it.”

Barber said talks are going well in regards to a monument for the 42nd U.S. President Bill Clinton. He has also pitched a monument of hockey star Alexander Ovechkin, who became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer on April 6 when he tallied the 895th of his career to pass Wayne Gretzky.

“What I love about America is that if you have a vision, if you never quit, if you improvise, if you stay the course, you can’t fail in America,” Barber said. “Failure is simply not an option.”