After 20 years of presenting world renowned and sought-after speakers to sold-out audiences, The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California is excited to announce its expansion to a fourth location, the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills.
“For years, patrons on the Westside have been reaching out, asking us to bring our Series to their community. We are delighted to have found the perfect home – the beautifully renovated Saban Theater. We are excited to present our compelling and bi-partisan style of entertainment to a new audience,” said co-owner Kathy Winterhalder.
With its season running from October 2015 to May 2016, on seven different Sunday evenings, the Distinguished Speaker Series will bring to the Westside some of the world’s most influential and captivating speakers. “We search the globe to find great speakers whose remarkable leadership, accomplishments and opinions make a real difference. Never has that been truer than this coming season’s speakers,” said Winterhalder.
Ehud Barak, former Prime Minister of Israel, who continues to play a role in Middle East peace efforts will kick-off the series, (Oct. 18) followed by the award-winning actor of Monty Python fame, John Cleese who will have audiences laughing in their seats (Nov. 8). Come 2016, Former Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Paulson, will take the stage with lively conversation with FORTUNE magazine’s Geoffrey Colvin discussing the influence of China and the environment on our nation’s economy (Jan. 10).
Award-winning portrait photographer Platon will present a living history by taking our members behind-the-scenes with his subjects, some of the most powerful and influential visionaries from around the globe (Feb. 21). Theoretical physicist Michio Kaku, with his finger on the pulse of the future, will take patrons on a grand tour of what the future might hold for us, our children, and our grandchildren (March 13). Former CIA Director and Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta, will offer bold ideas and candid insights on U.S. intelligence, international security and the political challenges of the 21st Century (April 10). The season will conclude with lifestyle guru and successful entrepreneur Martha Stewart (May 8).
With every event concluding with a moderated question and answer session, the audience will have the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with each speaker.
The Distinguished Speaker Series will be held at the Saban Theater, 8440 Wilshire Blvd, in Beverly Hills. Each program takes place on Sunday evenings at 6:30pm
The Series is open to the public in subscription packages only. Series tickets range from $343 in the balcony to premier seating at $700 for all seven evenings. Single tickets are not available. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.speakersla.com.
The Distinguished Speaker Series was established in 1995 in response to Southern California’s need for an educational, entertainment alternative. The Distinguished Speaker Series is currently held at four locations, the historic 2,900 seat Pasadena Civic Auditorium (launched in 1995), the 1,500 seat Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center (launched in 1998), and the 1,800 seat Theatre, in the Bank of America, Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center (launched in 2001). And now, the Art Deco style 1,900 seat Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills.
Winterhalder, the series co-owner, adds “we get so much inspiration from the game-changers we have brought to the stage. We have hosted over 100 luminaries who have transformed our world. These include leaders like Margaret Thatcher, the Dalai Lama, Bill Clinton, Steve Wozniak, and Tony Blair. We’ve laughed along with Betty White, Ron Howard, Bob Newhart, and Carl Reiner. And we’ve been moved by such talents as Yo-Yo Ma, Elie Wiesel, Robert Redford and Maya Angelou.”
Subscriptions may be purchased by visiting the Distinguished Speaker Series websitewww.speakersla.com or calling (310) 546-6222.
