Your Neighborhood. Your Music.
Board Members
Dorsay Dujon
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Dorsay credits the inspiration for founding Make Music Los Angeles to three life-altering moments: her third grade music teacher Mrs. Ursula Murell, a 60 Minute segment on Youth Orchestras of Venezuela and an article in the New York Times. Mrs. Murell ensured each of her students had the opportunity to not only experience opera and concerts, but also play musical instruments. The television segment focused on El Systema - a Venezuelan social program established to place musical instruments in children’s hands. As a result, over 200 youth orchestras have taken root in the country. Dorsay’s third inspiration was a New York Times article picturing Central Park Lake with musicians and the audiences. Dorsay subsequently contacted Aaron Friedman, founder of Make Music New York and the result was the birth of Make Music Los Angeles. In many ways, Dorsay has been preparing for MMLA all her life; her background as a tradeshow, convention and special event producer makes her well-qualified to lead this new organization.
Iris Gordy
Executive Commitee
Music industry veteran Iris Gordy is a former vice president of Motown Records. Iris is credited with helping to launch the careers of DeBarge, Teena Marie and Rick James, (who aptly nicknamed her, “The Captain”). Iris has numerous production credits to her name, including albums by Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, The Four Tops and The Temptations. Iris is presently engaged in writing her memoirs, public speaking and entertainment consulting. Iris is the founder and president of the Fuller B. Gordy Foundation. A non-profit organization that raises funds annually in memory of her father to benefit other non-profits whose exemplary actions impact and benefit children at risk, music programs and who outreach and assist those in dire need.
William Moreno
Executive Committee
William Moreno possesses substantial leadership expertise in the areas of strategic planning, fund development, marketing, public relations and cultural programming. After spending several years in the international financial services industry, William established a fine arts consulting business and served as director of a commercial art gallery in the Bay Area. He later served as executive director of The Mexican Museum, San Francisco and he oversaw one of the largest collections of Latino and Mexican art in the country as well as heading headed a $30 million capital campaign to raise money for a new building in downtown San Francisco. After relocating back to Los Angeles, William became the founding director of The Claremont Museum of Art. He later served as the Associate Director of ArtPad, a commercial art fair. His current affiliations include: Advisory Board member, Multicultural and Emerging and Professionals Committee and Government Relations Committee, California Association of Museums; President, Board of Directors, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE).
LeRoy Downs
President Board of Directors
LeRoy is the quintessential on-air radio personality, as the creator and producer of TheJazzCat.net. His voice can be heard as a symbol of what’s cool about jazz. The JazzCat.net has an average of 30,000 visitors per month. In addition, LeRoy’s interviews with jazz artists and written articles demonstrate his knowledge and love of everything straight ahead and progressive in jazz music. LeRoy is the creator and producer of a jazz television show, and is the director, and on camera host. The show provides viewers with a closer look at the artists with a new perspective. LeRoy has been a host for the Monterey Jazz Festival for the last 14 years in addition to being the Master of Ceremonies for the Playboy Jazz Cruise. LeRoy will be seen in promotional video for Make Music Los Angeles. LeRoy is currently writing a book about Los Angeles’s jazz musical roots.
Genelle LeVin
Partner Development
Genelle is a 30 year resident of Silver Lake and has been a community activist from day one. Genelle is a champion of neighborhoods thriving with healthy activity for children, green trees and flowers for community gardens, sidewalks and major roadways. Along with her high visibility position as the President of the Silver Lake Improvement Association, Genelle takes pride in keeping alive the comedy duo of “Laurel and Hardy” as the host of the annual “Music Box Steps Day” a Silver Lake jewel that introduces children to the rollicking two comedy geniuses. Each October at Vendome Park at the bottom of the famous steps a celebration of fun, food and screenings of the famous film takes place. Genelle has also held a position of treasurer with the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council and currently is with the Hollywood Studio District Neighborhood Council.
Scott Crawford
Partner Development
Scot Crawford is a transplanted Chicagoan who has lived and worked in the historic Silver Lake District of Los Angeles for a number of years. Scott’s lifetime involvement in architecture and the arts pushed him to volunteer for a number of local organizations including Friends of Hollyhock House, where he has been President for the past six years, the longest tenure in their history. In addition Scott helped spearhead a fundraising effort that ultimately took in seventeen million dollars for the restoration of this Frank Lloyd Wright designed treasure. Scott is the founder of the renowned Dillon Street Players, winner of five Dramalogue Awards and two Valley Theatre Awards. The Dillon Street Players perform original works that have never been previously produced. Scott brings to the board his passion for all things artistic.
Michelle Chiu
Secretary
A lifelong practitioner of the arts, Michelle grew up in the orchestra and amongst the chorus. A recent transplant to Los Angeles, she has spearheaded several community efforts in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio bringing counseling and support services to the neighborhood youth and erecting a library for the close-knit Asian community. She has also provided organizational support in the expansion of numerous other non-profit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and Camp Kesem. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michelle is currently working in the consulting services industry.
Rebecca Hogan
Marketing and Training
Rebecca’s distinguished background has led to a wide variety of experiences from the aerospace industry, public relations, classical, jazz, hip hop music, youth pastoring and adult education. As a youth pastor, Rebecca specialized in inner-city outreach through music. Rebecca developed a music mentoring program while counseling high risk teens. Rebecca designed collateral material including CD covers, press releases and promotion packets for several record labels, independent Artists and college commercial music departments. Her skills at developing talent led to creating a company of her own --Proclaim International was an artist management, public relations and booking agency. Clients included Big Cheese Productions, Frontline Records and God’s Dome Recordings. As the Director of Adult Education at Brentwood Church, Rebecca developed and coordinated family, marriage and parenting classes in addition to designing retreats, expositions, seminars and booking speakers.
Lisa Herbert
Marketing and Promotions
The combination of drama, music and high tech marketing are just some of the attributes of Lisa Herbert. Her extensive strategic marketing and brand-building, communications and event production are components of a career that has engaged Lisa in projects that have both propelled her accounts to successful launches with high profile return on investments. Graduating from Northwestern University and moving on to Yale and graduating from the Yale School of Drama Cabaret Symposium, Lisa began to develop her musicianship. The founding member of the jazz trio Chambers, Herbert and Ellis –Lisa can be heard singing jazz classics with modern twists of phrasing and syncopation. Lisa brings a multitude of skills to her position on the Board of Directors for MMLA.
Mykesha Robinson
Consultant
Mykesha is a driving force of energy, creativity, and experience strategically marketing her clients to optimum success. Mykesha is also a highly competitive, passionate, persuasive and articulate person who has achieved results others believed to be impossible. Honing her skills in community relations and development she is the founder of the first Los Angeles Community Development Corporation. Some of Mykesha’s career achievements have included being Creative Campaign Manager/Consultant for California State University Initiatives coordinating events to serve over 443,000 students statewide. Mykesha has managed advertising campaigns from clients that include Marriot, Kinecta, California State University System, Starbucks Corporation, Coca Cola, political campaigns and legal firms. Mykesha is a graduate of the prestigious University of Southern California, Los Angeles Center for Religion and Civic Culture, Passing the Mantle-Cecil Murray Center for Civic Engagement Fundraising and Community Development.
Kevin Bannerman
Special Projects
Kevin’s professional experience as a filmmaker has given him the opportunity and background to counsel students and professionals alike. As a film producer and studio executive for Walt Disney Feature Animation and Fox Family Films and Fox Animation, Kevin has contributed to the production and development of films as diverse as “The Lion King”, “Monkeybone”, “Forever Plaid: The Movie”, “Ever After,” “30 Days Until I’m Famous” and “Pocahontas.” Working as Special Advisor to the Animation Community for the Los Angeles Film School, Kevin has created a network of relationships serving the Computer Animation and Game Production Schools. He also reviews curriculum and makes suggestions for future classes based on the industry’s hiring needs. As a Career Advisor for students and graduates, Kevin reviews resumes and cover letters and connects them to potential employers. Kevin is currently serving in an Advisory capacity for several musical theatre organizations, including the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop.
Cesar Hernandez
Artist and Repertoire
Cesar as a jazz enthusiast first caught the attention of KJAZZ radio personality LeRoy Downs and Bubba Jackson while working as an intern at the radio station. Cesar was a sponge for knowledge and took his interest light years ahead of the curve by buying complete record catalogues and becoming an expert. The catalogues included Impulse Records, Kudu Records and CRI Records. Schooled at what Cesar calls the “University of Quincy Jones, Kenny Burrell, Herb Alpert, Michael White, Bob James, Hubert Laws, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Henderson and others.” Cesar works with the Grammy Foundation and the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs in music education programs in contributing to fostering the growth of jazz music to young students. Quincy Jones and Kenny Burrell gave Cesar a class to teach during a historic event held at UCLA’s Ralph J. Bunch School for African American Studies.
Karla Gordy Bristol
Film Projects
Whether conducting red carpet interviews, hosting celebrity events or producing, this entertainment broadcaster is a natural. Karla Gordy Bristol has well demonstrated that fact at numerous events such as, the Trumpet Awards, Academy Awards Post event, the Diversity Awards, Emmy’s Gifting Suite, the Heroes and Legends Awards, the Motown Museum Gala, consecutive Culver City’s Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, and the Children’s Dream Awards, to name a few. Her dynamic personality and smile radiate in front of the camera as she interviews celebrity entertainers and prominent business leaders around the country. Moving into TV and film, Karla recently made guest appearances on the Sinbad Reality Show, It’s Just Family and recently played a news anchor in a short film, “Sunset Red”. A talented product of the Motown family, Karla was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Beverly Hills, California. This ‘studio baby’ is the daughter of Iris Gordy, former Motown Records vice president & executive producer, and the late Johnny Bristol, legendary singer, songwriter, producer. Karla is proud to hail from a family which includes many other recognized talents, by far, the most illustrious being her great-uncle, Berry Gordy.
Mark L. Hummer
Chair Education Committee
Mark is a lifelong learner earning his first degree in Theatre and Speech Communication from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. He later followed with a Masters in Drama from the University of North Texas where he was names “Outstanding Graduate Student in Drama” for two years running. As a young adult Mark worked two and three jobs at a time as a substitute teacher, bakers assistant/cake decorator, assistant building manager for Orchestra Hall in Fort Worth, a tutor and an adult education instructor for the Lamar Community College. Still he was able to work semi-professionally as a stage director for the Arlington Opera Company and for several venues in Southern Colorado. Upon moving to California Mark is a full-time educator at Micheltorena Street School in Silver Lake and he decided to pursue another degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at California State University at Northridge. Mark is also involved with the community as the Co-Vice President of the Silver Lake Improvement Association and as an active member of Friends of the Observatory, Griffith Park Observatory
Alan Harrison
Board Member
Alan Harrison is a music industry corporate consultant in strategic planning, team building, branding, marketing, funding, Internet launches and management of talented performers through creative development/packaging. He serves on the boards of various organizations. He has built several successful businesses, raised money for non-profits for feeding the hungry with super foods both domestically and internationally. He also currently works in support of the building of orphanages and schools applying principles of renewable resources. Alan is a partner with the world’s most innovative and respected vocal instructor (whose students have won 135 Grammys); and they are preparing for construction of an academy for vocal studies. Favored pastimes include dancing, yoga, qigong and movies. He hopes all his work, including Make Music Los Angeles, will result in performers and audiences being inspired to choose to consistently create win/win partnerships with more health, wealth, wisdom, laughter and love for all – through music.
George Novinger
Special Projects
George has been a diplomat for the U.S. Department of State as Foreign Service Officer, Management Generalist, since 1989. He returned to the Los Angeles area in July 2010, and currently serves as Regional Director of the Office of Foreign Missions, Los Angeles (OFM/LA). He is the main point of contact for all foreign consulates located in Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. George founded and currently directs the Los Angeles Consular Corps Choir, a group of approximately 35 singers from 15+ countries dedicated to the idea of sharing positive universal values of beauty by making music together. George also leads a similar group in San Diego. While posted overseas as a foreign-service officer, George established international community choirs in Hong Kong, Osaka Japan, Asuncion Paraguay, Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei, Okinawa Japan, Seoul Korea and Damascus Syria.
Honorable Robert Farrell
Board Advisor
Robert Farrell’s distinguished career began to take hold while he was a student at UCLA in the 1960’s. As a member of CORE Bob became a “Freedom Rider” and forever associated with being a participant in a history making, life altering experience. The Freedom riders were a brave group of men and women who boarded busses, trains and planes and traveled to the South to test the 1960 Supreme Court ruling outlawing segregation in all interstate public facilities. Many people were beaten and jailed for their participation. Bob is a former Los Angeles City Councilmember giving more than 17 years of service to the community. He continues to give of his time and energy to projects he believes are in the best interest of the community. Bob’s interest today is in bringing Make Music Los Angeles to San Pedro.
Linda F. McShan
Special Projects
Linda’s background and life experiences have led her on a journey through entertainment, broadcasting and operations as an on air radio personality, commodity trading and early childhood education. Linda a devoted Buddhist has been a member of SGI-USA for twenty eight (28) years. The SGI-USA a faith based organization that uses the guidelines of Nichiren Buddhism is a global organization found in more than 192 countries. The framework of the SGI-USA inspired and made it possible for Linda to create programs working with community organizations specializing in youth development and awareness. Steps-2 Success a consulting firm founded by Linda recognizes the special needs of children at risk and addresses particular issues through art and music. Linda has returned to school, to complete her degree in Behavioral Psychology. She is specializing in art therapy for abused children. Linda’s own childhood began on the stage as a child performer dancing in her parents show business act. Linda on occasion can still be seen dancing with a local African dance company in parades and special events.
Elson Trinidad
Advisory Board
Elson Trinidad is a native Angeleno who currently juggles his roles as a musician and a community activist. Musically, he is a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist who has performed in venues such as the House of Blues and the Cathedral of Our Lady of The Angels, and has shared the stage with artists such as Stevie Wonder and members of the Black Eyed Peas. He previously gained international underground notoriety in the early 2000s as electronic dance music artist e:trinity and currently sings and plays for the gospel choir at St. Agatha Church in Mid-City L.A. He also fronts his own R&B/soul band, Elson and The Soul Barkada, which has performed at Echo Park’s Lotus Festival and at political events for Councilmember Eric Garcetti and Congresswoman Karen Bass. In the community, Elson is the founder and past president of the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council and has been an activist in his neighborhood for the past 16 years, having been responsible for putting his community of East Hollywood on the map. He also serves on the board of the Thai Community Development Center and the L.A. Dodgers Community Advisory Committee.