LONG BEACH - Founder and former artistic director Shashin Desai will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award when International City Theatre celebrates its 26th anniversary at "Encore 2011" on Sept. 24.ICT's board of directors will also present Aquarium of the Pacific president and CEO Dr. Jerry Schubel and Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Randy Gordon with the theater's James Ackerman Crystal Arts and Humanitarian Award for their significant contribution to arts, culture and education in Long Beach. The evening will feature celebrity entertainment, silent and live auctions, and a gourmet dinner. "We're hoping many of the people who worked with Shashin over the years will join us to pay tribute to him and our other worthy honorees," said caryn densai (sic), who was appointed artistic director by the board when Shashin stepped aside last March. "He has never had a retirement party or celebration and this is it. After giving his life to theater, it is absolutely appropriate and necessary to publicly acknowledge his contribution to this art form and to celebrate his achievements." "Encore" is an annual black-tie event that raises funds to support ICT's work at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center and its outreach programs. This year's "Encore" will take place Sept. 25 in the Grand Ballroom of the Long Beach Convention Center in downtown Long Beach. Tickets range from $175 to $250, a portion of which is tax deductible. For reservations, or for more information, call (562) 436-4610.

********** Published: September 08, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 21