Jan Glasband, 2025 Pillar of the Arts
Jan Glasband is a graphic artist by trade and owner of The Art Dept., a computer graphics business in Simi Valley, where she has lived since 1981. Her background in the arts led her to become a volunteer arts programmer and developer in the community, wishing to bring arts and culture to an underserved area – particularly the creation of arts educational programs for young people. Ms. Glasband is the Executive Director of the Simi Valley Cultural Association, a distinguished 501 (c)(3) non profit organization whose mission was to raise cultural awareness in the community through arts and education.
Some of the programs and peripheral producing organizations created by Ms. Glasband include Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi (ARTS)- a theatrical production company that has produced a season of live theater at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center since 1995; The Simi Valley Historical Ghost TouR; ARTS Performance Academy-A performing arts training program for ages six through adult; ARTS Summer Musical Theatre Workshop for Kids -a summer musical camp which began in 1989; Literature in Action -A free, after school program for high school aged children which teaches American literature and the classics through play production; Untold Stories and Living Authors Series – two programs that utilize actors to bring to life historical figures and famous authors; and Spectrum Collaborative – a mentorship program for LGBTQ+ youth focusing on arts and literature.
2025 Spotlight Award Honorees
Artist of the Year
Augusto Guardado
Augusto Guardado is a performer/artist born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and is celebrating his 10-year anniversary at the Center. His earliest credit at the CAC dates to Hairspray 2015 (IQ/Ensemble), and his most recent CAC credits include: In The Heights (Choreo), Beehive the 60’s Musical (Dir/Choreo), and Hairspray 2025 (Choreo). Augusto holds a B.A in Theatre from Cal State Northridge and would like to take a moment to thank Fred, his huge SVCAC family, and his familia for always believing in him and their never-ending support.
Young Artist of the Year
Anna Marie Melendrez
Anna Marie Melendrez, an 11-year-old passionate performer, has made a name for herself at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center with standout roles such as Little Girl in Ragtime, Susan in White Christmas, and Annie in Annie. She has also shone in many children’s theater productions. In April 2025, Anna won the People’s Choice-Youth Prize for singing at the Simi Valley Youth Council Talent Show and looks forward to a promising theater career.
Volunteer of the Year
Audrey Childress
Audrey Childress retired in 2019 after a 20-year career as a Tax Compliance Officer with the City of Los Angeles. She is the grandmother of two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great – great – grandchild. Audrey enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and giving back to the community. For the past two years, she has been a dedicated volunteer at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, generously contributing her time and energy to nearly every event.
Educator of the Year
Suzy Jeffords
Suzy Jeffords is a passionate high school drama teacher that has been running the Royal High school theater department since 2018 where she made her directorial debut with the musical “Little Shop of Horrors”. Miss Suzy, as she is called by her students, is known for her dedication to her students, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of the theater. Her classroom is a safe haven where students are encouraged to take risks, find their voices, and discover confidence both on and off the stage. Suzy is committed to making a theater a safe and inclusive space for everyone!
Spotlight Concert
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation celebrated over 30 years of supporting the Arts in our community with a Frank Sinatra Tribute Concert on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.
The Spotlight on Sinatra Tribute Concert featured the Walt Johnson Sinatra Tribute Band as they brought to life the musical legacy of Ol’ Blue Eyes for one night only on the Main Stage at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.
The Foundation thanks these sponsors and donors
for supporting Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation
Audiences were transported back to the golden era of big band music featuring members of Frank Sinatra’s original backup band. Legendary trumpeter Walt Johnson played with Frank Sinatra for over a decade and inherited the original music charts, bringing an authenticity to the band’s performance. With Michael Falcone as lead vocalist, the band captured the style, charisma, and vocal power that made Sinatra a global icon. Falcone’s smooth voice and magnetic stage presence delivered faithful renditions of Sinatra’s greatest hits — “Come Fly With Me,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “My Way,” and “New York, New York”
Backed by a full, swinging big band of top-tier musicians, the Walt Johnson Sinatra Tribute Band featuring Michael Falcone, delivered more than just a concert—it was a heartfelt celebration of one of America’s greatest entertainers, performed by artists who lived it and loved it, bringing Frank Sinatra’s legacy to life.
A pre-concert Italian dinner catered by Viva La Pasta was served in the DownStage Theater, followed by the award presentation recognizing the 2025 Spotlight Award recipients:
Jan Glasband, Pillar of the Arts
Augusto Guardado, Artist of the Year
Anna Marie Melendrez, Young Artist of the Year
Suzy Jeffords, Educator of the Year
Audrey Childress, Volunteer of the Year.
The Sinatra Tribute Concert — a charity event presented by the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation. The Foundation would like to thank all those who attended and helped shine a spotlight on our wonderful community.