Host Bart Zandbergen was joined in the studio by long time Laguna Beach resident and entrepreneur Alec Glasser. Founding Laguna Beach\u2019s iconic The Drake Restaurant just before the pandemic, Alec launched The Drake Gives last year which is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). The organization\u2019s mission is to connect, inspire and provide underserved youth with the music education, materials and instruments they need and deserve to fuel their passions and experience the power of music. In this special episode, Alec shares why music education is important to him and how his passion for The Drake began in the fabled Drake Hotel in New York City. Opening its doors in 1928, the Drake Hotel ushered in a new era of elegance along with a client list that read like a Who’s Who. During Alec’s tenure at the hotel which began in his teenage years, it was also the preferred address for touring musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who and Led Zeppelin, as well as boxing legend Mohamad Ali and “Rat Pack” members Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To raise funds for The Drake Gives, a special speakeasy style event called The Drake After Dark is taking place December 1st<\/sup>, 2022 from 6:30-late at Laguna Beach\u2019s famed Seven Degrees venue. Where great food meets great music, The Drake After Dark will be an immersive experience complete with interactive food stations, exceptional wines and craft cocktails, first class live entertainment including a band and special guests, and fundraising opportunities featuring a silent auction and live auction led by none other than auctioneer Zack Krone. Chef Donald Lockhart of Seven Degrees will be leading the evening\u2019s culinary offering which will not disappoint. The celebratory affair will honor Doug Freeman, CEO and Executive Chair of Orange County Music and Dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this episode learn more about:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n – Alec Glasser\u2019s star-studded history with the Drake Hotel in New York City When asked what his Ultimate Lesson Learned has been, Alec shared, \u201cGreatness comes from taking responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– What prompted Alec as a Laguna local to open The Drake Restaurant
– Why music education is important to Alec and how it inspired him to launch The Drake Gives
– What boxing legend Mohamad Ali used to talk with him about at the Drake Hotel
– What to expect at The Drake After Dark Event happening December 1st<\/sup>, 2022<\/p>\n\n\n\n