Emerson LA hosts EVVYs party

Former EVVY Awards hosts Gabi Conti '09 and Dan Perrault '09 broadcast live from Emerson Los Angeles during this year's EVVY Awards, which were held in Boston. (Photo by Daryl Paranada)

For the first time in its 34-year history, the EVVY Awards broadcast Emerson College Los Angeles students live during a viewing party May 16 at the Los Angeles center.

“Last year I watched the EVVYs on my desktop [computer],” said Lisa Laudeman-Campbell, P ’16, whose son Alexander operated one of the cameras during the ceremony. “This is more festive. It makes it more real.”

Students, parents, and alumni gather for the EVVYs viewing party at Emerson Los Angeles on May 16. (Photo by Daryl Paranada)

Laudeman and other guests watched the ceremony on four large monitors on ELA’s outdoor terrace while munching on snacks and enjoying music from a DJ.

During the ceremony, the EVVY Awards cut to ELA live three different times, showcasing the stunning building and the 50 or so guests in attendance at the party. Former EVVY Awards hosts Dan Perrault ’09 and Gabi Conti ’09 took on hosting duties for the West Coast.

The EVVYs viewing party at ELA on May 16. (Photo by Daryl Paranada)

For Janet Mari LeBlanc, P '17, the event was an opportunity to bond with other Emerson parents as well as watch her daughter, Lea, on screen. Lea, an assistant choreographer on the show, was featured in a couple of dance numbers during the ceremony.

“I’m really, really excited,” said LeBlanc. “They’ve all worked so hard.”

Ken and Janet Mari LeBlanc, both P '17, attended the EVVYs viewing party at ELA. Their daughter, Lea, worked on the awards show. (Photo by Daryl Paranada)

Ira Goldstone ’71 attended the event because he was curious to see how the students would do and wanted to watch the show with fellow Emersonians.

“Getting experience on a live broadcast is really a great opportunity for the students,” said Goldstone. “It will be interesting to see how [ELA] is featured in the future.”

Ira Goldstone '71 participated in the EVVY Awards in the late 1960s and early '70s. (Photo by Daryl Paranada)