On Saturday, Feb. 20, actors, musicians, and celebrated Angelenos will join together to benefit the Los Angeles Public Library at the Eighth Annual Toast, hosted by the Young Literati of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. Held at the historic AVALON Hollywood, the Young Literati’s biggest event of the year will be curated by philanthropist, entrepreneur, and Young Literati Chair Amanda Fairey; her husband, artist and activist Shepard Fairey; producer Samantha Hanks and actor/director Colin Hanks; actress Busy Philipps and her husband, screenwriter Marc Silverstein; and comedian Demetri Martin. Busy Philipps and Samantha Hanks will serve as Honorary Chairs of the event, with Philipps serving as the evening’s emcee.
Over the course of the evening, special guests including musician and technology creative Kenna; actor and comedian Randall Park (Fresh Off the Boat); comedian Tig Notaro; director Jason Reitman (Men, Women & Children); comedian and late night host Andy Richter; actress and comedian Kristen Schaal (Last Man on Earth); actress Jenny Slate (Obvious Child); actress and writer Sarah Thyre; actress and comedian Charlyne Yi (House) and others will read selections of literature from the Library’s vast collections – all focused on the theme of water as a vital resource. Attendees will also enjoy a live DJ set by Shepard Fairey and DJ Francesca Harding as well as a blaring performance by Buyepongo. We hope you’ll join us for this special night! Before you raise your glass for public libraries–here are a few fun highlights featuring the evening’s special guests.
Randall Park talks about the quirks of growing up in L.A. and becoming an actor:
Kristen Schaal talks to Andy Richter and Conan about how far she’ll go for a laugh on her hit show, Last Man on Earth:
One of Jenny Slate’s most memorable characters, Marcel the Shell:
Jason Reitman’s first foray into television with Hulu’s comedy series, Casual:
Charlyne Yi’s Many Impressions:
Learn about Kenna’s climb to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise awareness about the global water crisis in 2010.
Listen to Sarah Thyre’s podcast Crybabies, which she produces alongside writer Susan Orlean.
Hear a sample of Buyepongo’s hip-hop, classic reggae, jazz-infused funk:
And here is a recap of last year’s Toast.
Learn more about attending the Toast here.
Proceeds from the Eighth Annual Toast will support the Los Angeles Public Library’s Adult Literacy Services, which helps adults with English literacy skills below a sixth grade level improve their reading and writing proficiency through one-on-one tutoring, self-directed and online practice, and group classes literacy centers in 21 neighborhood libraries – all for free. The second largest library-based adult literacy program in the nation, the essential Library service aids the more than two million adults that lack basic English skills in Los Angeles County.