Malibu looks to land big names for 2014 speaker series

0
288
File photo: Martin Sheen

Capitalizing on the success of its 2013 speaker series, the City of Malibu is considering inviting big stars such as Martin Sheen, Geena Davis, Dick Van Dyke and Dustin Hoffman.

On Monday the city’s Library Subcommittee, made up of Mayor Joan House and Councilwoman Laura Rosenthal, will finalize a list of recommendations for the City Council set forth by the Cultural Arts Commission. City officials are hoping to host at least one speaker per month next year, according to a staff report.

Categories of speakers include authors, performers, director/producers and music performers. Emilio Estevez, producer Mark Burnett, author Joan Didion, actor Cheech Marin, anthropologist Jane Goodall and producer Steven Bochco are among the other recommendees.

The city has set aside $75,000 in funding for the 2014 speaker series.

“The majority of the events will be held in the Malibu Library Community Room which can accommodate 100 people. Staff recommends that two to three events be held at the Malibu Civic Theater in City Hall in order to accommodate a large audience,” according to the staff report.

This year, the city played host to authors Garth Stein, Elizabeth Gilbert, Kerry Max Cook, Anne Lamott. Author Susan Casey (“The Wave”) is scheduled to speak next Wed., August 28 at City Hall with special guest Laird Hamilton. MOCA curator Mary Lenihan also spoke in July.

In September, the city’s Youth Commission will provide its recommendations to the Library Subcommittee as well. To view the full staff report for Monday’s subcommittee meeting, visit here.