Bill Fulton on keys or piano at The Harlyne J Norris Pavilion

Bill Fulton piano at Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion in Rolling Hills Estates was a two-day February 2016 engagement. Fulton rehearsed with the band on February 5, then returned for the February 6 program. The schedule combined dinner music, featured vocal accompaniment, and a Broadway-themed performance with young guest singers.

Music before the evening performance

First, Fulton had a 5 p.m. sound check with vocalist Courtney Fortune at the Norris Pavilion. At 5:30 p.m., he played background dinner music with woodwind player David Sills. Then Fortune joined Fulton for a 6:30–7:30 p.m. dinner set of standard songs. Afterward, Fulton returned to background music with Sills until about 8 p.m.

Fortune had already built a career as a jazz and pop singer-songwriter. Her official biography notes work as a performer, songwriter, and music mentor. Meanwhile, Sills had become a longtime presence on the Southern California jazz scene. His background includes saxophone performance and extensive work as a woodwind player. Those careers added experienced Los Angeles-area musicians to the dinner portion of the engagement.

Broadway music at the Norris Pavilion

At 8 p.m., the musicians scheduled a run-through of “Memory” and “Comedy Tonight.” Then the 9 p.m. program called for Fulton to accompany guest young singers for one hour. Bass, drums, and woodwind rounded out the group for the Broadway material. For the engagement, Fulton wore a black tuxedo and black bow tie.

The Palos Verdes Performing Arts history places the Pavilion within a local arts organization dating to the 1970s. The 14,000-square-foot Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion opened in 1999. In addition, the facility supports performances, classes, rehearsals, and community events. Its address is 501 Indian Peak Road in Rolling Hills Estates.

Rehearsal, keyboard cartage, and pay

The job began the previous night with a 7–11 p.m. band rehearsal at the Norris Theatre. Fulton needed to bring a keyboard, with amplification still being checked in the advance instructions. The quoted compensation was $320, subject to 3% AFM work dues, plus $120 keyboard cartage. The correspondence also offered an extra $80 for the added dinner music.

Therefore, Bill Fulton piano at Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion covered much more than the final one-hour show. The engagement moved from rehearsal to dinner sets, sound checks, and Broadway accompaniment across two days. More of Fulton’s performing work appears in his keyboardist and pianist credits.

Artist: Bill Fulton on keys or piano
Date/Time: February 6, 2016 12:00 am
Venue: The Harlyne J Norris Pavilion
Address: 501 Indian Peak Rd Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
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