My son learned to talk by listening to Barry Manilow. Born with multiple defects, Geo spoke his first words after watching Manilow's 1985 film, Copacabana. Now 30, Geo still has a host of medical issues that affect his ability to live a normal life, but his love for the man who “makes the whole world sing” is still strong, and, hence, so is his love of music. Unbeknownst to many, Manilow has quietly assisted youngsters in a more direct way through his Manilow Music Project, which helps pay for instruments in schools across the country. So tonight at the Ahmanson, he will be honored for his contributions at the 25th anniversary of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, a tuition-free institution for young visual and performing artists. Also performing: Josh Groban, Marilyn Horne, Placido and Dominic Domingo, Julie Andrews, Quincy Jones and students and alumni of the school. Music can make a world of difference in the life of a child.

Sat., April 17, 7:30 p.m., 2010

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