Celebrating One Umbrella Productions’ First Anniversary with a Look Back at Kata’s “Loving You” Valentine’s Day Concert
Note: This article is quite detailed, but it’s worth your time. Please read until the end. For those who missed this enchanting evening, a replay of this fabulous musical event is shared below, but nothing compares to experiencing Kata’s towering voice and captivating performance live. – Jump to Full Event Converage Video
As we celebrate the first anniversary of One Umbrella Productions, we look back at their remarkable Valentine’s Day Concert, “Loving You,” held on February 14th, 2024, at the prestigious Arizona Broadway Theater. Headlined by the extraordinary Catherine “Kata” Rochefort and featuring the accomplished pianist Michael Lopez, this concert not only showcased incredible musical talent but also supported the Children’s Cancer Network.
The event, which combined soulful music with romance, began with guests being welcomed by hors d’oeuvres and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The soft music and sponsor slideshow set the mood perfectly, leading up to Kata’s grand entrance against a backdrop of falling petals.
Kata, despite her petite stature, is a vocal powerhouse. Her performance of classics like “My Funny Valentine” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” was nothing short of mesmerizing. Each song was thoughtfully staged, with visuals that enhanced the emotional depth of her performances, such as the stars and moon backdrop for “I’ll Be Seeing You” and the energetic vibe of “New York, New York.”
One of the concert’s standout moments was Kata’s rendition of “Loving You,” originally by Minnie Ripperton. This song, known for its demanding vocal range, was performed with remarkable skill and passion, showcasing Kata’s exceptional talent and making it a highlight of the evening.
Kata, “Loving You” – Full Event Coverage
Michael Lopez played a crucial role in the concert’s success. His masterful accompaniment and musical direction elevated each performance, creating a seamless and enchanting experience that left the audience in awe.
The intermission allowed guests to reflect on the first half’s magic while enjoying refreshments. The concert resumed with powerful performances like “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” and lively numbers such as “At Last” and “Besame Mucho.”
A particularly touching part of the night was the dedication to the Children’s Cancer Network. A video presentation and a special song paid tribute to the children and families supported by the Network, emphasizing the concert’s meaningful impact. Both Kata and Mike are members of the Phoenix One World Global Artists Lions Club, and their involvement in this cause aligns with the club’s mission to serve and support the community.
The evening concluded with a final set of unforgettable performances, followed by a photo opportunity and meet-and-greet with Kata and Michael. Their chemistry and combined talents were praised by all in attendance, making the concert a truly memorable experience.
Attendees described the event as “a dream come true,” with many noting how the romantic atmosphere and Kata’s powerful vocals created an unforgettable evening. One guest remarked, “You truly touched our hearts with your selection of songs. It was captivating and amazing.”
Photo Credit: Ihman Esturco Photography
Gratitude and Thanks
Kata expressed her deep gratitude to everyone who made this event possible, especially her many sponsors and supporters. She highlighted the meticulous efforts of Michael and Jennifer Lewis in handling logistics, Ihman Esturco’s creative brilliance in crafting promotional materials, and Riz Sizemore’s remarkable versatility and dedication. Kata also thanked Dr. Richelle Miller, 2024 Arizona Multi-District (21N&S) Childhood Cancer Chair and current President of the Phoenix Rainbow Lions Club, for her support and introduction to the beneficiary, and Alvin Moyer for his exceptional talent in hair and makeup. This event would not have been possible without the generous support of her sponsors.
As we look back, it’s essential to recognize the broader impact of Kata and Michael’s performances. Their debut at the Arizona Broadway Theater marked a significant moment for the Arizona Filipino community, being the first from their community to grace this distinguished venue. Their talents elevated the concert to a level of excellence associated with the theater, and their efforts have ushered in a new era for the local community, celebrating both local and international talent. More about their first show can be found here: On Stage: Kata & Mike
Their success has inspired a dynamic entertainment scene in Arizona, catering to the Filipino community. Performances by well-known local artists like the Visayan Diva Marian Alcordo at Casino Arizona and Vina Morales at the Arizona Broadway Theater have followed. This heightened activity in the entertainment scene shows no signs of slowing down, with upcoming events such as the Marcelito Pomoy Concert on August 25th, Tuesday Vargas & Alex Calleja on August 30th, and an appearance by Zumba celebrity Kramer on September 8th as part of the Zumba craze. Check out our Events Calendar for details.
From this author’s perspective, Kata and Michael deserve credit for serving as catalysts to jump-start the entertainment scene in the Valley. Not in recent memory have there been so many options for quality entertainment, and Arizona seems to be attracting more talent, with no signs of this trend slowing down in the near future.
Congratulations to One Umbrella Productions for reaching this milestone, and we are hopeful that more will come from this talented team in the not-too-distant future.
About the Author
Michael is joined at the hip with the Filipino American community through family, friends, and his love for the food. Over the past 15 years+, he has been an active "behind the scenes" contributor to a variety of Filipino community groups, events, and activities. Michael is also ringleader of the FilAm FamBam crew and in his free time enjoys RV'ing and anything tech.
