From the museum archives, the April 1967 concert ticket donated by a Monrovia High alumni. Friendly rivals for decades, the two high schools came together for one unforgettable evening in 1967. Here's the remarkable story of how a student promoter from Arcadia High brought a little-known rock band to the stage at Monrovia High—just weeks before "Light My Fire" made music history.
Just weeks before they became famous on the radio and “Light My Fire” hit #1 on the charts, The Doors played on April 28,1967 in Monrovia High School’s Auditorium.
Just weeks before they became famous on the radio and “Light My Fire” hit #1 on the charts, The Doors played on April 28,1967 in Monrovia High School’s Auditorium.
According to Arcadia High's student, Leanne Meyers, who promoted the 1967 concert, presented as “The Happening”, The Doors were not her first choice. She had attempted to book Sergio Mendez, of Brazil 66, but their price was too high. The Doors first album wasn’t released yet— Light My Fire was on the radio, but the band was still relatively unknown, so they were affordable. They performed 3 songs - Break On Through, When The Music's Over, and Light My Fire. Three other bands played that night. Leanne has since claimed, humorously, that she's the only promoter to have ever lost money on The Doors.
Monrovia’s auditorium stage crew, Tom Ruzika, MHS Stage Manager Mr. MacIntosh, Leslie Peterson were on hand at the concert. The stage crew was instrumental in the audio-visual effects for all programs at the school and has had a long and celebrated run through the many years of Monrovia High School’s history.
Monrovia’s auditorium stage crew, Tom Ruzika, MHS Stage Manager Mr. MacIntosh, Leslie Peterson were on hand at the concert. The stage crew was instrumental in the audio-visual effects for all programs at the school and has had a long and celebrated run through the many years of Monrovia High School’s history.
The Stage Crew, photo from the Monrovia NewsPost 1967. Tom Ruzika is seated, second from right. Perhaps even more remarkable than the concert itself is what became of two of the young people who helped make it happen. As high school students, Leanne Meyers was promoting live entertainment while Tom Ruzika was working behind the scenes in theatrical production. Neither could have imagined that the experience they gained that evening would foreshadow careers spanning decades. Each would go on to become a respected leader in the very industries they were already exploring as teenagers.
Leanne Meyers (Arcadia High School, Class of 1968) went on to become a successful entertainment industry entrepreneur. After promoting The Happening concert as a high school student, she helped pioneer the development of SoundScan, VideoScan, and Soundata—companies whose computerized sales-tracking systems revolutionized the way the music and entertainment industries measure record and video sales. She later founded the Los Angeles-based Prana Entertainment Group, where she continues to serve as CEO.
Tom Ruzika (Monrovia High School - Class of 68’) went on to become the founder of The Ruzika Company, Lighting Design & Theatre Consultants, one of the nation's leading lighting design and theatre consulting firms, specializing in theatrical, architectural, entertainment, and performing arts lighting. His award-winning work has illuminated Broadway productions, national tours, major regional theatres, theme parks around the world, hotels, museums, and historic buildings. In addition, Tom has consulted on more than 100 performing arts facilities, including the renovation of numerous historic school auditoriums throughout California, and has received multiple industry honors, including the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Lifetime Achievement Award in Lighting and the Lighting Dimensions Designer of the Year Award.
Beyond his distinguished professional career, Tom has generously shared his expertise with the Monrovia Historical Museum, volunteering countless hours to enhance the lighting throughout our exhibits. His thoughtful design and technical knowledge have literally and figuratively illuminated our collections, allowing visitors to experience Monrovia's history in a whole new light. Read this feature article about Tom’s most recent involvement with the Museum.
Leanne Meyers (Arcadia High School, Class of 1968) went on to become a successful entertainment industry entrepreneur. After promoting The Happening concert as a high school student, she helped pioneer the development of SoundScan, VideoScan, and Soundata—companies whose computerized sales-tracking systems revolutionized the way the music and entertainment industries measure record and video sales. She later founded the Los Angeles-based Prana Entertainment Group, where she continues to serve as CEO.
Tom Ruzika (Monrovia High School - Class of 68’) went on to become the founder of The Ruzika Company, Lighting Design & Theatre Consultants, one of the nation's leading lighting design and theatre consulting firms, specializing in theatrical, architectural, entertainment, and performing arts lighting. His award-winning work has illuminated Broadway productions, national tours, major regional theatres, theme parks around the world, hotels, museums, and historic buildings. In addition, Tom has consulted on more than 100 performing arts facilities, including the renovation of numerous historic school auditoriums throughout California, and has received multiple industry honors, including the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Lifetime Achievement Award in Lighting and the Lighting Dimensions Designer of the Year Award.
Beyond his distinguished professional career, Tom has generously shared his expertise with the Monrovia Historical Museum, volunteering countless hours to enhance the lighting throughout our exhibits. His thoughtful design and technical knowledge have literally and figuratively illuminated our collections, allowing visitors to experience Monrovia's history in a whole new light. Read this feature article about Tom’s most recent involvement with the Museum.
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