By Michael YEGHIAYAN

Supporters of Glendale’s arts and culture community gathered in North Hollywood to help raise funds to the sights of a 1950s newsroom and the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. The event, aptly named Pops & Props, was held on Saturday at one of the area’s largest prop houses.

The concert featured Matt Catingub and the Pops Quartet playing a set of mid-century era jazz classics before a backdrop of a 1950s television studio set. The evening’s music was inspired by George Clooney’s Oscar-nominated film “Good Night, and Good Luck.” The award winning music was arranged by Catingub. Attendees to Saturday’s event enjoyed the music while surrounded by original props from the set of the film.

“I don’t think it will be debated that the man is a musical genius,” said Glendale Arts CEO Elissa Glickman. “[Catingub] has a phenomenal ear for musicianship, he is able to bring some of the top musicians with him to the benefit of Glendale Pops.”

The venue for the event was North Hollywood’s History for Hire, a 30,000-square-foot prop house that supplies a number of props seen in film and on television.

“One of the nice things about Glendale Arts is that in addition to the Alex we can explore a number of other venues. Alex is a beautiful, unique landmark so we have to be creative to meet the standard it sets,” remarked Glickman. “History for Hire is probably one of the most unique spaces that we could ask for. It connects the industry of entertainment and gives a great backdrop for a concert, really allowing us to integrate the feeling of Hollywood into the performance.”

The concert raised money for Glendale Arts and the Glendale Pops Orchestra. While fees and ticket prices drive a significant portion of the organization’s revenue, community support and fundraising is necessary to supplement the operating budget and continued dedication to the Alex Theatre.

“Our first and primary responsibility is to the Alex,” said Glickman. “We will make investments in the preservation of the theatre and to keep it magnificently maintained.”

The Alex Theatre will close its doors between July 1 and Oct. 31 to complete a scheduled renovation and expansion of the venue. The $5.2 million project will expand the backstage area by 6,400 feet and upgrade a number of the facility’s amenities.

“The elimination of redevelopment funds casts uncertainty over the future of our financing, so we are dedicated to our cause over the long haul to continue securing funding while presenting top quality entertainment in a beloved venue,” said Glickman.

Glendale Arts recently hosted screening of classic James Bond films and is currently hosting a speaker series presented by Live Talks L.A. Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson is scheduled to speak at the Alex on June 12.

  MICHAEL YEGHIAYAN