Message from Leah Vasquez...
Hello, Artwalking friends! We welcome you to another inspiring episode of Artwalking Radio here in beautiful Laguna Beach, where creativity and community thrive together. This week, we’re delighted to bring you not one but two extraordinary guests who are shaping the cultural landscape of our town! First, we have Daniel Gary Busby, a remarkable artist whose dynamic works captivate and inspire. Daniel’s art explores the intersections of form, texture, and emotion, creating visual narratives that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. We’ll dive into his creative process, hear about his journey, and get an exclusive peek at what’s next for him. Joining us as well is Tom Horvath, Director of Marketing and Communications from the iconic Laguna Playhouse, a cornerstone of our arts community. Tom will share insights into the exciting programs and productions that continue to make the Playhouse a cultural gem, along with behind-the-scenes stories that bring the magic of live theater to life. It’s a lineup you won’t want to miss! Tune in this [day/time], and celebrate the vibrant artistic spirit of Laguna Beach with us. Keep walking in art, Leah Vasquez
Daniel Gary Busby
Daniel, M.M., D.M.A./UCLA has made a varied career as a pianist, singer, conductor, teacher, administrator, philanthropreneur, and music critic. In his retirement, he takes joy in walking and caring for dogs under his DaddyDogDaycare auspices.A versatile conductor. Dr. Busby’s theatrical credits span both the musical theater and operatic genres—from Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell to Igor Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress.
With a career that spans 40 years and has had global reach, he is equally fluent in genres of cabaret, traditional musical theatre, new musical work, opera, drama, and comedy. He has been a regular musical fixture at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera, and universities like USC, UCLA, and UC Irvine. He will be serving as the music director for International City Theatre’s upcoming production of DESPERATE MEASURES in Long Beach, CA. The show runs from 20 February to 9 March 2025 at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center.
BRIEF HISTORY:
Born of mixed parentage, a German Jewish father and a Mexican Catholic mother, Gary grew up in Anaheim, California. His father, though an engineer was the nephew of the great film choreographer Busby Berkeley… the Busby family owned what has become the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus and performing is in the genetics.
Gary’s mother, Carmen, was a big band singer in her youth and instilled in him a sense of how a singer can shape a lyric, bend a musical line, and interpret a song. It is from her that Gary draws on his deep connection to his mexican/indigenous roots.
Tom Horvath
Tom is Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations, is a marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in the theatre industry. He began his career as a performer, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance from Wagner College, followed by a Master of Arts in Arts and Culture Management with a marketing concentration from the University of Denver.
With a background that combines both on-stage and off-stage expertise, Tom has focused on adapting to post-COVID operations in his work. Most recently, he served as Director of Brand Development for a senior living community, where he enhanced brand identity and secured major partnerships with organizations such as Hoag and California State University Long Beach, strengthening the overall well-being of residents and providing an appropriate environment for them to age-in-place. Now, Tom is thrilled to apply his skills at the Laguna Playhouse, where his passion for the arts and marketing will help create impactful, community-driven initiatives.
In addition to his work at the Laguna Playhouse, Tom serves as a Board Member for the non-profit agency Professional Arts Education Center (PAEC) in Torrance, where he assists with marketing, fundraising campaigns, and creating opportunities for South Bay youth to achieve their dreams of becoming theatrical performers.
