Gina N. Zamparelli (8 May 1959 – 21 May 2018) was an American,

Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...

–based, concert promoter.

Family

Zamparelli was the daughter of Sri-Lankan model and Miss Universe title-holder

Maureen Hingert Maureen Neliya Ballard (née Hingert) (born 9 January 1937), also professionally known as Jana Davi is a former Sri Lankan dancer, model, actress and beauty pageant titleholder. Biography Hingert was born on 9 January 1937 in Colombo, Ceylon. ...

and

American American(s) may refer to: * American, something of, from, or related to the United States of America, commonly known as the "United States" or "America" ** Americans, citizens and nationals of the United States of America ** American ancestry, pe ...

designer

Mario Armond Zamparelli Mario Armond Zamparelli (June 4, 1921 – September 8, 2012) was an American artist and designer, best known for his connection with Howard Hughes. Life Zamparelli was perhaps best known for his connection with Howard Hughes. For 18 years, Zampare ...

Career

Zamparelli was the first woman concert promoter to produce concerts in major venues with national-level artists in the United States. She sold out every concert in over a decade of shows in Los Angeles, helping to break in many bands and secure them record deals. She had produced concerts at Perkins Palace,

The Roxy Theatre The Roxy Theatre (often just the Roxy) is a nightclub on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California, owned by Lou Adler and his son, Nic. History The Roxy was opened on September 23, 1973, by Elmer Valentine and Lou Adler, along with ...

, The

Whisky a Go Go The Whisky a Go Go (informally nicknamed "the Whisky") is a historic nightclub in West Hollywood, California, United States. It is located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard on the Sunset Strip, corner North Clark Street, opposite North San Vicente Boul ...

, The

Hollywood Palladium The Hollywood Palladium is a theater located at 6215 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. It was built in a Streamline Moderne, Art Deco style and includes an dance floor including a mezzanine and a floor level with room for up to 4,000 ...

, The

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is a multi-purpose convention center at 1855 Main Street in Santa Monica, California, owned by the City of Santa Monica. It was built in 1958 and designed by Welton Becket and as a concert venue, it has a seating cap ...

and The Wadsworth Theatre. Her company also managed Perkins Palace (also known as the Raymond Theatre) in Pasadena, California. She built Perkins Palace into one of Los Angeles' top venues for live music, which has left its mark on popular music history. Additionally, Zamparelli was active in

historic preservation Historic preservation (US), built heritage preservation or built heritage conservation (UK), is an endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historical significance. It is a philos ...

. She formed a non-profit organization, Friends of the Raymond Theatre, whose mission was to save this historic landmark theater. She waged one of the longest (20-year) battles fought for a historic landmark in the city of Pasadena.

Honors and achievements

Perkins Palace (aka The Raymond Theatre) was awarded a "top grossing venue" while under operation by Zamparelli. For her work in historic preservation, she had been awarded Pasadena's Best Citizen of the Year, Pasadena's Best Historic Preservation Organization and Best Preservation organization in the State of California by the California Preservation Foundation. She sat on the Board of Directors for Hollywood Heritage.

Death

Zamparelli died on 21 May 2018 after a short illness. She had been diagnosed with

glioblastoma Glioblastoma, previously known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is one of the most aggressive types of cancer that begin within the brain. Initially, signs and symptoms of glioblastoma are nonspecific. They may include headaches, personality ch ...

, an aggressive cancer of the brain.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zamparelli, Gina 1959 births 2018 deaths American people of Sri Lankan descent Businesspeople from Los Angeles Place of birth missing 20th-century American businesswomen 20th-century American businesspeople 21st-century American businesswomen 21st-century American businesspeople Deaths from brain cancer in the United States Deaths from glioblastoma