Philanthropy Technology & The Performing Arts
With an entertainment career spanning over 30 years, Chris Morano brings experience from all facets of the industry, having been
a performer, artist representative, presenter and public relations personality. Beginning in the early 1970's as a child-prodigy ragtime pianist, he led the first ragtime band to appear at the Monterey Jazz Festival. While in high school, the California Band Director's Association named him the top bass clarinetist for the state of California in 1976 and 1977.
The early 1980's often brought him success in print advertisement (Dr. Pepper), and television (Father Murphy, Little House On the Prairie, various commercials). In the late-1980's, the American College Theater Festival awarded him "Best Actor in a Leading Role - non-student" for his role in a production of the three-person play "Key Exchange". He continued to perform in straight drama and musical theater, and in 1989, co-formed a vocal jazz quartet, Club Vocalese, in San Francisco.
Mr. Morano began his work in artist management, public relations and booking in 1995, and has worked frequently with and befriended Julie Wilson, Hadda Brooks, Kim Nalley, Jeff Harnar, Lavay Smith, Preacher Boy, Anita O'Day, Charles Brown, Little Jimmy Scott, and various acts in cabaret, vocal jazz and blues. He has done graphic art for numerous Bay Area venues and has re-mastered the audio and created album cover art for several recording artists.
Chris' first production as a presenter and Executive Producer, "Deep In a Dream - the Life and Music of Chet Baker" in September 2002, enthralled audiences at both the Castro Theater in San Francisco and at the prestigious Jazzschool in Berkeley, California. In one month, he was able to book both venues, hire the talent (renowned author James Gavin, Chicago jazz vocalist Spider Saloff, Broadway/cabaret legend Julie Wilson, film/television actor Holt McCallany, etc.), create all facets of the graphic arts, and do a major publicity campaign that included print, radio interviews and performances, and television appearances. He was also involved in the touring production of the program, which appeared at the Green Mill in Chicago and Joe’s Pub in New York City (2004).
