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SOME AMAZING TRIPS
CHINA - 2001
Invited to entertain in China!
CoCo Productions received an incredible invitation to ENTERTAIN in China. It was the most fantastic week of our lives!! We were part of the 35-Member Parkhurst Delegation.
(Over 4,000,000 people around the world have collected Violet Parkhurst's artwork. Considered by many to be the greatest living marine artist, Parkhurst specializes Sunsets, Seascapes, Lighthouses, and Wildlife.)
Fourteen hours on Air China was exciting, especially looking out over the vastness of the Arctic and the Bering Sea. When we landed, 50 school girls and boys greeted us with flowers and behind them was a 50' banner welcoming us. Actually, everywhere we went there were banners: at the airport, hotels, colleges and museums.
With a police escort, we were whisked away from the airport in limousines . The next morning, after a lavish breakfast, we were off to the Great Hall of the Peoples Republic of China. All the provinces were represented in the Hall with magnificent trapestries covering the walls -- such finely done silk embroidery that they looked like paintings.
From one ceremony to the next, we made our way to the China National Museum of Fine Arts in Beijing for the presentation of Violet's painting, "Moonlight Southern California" to the museum director. (Only VIPs and Heads of State were invited.) After the ceremony, we were escorted back to the hotel to rest and get ready for our welcoming banquet hosted by the Governor.
Welcoming Banquest, Beijing China: Among the guests that evening were 220 of the most prominent people in Beijing -- actors, actresses, opera singers, senators, governors and the American Ambassador. Also in attendance was Luo Zhongfu, who, according to Forbes Magazine, is the richest man in China. Larry Covin, CoCo Productions, was the guest singer and dedicated a special song to Violet for her birthday. (What an honor to perform in front of such a distinguished audience!).
The next days were spent visiting the Forbidden City, The Great Wall, and the Jade Factory. We then flew to Chanchung, where we were met with a police motorcade and was taken to Jilin Art College. Can you imagine, a 200-piece band welcomed our 35-member delegation?! Jilin College is only 1 1/2 years old and it was magnificent! (Violet was installed as Professor Emeritus.) The students were studying cartooning, art and animation.
Later that evening when we were hosted for dinner in the very room where President Nixon and Mao Tse Tun had met to discuss the opening of China to America 30 years before. The next day we went to Shanghai for sampan rides and visits to silk factories.
Farewell Banquet:
The Farewell Banquet was a grand affair -- about 200 people attended. Again, Larry was the guest singer and sang several American songs to the special guests. The Chinese crowd loved it when he sang "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and presented him with a special gift after his performance. As usual, Larry did a superb performance! Marsha gave gifts of 'pens' with American flags on them as a guesture of our appreciation for their hospitality.
Then we had to say "good bye" to China.
Washington D.C. - 1997
Invited to entertain in Washington D.C.
CoCo Productions was requested to ENTERTAIN in Washington D.C. by "The Colour Me Freedom Foundation".
The exhibit and entertainment was approved by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the opening Reception held on May 6.