Lerian to step down as director of Kirkland Performance Center

After a decade and a half of leading Kirkland Performance Center (KPC), Steve Lerian resigned as Executive Director of Kirkland’s largest arts organization. Lerian has accepted a position as Director of Cal Poly Arts, the arts presenting program at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

August 11, 2008 4:51 pm

After a decade and a half of leading Kirkland Performance Center (KPC), Steve Lerian resigned as Executive Director of Kirkland’s largest arts organization. Lerian has accepted a position as Director of Cal Poly Arts, the arts presenting program at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

He was the founding Executive Director of KPC, led the organization through its capital campaign and construction in the mid-1990s and has served as CEO though the 10 years of the operational history of the theatre.

“Steve’s impact on the arts scene of the Seattle area, and particularly on the Eastside, has been huge,” said KPC board president Doreen Marchione. Daniel Y. Mayer, the current general manager of KPC, will serve as the interim executive director.

To send off Lerian “in style,” the KPC has named him the guest of honor for its annual golf tournament fundraising event Sept. 26 at the Trilogy Golf Club in Redmond.

Speaking on behalf of the city of Kirkland, City Manager Dave Ramsay said of Lerian’s work at KPC, “Steve has been the heart and soul of the Kirkland Performance Center … We are very sorry to see him go, but wish him all the best.”

“I have spent much of my professional life at the helm of Kirkland Performance Center,” Lerian said. “It has truly been a labor of love.”

Despite its modest size and only 400 seats, KPC has hosted many world class artists through its decade of presenting. Highlights have including Broadway and film star Bernadette Peters in its opening concert in 1998, Judy Collins, The Moscow Circus, The Peking Acrobats, The Vienna Boys Choir, Arlo Guthrie, Celtic music star Natalie MacMaster and, most recently, vocal virtuoso Bobby McFerrin as part of celebration of the KPC’s 10th Anniversary.

“My real legacy is seen on the faces of audience members as they leave the theatre having experienced something unexpected and memorable,”he said. “That’s what I will miss the most.”

For more information on the KPC’s annual golf tournament fundraiser and farewell luncheon, contact www.kpcenter.org to download a brochure or call the KPC development office at 425-828-0422 x. 225.