THE DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES: YOUR DOSE OF INSPIRATION AND CONNECTION

Most residents of Long Beach agree that one of our city’s perks is that it retains a big city vibe with a small town feel. Well for those of you who haven’t heard yet, another one of those beautiful “big city perks” has landed in our backyard, and is uniquely intellectual in a world-class kind of way.

The Distinguished Speaker Series will enter its 31st season total - and 4th in Long Beach this year - with the type of all-star lineup that has made them an institution.

Trevor Noah, Malcolm Gladwell, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Zanny Minton Beddoes, Emily Chang and the National Geographic duo of Pete McBride & Kevin Fedarko take the stage at the Terrace Theater this year to discuss a broad range of topics from comedy to economics, medicine, AI, geography, politics, technology and more. The series is sold in subscription packages for all six evenings starting at $240. Each presentation begins at 7:30pm at the Terrace Theater.

“Our mission is to offer audiences across Southern California a unique way to enjoy a monthly dose of inspiration and connection,” said co-owner Kathy Winterhalder. “Our events spark engaging conversations, new ways to look at things, and thoughtful discussion on the ideas and issues that both shape our lives and challenge our times. We give neighbors from differing backgrounds and political persuasions the opportunity to come together during a time where it is both rare and necessary.”

According to Kathy, the difference between The Distinguished Speaker Series and other forms of entertainment is the return on investment. “Billionaires and CEOs understand the value of experiencing thought leaders live; they get exclusive invitations and pay tens of thousands of dollars traveling the world to attend events. We present many of the same speakers as these forums. However, the big distinction is - for the price of a good steak dinner - we bring the same experience to our subscribers at the Terrace Theater.”   

The series kicks off on October 14, 2024, with Trevor Noah, the Emmy Award-winning host of The Daily Show. Noah, a global comedian and best-selling author, whose accomplishments and influence extend worldwide with two sold-out stand-up comedy tours, wrote a bestselling autobiography about being “Born a Crime” in South Africa. Most recently as Microsoft’s Chief Question Officer and known globally as one of comedy’s busiest and brightest stars, Noah will join the Series for a rare, intimate evening of conversation that will span his adolescent upbringing in apartheid South Africa, his barrier-breaking career and his new book, “Into the Uncut Grass.”  

Malcolm Gladwell, world-renowned observer and thinker, will take the stage on November 21, 2024. Gladwell has spent his career searching for the counterintuitive in what we all take to be the mundane: cookies, sneakers, and pasta sauce. Thanks to his best-selling books, these ordinary subjects have helped millions of readers grasp complex ideas like behavioral economics and performance prediction. Gladwell will take the stage to discuss his soon to-be-released new book and findings that topple the popular understanding of bias, crime, food, marketing, race, consumers and intelligence. 

In a forum that provides audience members the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with each speaker during a moderated question and answer session at the conclusion of all events, The Distinguished Speaker Series will be held at the Terrace Theater, 300 East Ocean Blvd, in Long Beach. Each program takes place on a weeknight at 7:30pm. The Series is open to the public in subscription packages only. Series tickets range from $240 to premier seating at $660 for all six evenings. Single tickets are not available. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.speakersla.com. 

The Distinguished Speaker Series was established in 1995 in response to Southern California’s need for an enlightening entertainment alternative. The Distinguished Speaker Series is currently held at four locations: the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks, the historic Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, and the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. 

“We are so inspired by the world-shapers we’ve brought to Southern California,” added Kathy Winterhalder. “It’s gratifying to realize we’ve presented more than 200 luminaries who have transformed our world.” Through the series, Southern Californians have come to know leaders such as President Joe Biden, Liz Cheney, the Dalai Lama, George Bush, Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Tony Blair. They’ve laughed with Steve Martin, Betty White, and Ron Howard. And they’ve been moved by such talents as Vin Scully, Malala Yousafzai, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Redford, and Maya Angelou to name a few.  

BUY TICKETS:

Subscriptions can be purchased by visiting the Distinguished Speaker Series website www.speakersla.com or calling (310) 546-6222.