Sacramento Performing Arts Recognition Gala

Dennis Mangers

Dennis H. “Denny” Mangers (born October 13, 1940, in Inglewood, California) is a celebrated educator, state legislator, arts advocate, and civic leader.

After earning a BA in Elementary Education from Cal State Long Beach (1962) and an MS in Educational Administration from USC (1968), he began teaching in Long Beach Unified and became one of California’s youngest principals—first in Earlimart, then Fountain Valley.

In 1976, he was elected to the California State Assembly representing Orange County’s 73rd District as a Democrat, serving two terms through 1980. After leaving office, he became senior vice president and later president of the California Cable & Telecommunications Association, serving for roughly 28 years as a leading lobbyist and earning the industry’s Vanguard Award.

Since relocating to Sacramento, Mr. Mangers has emerged as one of the city's foremost arts and culture strategists. He served as Senior Advisor for Arts & Culture to Mayor Darrell Steinberg, helping shape initiatives such as the “Creative Edge Plan” and revitalization of the Community Center Theater. He chaired the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and co-founded the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus, among other leadership roles with Sacramento Ballet and Broadway Sacramento.

Mr. Mangers has long championed LGBTQ+ rights, health equity, and performing arts access. He helped found CAP-PAC and supported AIDS services in the Sacramento area, and continues mentoring young artists through the Dennis Mangers Fund for Young Performing Artists.

He married his partner, Michael Sestak, in June 2008 and resides in the Sacramento region.

Dr. Sheree Meyer

Jennifer Wilbanks

Dr. L. Steven Winlock

Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus

Sacramento Region Community Foundation

Brian Mar

For nearly 40 years, Brian Mar (affectionately known as “Omar”) dedicated his life to the Mandarins. He began as a soprano player from 1972 through 1977 and became drum major in 1979 and 1980. Then for 30 years (through 2011) Omar was part of the visual staff and lead drill designer through 2010. His creative work helped lead the Mandarins to their 8 DCI world championships in Divisions II and III, and ushered in the first decade as a World Class corps. Omar was also part of the visual and design staff of the Mandarins' Winter Guard program in the 1990s, and he helped establish the Mandarins' “prep” guard, the Tangerines.

George Miles

Mandarins ’78 – ’81 Color Guard