The Lewis Library and Technology Center: home of the Steelworkers’ Auditorium.

On Thursday, April 24 beginning at 7:30 pm at the Steelworkers’ Auditorium located at 8437 Sierra Avenue, Fontana’s cultural arts programming took a decisive step towards the future with the premiere event for the new 330 seat venue with an evening performance by national stand-up comic, and guest of the San Bernardino County Library, Paula Poundstone. As the national spokesperson for Friends of Libraries, USA Poundstone donated all proceeds from the evening to the Lewis Library and Technology Center.

Paula Poundstone: national spokesperson for the Friends of Libraries, USA.

The term “first” is often used when describing Poundstone. The first woman to ever receive a standup comedy special on HBO, or to perform at a White House Correspondents dinner, she is recognized far and wide in both performance and voice as she is also the voice behind radio shows and cartoons. The comedienne and writer has recently released her first book, There’s Nothing in this Book that I Meant to Say. The designation as the first performer at the new Steelworkers’ Auditorium is both fitting and a sign of good things to come.

The Steelworkers’ Auditorium is named after one of the city’s first large-scale employers, Kaiser Steel. Kaiser Steel Mill opened in 1943 and immediately provided thousands of jobs for residents. The Auditorium was named by $1 million donor Young Homes in honor of those who worked in the mill and whose ancestors continue to contribute to the community.

“Young Homes is a proud supporter of the Steelworkers’ Auditorium and believes the addition to the City of Fontana will serve the city well for years to come,” says Reggie King chief executive officer for Young Homes.

The Steelworkers’ Auditorium is available for lectures, theater groups, stand up comics, and more.

The venue will host meetings, lectures, and special presentations. Housed within the $65 million regional Lewis Library and Technology Center, the Auditorium is expected to become a popular location for standup comics such as Poundstone, professional musicians, theater groups, and hopefully a stop on the lecture circuit. Performers will be drawn to the area as they note the quality of performances from Tibbies and others at the neighboring Center Stage Theater, 8463 Sierra Avenue.

The Center Stage Theater will soon make its mark on the Inland Empire as a premier spot for quality dining and entertainment. The Stargazer Productions Company (http://www.stargazer-productions.com) owned and operated by Todd and Jennifer Vigiletti, operates the popular cabaret show Tibbies (http://www.tibbiescabaret.com) which has a permanent run on the Queen Mary and will soon have its own year-round performances in Fontana.

In the future, Stargazer Productions will bring dinner theater and other live entertainment to the civic center campus.

To reserve the Steelworkers’ Auditorium or to find out more about Center Stage, please call Nathan Hunt, community services coordinator at (909) 428- 8360 ext. 230.