Behind the Curtain - Celebrating The Tobin Center's 10th Anniversary with Jay Leno
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of documenting the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts’ 10th Anniversary Gala, featuring the legendary comedian Jay Leno. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years, I still remember attending one of the very first performances at the Tobin back in 2014, when Erasure took the stage.
The evening began with a lively mixer, followed by an elegant dinner accompanied by performances from YOSA, the Children’s Chorus, the Classical Music Institute, and Ballet San Antonio. Doc Watkins of Jazz TX served as the evening’s host, guiding guests through a live and silent auction in support of the Tobin’s Generation Next education initiative and community outreach programs.
Jay Leno capped off the night with a stand-up comedy performance that had the entire audience in stitches.
After his set, I was stationed backstage to photograph a meet-and-greet. When Jay walked into the dressing room, it was just the two of us. He noticed the lighting setup and immediately cracked, “Are we filming a porno in here?” Without missing a beat, I replied, “Yep, 100 bottles of baby oil behind the backdrop.” To which he replied, “Is P. Diddy on his way?” Sharing laughs with a comedy legend in that moment was unforgettable—what an incredible experience!
A heartfelt thank you to the Tobin Center for giving me the opportunity to document such a memorable evening. Your dedication to the arts and the community is truly inspiring, and I’m honored to be part of your story. Here’s to many more years of incredible performances and experiences!
Enjoy some of the images from the evening in the gallery set below.
