International Music Star — and Local Dad — Performs Saturday for Walnut Creek Schools

Ever seen Carlos Reyes in concert? He's warm and dynamic and makes magic with his harp and violin. 

Growing up in a musical family in Paraguay, Reyes bought his first harp when he was just 10 years old. At the age of 14, he made his debut on harp with the Oakland Symphony and on the violin with the Oakland Youth Symphony.

Audiences love Reyes' personality and unique musical style. His first album, The Beauty of It All,was on the Top-Ten Contemporary Jazz charts in Billboard Magazine. He has shared the stage with the Steve Miller Band, The Crusaders, Charlie Daniels, Wynona Judd, Clint Black, Willie Nelson and The Doobie Brothers.

Maybe you didn't know that Reyes is also a Walnut Creek dad with kids at Walnut Creek Intermediate and Las Lomas High. As part of his dad duties, he will give a concert Saturday night to benefit the Walnut Creek Education Foundation, which raises money for schools in the Walnut Creek School District and Las Lomas High.

"He is passionate about the availability of music in the schools," said Elizabeth Davis, executive director of the foundation. "He feels it can transform lives."

Reyes will perform with two students: singer Jackie Ramia and saxophone player Kyle Ong, both seniors. The concert will be the foundation's last major fund raiser this school year. 

What an event to close out a season of fund raising.  

After Reyes concert, audience members can wander over to a party at The Door Restaurant, 1448 S. Main St., next door to Las Lomas High. 

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Las Lomas Performing Arts Center on the Las Lomas High School campus, 1460 S. Main St.. A $65 ticket includes early entry and an invitation to meet Reyes and join him at the post-concert party. An RSVP for the Door Party is required.

General admission is $35. Tickets are available online at wcefk12.org through Pay Planner (VISA, MasterCard or American Express).