Galaxy Ball 2001 Photo Report

Robert Beltran (Chakotay) hosted the fourth annual Galaxy Ball last week, giving fans the opportunity to see stars from three of the modern Trek series up close and contribute to charity at the same time.

One of the fans who attended the event was TrekToday contributor Michael J. Fijolek, who was able to send us over two dozen photos of the stars present, as well as the below report. Please note that these photos are copyright © 2001 by Michael J. Fijolek, and may not be copied or reproduced elsewhere for any reason without the express permission of the photographer.

René Auberjonois (Odo) captured the tone of the event by praising Star Trek fans for their continuous support of charitable causes. By illustration, he cited the tireless fundraising efforts of Gayle Stever, president of two DS9 fan clubs; Far Beyond the Stars (Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor, Armin Shimerman) and The Official Andy Robinson Fan Club, and also strong supporter of many Star Trek charity events, including The Galaxy Ball. René stated that, since his professional involvement with DS9 is over, he would have stopped going to Star Trek gatherings long ago if it weren't for the fact that so many worthy causes benefit from them.

Brent Spiner's new goatee was grown for his role as the villain in the upcoming Dana Carver film 'Master of Disguise,' now in production and due for release in 2002. Jonathan Frakes mused that, for the first time since they've known each other, Brent now looks more like Robert Goulet than he does. The evening's entertainment included vocal performances by Robbie McNeill, Robert Beltran, Roxann Dawson, Bob Picardo, vocals and guitar by Tim Russ, and the first ever public performance on saxophone by Ethan Phillips, after a mere eight months of practice. All the Trek performers were backed up by Neil Norman and His Cosmic Orchestra. The evening concluded with a set of dance music provided by Robert's brother Louie Cruz Beltran and his Orchestra.

Finally, Garrett Wang made an eleventh hour appearance (literally), racing over from co-hosting the Ammy Awards, which honor Asians and Asian Americans in film and television. This award show also featured Star Trek cast members Rosalind Chao and Linda Park. Unfortunately for Galaxy Ball attendees, Wang was only able to make it in time to mingle with fans in the lobby while Louie Cruz Beltran performed on stage.

Robert Beltran (Chakotay)	Brent Spiner (Data)
	Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard), Brent Spiner
Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher), Jonathan Frakes (William T. Riker)
René Auberjonois (Odo), Aaron Eisenberg (Nog)
Roxann Dawson (B'Elanna Torres)	Robert Picardo (Holodoc)
Robert Duncan McNeill (Tom Paris)
	Neil Norman, Robert Duncan McNeill
Ethan Phillips (Neelix)	Tim Russ (Tuvok)
Louie Cruz Beltran, Robert Beltran
Garrett Wang (Harry Kim)

Thanks go out to Michael J. Fijolek for these photos!

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