What: A celebration gala to launch publicly the campaign to build a center for the performing arts at the University of California, Davis. Live music, a video about the arts campaign and a toast to commence the campaign will help to commemorate the festive evening. Chancellor Larry N. Vanderhoef will speak briefly about the importance of the arts to the region and to the campus's academic mission. When: 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 Where: Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J St. Who: More than 300 Sacramento-area campaign supporters and campus leaders will gather to celebrate progress to date in the campaign and to showcase the vitality and quality of UC Davis' performing arts programs. The event precedes an 8 p.m. sold-out concert by violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, sponsored by UC Davis Presents. Visuals: Musicians including a brass quintet and a harp and flute duo; displays of UC Davis' performing arts programs; a dramatic setting including searchlights as guests arrive, an ice sculpture, elegant floral arrangements and dinner by candlelight. Schedule: (Note: times are approximate.) The social program begins at 5 p.m., with the brass quintet performing as guests arrive. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. The chancellor will speak at 7:10 p.m., and the video will be shown at 7:15 p.m. At 7:25 p.m. a champagne toast will occur. Guests will walk to the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Background: The gala evening marks the public launch of a $30 million campaign to build a much-needed performing arts hall on the UC Davis campus. To be built adjacent to I-80, the arts center would bring a new stage for the arts to the Sacramento Valley. Slated to open in 2002, the center would commence a new era of artistry to serve UC Davis and surrounding communities -- from Fairfield and Vacaville to Sacramento and the Sierra foothills. The center will include an 1,800-seat main hall and a 250-seat studio theater.