MSG a Welcome Ingredient in Food Collection

Robin McAuley and Michael Schenker of the rock band MSG are using a current series of acoustic shows to help collect food for the poor. Fans attending MSG’s concert Wednesday at the Celebrity Theatre in Anaheim are asked to bring a can of food, to be donated to the Food Distribution Center of Orange County.

* The Maria Benitez Spanish Dance Company has canceled its appearances at the Irvine Barclay Theatre April 16-18 because Benitez is suffering “a temporary physical impairment,” according to her manager, Harry Rubenstein. The dates will be filled by the Jose Greco Company; tickets for the Benitez programs can be used for Greco’s. Information: (714) 854-4646.

* New faces: Gregory J. Patterson has been named press officer at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. Patterson, a native of Toronto who graduated from the University of Western Ontario, was director of public relations for the National Ballet of Canada for 10 years and also handled press for the English National Ballet. . . . Brian Langston, 43, is the new director of marketing and public relations at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. He was previously head of Langston and Associates, a marketing consultant firm in Santa Ana for start-up to mid-range companies. He also has a background in solar energy management and was president of the California Solar Energy Assn. He was born in Phoenix and graduated from Princeton University in 1971.