Start your cool, smooth, summer weekend today!

If you are looking to indulge in a cool smooth jazz summer experience, Southern California certainly delivers the goods this weekend.

You can get an early start today at 5:30 p.m. with Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. This weekly series offers pairings of Kendall-Jackson wines expertly selected to compliment and enhance the nuanced flavor of XAN Confections chocolates. And, of course, the highlight for me is the great smooth jazz that accompanies it all. Today, guitarist Chris Standring is scheduled to perform at 5:30 p.m.

Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate costs $15 per person with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Festival of Arts is located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. For tickets and information, visit www.foapom.com/events/art-jazz-wine-chocolate/ or call 949-494-1145.

Note: If you’re looking for some artsy boutique shopping, I highly recommend Art for the Soul (www.art4thesoul.com), which has stores in Laguna Beach and Balboa Island. If you’re planning to attend my next recommendation, you will be close to the Balboa Island location on Friday.

Naturally 7, a unique a cappella group, is performing on Friday, July 18, at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series. Each member of this innovative, vocal harmonization group vocally replicates the sounds of musical instruments.

For those who complain that they want to see new acts, this is definitely one worth checking out.

Naturally 7, with special guest Jarrod, is scheduled to perform on Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, California. For tickets or information, visit www.HyattConcerts.com or call 949-360-7800.

 

The best thing about being in Southern California on a Sunday morning is the legendary jazz brunch at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach. One of my favorite bands, DW3, will be performing in the lounge on July 20, which often sells out. However, there will probably be seating available in the restaurant, where you can still hear this group’s wonderful brand of R&B originals and interpretation of old school hits.

Brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California. For reservation or information, visit www.spaghettinisb.com or call 562-596-2199.

 

Later that afternoon, you’ll want to head back to the Hyatt for the 16^th Annual Eric Marienthal & Friends Benefit Concert for High Hopes Head Injury Program. Al Stewart is one of the artists scheduled to perform that night along with many special guests who will remain a surprise until they step on stage (due to other contractual obligations, they cannot be announced in advance).

Eric headlines this intimate concert each year with the help of sponsors, patrons, musicians and artists. Prior performers included Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Peter WhiteBrian Culbertson, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Lee Ritenour, Rita Coolidge, Johnny Mathis, David Pack, Patti Austin, David Benoit, Ellis Hall, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band and many others.

VIP tickets include a pre-concert dinner on the beautiful poolside patio with Eric and other special artists performing that evening. VIP guests can enjoy an open bar and music provided by the Ron Kobayashi Trio, as well as priority seating during the concert. VIP tickets are on sale for $150.

General admission is $55 and includes the concert, a no-host bar and hors d’oeuvres.

The event also features a raffle and live and silent auctions.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to High Hopes Head Injury Program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, which is dedicated to helping brain-injured adults regain their independence, through low-cost rehabilitation and care.

The 16^th Annual Eric Marienthal & Friends Benefit Concert for High Hopes Head Injury Program is scheduled for Sunday, July 20. Doors open for VIP ticket holders at 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. for general admission. For more information about the event, to purchase tickets, and to learn more about High Hopes, visit www.HighHopes.ws or call 949-733-0044.

With so many jazz happenings close by, you may as well just check into the Hyatt for the weekend. But you’ll want to keep your room through Sunday because, most likely, you will need a nap after enjoying brunch at Spaghettini, and you’ll want to be well rested for the Eric Marienthal & Friends benefit concert that evening.