The only two things that seemed usual to brunch patrons last Sunday at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment was hearing DW3 performing in the lounge and being delighted by the dazzling culinary choices displayed at the incredible brunch spread. Brunchgoers made their first round through bowls and platters filled with traditional Italian pasta (chicken and penne in a vodka cream sauce was my favorite), Tuscan-inspired salads, chilled seafood, sushi, bacon, sausage, eggs, a waffle bar and dessert station (with apricot-sized strawberries dipped in chocolate, creme brulee served in small cups, cookies, mini lemon bars, carrot cake, etc.), before ordering the main entree from the menu that included parmesan-crusted seabass, salmon piccata (with fried rings of onion and sauteed artichoke hearts and capers), chicken and waffles, fried catfish and traditional eggs benedict, among other specialty dishes. All the while oblivious to the musical magic that was about to explode during the 14th anniversary celebration of Smooth Jazz News with the magazine’s special guest artists.

What last-minute customers weren’t expecting was to find that if they hadn’t made their reservations by December, they weren’t going to be indulging in all of the gush-worthy food, drink and music for which this Seal Beach, California, hotspot has earned a stellar national reputation. Nor would they get to experience this surprise musical extravaganza.

Peter White was the first to arrive with his wife, Robin, and daughter, Charlotte, followed by Mindi Abair. Richard Elliot and his wife, Camella, joined the party at the same time as Rick Braun, his wife, Christiane, and their two children, Emma and Kyle. Dave Koz then drove up in his new Tesla.

The musical feast could now begin! Mindi, then Peter, joined DW3 onstage. Dave, Rick and Richard created their own version of “Summer Horns” with the band, as the excitement level increased throughout the entire venue. With champagne flutes filled with mimosas in their hands, fans stood up, swaying their hips and sang along to some of the songs.

Smooth Jazz News anniversary celebrations have become so popular that we’ve had to organize two separate events at our favorite hangout, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach, California. The first one, on Sunday, Jan. 26, was an exciting blow-out of international  musical muscle with Barbados-born saxman Elan Trotman and Swedish keyboardist Jonathan Fritzén as two of our special guest artists. They took turns with young powerhouse Marcus Anderson (who is also Prince’s horn section leader) and newcomer Adrian Crutchfield (a saxophonist in Prince’s band) jammin’ with DW3. Vocalist Phil Perry and saxophonist Eric Darius also sat in with the band.

So much magic, so many special memories were made on those Sundays. And, we’re already planning to celebrate our 15th anniversary at Spaghettini next year! We’ll advertise the dates for the 2015 party in the December 2014 issue of Smooth Jazz News.

Are you thinking, “How can I get invited?” Well, a reserved seat in our special Smooth Jazz News party section is by invitation only, extended to 2014 advertisers. However, the remainder of the restaurant is open to the public. Reservations will be highly recommended, as these events normally sell out within a few weeks of announcing them.

Did you attend either our Jan. 26 or Feb. 9 anniversary celebrations at Spaghettini? If so, what did you enjoy most? We’d love to hear from you!