Tag Archives: DW3

Camella and Richard Elliot’s 2019 Halloween Bash

Richard Elliot and his wife Camella at their 2019 Halloween Bash in Escondido, California (Photo: David Hopley)

By Melanie Maxwell

Heidi Klum may be the queen of Halloween for the fashion and acting crowd, but in the smooth jazz world, Camella Elliot and her GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist husband, Richard Elliot, slay the holiday with dragons, skeletons, ghouls, goblins and a DW3 dance party!

Richard and Camella Elliot with their daughter, Mikayla (Photo: David Hopley)
Hillside dragons at the Elliot Family Ranch (Photo: David Hopley)
Party-crashing skeletons at Elliot Family Ranch (Photo: David Hopley)

Camella’s decor, both inside their home and throughout their vineyard and ranch combines scary, creative, amusing, shocking and creepy. But this annual bash at their Escondidio, California, estate in North San Diego County, is hauntingly cool!

Skelton, ghost & goblin dinner party (Photo: David Hopley)
Front porch of the Elliot’s home (Photo: David Hopley)
Pirate and parrot skeletons at Elliot Family Ranch (Photo: David Hopley)

Invited guests included smooth jazz industry insiders, musicians, family friends and their five children’s BFFs.

Willie & Kathy Payne 2019
Willie & Kathy Payne of Payne Pest Management (Photo: David Hopley)
Steve Chapman, Pat Prescott, Lori Stoll & Craig Collier (Photo: David Hopley)
Laurie Sisneros (co-owner of Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment) with her husband, Fred (Photo: David Hopley)
Richard and Camella Elliot with guests (Photo: David Hopley)
Vocalist and DW3 band member DamonReel with his wife (Photo: David Hopley)
Bassist Nate Phillips with his wife, Pam (Photo: David Hopley)
Matt Mahoney (San Diego radio station Z90’s “New Matt”) with Kelly Cole, on-air personality at San Diego’s Magic 92.5 (Photo: David Hopley)

The event, held on the Saturday night before Halloween, included an open bar, margarita station, wine from the Elliot Ranch Reserve wines (bottled by Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery), a catered pizza oven, platters of tasty sweet treats, live performances by DW3 (with special guest, the host himself, Richard Elliot), a DJ spinning dance tune between band breaks, and the opportunity to get your makeup professionally applied and designed by makeup artist Angel Garner-Collier.

Assortment of Krispy Kreme Halloween doughnuts (Photo: David Hopley)
Halloween candy bar (Photo: David Hopley)
Pizza and salad station (Photo: David Hopley)

Check out the photos from the bash, all of which were taken by David Hopley.

Enjoy!

Willie & Kathy Payne 2019
Willie & Kathy Payne of Payne Pest Management (Photo: David Hopley)
Camella Elliot with makeup artist Angel Garner-Collier (Photo: David Hopley)
Cardiologist Jeffrey Gorwit and his wife, Linda (Photo: David Hopley)
Dr. Jacqueline Elliot (Richard’s sister, educator & author of “Passionate Warrior: My Charter School Journey) with her husband (Photo: David Hopley)
Camella Elliot with Halloween party guests (Photo: David Hopley)
Pam Phillips and Camella Elliot (Photo: David Hopley)
Camella & Richard Elliot
Richard & Camella Elliot hosting their annual Halloween party at their home ranch and vineyard in Escondido, California (Photo: David Hopley)


Richard Elliot with friends (Photo: David Hopley)
Skeleton-drawn pumpkin carriage (Photo: David Hopley)
Camella Elliot with makeup artist Angel Garner-Collier (Photo: David Hopley)
Makeup artist Angel Collier creating her magic on a partygoer in Richard Elliot’s studio (Photo: David Hopley)
Makeup artist Angel Garner-Collier with her husband (Photo: David Hopley)
Jailed skeleton (Photo: David Hopley)
Richard Elliot performing with DW3 at his annual Halloween bash (Photo: David Hopley)
The West Coast Horns performing with DW3 during the Elliot’s Halloween party (Photo: David Hopley)
Banjo-playing skeletons at the Elliot Family Ranch backyard (Photo: David Hopley)
Richard and Camella Elliot watching the “Best Costume” contest at their Halloween party (Photo: David Hopley)
Best Costume awards to be given out later in the evening (Photo: David Hopley)
“Best Costume” winner (Photo: David Hopley)
Fred and Laurie Sisneros (Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment) with Kathy & Willie Payne of Payne Pest Management (Photo: David Hopley)
Pat Prescott (94.7 The WAVE on-air personality), Steve Chapman & Lori Stoll (Photo: David Hopley)
Richard Elliot & The West Coast Horns performing with DW3 during the Elliot’s Halloween party (Photo: David Hopley)
Steve Chapman, vocalist DamonReel, Craig Collier & Melanie Maxwell (Photo: David Hopley)
Camella, Richard & Mikayla Elliot with Bub’s girlfriend Brinae (Photo: David Hopley)
Camella Elliot and her daughter Candice
Eli and Mikayla Elliot as Julian from Trailer park boys and Fran the Uni brow dodgeball player, respectively
Candice Elliot and her boyfriend Garret, dressed up as Cardi B and Post Malone
Bub Elliot (as a straw) with his girlfriend Brinae (as Ursula from “The Little Mermaid”)
Julian Elliot in a pickle costume

Camella & Richard Elliot’s 2018 Halloween Bash!

Partying down in Elliot town on Halloween!

Richard and Camella Elliot enjoying their Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Spooky and spectacular is the type of Halloween bash Camella and Richard Elliot threw last Saturday night. Nearly every inch of their North San Diego County ranch was decorated in spirited, scary and sometimes shocking flair:

Elliot’s tombstone and skeleton-filled front yard (Photo: David Hopley)

From the entrance of their home filled with skulls, angry pumpkins, a huge black widow

Elliot’s front porch (Photo: David Hopley)

and musical instrument-playing corpses;

Music-playing corpses greet guests at the 2018 Elliot Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

and the skeleton family seated in the formal dining room,

Skeleton family wine-tasting in formal dining room (Photo: David Hopley)

to all of the ghosts, goblins and creepy clowns hanging from trees throughout the sprawling grounds,

Creepy creature hanging in backyard orange tree (Photo: David Hopley)

which included pumpkin-headed scarecrows in their vineyard.

Pumpkin scarecrow guarding the Elliot vineyard (Photo: David Hopley)

Pumpkin scarecrow (Photo: David Hopley

It was a full-service affaire with food trucks,

Habit Burger Grill Food Truck (Photo: David Hopley)

an open bar with bartenders who filled every empty glass (many of them with the Elliot Ranch Albarino white wine, a vintage made from grapes grown on the Elliot estate),

Elliot Ranch Albarino white wine, made from grapes grown on the family’s home vineyard (Photo: David Hopley)

and attendants who kept all of the tables tidy and the dance floor clean. And, to enhance partygoers’ facial appearances, a professional makeup artist was onsite to do just that.

Makeup artist Angel Garner-Collier applying makeup to Cathy Lee (Photo: David Hopley)

Plus, the GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist invited a bunch of his artist buddies and musician friends, including DW3 and the West Coast Horns who performed in costume.

DW3 and the West Coast Horns performing at the Elliot Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Camella Elliot dancing with Garrett Baulmer (who just returned from deployment), daughter Candace’s boyfriend (Photo: David Hopley)

Richard Elliot performing with DW3 at his Halloween party (Photo: David Hopley)

Trumpeter Rick Braun was there, too, but you couldn’t spot him with the mask he was wearing. I finally figured it out when I saw his wife, Christiane, their daughter, Emma, and son, Kyle, chatting with him.

Christiane Braun dancing with her masked husband, trumpeter Rick Braun (Photo: David Hopley)

My formula for identifying others was to look for the spouses. That’s how I discovered bassist Nate Phillips, who arrived with his wife, Pam.

Bassist Nate Phillips (Photo: David Hopley)

Later, I spotted B leading someone wearing in an inflated white snowman type of apparatus, who turned out to be her husband, drummer Eric Valentine.

Dr. Lee, Kyle Braun, Eric Valentine and his wife, B (Photo: David Hopley)

Steve Chapman (Chapman & Co. Management, Elliot and Braun’s manager) was dressed as a nerd, while his business partner Bud Harner made a perfect Anderson Cooper.

Bud Harner (as Anderson Cooper), Steve Chapman (as a nerd) and another Keith Butler (Photo: David Hopley)

Payne Pest Management owners Kathy Payne, dressed as a great Lucille Ball, while her husband, Willie, was Ricky Ricardo.

Willie and Kathy Payne (owners of Payne Pest Management) dressed as Ricky Ricardo and Lucille Ball (Photo: David Hopley)

Sandy Riser (Rick Braun’s business partner with his cruises and New Year’s Eve Getaway) arrived as a dragon slayer, with her husband, Bernie, as the dragon.

Sandy Riser as dragon slayer, with her husband, Bernie as a dragon (Photo: David Hopley)

Guitarist Adam Hawley and his wife, Kat, dressed up as characters from “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Guitarist Adam Hawley with his wife, Kat, dressed up as characters from “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Photo: David Hopley)

More than 100 people––including the couple’s five children and their friends––danced, drank and ate the night away (although many also watched the World Series in the living room). And, toward the end of the evening, a best-costume contest produced three finalists.

Partygoers dancing away the night (Photo: David Hopley)

Here are some more photos from that amazing night, Saturday, Oct. 27, which were all taken by David Hopley.

Post by Melanie Maxwell on October 30, 2018

Husband of makeup artist Angel Garner-Collier, demonstrating his wife’s best work! (Photo: David Hopley)

Elliot’s doorway (Photo: David Hopley)

Camella Elliot enjoying her Halloween party (Photo: David Hopley)

Christiane Braun enjoying the dance music (Photo: David Hopley)

Elliot porch and doorway (Photo: David Hopley)

Bub Elliot, Camella and Richard Elliot’s son (Photo: David Hopley)

Sun-loving skeletons (Photo: David Hopley)

Rick Braun, Christiane Braun, Dr. Lee, Cathy Lee, Kyle Braun and Emma Braun (Photo: David Hopley)

Pirate skeletons (Photo: David Hopley)

Ghost in chains (Photo: David Hopley)

Creepy clown (Photo: David Hopley)

Skeleton pirates chilling in the Elliot’s backyard (Photo: David Hopley)

Poolside ghosts (Photo: David Hopley)

Poolside ghost and Trick-or-Treating goblins (Photo: David Hopley)

Day of the Dead display in Elliot’s kitchen (Photo: David Hopley)

Makeup artist Angel Garner-Collier with her husband, Ken, who she made up for the party (Photo: David Hopley)

Ghostly grandma (Photo: David Hopley)

Halloween-inspired fireplace mantel (Photo: David Hopley)

BFFs Camella Elliot and Christiane Braun (Photo: David Hopley)

Candace Elliot with her boyfriend Garrett Baulmer (right) and their friend at her family’s Halloween party in Escondido, California (Photo: David Hopley)

Skull, snake, crow and bone pile (Photo: David Hopley)

Lisa and keyboardist Patrick Bradley with their daughter at the Elliot’s Halloween party (Photo: David Hopley)

Fountain-turned-cauldron (Photo: David Hopley)

Partygoers (Photo: David Hopley)

Tania Drake, Camella Elliot’s cousin from Texas (Photo: David Hopley)

Partygoers (Photo: David Hopley)

Keyboardist Ron Reinhardt and his wife, Laura, dressed up as trailer trash rednecks with filmmaker Lori Stoll, right (Photo: David Hopley)

Michael Purcell kissing Moose, the Elliot’s Newfoundland dog (Photo: David Hopley)

Comedian Tommy Davidson and his wife, Amanda, with their son as “Black Panther” characters (Photo by David Hopley)

“Best Costume” contestants at the Elliot Halloween party (Photo: David Hopley)

International partygoers (Photo: David Hopley)

Cardiologist Jeffrey Gorwit and his wife, Linda (Photo: David Hopley)

Magic 92.5 on-air personality Kelly Cole, left, with Lisa Blaisdale at the Elliot’s Halloween party (Photo: David Hopley)

Partygoers (Photo: David Hopley)

Partygoers (Photo: David Hopley)

Partygoers (Photo: David Hopley)

Partygoers outside on the patio (Photo: David Hopley)

Partygoers (Photo: David Hopley)

Camella and Richard Elliot join partygoers on the dance floor (Photo: David Hopley)

Candace Elliot with friends (Photo: David Hopley)

“Best Costume” contestants Michelle Cavasa and tattoo artist Stevie O’Dell (Photo: David Hopley)

Camella and Richard Elliot surrounded by friends and loved ones (Photo: David Hopley)

 

Camella Elliot dances with her BFF Christiane Braun (Photo: David Hopley)

As the party winds down, people are snapping their final memories of another fabulous events hosted by the Elliots! (Photo: David Hopley)

Steve Chapman and his wife, Lori Stoll (Photo: David Hopley)

Craig Collier (Smooth Jazz News distribution and operations manager), Bub Elliot and Richard Elliot (Photo: David Hopley)

Ron Reinhardt, Nate Phillips, Craig Collier, Eric Valentine (in white inflated costume) and his wife, B Valentine, Laura Reinhardt and Pam Phillips (Photo: David Hopley)

Reggie Jackson, Willie Payne, Kyle Braun, 94.7 The WAVE on-air personality Pat Prescott and Kathy Payne

Craig Collier, Nate Phillips and his wife, Pam

Camella & Richard Elliot’s Halloween Bash pics!

Richard and Camella Elliot at their annual Halloween Bash in Escondido, California (Photo by David Hopley)

Saxophonist Richard Elliot and his wife, Camella, hosted their annual Halloween Bash on Saturday, Oct. 28, in the North San Diego community of Escondido. As usual, it was equal parts spooky and uber cool, and 100 percent fun!

Those lucky enough to receive an invitation to this concert/costume party were treated to music by DW3 and The West Coast Horns (with an occasional appearance by “monster” Elliot and “werewolf” Rick Braun as special musical guests), an open bar and food truck catering by Habit Burger and The Red Oven Pizza.

Camella converted the elegant Elliot home into a Halloween haunt filled with scary, humorous, creepy and entertaining decor that would make Martha Stewart turn pea soup green with jealousy.

Rather than me telling you in words what it was like, I’ll show you with photos (all taken by David Hopley). But, I dare you to spot other costumed smooth jazz stars!

Richard Elliot is scheduled to perform at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, on Friday, March 23, 2018. This event, which also features West Coast Jam and The West Coast Horns, is a benefit for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and includes a silent auction and VIP After-Party with the artists. For tickets or more information, visit www.artcenter.org, www.richardelliot.com, or call 800-988-4253.

By Melanie Maxwell

French Guitarist Marc Antoine (right) with his wife, Rebeca Vega, and their 15-year-old son, Alex
(Photo by David Hopley)

Richard & Camella Elliot’s son, Bub, in his homemade Trump, ship the “dangerous” “Bad Hombre” back to Mexico costume
(Photo by David Hopley)

Richard Elliot, Christiane Braun, Camella Elliot & Rick Braun (Photo by David Hopley)

Scary Clown at the Elliot’s Halloween Party (Photo by David Hopley)

Willie & Kathy Payne (Payne Pest Management), 94.7 The WAVE radio personality Pat Prescott, Reggie Jackson and Pat’s friend from New York (center)
(Photo by David Hopley)

Richard Elliot & Rick Braun (werewolf on percussion) sitting in with DW3 & The West Coast Horns (Photo by David Hopley)

The party is ON at the Elliot’s home! (Photo by David Hopley)

Creepiness times 2! (Photo by David Hopley)

Richard Elliot sitting in with DW3 & The West Coast Horns
(Photo by David Hopley)

Marc Antoine, Richard Elliot, Antoine’s son Alex, Camella Elliot & Antoine’s wife, Rebeca Vega
(Photo by David Hopley)

DW3 vocalist Damon Reel (right) with his wife, children and a family friend
(Photo by David Hopley)

Party-goers filling up on cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, french fries and sweet potato fries at the Habit Burger truck (Photo by David Hopley)

DW3 & The West Coast Horns in costume (Photo by David Hopley)

Creepy clown at the Elliot’s Halloween party (Photo by David Hopley)

Damon Reel flying his “Superman” through the crowd
(Photo by David Hopley)

Bub “Bad Hombre” Elliot & Taxi Driver
(Photo by David Hopley)

Richard Elliot’s sister, Dr. Jacqueline Elliot, with her husband
(Photo by David Hopley)

Major smooth jazz supporters and philanthropists Marilyn James and Rick Phetteplace
(Photo by David Hopley)

Elliot’s front yard greeter (Photo by David Hopley)

Welcome to the Elliots (Photo by David Hopley)

Elliot’s doorman (Photo by David Hopley)

Skulls, bones and skeletons (Photo by David Hopley)

Kitchen centerpiece (Photo by David Hopley)

Jello shots anyone (Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

A skeleton picnic (Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

Pre-party poolside patio setup (Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

Scary Richard Elliot (Photo by David Hopley)

Skull in Richard Elliot’s home office (Photo by David Hopley)

Richard Elliot’s home office/studio (Photo by David Hopley)

Skeleton working at Richard Elliot’s home office (Photo by David Hopley)

Richard and Camella Elliot (Photo by David Hopley)

Richard & Camella Elliot with Richard’s manager, Steve Chapman
(Photo by David Hopley)

French Guitarist Marc Antoine & photographer/filmmaker Lori Stoll
(Photo by David Hopley)

Emma Braun enjoying the party (Photo by David Hopley)

Camella Elliot greets guests in her kitchen (Photo by David Hopley)

Rick Braun (werewolf) and his wife Christiane (right) and their son, Kyle (left of Rick)
(Photo by David Hopley)

Camella and a gorgeous guest (Photo by David Hopley)

Magic 92.5 radio personality Kelly Cole (left) and her husband, Mike, (right), pose with partygoers
(Photo by David Hopley)

Kathy Payne (Payne Pest Management) takes photo of Pat Prescott, bassists Nate Phillips & Darryl Williams and another musician (Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

Bassist Nate Phillips and photographer/filmmaker Lori Stoll (Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

Partygoers (Photo by David Hopley)

Partygoers watching the World Series at the Elliot’s Halloween party (Photo by David Hopley)

Rick Braun (werewolf), Kathy Payne, Kyle Braun, Willie Payne & Pat Prescott
(Photo by David Hopley)

Mikayla Elliot (blonde in red dress) with friends (Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

Eric Mondragon (DW3) and his family (Photo by David Hopley)

The West Coast Horns (Photo by David Hopley)

Pam Phillips (wife of bassist Nate Phillips), Pat Prescott & Camella Elliot dance and sing with partygoers
(Photo by David Hopley)

Dance Party! (Photo by David Hopley)

Everybody dance now (Photo by David Hopley)

The party gets wilder (Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

Camella Elliot with party guests (Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

(Photo by David Hopley)

Beyond gross! (Photo by David Hopley)

Spooky Halloween dinner guests at the Elliot’s home

Daytime view of the Elliot’s vineyard (Photo by David Hopley)

Sunset in the Elliot’s cabernet vineyard (Photo by David Hopley)

Check out the surprise guests at the SJN party

During Smooth Jazz News’ 17th Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session at Spaghettini, DW3 commands brunch crowd to wave their hands in the air like they just don’t care (Photo by David Hopley)

Like an orchestra with many different musicians and instruments, publishing Smooth Jazz News requires a lot of people playing a variety of roles. One of the key components of nearly every artistic endeavor is funding. And, for magazines, advertising sales keep the presses rolling. So, each year, we host the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch Parties & Jam Sessions to show our appreciation to our advertisers.

Spaghettini Champagne Jazz Brunch (clockwise, left to right): Damon Reel, Rick Braun; Rick Braun, Gail Jhonson & Richard Elliot; Christiane Braun & Camella Elliot (Photos by David Hopley)

We invite everyone who has advertised with us in the prior year, along with some special guest artists, to sit in our allocated area of the performance lounge at Spaghettini Fine Dining and Entertainment in Seal Beach, California. The remainder of the lounge and the entire restaurant is open to the public for reservation purchases, so our readers and other jazz fans can also enjoy DW3 (or a featured band) and the special entertainment. And, because we invite so many advertisers, we can’t fit them all into our section, so that’s why we have two parties. They’re usually held in January during the NAMM Show (when a lot of musicians are in Anaheim, California, for that National Association of Music Music Merchants industry-only convention), and in February when DW3 is available to perform.

Conga line parading through Spaghettini’s lounge while DW3 brings the party ON during Smooth Jazz News’ 17th Anniversary party! (Photos by David Hopley)

We held the last of our 2017 parties on Sunday, Feb. 19, with DW3 back onstage in the lounge during Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Jazz Brunch. Our musical guests featured trumpeter Rick Braun with his wife Christiane and daughter Emma, saxophonist Richard Elliot and his wife Camella (Rick and Richard are touring this year as West Coast Jam with Norman Brown and a horn section) and keyboardist Gail Jhonson (founder of the all-female ensemble Jazz in Pink).

Camella Elliot (left) takes photos of her husband, Richard Elliot, during his jam with DW3 (Photos by David Hopley)

Our advertisers guest list included concert and festival promoters such as Kim and Ozzie Benoit (Rainbow Promotions), Kim’s dad Al Williams (founder of Rainbow Promotions, who is now retired) and his wife Sandy, Evette Benjamin (Gardena Jazz Festival) and Sandy Riser (Rick Braun’s Signature Events) and her husband Bernie Weisberg.

Celebrating Smooth Jazz News’ 17th Anniversary at Spaghettini in Seal Beach (clockwise, left to right) Camella & Richard Elliot; Al Williams, Ozzie Benoit, Willie Payne, Kim Benoit, Easton Schirra; back row: DW3 (Billy Mondragon, Eric Mondragon & Damon Reel, front row: Joan Giddens, Kathy & Willie Payne, Kim & Ozzie Benoit (Photos by David Hopley)

Kathy and Willie Payne, owners of Payne Pest Management, attended the event with Kathy’s mom, Joan Giddens. The Paynes have been longtime sponsors of many smooth jazz concerts and festivals, including the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, scheduled for July 7-9, which is produced by Rainbow Promotions.

Daniel Broadway (Mack Avenue Records) & Easton Schirra; keyboardist Gail Jhonson & trombonist Geoff Alpert; writer Ken Capobianco with his wife, Ratanan (Photos by David Hopley)

Daniel Broadway, the latest addition to Mack Avenue Records‘ sales and marketing team, along with his guest Easton Schirra, got their first glimpse into the live smooth jazz scene at our party.

Brenda Lavery-Madruga, Rick Braun & Emma Braun dancing in the crowd at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Artist managers Steve Chapman and Bud Harner of Chapman & Co. Management were there with their wives, photographer-filmmaker Lori Stoll and writer-actor Debra Harner, respectively.

Advertisers and artists celebrating Smooth Jazz News’ 17 anniversary at Spaghettini on Feb. 19, 2017 (left to right): back row: Craig Collier, Willie Payne, Daniel Broadway, Emma Braun, Rick Braun, Ozzie Benoit, Damon Reel, Eric Mondragon, Gail Jhonson, Billy Mondragon, Bud Harner, Lori Stoll, Steve Chapman; front row: Evette Benjamin, Kathy Payne, Christiane Braun, Sandy Riser, Q (Spaghettini manager), Al Williams, Kim Benoit, Richard Elliot, Camella Elliot, Debra Harner (Photo by David Hopley)

These are the people who provide the financial support to allow me, as maestro of sorts for Smooth Jazz News, to compose this magazine along with a team of … Professional journalists who write the stories about the artists and events we love; Seasoned editors who proofread myriad drafts of all of the content contained in each issue; Photographers who capture the images of the artists and this lifestyle; Highly skilled graphic designers who take that copy and those photos and create visually pleasing layouts; A top-notch web press that prints and binds each magazine; An efficient support staff that processes subscription and merchandise orders, handles the mass mailings of the magazines and all administrative duties; Local and national distributors, who deliver bundles of magazines to select outlets. Nearly all of this is being done on a deadline.

Gina Giblin, Smooth Jazz News graphic designer, with her husband Shane at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

The last few days of production for each issue of Smooth Jazz News are the most intense. That is when final editing happens, layout revisions are made and headlines tweaked, etc. During this time, I sit with our graphic designer, Gina Mancini-Giblin, at her desk going over the pages, choosing photos, placing ads, making corrections and finalizing any changes. A replacement graphic designer, who once filled in for Gina while she sailed on her first Dave Koz & Friends at Sea cruise during one of those deadlines, once described this frenetic process as me being like an air traffic controller directing Gina as though she was dozens of incoming and outgoing aircraft. She said the speed at which we communicated as Gina flew between layouts and files was so fast that she got motion sickness from watching the rapid changes on the computer screen.

Rick Braun at the buffet with fans at Spaghettini (top photo); Willie Payne, Camella Elliot, Cary Hardwick (Spaghettini and Citizen co-owner) & Richard Elliot at Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Jazz Brunch (Photo by David Hopley)

Although, we have a bunch of great folks who volunteer to help at concerts and festivals, professional graphic designers, writers, editors, distribution companies, support staff and printing presses don’t work for free. In order to pay them and other business expenses, we rely on advertising sales. Without advertisers, Smooth Jazz News magazine would not have been in business for the past 17 years.

Richard Elliot sitting in with DW3 at Spaghettini, while server Jill Bogle hands Damon Reel a note from a fan (Photo by David Hopley)

We also wanted to include some of these integral, behind-the-scenes contributors in our celebration.

Craig Collier, Smooth Jazz News operations and distribution manager, leads conga line dancers into the lounge at Spaghettini (Photos by David Hopley)

Our beloved writer Ken Capobianco enjoyed the day with his wife, Ratanan, while our newest editor Kerri De Rosier got to share her first-time Spaghettini brunch experience with her dentist husband, Dave.

Kerri De Rosier (SJN editor), Kris Glaeser (SJN volunteer), Felicia Pennington (SJN volunteer), Pete Glaeser (SJN volunteer) and Dr. Dave De Rosier (Photo by David Hopley)

Longtime SJN festival and distribution volunteers Kris and Pete Glaeser, along with Felicia Pennington, celebrated with us as well.

Smooth Jazz News party hostess Brenda Lavery Madruga (photo by David Hopley)

And our parties would not be nearly as fun or successful without the help of Smooth Jazz News hostess Brenda Lavery-Madruga, our outstanding Spaghettini server Angelina Calandrino and her assistants.

Angelina Calandrino, Spaghettini server, providing outstanding service to Smooth Jazz News party guests (Photo by David Hopley)

To everyone, I say THANK YOU! And, I hope to see you next year.––By Melanie Maxwell

For more information about the smooth jazz scene, keep reading Smooth Jazz News, in print or online, www.smoothjazznews.com.

Meanwhile, here are some more photos from the Smooth Jazz News 17th Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California (all photos by David Hopley):

Smooth Jazz News 17th Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session at Spaghettini: top photo – Rick Braun dancing with his daughter, Emma; bottom photo – DW3-inspired conga line dancing through the lounge (Photos by David Hopley)

Damon Reel, Rick Braun, Eric Mondragon, Gail Jhonson, Richard Elliot & Billy Mondragon (Photo by David Hopley)

Writer Ken Capobianco, Sandy Williams, Al Williams, Ozzie Benoit, Willie Payne, Kim Benoit, Easton Schirra & Daniel Broadway (Photo by David Hopley)

Al Williams, Kim & Ozzie Benoit, Easton Schirra, Daniel Broadway and more (Photo by David Hopley)

Al Williams chats with Rick Braun & Richard Elliot while Brenda Lavery-Madruga (Smooth Jazz News hostess) looks on (Photo by David Hopley)

DW3 engages brunch crowd at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Rick Braun performing with DW3 at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Gail Jhonson, Willie Payne, Kim Benoit & Ozzie Benoit at Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Jazz Brunch (Photo by David Hopley)

Emma Braun (left) enjoying the music of DW3 at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Marcus Anderson at the Smooth Jazz News 17th Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session on Jan. 22 (Photo by David Hopley)

Phillip “Doc” Martin, Ray Parker Jr., Mariea Antoinette, Pat Prescott and Paul Jackson Jr. at the Jan. 22, 2017, party (Photo by David Hopley)

Pat Prescott interviewing Ray Parker Jr. during live broadcast with Los-Angeles-based radio station 94.7 The WAVE at Spaghettini on Jan. 22, 2017 (Photos by David Hopley)

Phillip “Doc” Martin, Ray Parker Jr. and Paul Jackson Jr. at the Smooth Jazz News 17th Anniversary Brunch Party at Spaghettini on Jan. 22, 2017 (Photo by David Hopley)

Happy 16th Anniversary to us!

Jazz fans enjoying DW3 & the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Jazz fans enjoying DW3 & the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch at Spaghettini on Jan. 24, 2016 (photo by David Hopley)

More than a decade ago, we began hosting a brunch party for our advertisers each December at Spaghettini Italian Grill & Jazz Club in Seal Beach California. Back then, we reserved a private dining room to celebrate the holidays and to thank all of the people who had advertised with us throughout the year. We also invited our staff, volunteers and a couple of artists and musicians. One year, Phil Perry sang as Ray Fuller accompanied him on guitar, all unplugged, and all within the intimate “Wine Cellar Room” in the back of the restaurant.

Phil Perry & Ray Fuller serenade the Smooth Jazz News crew during the 5th Anniversary Brunch Party at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

Phil Perry & Ray Fuller serenade the Smooth Jazz News crew during the 5th Anniversary Brunch Party in 2004 at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

As the popularity of the magazine grew, thanks to the support of our advertisers and loyal readers, so did attendance at our anniversary parties. So, we moved our the festivities into the performance lounge. There, we reserved 25- to 30 seats, leaving several tables and bar stools available for the general public to reserve. Now, everyone could celebrate with us and also enjoy performances by our special musical guests, which have included Dave Koz, Peter White, Rick Braun, Brian Culbertson, Richard Elliot, Euge Groove, Mindi Abair, Paul Taylor, Keiko Matsui, Gregg Karukas, Steve Oliver & more.

94.7 The WAVE's Pat Prescott interviews Barbados-born saxophonist Elan Trotman during a live broadcast during the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

94.7 The WAVE’s Pat Prescott interviews Barbados-born saxophonist Elan Trotman during a live broadcast during the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Smooth Jazz News party hostess Brenda Lavery Madruga (photo by David Hopley)

Smooth Jazz News party hostess Brenda Lavery Madruga (photo by David Hopley)

Melanie Eder and Smooth Jazz News graphic designer Gina Mancini-Giblin (photo by David Hopley)

Melanie Eder and Smooth Jazz News graphic designer Gina Mancini-Giblin (photo by David Hopley)

We soon outgrew that space, so we started hosting two brunch parties on separate Sundays. And, that’s what we continue to do today. We celebrated the 16th year of publishing Smooth Jazz News on Sunday, Jan. 24, at Spaghettini Seal Beach, and I’m posting photos from that here.

Gail Jhonson & Marqueal Jordan sitting in with DW3 during the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session (photo by David Hopley)

Gail Jhonson & Marqueal Jordan sitting in with DW3 during the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session (photo by David Hopley)

Gail Jhonson (center) with Kathy & Willie Payne of Payne Pest Management (photo by David Hopley)

Gail Jhonson (center) with Kathy & Willie Payne of Payne Pest Management (photo by David Hopley)

We’re hosting our second brunch party on Feb. 21. And, I hope you can celebrate with us. Vocalist Derek Bordeaux will performing in the lounge, and our some of our guest artists will sit in with the band. GRAMMY-winning keyboardist Gregg Karukas will be among then.

Reserve your table now for Smooth Jazz News' 16th Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 21 at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA

Reserve your table now for Smooth Jazz News’ 16th Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 21 at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

Smooth Jazz News’ 16th Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 21, 11am, at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California. For reservations and information, call 562-596-2199 or visit www.spaghettinisb.com.

Elan Trotman jams with DW3 at Spaghettini during the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session (photo by David Hopley)

Elan Trotman jams with DW3 at Spaghettini during the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session (photo by David Hopley)

Las Vegas-based saxophonist (and Coolio manager) Jarel "Jarez" Posey sits in with DW3 at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Las Vegas-based saxophonist (and Coolio manager) Jarel “Jarez” Posey sits in with DW3 at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Tracy Carter sings his heart out while Marqueal Jordan sits in with DW3 at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Tracy Carter sings his heart out while Marqueal Jordan sits in with DW3 at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Saxophonist Rick Parma & Canadian trumpeter Gabriel Hasselbach (photo by David Hopley)

Saxophonist Rick Parma & Canadian trumpeter Gabriel Hasselbach (photo by David Hopley)

Gabriel Hasselbach, Jeff Villaluna, Rob Tardik, Jarez "Jarel" Posey Eric Mondragon, Damon Reel, Gail Jhonson, Pat Prescott, Marqueal Jordan, Kathy Payne, Billy Mondragon, Charles Streeter, Rick Parma & Willie Payne (Photo by David Hopley)

Gabriel Hasselbach, Jeff Villaluna, Rob Tardik, Jarez “Jarel” Posey Eric Mondragon, Damon Reel, Gail Jhonson, Pat Prescott, Marqueal Jordan, Kathy Payne, Billy Mondragon, Charles Streeter, Rick Parma & Willie Payne (Photo by David Hopley)

Brunch buffet at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach, California (photo by David Hopley)

Brunch buffet at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach, California (photo by David Hopley)

Gift baskets raffled off by 94.7 The WAVE during Sunday brunch at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Gift baskets raffled off by 94.7 The WAVE during Sunday brunch at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Who’s coming to our 16th Anniversary Brunch at Spaghettini?

Smooth Jazz News' 15th Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session at Spaghettini Seal Beach in 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Smooth Jazz News’ 15th Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session at Spaghettini Seal Beach in 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Are you wondering who the surprise guest artists will be at our 16th Annual Anniversary Sunday Jazz Brunch & Jam Sessions at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA?

Special guests at the 2015 Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session: Charlotte White, Robin Pao, Keiko Matsui, Art Good, Craig Collier, Peter White, Al & Sandy Williams (photo by David Hopley)

Special guests at the 2015 Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session: Charlotte White, Robin Pao, Keiko Matsui, Art Good, Craig Collier, Peter White, Al & Sandy Williams (photo by David Hopley)

Many of their names can’t be revealed until they arrive on Jan. 24 and Feb. 21.

DamonReel, Euge Groove, Art Good, Keiko Matsui, Al Williams, Peter White, Craig Collier, Billy Mondragon & Eric Mondragon on the patio of Spaghettini Seal Beach during the 2015 Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session (photo by David Hopley)

DamonReel, Euge Groove, Art Good, Keiko Matsui, Al Williams, Peter White, Craig Collier, Billy Mondragon & Eric Mondragon on the patio of Spaghettini Seal Beach during the 2015 Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session (photo by David Hopley)

However, we can announce that Barbados-born saxophonist Elan Trotman and Canadian trumpeter Gabriel Mark Hasselbach are scheduled to join the jam session.

Canadian-based trumpeter Gabriel Mark Hasselbach

Canadian-based trumpeter Gabriel Mark Hasselbach

Elan Trotman joining the jam session during the 2015 Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch at Spaghettini Seal Beach (photo by David Hopley)

Elan Trotman joining the jam session during the 2015 Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch at Spaghettini Seal Beach (photo by David Hopley)

We will also post hints and more announcements on this blog throughout the week.

What we can say, however, is that there will be the same mouth-watering cuisine with both a buffet and order-off-the-menu entree (including Parmesan-crusted Chilean sea bass, Louisiana catfish, buttermilk fried chicken, waffles and wings, salmon picatta, traditional breakfast favorites and more)! Our favorite party band, DW3, will be onstage filling the lounge and restaurant with the sounds of Old School R&B on Jan. 24, and vocalist Derek Bordeaux and his group will entertain us on Feb. 21.

Sunday Brunch Buffet at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

Sunday Brunch Buffet at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

We hope you can celebrate with us at Spaghettini on Sunday, Jan. 24 or Feb. 21! And, because the NAMM Show is happening Jan. 21-24 at the nearby Anaheim Convention Center, there will be some other fun shows happening at Spaghettini throughout that weekend.

Some of the guest artists who attended the 2015 Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session at Spaghettini Seal Beach (photo by David Hopley)

Some of the guest artists who attended the 2015 Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session at Spaghettini Seal Beach (photo by Ambrosevents.com)

For reservations to the Smooth Jazz News 16th Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, at 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, please call 562-596-2199, or visit www.spaghettinisb.com for more information. To access information about Smooth Jazz News the magazine, visit www.smoothjazznews.com.

 

Richard Elliot Halloween Bash!

Camella and Richard Elliot dancing at their Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Camella and Richard Elliot dancing at their Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Richard Elliot and his wife, Camella, hosted a Halloween Bash at their Escondido home, which was decorated fabulously for this spooky occasion. DW3, with special guest Gail Jhonson, was the musical entertainment. Check out these photos taken by David Hopley…

Elliot's party signage (Photo: David Hopley)

Elliot’s party signage (Photo: David Hopley)

Camella and Richard Elliot host a Halloween Bash at their home in Escondido, California (photo by David Hopley)

Camella and Richard Elliot host a Halloween Bash at their home in Escondido, California (photo by David Hopley)

Elliot's Halloween garden signage (Photo: David Hopley)

Elliot’s Halloween garden signage (Photo: David Hopley)

Camella Elliot (center) with her daughters, Candice (left) & Mikayla (right) (Photo: David Hopley)

Camella Elliot (center) with her daughters, Candice (left) & Mikayla (right)
(Photo: David Hopley)

Ghost-driven pumpkin ride greets visitors at Camella & Richard Elliot's Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Ghost-driven pumpkin ride greets visitors at Camella & Richard Elliot’s Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Front door of the Elliot compound in Escondido, California (Photo: David Hopley)

Front door of the Elliot compound in Escondido, California (Photo: David Hopley)

Spooky dinner guests at the Elliot home (Photo: David Hopley)

Spooky dinner guests at the Elliot home (Photo: David Hopley)

Skeletons, pumpkins, black cat (Photo:David Hopley)

Skeletons, pumpkins, black cat (Photo:David Hopley)

Ghostly skeleton visiting the Elliot compound (Photo: David Hopley)

Ghostly skeleton visiting the Elliot compound (Photo: David Hopley)

Skeleton in chains guarding the Elliot's vast vineyards (Photo: David Hopley)

Skeleton in chains guarding the Elliot’s vast vineyards (Photo: David Hopley)

Skeleton ghoul in the Elliot's pool (Photo: David Hopley)

Skeleton ghoul in the Elliot’s pool (Photo: David Hopley)

Halloween scarecrow guarding the Elliot's vineyards (Photo: David Hopley)

Halloween scarecrow guarding the Elliot’s vineyards (Photo: David Hopley)

Guitar-playing monster serenading a pumpkin etched with Richard Elliot's face (Photo: David Hopley)

Guitar-playing monster serenading a pumpkin etched with Richard Elliot’s face (Photo: David Hopley)

Harmonica-playing, cigar-smoking, beer drinking skeleton (Photo: David Hopley)

Harmonica-playing, cigar-smoking, beer drinking skeleton (Photo: David Hopley)

Photo: David Hopley

Photo: David Hopley

Zombie (Photo: David Hopley)

Zombie (Photo: David Hopley)

Scarecrow ghost guarding the Elliot's vineyards (Photo: David Hopley)

Scarecrow ghost guarding the Elliot’s vineyards (Photo: David Hopley)

Frankenstein (Photo: David Hopley)

Frankenstein (Photo: David Hopley)

Kelly Cole and Lori Stoll enjoying the Elliot's Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Kelly Cole and Lori Stoll enjoying the Elliot’s Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Kelly Cole & Lori Stoll belly up to the bar at the Elliot's Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Kelly Cole & Lori Stoll belly up to the bar at the Elliot’s Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Halloween party, poolside at the Elliot Compound in Escondido, California (Photo: David Hopley)

Halloween party, poolside at the Elliot Compound in Escondido, California (Photo: David Hopley)

Richard Elliot, DW3 & clown onstage at the Elliot's Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Richard Elliot, DW3 & clown onstage at the Elliot’s Halloween Bash (Photo: David Hopley)

Halloween partygoers keep the bartender very busy (Photo: David Hopley)

Halloween partygoers keep the bartender very busy (Photo: David Hopley)

Candice Elliot (center) with party guests (Photo: David Hopley)

Candice Elliot (center) with party guests (Photo: David Hopley)

I usually catch myself mid-sentence when telling Camella Elliot about a particularly busy week, then I decide to switch subjects. That’s when I think of all the things she can accomplish in a typical day with five kids, pet pigs (and new piglets), a horse, goats, alpacas, dogs, newly planted vineyards, barns galore, a busy husband, AND she can fit in throwing a party like this one for Halloween with all of the amazing, intricate decor. #Admiration! By: Melanie Maxwell

Stevie Wonder sits in with Brian Culbertson at Long Beach concert!

(left to right) Brian Culbertson, Stevie Wonder, Rodney James Jr., (and, in back) Marqueal Jordan and Michael Stever (Photo by Rhonda Kilpatrick)

(left to right) Brian Culbertson, Stevie Wonder, Rodney Jones Jr., (and, in back) Marqueal Jordan and Michael Stever at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, California, on Valentine’s Day (Photo by Rhonda Kilpatrick)

By Melanie Maxwell

When Stevie Wonder walked on stage during Brian Culbertson‘s show last night, he thought the crowd had burst into ecstatic applause because they were diggin’ the way he was wailing on the keyboards. It was Valentine’s Day after all. And, Brian was the headliner at Rainbow Promotions’ three-act concert at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, CA, which also included saxophonist Jeanette Harris and Will Downing. But when he lifted his head up and opened his eyes, Stevie was standing next to him playing harmonica. Startled and shocked, Brian bent over slightly, stepped away from his keyboards, cupped his face in his hands, shook his head, then stared at Stevie for a moment.

Brian Culbertson & his bad react to a surprise appearance by Stevie Wonder during his performance at Rainbow Promotions' Valentine's Day concert at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photo by  Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Brian Culbertson & his band react to a surprise appearance by Stevie Wonder during their performance at Rainbow Promotions’ Valentine’s Day concert at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

After composing himself from this surprise, he walked back, placed his fingers on those ivories and jammed with the 25-time GRAMMY winner. His band––comprising Marqueal Jordan, Chris Miskel, Eddie Miller, Michael Stever, Rodney Jones Jr. and a guitarist––jumped around the stage with expressions of joy and disbelief, never missing a beat.

Brian Culbertson & his band performing at Rainbow Promotions' Valentine's Day concert at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photo by  Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Brian Culbertson, Marqueal Jordan, Michael Stever & Rodney Jones Jr. performing at Rainbow Promotions’ Valentine’s Day concert at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photos by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

There had been rumblings all night that Stevie was in the house, but no confirmed sightings until halfway through Brian’s stellar performance. Stevie was certainly feeling the vibe of that signature Culbertson funky flair, which exuded the energy and showmanship of a major rock concert. So, he emerged from backstage where he was enjoying the show, and joined the spiky-haired blond boy from Chicago.

Brian Culbertson & Stevie Wonder performing together spontaneously

Brian Culbertson & Stevie Wonder performing together spontaneously on Valentine’s Day in Long Beach, California (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Happy Valentine’s Day indeed…Amazing!

Brian Culbertson & Stevie Wonder performing an impromptu song at Rainbow Promotions' Valentine's Day concert at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Brian Culbertson & Stevie Wonder performing an impromptu song at Rainbow Promotions’ Valentine’s Day concert at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photos by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Brian Culbertson, who is celebrating his 20th year as a smooth jazz star, is also hosting his 4th annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, June 10-14. The lineup includes Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, Boney James, Peter White, Mindi Abair, Eric Darius, Spyro Gyra, Kenny Lattimore, Maysa, DW3, Eric Marienthal, comedian Alonzo Bodden & more! For more information on this 5-day, luxury wine & jazz festival held at Jamieson Ranch Vineyards and various venues throughout the Northern California Wine Country, visit www.jazzgetaway.com.

Brian Culbertson & Stevie Wonder backstage at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Brian Culbertson & Stevie Wonder backstage at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photos by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

For more information on Rainbow Promotions‘ events, including the Long Beach Jazz Festival, visit www.rainbowpromotions.com.

Kim Benoit (producer of Rainbow Promotions' Valentine's Concert) backstage at the Long Beach Terrace Theater with Stevie Wonder, Will Downing & 94.7 The WAVE on-air personality Pat Prescott on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Kim Benoit (producer of Rainbow Promotions’ Valentine’s Concert) backstage at the Long Beach Terrace Theater with Stevie Wonder, Will Downing & 94.7 The WAVE on-air personality Pat Prescott (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Stevie Wonder, Brian Culbertson, Al Williams (Rainbow Promotions founder) & Will Downing backstage at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Stevie Wonder, Brian Culbertson, Al Williams (Rainbow Promotions founder) & Will Downing backstage at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Feb. 14, 2015 (Photos by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Also, if you attended this concert, please post a comment below about your experience there. We’d love to hear from you!

Stevie Wonder, Luke Pierce & Brian Culbertson backstage at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, CA, on Valentine's Day 2015

Stevie Wonder, Luke Pierce & Brian Culbertson backstage after the show at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, California, on Valentine’s Day 2015

Partying with Euge, Peter White & Keiko!

Brunchgoers checking out Smooth Jazz News at Spaghettini in Seal Beach (Photo by David Hopley)

Brunchgoers checking out Smooth Jazz News at Spaghettini in Seal Beach (Photo by David Hopley)

By Melanie Maxwell

What would a Smooth Jazz News anniversary party be without a few genre stars celebrating with us? Thankfully, we didn’t have to find out.

Spaghettini brunchgoers dancing in the lounge during the Smooth Jazz News 15th Anniversary celebration on Feb. 8, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Spaghettini brunchgoers dancing in the lounge during the Smooth Jazz News 15th Anniversary celebration on Feb. 8, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Peter White, Euge Groove and Keiko Matsui joined us on Feb. 8 for the last of two brunch parties commemorating our 15th year of publication. And, DW3 was onstage in the lounge for the festivities at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach, California.

Euge Groove and his wife Bane at Spaghettini during Smooth Jazz News' 15th anniversary brunch celebration on Feb. 8, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Euge Groove and his wife Bane at Spaghettini during Smooth Jazz News’ 15th anniversary brunch celebration on Feb. 8, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Between trips to the buffet, these gracious guest artists (who remained a secret until they arrived) enjoyed a day of camaraderie with their peers, mingling with fans and nice bonding moments with festival promoters. Al Williams of Rainbow Promotions (Long Beach Jazz Festival and the upcoming Valentine’s Concert featuring Brian Culbertson & more) attended with his wife Sandy. Evette Benjamin from the City of Gardena was certainly getting her groove on, or maybe she was checking out headliners for the 2015 Gardena Jazz Festival or Food, Wine & Cigar Festival.

Evette Benjamin (right) with her friends Felicia & Yvette at the Smooth Jazz News anniversary celebration on Feb. 8, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Evette Benjamin (right) with her friends Felicia & Yvette at the Smooth Jazz News anniversary celebration on Feb. 8, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Candice Elliot (daughter of Camella and Richard Elliot) represented her musical family, who could not attend due to flight delays. And, legendary radio personality and Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival producer Art Good enjoyed socializing with our group while his friend Keiko was interviewed by Bill Dudley during a live broadcast on 94.7 The WAVE.

Keiko Matsui with Art Good; Keiko during on-air interview with Bill Dudley/94.7 The WAVE (Photo by David Hopley)

Keiko Matsui with Art Good; Keiko during on-air interview with Bill Dudley/94.7 The WAVE (Photo by David Hopley)

And, it didn’t take long before Peter grabbed his guitar and joined DW3 onstage. Soon, Euge was blasting away on his sax, and Eric Mondragon (DW3 keyboardist/vocalist) was relinquishing his seat at the keyboards to Keiko. The jam was on, and, of course, dancing was the audience’s response!

Candice Elliot with her friends Alex Trejo & Rachel Hamer at Smooth Jazz News' 15th anniversary celebration on Feb. 8 (Photo by David Hopley)

Candice Elliot with her friends Alex Trejo & Rachel Hamer at Smooth Jazz News’ 15th anniversary celebration on Feb. 8 (Photo by David Hopley)

Euge Groove, Art Good, Keiko Matsui, Al Williams & Peter White at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Euge Groove, Art Good, Keiko Matsui, Al Williams & Peter White at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

DW3 performing in the lounge at Spaghettini Seal Beach (Photo by David Hopley)

DW3 performing in the lounge at Spaghettini Seal Beach (Photo by David Hopley)

Please check out the photos from this festival event.

Charlotte White, Robin Pao, Keiko Matsui, Art Good, Craig Collier, Peter White, Al Williams & Sandy Williams (Photo by David Hopley)

Charlotte White, Robin Pao, Keiko Matsui, Art Good, Craig Collier, Peter White, Al Williams & Sandy Williams (Photo by David Hopley)

This was such a fun and heart-warming way to celebrate our magazine and the exciting smooth jazz lifestyle. Thank you to everyone who made this occasion so special for us. We’re looking forward to celebrating 16 years in 2016!

Keiko Matsui & Peter White sitting in with DW3 during the Smooth Jazz News 15th anniversary brunch at Spaghettini on Feb. 8, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Keiko Matsui & Peter White sitting in with DW3 during the Smooth Jazz News 15th anniversary brunch at Spaghettini on Feb. 8, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

DamonReel, Euge Groove, Art Good, Keiko Matsui, Al Williams, Peter White, Craig Collier, Billy Mondragon & Eric Mondragon outside of Spaghettini Seal Beach (Photo by David Hopley)

DamonReel, Euge Groove, Art Good, Keiko Matsui, Al Williams, Peter White, Craig Collier, Billy Mondragon & Eric Mondragon outside of Spaghettini Seal Beach (Photo by David Hopley)

For more information about Smooth Jazz News, visit www.smoothjazznews.com. To sign up for contests and announcements about concerts, festivals and new CDs, please click here https://smoothjazznews.wpengine.com/join-our-mailing-list/. For more information on Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, visit www.spaghettini.com.

Keiko Matsui, Peter White & Euge Groove jammin' with DW3 at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Keiko Matsui, Peter White & Euge Groove jammin’ with DW3 at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

DW3 members Eric Mondragon & DamonReel with a friend in the lounge at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

DW3 members Eric Mondragon & DamonReel with a friend in the lounge at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Peter White with his daughter Charlotte & wife Robin at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Peter White with his daughter Charlotte & wife Robin at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Terri Normann & Janis St. Marie at Spaghettini Seal Beach during the Smooth Jazz News 15th anniversary brunch party (Photo by David Hopley)

Terri Normann & Janis St. Marie at Spaghettini Seal Beach during the Smooth Jazz News 15th anniversary brunch party (Photo by David Hopley)

Yvette reading the print version of Smooth Jazz News, while Felicia Pennington checks out the new website design on her cell phone & Evette Benjamin uses the interactive options on the blog from her iPad (Photo by David Hopley)

Yvette reading the print version of Smooth Jazz News, while Felicia Pennington checks out the new website design on her iPad & Evette Benjamin uses the interactive options on the blog from her cell phone (Photo by David Hopley)

Peter  White greets Al Williams & his wife Sandy as they arrive at Spaghettini for the Smooth Jazz News 15th anniversary brunch celebration (Photo by David Hopley)

Peter White greets Al Williams & his wife Sandy as they arrive at Spaghettini for the Smooth Jazz News 15th anniversary brunch celebration (Photo by David Hopley)

Peter White & DamonReel performing at Spaghettini Seal Beach (Photo by David Hopley)

Peter White & DamonReel performing at Spaghettini Seal Beach (Photo by David Hopley)

Kris & Pete Glaeser at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Kris & Pete Glaeser at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Gina Giblin (Smooth Jazz News graphic designer) with her husband Shane, and daughter Siena at Spaghettini on Feb. 8, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Gina Giblin (Smooth Jazz News graphic designer) with her husband Shane, and daughter Siena at Spaghettini on Feb. 8, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Party with us tomorrow, Feb. 8, at Spaghettini!

Willie Payne & Lillian Perry dancing to the old-school soul of DW3 at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Willie Payne & Lillian Perry dancing to the old-school soul of DW3 at Spaghettini on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Joey Sommerville, Rayford Griffin, Eric Mondgragon, DamonReel, Gregg Karukas, Dirk K, Jarez, saxophonist and two other DW3 band members, Billy Mondragon & Sekou bunch outside of Spaghettini (Photo by Ambrosevents)

Joey Sommerville, Rayford Griffin, Eric Mondgragon, DamonReel, Gregg Karukas, Dirk K, Jarez, saxophonist and two other DW3 band members, Billy Mondragon & Sekou Bunch outside of Spaghettini on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by Ambrosevents)

By Melanie Maxwell

We had such a great time during our 15th Anniversary brunch party at Spaghettini last month that we’re doing it again tomorrow, Feb. 8!

Brunch patrons partying in the lounge at Spaghettini during the Smooth Jazz News 15th Anniversary celebration on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Brunch patrons partying in the lounge at Spaghettini during the Smooth Jazz News 15th Anniversary celebration on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Phil & Lillian Perry; Kathy Payne takes a photo of her mother with Phil & Lillian Perry; Lillian Perry chats with Steve Chapman (Photo by David Hopley)

Phil & Lillian Perry; Kathy Payne takes a photo of her mother with Phil & Lillian Perry; Lillian Perry chats with Steve Chapman on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

It will be the same great food (a buffet AND order-off-the-menu entree!), same soulful band (DW3) and same fabulous location (Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California). But, we’ll have an entirely new cast of special guest artists.

Phil Perry, Sekou Bunch, Rayford Griffin, DamonReel, Joey Sommerville, Eric Mondragon & DW3 band members outside on the patio at Spaghettini in Seal Beach (Photo by David Hopley)

Phil Perry, Sekou Bunch, Rayford Griffin, DamonReel, Joey Sommerville, Eric Mondragon & DW3 band members outside on the patio at Spaghettini in Seal Beach on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Dirk K; Fran & Dean; Kathy & her mother Joan Giddens (Photo by David Hopley)

Dirk K; Fran & Dean; Kathy Payne & her mother Joan Giddens on Jan. 25, 2015(Photo by David Hopley)

Eric Mondragon & Willie Payne (Payne Pest Management) celebrating Smooth Jazz News' 15th anniversary at Spaghettini  (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/wwww.ellismoore.com)

Eric Mondragon & Willie Payne (Payne Pest Management) celebrating Smooth Jazz News‘ 15th anniversary at Spaghettini on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by Ambrosevents.com /wwww.ellismoore.com)

Last month our special guests included vocalist Phil Perry, keyboardist Gregg Karukas, Barbados-born saxophonist Elan Trotman, trumpeter Joey Sommerville, jazz harpist Mariea Antoinette, guitarist Dirk K and saxophonist Jarez Posey. As you can imagine, there was a lot of dancing, screaming and applause, much of which was captured on cell phones, iPads and digital cameras.

Willie Payne & Gregg Karukas at Smooth Jazz News' 15th anniversary brunch party (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/wwww.ellismoore.com)

Willie Payne & Gregg Karukas at Smooth Jazz News‘ 15th anniversary brunch party on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by Ambrosevents.com /wwww.ellismoore.com)

DamonReel, Gregg Karukas, Dirk K & Jarez taking a break outside of Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

DamonReel, Gregg Karukas, Dirk K & Jarez taking a break outside of Spaghettini on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Lillian Perry snaps a photo of Phil Perry & Joey Sommerville at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Lillian Perry snaps a photo of Phil Perry & Joey Sommerville at Spaghettini on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

The names of our guest artists can’t be revealed until they arrive on Sunday. However, I can tell you that so far, the A-list smooth jazz stars include a guitarist, a saxophonist and a keyboardist (who has never attend these brunches before). And, who knows who else may stop by to sit in with the band and mingle with their fans?

Joey Sommerville, Rayford Griffin, "Q", Gregg Karukas, Dirk K & Jarez outside of Spaghettini in Seal Beach (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/wwww.ellismoore.com)

Joey Sommerville, Rayford Griffin, “Q”, Gregg Karukas, Dirk K & Jarez outside of Spaghettini in Seal Beach on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/wwww.ellismoore.com)

I hope you can celebrate with us at Spaghettini on Sunday, Feb. 8!

If you attended our brunch party on Jan. 25, please let us know what the experience was like for you. Also, if plan to celebrate with us on Sunday, Feb. 8, please let us know as well. Simply post a comment below the photos at the bottom of the page. We’d love to hear from you!

Phil Perry, Kim Benoit and her husband Ozzie (Rainbow Promotions) & Lillian Perry at Smooth Jazz News 15th anniversary brunch party (Photo by David Hopley)

Phil Perry, Kim Benoit and her husband Ozzie (Rainbow Promotions) & Lillian Perry at Smooth Jazz News 15th anniversary brunch party on Jan 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

For reservations to Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch, happening from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. at 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., in Seal Beach, please call 562-596-2199, or visit www.spaghettinisb.com for more information.

Shannon Moore (Mack Avenue Records) & jazz harpist Mariea Antoinette at the Smooth Jazz News 15th anniversary brunch party at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

Shannon Moore (Mack Avenue Records) & jazz harpist Mariea Antoinette at the Smooth Jazz News 15th anniversary brunch party at Spaghettini on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Cary Hardwick (Spaghettini co-owner) on air with Bill Dudley during 94.7 The WAVE's live broadcast from Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (Photo by David Hopley)

Cary Hardwick (Spaghettini co-owner) on air with Bill Dudley during 94.7 The WAVE’s live broadcast from Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA, on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Elan Trotman sitting in with DW3 at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA, on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Elan Trotman sitting in with DW3 at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA, on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by David Hopley)

Joey Sommerville performing at the Smooth Jazz News 15th Anniversary brunch party at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (Photo by Ambrosevents.com/ellismoore.com)

Joey Sommerville performing at the Smooth Jazz News 15th Anniversary brunch party at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA, on Jan. 25, 2015 (Photo by Ambrosevents.com /ellismoore.com)

Buffet at Spaghettini's Legendary Sunday Brunch in Seal Beach, CA (Photo by David Hopley)

Buffet at Spaghettini’s Legendary Sunday Brunch in Seal Beach, CA (Photo by David Hopley)