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 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)
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)
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 (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 (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)
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)
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)
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)
