Tag Archives: Gregg Karukas

Smooth jazz in a magnificent resort setting

The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa Announces Spring 2017 Performances for “Grooves at The Westin” Jazz Concert Series

The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. – January 20, 2017 – The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa announces the line-up of the next four concerts with world-class musicians performing in the beautiful outdoor resort setting of the Masters Plaza, weather permitting. Prices vary for seating options from $45 to $99, but all seats offer exceptional views.

The concert schedule is as follows:

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul

Saturday, February 18, 7 p.m. – Greg Adams and East Bay Soul, LA Collective featuring Adam Hawley and Greg Manning with special guest Eric Darius

Eric Darius (photo by Jeff Sciortino)

Greg Adams and East Bay Soul will move you with a performance that keeps the funk alive.  A combination of instrumental funk, soul jazz and rhythm and blues vocals, East Bay Soul creates a union that is nothing short of musical wizardry. Opening the show is the high-energy performance of LA Collective featuring Adam Hawley and Greg Manning with chart-topping saxophonist Eric Darius.

The sound of Greg Adams and East Bay Soul is one of the world’s best-known musical signatures, with a musical journey that has spanned more than four decades.  Adams is a founding member of Tower Of Power, legendary for the arrangements that made the TOP horn section a sought out entity all its own. Greg Adams is the driving force behind East Bay Soul. The expansive ensemble is a blend of Funk Jazz, R&B and Soul. East Bay Soul with a most soulful ensemble creates a union that has been nothing short of musical wizardry. Their extraordinary combined talents all bring incredible energy to the music with heart and soul.  East Bay Soul is dedicated to a singular vision of bringing their brand of funk and the magic of their live performance into every note they play.

Los Angeles Collective, LA Collective for short, is a group of five producers/ musicians/ engineers/ artists/ songwriters who collectively create a variety of versatile styles of music such as Rock, Funk, Dance, Disco, Ska, Punk, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Metal, Country, Folk, R&B, Blues, Electro, Pop, Jazz, Samba, Bossa Nova, Cumbia, Tropical, Merengue, Punta, Indy, etc. Their high-energy performances have been delighting audiences since 2011. Joining them is chart-topping recording artist, Eric Darius. A contemporary jazz saxophonist and composer, Darius’s music has been described as a combination of jazz, R&B, hip-hop and pop.

Tickets for the February 18th show can be purchased at https://www.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=932272

Mindi Abair

Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m. – Mindi Abair

The smooth Lady of Saxophone comes to the Westin for the first time. In a career that spans seven solo albums and countless collaborations in the studio and live on stage, Mindi Abair has made her mark as one of the most recognizable saxophonists in the United States. She has appeared on stage with Bruce Springsteen for a historic night at the Beacon Theater, performed with Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” and is the only saxophonist to tour with rock legend Aerosmith since 1973. She has earned the respect of top-shelf artists representing just about every genre of music. Abair’s solo work has garnered ten #1 radio hits, six top-five spots and two #1 spots on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz album chart. Abair received a 2014 GRAMMY nomination in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category for Summer Horns, a #1 recording with her friends Dave Koz, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot, and more recently she received a 2015 GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for her solo CD “Wild Heart.”

Tickets for the March 4th show can be purchased at http://www.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=939392

Rick Braun

Saturday, March 18, 7 p.m. Rick Braun and special guest Josh Vietti

Rick Braun is a smooth jazz trumpet player, multi-instrumentalist and producer known for his gregarious and charismatic performances. However, the humble trumpeter-flugelhorn player-vocalist Braun is “grateful to still be making music with friends.” Braun is a consistent chart-topper who has amassed a catalogue of No. 1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart and radio hits throughout his solo career that began in earnest in 1992. A two-time winner of the Gavin Report’s Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year award, Braun excels playing any style and genre of music, and his style on the trumpet is unrivaled. In addition to his solo career, Braun also plays in the band BWB, with saxophonist Kirk Whalum and guitarist Norman Brown. In 2005, he and saxophonist Richard Elliot co-founded ARTizen Music Group.

True to his reputation, Rick Braun brings a smooth, mellow and heartfelt performance to Grooves at The Westin. Rick Braun’s inimitable style of jazz trumpet delivers an experience straight to the soul. Joining him is Josh Vietti, Grammy-nominated hip-hop/pop violinist from southern California who incorporates pop, classical, country, gospel and jazz into his performances.

Tickets for the March 18th show can be purchased at http://www.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=932275

Peter White

Saturday, April 1, 2017, 7 p.m. – Peter White with All-Star band featuring Michael Paulo

Undoubtedly one of the most popular figures in smooth jazz and a jazz fusion guitarist and songwriter, Peter White is a veteran on the scene. Over the years, Peter White has maintained a reputation as one of the most versatile and prolific acoustic guitarists on the contemporary jazz landscape. Armed with an unparalleled combination of lyricism and energy, he combines elements of jazz, pop and classical guitar to create a sound that is singular and at the same time accessible to a broad audience. He is known for his 20-year collaboration with Al Stewart. In addition, his songs “Midnight in Manhattan”, recorded by Grover Washington, Jr. (1998), and “Bright” (2009) have each reached number one on the Billboard Jazz Songs chart.

Back by popular demand White brings his endearing style and immense talent on acoustic guitar back to Grooves at The Westin, where he will be performing songs from his 15th solo release “Groovin” and will be joined by saxophonist Michael Paulo and keyboardist Gregg Karukas.

Tickets for the April 1st show can be purchased at http://www.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=932276

Post sponsored by The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California. (760) 328-5955

Smooth Jazz News 16th Annniversary Party No. 2

Felicia Pennington, Evette Benjamin & Yvette Perkins celebrating Smooth Jazz News' 16th anniversary at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

Felicia Pennington, Evette Benjamin & Yvette Perkins celebrating Smooth Jazz News’ 16th anniversary at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

One of my favorite aspects of this year’s Smooth Jazz News anniversary brunch and jam session was our first-time guests. The people who sit in our reserved section at Spaghettini in Seal Beach are those who advertised with us the prior year. Many of them I had previously communicated with only by phone and through email. So, meeting them in person and sharing this special day was a whole lot of fun!

Cheryl Barnes & her husband Phil Cabasso sit in with the Derek Bordeaux Band at Smooth Jazz News' 16th Anniversary brunch party & jam session (photo by David Hopley)

Cheryl Barnes (right) and her husband Phil Cabasso (left) sit in with the Derek Bordeaux Band at Smooth Jazz News’ 16th Anniversary brunch party & jam session (photo by David Hopley)

It’s also quite thrilling for me to introduce artists to concert and festival promoters. Making a connection in this casual setting gives each of them a chance to get to know each other on a personal basis. It’s even more exciting when I discover that an artist got booked by a promoter they met during one of our parties. Saxophonist Elan Trotman met Kimberly Benoit of Rainbow Promotions at our event last year, and now he’s on the schedule for her Long Beach Jazz Festival in August.

Al Williams (drummer & Rainbow Promotions founder) with guitarist Freddie Fox at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Al Williams (drummer & Rainbow Promotions founder) with guitarist Freddie Fox at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

And, thanks to the generosity of Cary Hardwick and Laurie Sisneros (co-owners of Spaghettini), we got a couple of slots of airtime during 94.7 The WAVE’s live broadcasts at both brunches. During the first of two Sunday celebrations on Jan. 24, Trotman got a chance to chat about his Barbados Jazz Excursion (http://barbadosjazzexcursion.com/) in October with Pat Prescott (The WAVE’s weekday morning host).

Warren Hill, Gregg Karukas and 94.7 The WAVE weekday afternoon host broadcasting live from Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

Warren Hill, Gregg Karukas and 94.7 The WAVE weekday afternoon host broadcasting live from Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

At our next brunch party on Feb. 21, saxophonist Warren Hill and keyboardist/composer Gregg Karukas got on the mic with Deborah Howell (The WAVE’s weekday afternoon drive host). Hill gushed about his 15-year-old daughter, Olivia Rox, and her journey as a contestant on the final season of “American Idol.” He also plugged his Cancun Jazz Festival, scheduled for Labor Day weekend at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya (www.cancunjazz.com).

Gregg Karukas & Craig Collier celebrating Smooth Jazz News' 16th anniversary at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Gregg Karukas & Craig Collier celebrating Smooth Jazz News’ 16th anniversary at Spaghettini (photo by David Hopley)

Karukas discussed the Divine Jazz Cruise, an intimate, all-inclusive luxury sailing with Michael Paulo, Ray Parker Jr. and Kiki Ebsen, scheduled for May 6-11. The five-day excursion aboard the Crystal Serenity cruises from San Francisco to Vancouver, Canada, with ports of call at Astoria, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Victoria, British Columbia (www.divinejazzcruise.com).

Jeff & Lynn Rudin of Divine Jazz Cruise (photo by David Hopley)

Jeff & Lynn Rudin of Divine Jazz Cruise (photo by David Hopley)

And, for the first time, we got to hang out with Lynn and Jeff Rudin, producers of the Divine Jazz Cruise, and vocalist Cheryl Barnes with her piano-playing husband Phil Cabasso. They got to meet and mingle with our regulars such as Al and Sandy Williams (Rainbow Promotions) and Evette Benjamin (City of Gardena, producers of the Gardena Jazz Festival).

Gregg Karukas sitting in with Freddie Fox (center) and Derek Bordeaux (right) during Smooth Jazz News' 16th Anniversary Brunch celebration at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

Gregg Karukas sitting in with Freddie Fox (center) and Derek Bordeaux (right) during Smooth Jazz News’ 16th Anniversary Brunch celebration at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

Another first was that DW3 wasn’t able to perform at our second brunch because they were booked out of the country on several jazz-themed cruises. So, the Derek Bordeaux Band was on stage, and joined by some of our musical guests, including Karukas, Barnes and Cabasso.

Joanne & Herb Hein dancing at Smooth Jazz News' 16th anniversary brunch & jam session (photo by David Hopley)

Joanne & Herb Hein dancing at Smooth Jazz News’ 16th anniversary brunch & jam session (photo by David Hopley)

In this fast-paced world we spin around in where email and social media platforms have overtaken the truly personal form of communication, face-to-face engagement without the vice of a mobile device, it is refreshing to enjoy human connection with friends (old and new), delicious food, champagne, craft cocktails and uplifting music. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

Crowd enjoying music & brunch in Spaghettini's lounge, which sold out during Smooth Jazz News' 16th anniversary brunch (photo by David Hopley)

Crowd enjoying music & brunch in Spaghettini’s lounge, which sold out during Smooth Jazz News’ 16th anniversary brunch (photo by David Hopley)

Thank you all for allowing us at Smooth Jazz News to serve this wonderful community of fans, artists, musicians, promoters, venues and record labels for more than 16 years!

By Melanie Maxwell

Buttermilk-fried chicken with biscuit & gravy and chicken and waffles are two popular menu items that are served at Spaghettini's brunch in addition to their buffet! (photo by David Hopley)

Buttermilk-fried chicken with biscuit & gravy and chicken and waffles are two popular menu items that are served at Spaghettini’s brunch in addition to their buffet! (photo by David Hopley)

For details on the next Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session, scheduled for Jan. 22 and another date in 2017, visit this blog often and check out the magazine for further announcements. For more information on Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, located at 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, visit www.spaghettinisb.com or call 562-596-2199.

Sliced sirloin is an additional menu item served during Spaghettini's Legendary Champagne Jazz Brunch in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

Sliced sirloin is an additional menu item served during Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Jazz Brunch in Seal Beach, CA (photo by David Hopley)

Vocalist Cheryl Barnes with her music director-keyboardist husband Phil Cabasso (photo by David Hopley)

Vocalist Cheryl Barnes with her music director-keyboardist husband Phil Cabasso (photo by David Hopley)

Festival of Arts with Jazz, Wine & Chocolate!

Festival of Arts ice sculpture

Festival of Arts ice sculpture

I was invited to the Festival of Arts VIP Night on July 3. Hanging out in Laguna Beach in the summer is a wonderful pastime, but enjoying the artful festivities was even more of an incentive to make the 70-mile drive from San Diego the day before 4th of July. This event offered patrons the chance to preview (and purchase) the works of 140 of Orange County’s most renowned artists before it opens to the public on July 8. And, it gave me and other professional media early entrance into the show to interview artists and peruse their work. We were also included in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facade entrance before the doors opened to this highly acclaimed juried fine art show.

New facade entrance at Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California

New facade entrance at Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California

Teri Starkweather's Tea Party Posies watercolor (www.teristarkweather.com)

Teri Starkweather’s “Tea Party Posies” watercolor (www.teristarkweather.com)

"Transparent Memories" watercolor by Teri Starkweather

“Transparent Memories” watercolor by Teri Starkweather

The courtyard was packed with multi-generational art enthusiasts, most of which were dressed in white (Did I miss that memo?). The light canvas of the crowd helped highlight the beautiful exhibits displaying colorful paintings, glass creations, sculptures, mixed media, sparkling jewelry and other fine art that filled the perimeter. The smooth sounds of Blake Aaron’s band added to the coolness of the evening.

Molly Hutchings watercolors (www.mollyart.com)

Molly Hutchings watercolors (www.mollyart.com)

Molly Hutchings watercolors (www.mollyart.com)

Molly Hutchings watercolors (www.mollyart.com)

Molly Hutchings watercolors (www.mollyart.com)

Molly Hutchings watercolors (www.mollyart.com)

During the VIP-hour, staff from Colette’s Catering & Events served tray-passed appetizers such as chilled chicken spring rolls with honey-soy drizzle, ahi poke with wasabi in a cone, mini pita chips with fresh hummus, spring rice salad with grilled shrimp, English sweet pea crostini, mini fruit tarts, hand-made cannoli and other treats. The dinner service, which began at 7 p.m., included a grains & greens bar that featured lentils, brown rice and quinoa, as well as a build-your-own salad bowl with dozens of fresh ingredients. The slider station offered a choice of tri-tip with caramelized onions and garlic aioli, Kailua pulled-pork with hoisin Dijon barbecue sauce, and chicken Parmesan with marinara and mozzarella. For dessert, they served chocolate chip and snickerdoodle cookies, freshly baked onsite.

Art glass "Glassics" & jewelry by Sherry Salito-Forsen (www.glassicsart.com)

Art glass “Glassics” & jewelry by Sherry Salito-Forsen (www.glassicsart.com)

Sherry Salito-Forsen's glass art "Glassics"(www.glassicsart.com)

Sherry Salito-Forsen’s glass art “Glassics”(www.glassicsart.com)

Brian Giberson totem art (www.Indigolights.com)

Brian Giberson totem art (www.Indigolights.com)

Now in its 83rd year, this breathtaking showcase for artists and art lovers also offers demonstrations, art workshops, daily art tours, special events, an onsite restaurant, the Pageant of the Masters (July 8-Aug. 31) and more. Of special interest to jazz fans are Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate ($15 with purchase of Festival of Arts admission) on select Thursdays; and Jazz on the Green (free admission with purchase of Festival of Arts ticket) twice monthly on Saturdays. Here is the schedule:

Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate lineup:

Various Thursdays, July 9-Aug. 27, 5:30 p.m.

XAN Confections chocolate paired with wine at the Festival of Arts Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate series in Laguna Beach, California

XAN Confections chocolate paired with wine at the Festival of Arts Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate series in Laguna Beach, California

Steve Oliver

Steve Oliver is scheduled to perform on July 9

July 9: Steve Oliver

July 16: Billy Valentine

July 23: Carol Bach y Rita

July 30: Pretzel Logic

Aug. 6: Bill Cantos

Gregg Karukas (photo by Sherry Barnett)

Gregg Karukas is scheduled to perform on Aug. 13 (photo by Sherry Barnett)

Aug. 13: Gregg Karukas

Aug. 20: Brian Bromberg

Aug. 27: Terry Wollman

Concerts on the Green lineup:

Various Saturdays, July 11-Aug. 22, 1 p.m.

July 11: The Stray Cats’ Lee Rocker

July 25: Ellis Hall presents Ray, Motown & Beyond

Aug. 8: Chieli Minucci and Special EFX with special guest Marion Meadows

Aug. 22: Russell Ferrante Trio with special guest Bob Mintzer

Festival of Arts VIP/Media Party 2015

Festival of Arts VIP/Media Party 2015

Festival of Arts––located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California––is open daily, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., July 5 through Aug. 31.

General admission is $7 Monday-Friday, $10 on Saturday and Sunday. Special discounts apply to students and seniors; free admission for military, Laguna Beach residents and children 12 and under. And, with the new Passport to the Arts, a special promotion funded in part by Bank of America, $23 gets you unlimited admission all summer long to Festival of Arts (excluding Pageant of the Masters), the Sawdust Art Festival and Art-A-Fair.  

Pageant of the Masters is held nightly at 8:30, July 8-Aug. 31.

For tickets and information on all of the events, visit www.foapom.com or call 800-487-3378.

For more coverage on Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters and the festival’s summer concerts, check out the current issue of Smooth Jazz News (pages 8-9; and 12) in print or online at www.smoothjazznews.com.

By: Melanie Maxwell

Festival of Arts entrance in Laguna Beach, California

Festival of Arts entrance in Laguna Beach, California

KSBR Birthday Bash with food & wine tastings!

21-year-old saxophonist Vincent Ingala

Vincent Ingala

Chris Standring, Michael Lington & Jessy J added to KSBR Birthday Bash this Sunday, May 24! Plus, more super-secret performers who cannot be announced until they step on the stage! And, of course, Smooth Jazz News will have a booth there, passing out magazines, selling subscriptions and concert clothing.

Where can you see more than 30 top smooth jazz artists performing live this month? AND, enjoy food and beverage tastings? At the KSBR Birthday Bash & Taste of the Bash in Mission Viejo, California, on Sunday, May 24!

Gregg Karukas (photo by Sherry Barnett)

Gregg Karukas (photo by Sherry Barnett)

Many of the top genre stars donating their performance time to this annual fund-raising event for KSBR 88.5, Saddleback College’s radio station, cannot be announced until the day of the show. However, a few names have started to leak out. So far, confirmed artists include Gregg Karukas, Vincent Ingala, Greg Adams, Chieli Minucci, Melissa Manchester, Paul Brown, Brian Bromberg, Slim Man and East Bay Soul!

Pasta food vendor serving up samples at KSBR's 2012 Taste of the Bash (Photo by David Hopley)

Pasta food vendor serving up samples at KSBR’s 2012 Taste of the Bash (Photo by David Hopley)

When the doors open at 3:30pm (3pm for VIPs), the Village Green of Oso Viejo Park in Mission Viejo, California, will be transformed into a spectacular, non-smoking, food-and-beverage-tasting extravaganza. More than 25, favorite, local restaurants will hand out free samples of their best dishes. Participating restaurants include Slaters 50/50, Rubio’s, Einstein Brothers, The Butcher Block, California Pizza Kitchen, The Broken Yoke Cafe, Mama’s Mediterranean, Sundried Tomato Cafe, Whole Foods Market and more!

Food vendor at the 2012 KSBR Taste of the Bash (Photo by David Hopley)

Food vendor at the 2012 KSBR Taste of the Bash (Photo by David Hopley)

Patrons are also welcome to bring their own food, small coolers, picnic baskets, (sealed) soft drinks and low-back beach chairs.

Sampling of New Orleans-style cuisine at KSBR's Taste of the Bash in 2012 (Photo by David Hopley)

Sampling of New Orleans-style cuisine at KSBR’s Taste of the Bash in 2012 (Photo by David Hopley)

Festivalgoers should be well nourished and hydrated enough to dance into the night when the music starts at 5pm, and goes nonstop until nearly 10pm.

Got your tickets yet? There’s still time to buy them before it sells out.

General Admission (lawn seating) is $55 through May 23, $60 on May 24.

Gold VIP (assigned table seating in the Gold Circle) tickets are $125 each, and include complimentary dessert and soft drinks and upgraded restrooms.

Premium Gold VIP Table Seating is priced at $165.00 each, and includes complimentary dessert and soft drinks, upgraded restrooms, plus a backstage pre-Bash dinner.

Reserved Platinum VIP Seating tickets are available at $190 person, and include reserved seats directly in front of the stage, preferred parking immediately adjacent to entrance and backstage pre-Bash dinner.

All ticket options include the Taste of the Bash and the concert.

The KSBR Birthday Bash and Taste of the Bash is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 3:30pm (3pm for VIP guests), at the Village Green of Oso Viejo Park, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, California. For tickets or more information, visit www.ksbr.net or call 949-582-4501.

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)

Who will be at Spaghettini for our anniversary party?

Smooth Jazz News at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach, CA  (Photo by Pat Benter)

Smooth Jazz News celebrating 14th Anniversary in 2014 at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach, CA (Photo by Pat Benter)

By Melanie Maxwell

What special guest artists will perform at Smooth Jazz News‘ 15th anniversary celebration on Jan. 25 and Feb. 8 at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California? We can’t disclose the names quite yet. But, I can tell you that there will be a singer, saxophonist, keyboardist and trumpeter sitting in with DW3 at our brunch party on Jan. 25.

Peter White sitting in with DW3 at Smooth Jazz News' 14th anniversary celebration at Spaghettini in 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)

Peter White sitting in with DW3 at Smooth Jazz News‘ 14th anniversary celebration at Spaghettini in 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)

Will you be there? The lounge is already sold out, but there may be a few tables left in some of the dining rooms. Call 562-596-2199 for reservations at Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch.

Dave Koz & Rick Braun sitting in with DW3 at Smooth Jazz News' 14th anniversary celebration at Spaghettini in 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)

Dave Koz & Rick Braun sitting in with DW3 at Smooth Jazz News‘ 14th anniversary celebration at Spaghettini in 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)

For more information on Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, located at 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy. in Seal Beach, California, visit www.spaghettininsb.com.

Gregg Karukas performing at Smooth Jazz News' anniversary celebration at Spaghettini in 2012 (Photo by David Hopley)

Gregg Karukas performing at Smooth Jazz News‘ anniversary celebration at Spaghettini in 2012 (Photo by David Hopley)

DW3 performing at Smooth Jazz News' 14th anniversary celebration at Spaghettini in 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)

Billy Mondragon & DamonReel of DW3 performing at Smooth Jazz News‘ 14th anniversary celebration at Spaghettini in 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)