Tag Archives: Marc Antoine

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)

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Payne for bringing back Jazz at the Beach!

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Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre (photo by David Hopley)

Pat Prescott (94.7 The WAVE), Jean Braxton (Permission to Talk), Willie Payne (owner, Payne Pest Management) & Kelly Cole (KPRi Lites-Out Jazz radio show host) at Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach (photo by David Hopley)

Before I even entered the venue, I was impressed with how well Kathy and Willie Payne and their staff organized their Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach concert last Sunday.

Clearly marked signs directed patrons to the VIP parking lot where volunteers waved us through and pointed to available spaces to park our car. From there, it was a few steps to the entrance where competent staff immediately exchanged our tickets for wristbands and meal/drink tickets. When I entered the venue, I was thrilled to notice a “cooling station.” Even though we were a few sandy yards from the cool, wavy, waters, the two industrial-sized fans blowing cool air in this shady tented area was more refreshing than the ocean breeze.

I had my own chair, so I claimed my space in this coolness and sat there for the first two hours. San Diego County was suffering through record heat that weekend (nearly 90, plus humidity at the coast!), and as much as I love live jazz, all I cared about was surviving this intense heatwave. Although I couldn’t see the stage from the cooling station, I certainly could hear the wonderful sounds of Brian Simpson and Marc Antoine.

Steve Oliver performing at Jazz at the Beach in Oceanside, CA (photo by David Hopley)

By the time Steve Oliver took the stage, the sun had moved far enough west that our seats were now in the shade. So, I was able to enjoy the rest of the performances in front of the stage, which also included Eric Darius as the closing act.

Brian Simpson & Marc Antoine sign autographs for fans at Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach (photo by David Hopley)

Fans not only got to meet the artists after each performance and get a CD signed, they also had photo opportunities at the step-and-repeat.

Food vendors at Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach (photo by David Hopley)

In addition to the men’s health awareness fair, wonderful food and beverage vendors lined the perimeter of the venue. Pulled-pork sandwiches, sausages with grilled onions and peppers, barbecue, gyros, Greek salad, home-made ice cream, chocolate kabobs and other tasty treats were available for purchase. And, even more convenience as wait staff served patrons at tables and those seated in rows of chairs.

Fresh fruit dipped in chocolate and other toppings at Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach (photo by David Hopley)

And, on the practical side, there were plenty of clean, running-water restroom facilities as well as trash and recycle bins.

Sunset at Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach (photo by David Hopley)

This first event offered all of the perks and comforts one could possibly hope for at an outdoor concert or festival, including spectacular beach views. And, there’s more good news…the Paynes are planning a full series at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre in 2015!

Bravo, Kathy and Willie Payne!

For more information, visit www.litesoutjazzatthebeach.com.