Tag Archives: smooth jazz

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!

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)

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)

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)

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”)

Enchantment is the Grand Tradition for Jazz in Fallbrook, CA

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Sparkling fountain along the tree-shaded pathway at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens (Photo: Pat Benter)

The Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens’ Jazz & Wine Festivals have taken root with jazz fans, blossoming into an enchanting outing for thousands of genre enthusiasts since its inception in 2013. However, when the owners of this storybook wedding and private event venue in Fallbrook, California, partnered with The Centre in Escondido to create The REVV Summer Concert Series this year, the concept caused some confusion among jazz fans. It wasn’t easy for some people to grasp the idea of one promoter booking different concerts on different dates at two separate venues.

Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook, California (Photo: Pat Benter)

Waterfall at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook, California (Photo: Pat Benter)

The lush, 18-acre, themed botanical paradise accented with waterfalls, arched stone bridges floating over soothing streams, a heart-shaped lake with a fountain in the center, along with other floral displays, water features and the Veranda Restaurant overlooking it all, still offered it’s signature jazz event. Bands perform simultaneously at three of these venues with tiered start times, from 3:30-6 p.m., followed by an opening act and headliner on the main stage adjacent to the lake.

Heart-shaped lake with fountain at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens (Photo: Pat Benter)

Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers performing on the main stage at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens’ Jazz & Wine Festival on Aug. 5, 2017, as part of the new REVV Summer Concert Series (Photo: Pat Benter)

The number of festivals was extended to three this year, featuring headliners such as The Stanley Clarke Band (June 17), The Rippingtons with Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers as the opening act (Aug. 5) and Fourplay (scheduled for Sept. 9).

Wazabe Blue with Jerome Dawson performing in the Arbor Terrace Pavilion at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens’ Jazz & Wine Festival on Aug. 5, 2017 (Photo: Pat Benter)

Patrons enjoying music, food and libations at the Orchid Bar during the Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens’ Jazz & Wine Festival on Aug. 6, 2017 (Photo: Pat Benter)

The REVV Concerts partnership merely added a second venue at The Centre from which to enjoy musical entertainment on the Moonlight Veranda atop Lexus Escondido. It also features a fine dining experience at Vintana, the 2016 Gold Medallion Award winner for Best American Modern/Global Influence. The concerts are held on the same level as Vintana, outside, just beyond the vodka bar and cocktail lounge, and offers VIP seating, private cabanas and general admission options.

Beverly Mansion and Veranda Restaurant at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook, California (Photo: Pat Benter)

Gourmet dinner buffet enjoyed on the Veranda at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens’ Jazz & Wine Festival on Aug. 5, 2017 (Photo: Pat Benter)

Although the final concert at The Centre is happening tonight, Sunday, Aug. 27, featuring John Pizzarelli with Jessica Molaskey, there is one more Jazz & Wine Festival at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens, scheduled for Sept. 9, featuring Fourplay as the headliner (with Kirk Whalum replacing Chuck Loeb, who sadly passed away last month), and David Maldonado as the opener. Entertainment throughout the gardens includes Sinatra & Martinis in the Orchid Bar, Viva Santana in the Arbor Terrace Pavilion, Len Rainey & The Midnight Players at the Arbor Terrace Waterfall, and Charlotte Littlehales inside the Beverly Mansion (where a gourmet pre-show, all-you-can-eat dinner and dessert buffet is available in the ballroom and Veranda restaurant for an additional fee).

Gourmet dinner buffet at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens’ Jazz & Wine Festival on Aug. 5, 2017 (Photo: Pat Benter)

Cash bar at the Veranda Restaurant at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens (Photo: Pat Benter)

One of my favorite aspects of this event is that if gets too hot outside, you can purchase the buffet dinner and stay inside the air-conditioned Veranda restaurant until it cools down. And, with a cash bar nearby, there are a lot of choices for refreshing beverages to enjoy with the delicious meal and gorgeous views!

View from the Gazebo at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook, California (Photo: Pat Benter)

For more information about the REVV Concert series in Escondido and Fallbrook, California, or to purchase tickets to Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens’ Jazz & Wine Festival, located at 220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook, California, featuring Fourplay and more, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9, visit www.REVVConcerts.com or call 760-728-6466.

By Melanie Maxwell
Waterfall at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook, California (Photo: Pat Benter)

Seating area at the Orchid Bar at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook, California (Photo: Pat Benter)

Beverly Mansion and Veranda Restaurant at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens in Fallbrook, California (Photo: Pat Benter)

Dazzling Dave Koz & David Sanborn: Side by Side Tour

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In the last week of their Side By Side tour, Dave Koz & David Sanborn dazzled fans in San Diego at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016.

David Sanborn & Dave Koz during sound check before their show at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay (Photo by David Hopley)

The Platinum-selling saxophonists have a few days off the tour bus before concluding their tour, which began on July 30.

David Sanborn & Dave Koz during at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay (Photo by David Hopley)

David Sanborn & Dave Koz at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego (Photo by David Hopley)

Air travel will transport the co-headliners, along with their band (comprising guitarist Randy Jacobs, Andre Berry on bass, Frank “Third” Richardson on drums and Ramon Yslas on percussion), to the Greater Charleston Lowcountry Jazz Festival in North Charleston, South Carolina (Sept. 2); and Warren Hill’s Cancun Jazz Festival, an all-inclusive vacation at the Hard Rock Hotel (Sept. 3).

Andre Berry, David Sanborn, Dave Koz, Randy Jacobs, Frank "Third" Richardson & Ramon Yslas backstage before their show at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego (Photo by David Hopley)

(left to right) Andre Berry, David Sanborn, Dave Koz, Randy Jacobs, Ramon Yslas, Frank “Third” Richardson & Ricky Peterson backstage before their show at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego (Photo by David Hopley)

Meanwhile, check out images from the Dave Koz & David Sanborn: Side by Side performance at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego, California. (Photos by David Hopley)

David Sanborn & Dave Koz perfecting their sound before their San Diego performance (Photo by David Hopley)

Practice. Prayer. Performance. Perfection! (Photo by David Hopley)

Practice. Pray. Perform. Perfection!
(Photo by David Hopley)

David Sanborn, Randy Jacobs & Dave Koz jammin’ in San Diego
(Photo by David Hopley)

(left to right): David Sanborn, Sanborn & Dave Koz, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay venue in San Diego
(Photos by David Hopley)

Bravo!

For more information on Dave Koz and David Sanborn, visit www.davekoz.com and www.davidsanborn.com, respectively.

By Melanie Maxwell, Aug. 30, 2016

Final weekend of 2014 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

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Morning view of Avalon Harbor on Catalina Island

Good morning from Catalina Island!

This is the final weekend of the 2014 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival. Last night, Peter White performed an “unplugged” show on the sand at Descanso Beach. Tonight, the festival returns to the historic Catalina Casino Ballroom, where the artist’s musical magic will be illuminated by the elegance of Tiffany chandeliers. Headliners this weekend include David Sanborn on Saturday, and Dave Koz closing out the island festival on Sunday.

Craig Collier, Cristina (JazzTrax ticket manager) & Jonathan Fritzen at the Smooth Jazz News booth during the 2013 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

Each artist will be signing autographs after their show. Stop by our booth next to the autograph signing table, and receive 2 CDs FREE when you subscribe (or renew) to Smooth Jazz News!

Crab benedict at Original Jack’s Country Kitchen on Catalina Island

If you’re already on the island, you might want to try Original Jack’s Country Kitchen for morning meal (their crab benedict is fabulous!) or the Casino Dock Cafe (next to the Casino) for a breakfast burrito or some tasty South-of-the Border dishes.

A Touch of Heaven Day Spa in the Metropole Marketplace on Catalina Island

And, if you’d like to get a little pampering in before the concerts, A Touch of Heaven Day spa offers the best Sweet Thai Massage (a combination of massages, stretching and acupressure, which is great for pain relief ad relaxation!). Ramona Garcia is my favorite massage therapist. They’re located below in the Hotel Metropole in the Metropole Marketplace. For an appointment, call 310-510-1633.

Tonight, after the shows in the Casino, the JazzTrax After-Party is happening on Descanso Beach with DJ Jonathan Phillips. After a night of dancing on the sand, you may want to schedule your massage appointment for Sunday morning! A Touch of Heaven also offers a Deluxe Hand & Foot Treatment (massage with essential oils) and a Revitalize treatment (hand and foot reflexology with a lavender foot scrub, ending with a peppermint scalp massage). Sounds like heaven to me!

A few tickets are still available for Saturday and Sunday sessions, and can be purchased at the box office. For festival details, visit www.jazztrax.com.

Catalina Casino Ballroom is the SJN cover background

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Tiffany chandeliers light up the Catalina Casino Ballroom during the JazzTrax Festival (photo by Pat Benter)

The Catalina Island JazzTrax Festivals provides the perfect mix of elegance, the serenity of nature’s awesome beauty and the magic of music in a seaside island cove.

Each of the two festival weekends kick off with a Thursday night “Unplugged Under the Stars” concert on the sand at Descanso Beach. The main festival is held inside this historic Catalina Casino Ballroom, Friday-Sunday.

Built in 1929, the circular, 12-story high Casino perched at the edge of Avalon Bay is Catalina Island’s most recognizable landmark. However, the Casino is not a gambling facility. The name was derived from the Italian word meaning “a gathering place.” The building houses a movie theatre, museum and the elegant ballroom, which played host to dozens of big bands in the 1930s and ’40s.

Artistic lighting in the Casino Ballroom during the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival (photos by Pat Benter)

The recently restored ballroom retains its original exquisite style: a lavish medley of rose-hued walls, art deco decor, an arching 50-foot ceiling with five Tiffany chandeliers, an elevated stage and a vintage, full-service bar. The outdoor balcony encircles the ballroom and overlooks Avalon Bay and Descanso Beach.

Crowd enjoying the afternoon concert at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival (photo by Pat Benter)

The final weekend of the 28th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival is happening Thursday-Sunday. Here is the lineup:

Thursday, Oct. 16: Peter White (Unplugged Under the Stars at Descanso Beach), 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 17: The Jennifer Keith Quintet, 7 p.m.; Generation Next featuring Nicholas Cole, Lin Rountree and Lebron, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18: Vincent Ingala, noon; Dirty Dozen Brass Band, 2 p.m.; Josh Vietti, 7 p.m.; David Sanborn, 9 p.m. After-party at Descanso Beach featuring DJ Jonathan Phillips, 10:45 p.m. (free admission)

Sunday, Oct. 19: DOTSERO, noon; Warren Hill, 2 p.m.; Greg Manning, 7 p.m.; Dave Koz, 9 p.m.

During intermission, festivalgoers often perch themselves on the balcony and admire boaters basking in the bay, scuba divers suiting up for spectacular underwater experiences, snorkelers flapping their fins through the waters’ surface and tourists taking it all in from the ground.

Fans enjoying intermission on the balcony during the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival (photo by Pat Benter)

In addition to the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, the Casino Ballroom is available for private functions, weddings and special events.

For more information about the 28th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, check out the current issue of Smooth Jazz News, or visit www.jazztrax.com.

Casino Ballroom during evening show at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival (photo by Pat Benter)

The colors of lighting changes throughout the shows. Here is another view of the beautiful Tiffany chandeliers. (photo by Pat Benter)

Choose your “Wild” life at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival!

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Avalon Harbor at dusk on Catalina Island

By Melanie Maxwell

Of course, there is live music in the Casino Ballroom at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, Friday through Sunday.

There are also Thursday night “Unplugged” concerts at Descanso Beach (Oct. 9: saxophonist Mindi Abair; Oct. 16: British guitarist Peter White), with seating on the sand, in lawn chairs or at a private cabana.

DJ Jonathan Phillps spinning old-school dance tunes during the JazzTrax After-Party at Descanso (photo by Pat Benter)

Then, a few minutes before the 11 o’clock hour on Saturday night things get really wild. That’s when the After-Parties at Descanso Beach start.

Festivalgoers dancing to the sounds of DJ Jonathan Phillips at the Saturday night After-Party on Descanso Beach (Photos by Pat Benter)

You can choose dancing to old-school R&B spun by DJ Jonathan Phillips alongside your fellow reveling festivalgoers until the bartenders yell, “Last call for alcohol!” Or, you can claim a seat around the fire pit a few feet from the serene sea. In either case, food can be ordered and cocktails poured and blended at the outdoor bar and restaurant under the evening sky.

Ladies having a great time at the JazzTrax After-Party (Photos by Pat Benter)

Most likely, you’ll also encounter some of the local wildlife, mule deer, which often ramble around the beachside bash.

Friendly deer hanging out with festivalgoers at Descanso Beach (photo by Pat Benter)

Which “wild” life do you prefer? Please post your comments. We’d love to hear from you!

Deer munching on a midnight snack, the landscape in front of the Casino (photo by Pat Benter)

The 28th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival is scheduled for Oct. 9-12 and Oct. 16-19. You can read about it in the current issue of Smooth Jazz News (which is also posted online at www.smoothjazznews.com), which includes our Annual Catalina Island Visitors Guide. That’s where you can find details on how to get there, where to stay, dine, shop, play and plan a spa day!

For festival tickets and additional information, visit www.jazztrax.com.

Summer Horns at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

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Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series (photo by Ambrosevents/Ellis Moore Photography)

“I just got off the Dave Koz cruise, and l coming to see this show again!” a woman exclaim while handing her keys to the valet upon her arrival at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach for the Dave Koz & Friends “Summer Horns” concert.

Dave Koz & Gerald Albright (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

As I entered the grassy, outdoor amphitheatre overlooking Back Bay at sunset, I spotted a man wearing one of the jazz shirts we sell. I approached him and said, “I recognize that shirt!” Not recognizing me, the person who sold it to him, he responded, “I bought this several years ago at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival.” I told him that he bought it at the Smooth Jazz News booth at that festival in Panama City Beach, Florida. “That’s right!” he said, then explained that he was a subscriber, found out about this show from the ad in the magazine, and flew from Georgia to see Dave Koz & his friends Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot performing one of their final “Summer Horns” shows of 2014.

Summer Horns Encore at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

The standing-room-only crowd danced, cheered and clapped along for two hours of instrumental covers (with vocals by Tracy Carter and Mindi on some of the tunes) from some of the best horn-based songs from bands such as Chicago, Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, James Brown, and an exceptionally soul-stirring rendition of Dave Brubeck’s “Take 5.”

Mindi Abair singing to an excited crowd at the Hyatt (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

After a week suffering through record heat, humidity and a destructive storm that ravaged parts of Southern California (compliments of Hurricane Odile), it was so refreshing to enjoy cooler temperatures, near the coast, all the while being entertained by Dave Koz & his extremely talented friends!

Here are some other photos from last night’s show:

Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot, Gerald Albright & Dave Koz signing autographs at the Hyatt (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Dave Koz & Mindi Abair (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Nathaniel Kearny Jr. & Dave Koz (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series presents three more shows for its 2014 season: Natalie Cole (Sept. 26), Brian Culbertson (Oct. 3) and Tower of Power with Average White Band (Oct. 10). For tickets or information, visit www.hyattconcerts.com or call 949-360-7800.

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.

Pat Prescott & Marc Antoine at Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach (photo by David Hopley)

Do you prefer reading Smooth Jazz News in print or online?

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Smooth Jazz News August-September 2014 issue

By Melanie Maxwell

We want to hear from you! And, we’re *giving away concert tickets and a 1-year subscription to Smooth Jazz News as an incentive to communicate with us.

Please post your answer to this question in the “comments” section, along with your name and the city and state where you reside, and you will be entered for a *chance to win the subscription and *concert tickets:

Do you prefer reading Smooth Jazz News online or in print?

*Tickets to the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series will be given away this month for the following shows: Ottmar Liebert (Aug. 8), Spencer Day (Aug. 15) and Jonathan Butler and Harvey Mason’s Chameleon Project (Aug. 22). The winner of the 1-year subscription will be chosen and announced on this blog, September 2. So, please check back often. Good luck!

Jonathan Butler will be performing at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series on Friday, Aug. 22

Congratulations to Pamela Bates of Los Angeles, CA, she won a pair of tickets to see Jonathan Butler & Harvey Mason at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series on Friday, Aug. 22! Visit www.hyattconcerts.com for show details.

From the people who posted comments here, we will be choosing winners to receive a pair of tickets to see Jonathan Butler & Harvey Mason at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series in Newport Beach, California, on Friday, Aug. 22; or the Gardena Jazz Festival featuring Dave Koz & Friends “Summer Horns” with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright & Richard Elliot; Euge Groove, Brian Simpson & more! If you have commented on this post, we have sent you an email explaining how to be included in the finalists pool. We will call the winner tomorrow, Aug. 20.

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot will be performing at the Gardena Jazz Festival on Sunday, Aug. 24

Congratulations to Lois Bush of Gold River, CA, who won a pair of tickets to the Gardena Jazz Festival on Sunday, Aug. 24, compliments of the City of Gardena! Dave Koz & Friends “Summer Horns” with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright & Richard Elliot, along with Euge Groove, Brian Simpson & more are scheduled to perform! Visit www.gardenajazzfestival.com for festival details.

Congratulations to Karen Jones of Arcadia, CA, who won a pair of tickets to see Paul Taylor & Spencer at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series on Friday, Aug. 15, compliments of Omega Events! Visit www.hyattconcerts.com for concert details.

Congratulations to Carla Grantham of Alexandria, Virginia, who won a pair of tickets to see Ottmar Liebert at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series on Friday, Aug. 8, compliments of Omega Events! Visit www.hyattconcerts.com for concert details.

Eric Darius to headline Jazz at the Beach in Oceanside!

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Eric Darius is scheduled to headline Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach on Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre (photo by Jeff Sciortino)

Eric Darius has been announced as the headliner for Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 3-7pm, at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre! Also scheduled to perform are Steve Oliver, Brian Simpson and Marc Antoine.

For tickets and information, visit www.LitesOutJazzAtTheBeach.com or call 800-595-4849.

Steve Oliver is scheduled to perform at Lites-Out Jazz at the Beach on Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre