STEP BACK INTO 1940S MOROCCO FOR AN ENCHANTING
EVENING OF ROMANCE, ADVENTURE AND GLAMOUR AT
PACIFIC SYMPHONY’S 2011 GALA―“CASABLANCA”—ON MAY 21
Pacific Symphony’s 2011 Gala—“Casablanca”—set amid the exotic wonders of Morocco, promises an affair as memorable as the one between the characters played by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the iconic 1942 film.
Pacific Symphony’s biggest and most exciting fundraising event of the year, the 2011 Gala—“Casablanca”—promises to transport guests to the dazzling and exotic Morocco of the 1940s (think Bogie and Bergman)! This very special event takes place Saturday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Irvine at Jamboree Center, where a North African paradise awaits! The enchanting evening includes a delectable dinner, live music and other entertainment, plus a thrilling live auction!
Taking place Saturday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m., when the grand foyer of the Hyatt Regency Irvine at Jamboree Center is transformed into a North African paradise. Tantric belly dancers, exotic animals, a mesmerizing snake charmer and traditional Moroccan instruments greet and entertain guests for a vibrant cocktail reception.
Guests then make their way to the grand ballroom, a.k.a., the film’s famous “gin joint” with a twist, “Carl’s Café Américain,” named in honor of the Symphony’s Music Director Carl St.Clair. Once inside, an evening of sumptuous cuisine, live music and a live auction awaits, concluding only after the J.T. and California Dreamin’ band sends guests out dancing.
For this grand evening, valet parking is hosted and attire is black tie, 1940s elegant or traditional Moroccan. Tables for the gala are $15,000-$100,000; individual tickets are $1,000.
Always a spectacular and unique experience, the annual Gala is the Symphony’s largest fundraiser of the year and helps support the Symphony’s artistic and award-winning education programs. Chairing the Gala for the first time are long-time Symphony supporters Jim Driscoll, serving as event chair, and Betty Huang as entertainment chair, who have helped design a stunning Moroccan fantasy.
Guests arrive via the Moroccan-style red carpet where they are swept off to the Sahara desert with a camel, a monkey, ancient surprises and red and gold glamour! After enjoying the delicacies of Moroccan hors d’oeuvres, champagne cocktails and gin, guests are escorted into the equivalent of Rick’s Café, where the drinks flow freely and the dancing never stops.
“No one can forget Rick’s Café…‘As Time Goes By’…the love story…the romantic scenes,” says Huang. “And everyone will relive them all again, at this year’s Pacific Symphony Gala, featuring a theme to remember for many years to come.”
Here’s looking at you, kid! Throughout the dinner, “all the usual suspects” from the film roam the café reenacting favorite scenes as Sam plays the famous love song, “As Time Goes By” and other memorable music from the film. The evening’s entertainment also includes Symphony clarinetist Ben Lulich as a featured soloist of the J.T. and California Dreamin’ band, with a full string section, brass, woodwinds, keyboard, percussion and myriad singers (all underwritten for the Symphony’s Gala). Dinner features a delectable menu prepared by the Hyatt’s Executive Chef Greg Grohowski, including a filet paired with king crab, demi glace, asparagus, morel mushroom risotto and grilled red peppers preceded by a spinach, arugula, roasted pineapple, brie cheese, horseradish curls and macadamias salad and topped off with a dessert of baked Alaska paired with almond tulip cup, pastry cream, fresh berries, kiwi citrus, vanilla bean and chocolate stripe.
After dessert, the thrilling live auction gets underway! An annual favorite, the Gala auction is always chock full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, travel packages and other exclusive items, including an adventure of a lifetime in Morocco for two couples; an exclusive luncheon with world-renowned musical superstar Sarah Chang; an “inside look at the NFL quarterback,” with San Diego Chargers quarterbacks coach John Ramsdell; his and hers Montblanc watches; an Anaheim Ducks dream package; and opportunities to conduct or play with the orchestra! Plus, so much more! The evening ends on a musical note when Symphony J.T. and California Dreamin’ band returns and guests heat up the dance floor.
“We are delighted to have the J.T. and California Dreamin’ band playing for us at this year’s Gala,” says Huang. “With this 46-musician band led by John Tu from Kingston Technology, the evening will be filled with wonderful dance music of the 60s to the present. This will be a romantic evening that no one wants to miss!”
“I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship”—Humphrey Bogart.
