JAZZ IN JANUARY – A HOT EVENT FOR A COOL CAUSE!
January 30th & 31st Events Support the Ocean Institute
The Ocean Institute in Dana Point is known for its innovative, exciting, state-of-the-art programs, so it comes as no surprise that its 2009 Seventh Annual Jazz in January fundraiser is once again presenting the most exceptional cuisine, wines and world-class entertainment. The popular event takes place Friday and Saturday, January 30th and 31st at the Ocean Institute, with performances by contemporary jazz guitarist Jeff Golub, and guest appearances by trumpeter Rick Braun and keyboardist Jeff Lorber. These outstanding artists make it a “must attend” weekend for all jazz aficionados.
A Complimentary Wine Reception, hosted by Young’s Market Company, with gourmet appetizers from Il Fornaio opens the two-day event on Friday, and includes a concert performance by three of the jazz fields’ foremost artists. The reception takes place from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by the concert performance from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Tickets are $125 and $95.
The Premier Evening Gala on Saturday is a gourmand’s dream, showcasing the talents and creativity of Orange County’s finest chefs from St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Montage Resort & Spa, Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa, Island Hotel, Newport Beach, Fairmont, Newport Beach and The Resort at Pelican Hill. The evening includes an intimate jazz performance, cocktail reception, silent and live auctions and an award-winning four-course dinner, with wine pairings for each course. The cocktail reception and silent auction take place from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by dinner, a musical performance and live auction.
Tickets for the Saturday Gala range from $500 per person to $7,200 for a table for 12 that includes preferred seating, a Gift Certificate for one room at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa, with Champagne Brunch for two (based on availability). Also included is the Ocean Institute Adventure Package, which contains weekend passes for four to the Ocean Institute and four passes for a cruise on the R/V Sea Explorer, plus company name and recognition in the event program.
Patron Tables are available for $6,000 and include seating for 12 at Saturday’s dinner performance, with company name recognition in the event program.
Contemporary jazz guitarist, Jeff Golub, has six solo albums and three CD’s and is best known for his work with Rod Stewart, performing on four albums and five world tours with the rock legend from 1988 to 1995. He’s scheduled to appear on an episode of Smooth Jazz Television, record an intimate performance for Sirius Satellite Radio, and grace the cover of the annual guitar special issue of the West Coast trade magazine, Music Connection.
To date, Jazz in January has raised $540,000 for the Ocean Institute’s hands-on marine science, environmental education and maritime history youth programs.
Co-Chairing the 2009 fundraiser are Dana Point resident Tim McMahon, Senior Vice President, CB Richard Ellis/Retail, serving his seventh year at the helm of the event, and Laguna Niguel resident Jens von Gierke, Senior Vice President, Makar Properties, who has been involved with the Ocean Institute for six years. Noted McMahon, “The mission of the Ocean Institute is to inspire all generations, through education, to become responsible stewards of our oceans. Jazz in January has proven to be an enormously popular function for raising the funds that make it possible to continue this mission.”
Jens von Gierke became acquainted with the Ocean Institute when he was asked to review its new building from a hospitality standpoint. Upon learning of the goals and programs of the Institute, the father of two daughters knew he wanted to be a part of this important endeavor. Said von Gierke, “This event offers jazz fans two evenings of superb entertainment, paired with the most elegant cuisine that Orange County has to offer – and it is all for an excellent cause.”
For more information or reservations for Jazz in January, call 949.496.2274, ext. 412, or go online to emeese@ocean-institute.org or www.ocean-institute.org. The Ocean Institute is located at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, in Dana Point.
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