Andres Jimenez, Executive Chef, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel; Erasmo Rodriguez, Executive Chef, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa; Rob Wilson, Executive Chef, Montage, Laguna Beach; Frederic Castan, Executive Chef, St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa; Pierre Albaladejo, Executive Chef, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort.
Smoked Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Salad, Almonds and V.R. Green Farm Truffle Honey
Feb. 4th & 5th World Class Jazz and Epicurean Event to Benefit Ocean Institute.
They’ve changed the dates, but not the name. The 9th Annual Jazz in January musical mega-happening benefiting the youth programs at the Ocean Institute, is set for February 4th & 5th, 2011. One of the area’s most eagerly awaited weekends takes place at the Institute in Dana Point with producer, performer Rick Braun and Friends, featuring Euge Groove and Philippe Saisse.
This marks the first year Braun, internationally recognized trumpeter and composer, has taken over the entire production of the musical portion of the event, as well as performing in concert. The two-time winner of the Gavin Report’s Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year Award is renown for “jamming and hanging out” with the best artists and performers in the world, so expect some surprises. Joining Braun on stage will be Groove, a smooth jazz saxophonist with a Top-40 background, and French Grammy Award-Nominated keyboardist, producer and arranger, Philippe Saisse.
A Complimentary Wine Reception and Concert Performance, limited to 270 guests, launches the festivities on Friday, February 4th, at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, in Dana Point. The reception, with appetizers provided by Il Fornaio, is scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with the concert following. Tickets are $95 and $125.
Saturday, February 5th, is the Premiere Evening, accommodating 200 guests, and featuring a Gala Gourmet Dinner Show. The elegant, intimate affair begins with a Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., featuring passed canapés prepared by The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, and the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. Following is a live auction and an award-winning, four-course dinner presented by chefs from the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Montage Laguna Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Pear Valley Vineyards, established in Paso Robles in 1997, and dedicated to creating unique vintages that reflect vibrant fruit nourished by ancient soils, will provide all wines for the weekend. Entertainment begins at 9:00 pm.
Early Bird pricing, (let’s get jazzed!), in effect through December 15th, is $425 per person, $5,100 for a table of 12, and $6,300 for a VIP table for 12. Prices after that date are $500 per person, $6,000 for a table for 12, and $7,200 for a VIP table for 12.
Benefactor tables, $6,300 to $7,200, include:
• Preferred event seating for 12 at dinner performance on Saturday, February 5th
• Gift Certificate for one room at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa with Champagne Brunch for two (based on availability)
• Ocean Institute Adventure Package (includes weekend passes for four to the Ocean Institute and four passes for a cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer)
• Company name recognition in event program
Patron Tables, $5,100 – $6,000, include:
• Seating for 12 at dinner performance on Saturday, February 5th
• Company name recognition in event program
Patron Individual $425 – $500, includes:
• Seating for one individual at dinner performance on Saturday, February 5th
Co-Chairing Jazz in January for the ninth time, and active with the Ocean Institute for more than twenty years, is Dana Point resident Tim McMahon, Senior Vice President, CB Richard Ellis Retail. Joining him is Laguna Niguel resident Jens von Gierke, Principal & Founder of Wave Hospitality Advisors, LLC, who has been involved with the Institute for eight years.
The Ocean Institute provides unique “immersion” style educational experiences that turn students into research scientists, tall ship sailors, expedition leaders and explorers. Last year, more than 150,000 students, teachers and families participated in the Institute’s national award-winning programs. To date, Jazz in January has raised more than $655,000.
To learn more about the Ninth Annual Jazz in January event or to purchase tickets, visit www.ocean-institute.org or www.ocjazzfestival.com. You may also contact Natasha Berendzen at 949-496-2274, ext. 412, or nberendzen@ocean-institute.org.
Jazz in January – now in February, and worth the wait!
