Thanks to a little help from our jazz-friend fans, the Ocean Institute’s 2015 Jazz Festival was one of the most successful Ocean Institute events in recent years!
The Festival, held January 23-25, 2015, featured popular jazz greats Rick Braun and Friends Elliott Yamin and Norman Brown, as well as Latin-salsa jazz musicians DW3, who performed for an enthusiastic audience on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon.
Our Saturday night Gala, with gourmet culinary dishes prepared by top chefs in the area, was a unconditional success. The weekend event brought in $170,000 net profit. All proceeds from the Jazz Festival benefit the Ocean Institute, Dana Point to help fund their hands-on educational programs and workshops for children age K-12.
“The Ocean Institute Jazz Festival provides critical funding every year to support the Institute’s mission of using the ocean as our classroom to inspire children to learn,” says Kajsa James, Vice President of Development for the Ocean Institute. “Life-changing moments happen at the Ocean Institute every day thanks to the generosity of our Jazz Festival participants.”
Tickets went on sale for the three-day event in time for the holidays and many were purchased as holiday gifts.
The Friday night program included a wine reception and Hors d’oeuvres by a selection of Dana Point area restaurants.
Saturday’s concert and gala included an unforgettable three-plus course gourmet culinary experience by executive chefs from the top hotels in the area. An auction added to the excitement.
Sunday’s Encore Concert included wine, beer and cheese tasting and a delicious box lunch
from Bristol Farms.
Using the ocean as the classroom, the Ocean Institute inspires children to learn. The Ocean Institute has become nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental education and maritime history programs. More than 115,000 K-12 students and 6,000 teachers annually participate in the Institute’s 61 award-winning, immersion style programs.
Donia Moore
iwrite words
