Eric Marienthal

John Coltrane

Concert

By: Kelly Bennett

The 23rd annual Eric Marienthal and Friends Concert benefiting the High Hopes Head Injury Program was held on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. The nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals recover from traumatic brain injuries raised over $120,000 with over 600 guests attending the sold out outdoor event. Photos By: Sheri Determan

The concert also featured Saxman Euge Groove and Special Surprise Guest Trumpeter Rick Braun. "For 23 years, Eric Marienthal and Friends Concert has played an integral role in raising funds needed for High Hopes Brain Injury Program," said Mark Desmond, Director/Instructor, and Developer of High Hopes Brain Injury Program. "We are so thankful to the Hyatt Regency to be in this beautiful place," he continued, "we couldn't be more grateful."

Eric Marienthal took the stage and opened the show with "Street Dance" from his 1994 album, then into "Two in One," "New York State of Mind," as well as his hits "Compared to What," "Babycakes" and "You Ga (Ta Give It)."

Marienthal started his professional career in 1980 with famed New Orleans trumpeter Al Hirt and then became a Chick Corea Elektric Band member. He 10| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… Sep/Oct recorded five L/P's with Corea and won two Grammy Awards. Marienthal has

Concert

State of Mind," as well as his hits "Compared to What," "Babycakes" and "You Ga (Ta Give It)."

Marienthal started his professional career in 1980 with famed New Orleans trumpeter Al Hirt and then became a Chick Corea Elektric Band member. He recorded five L/P's with Corea and won two Grammy Awards. Marienthal has performed with artists such as Elton John, Barbara Streisand, Stevie Wonder, David Lee Roth, and many others.

Marienthal's special guest was saxophonist Euge Groove who entertained the crowd with a medley of hits, "House of Groove," "Dirty Dozen," and "Just my Imagination."

Surprise guest trumpeter Rick Braun came out and joined in with "Livin Large." The evening ended with the crowd on their feet dancing to all three musicians playing back-to-back "Old.Edu," "From the Top," and an encore of "Grazin' In the Grass."

Honored this year for the High Hopes Lifetime Achievement Award was the late Dr. Marshall Grossman, who passed away on December 20, 2021; his wife Lori came to accept the award. Dr. Grossman served as Board President of High Hopes for 20 years, and in honor of his memory, High Hopes has set up a scholarship in his name.

Highlights of the live auction included a one-week trip with the Smooth Jazz Cruise on the Celebrity Millennium in January 2023 to Cozumel and the Caribbean; Sunday brunch for eight at Spaghettini's in Seal Beach; from MVP of Super Bowl 2018 Nick Foles, a signed Eagles Jersey, and football in a case, a signed copy of his book, Believe It, and a signed "Philly Special Play!" There was also luxurious jewelry and Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 11

Concert

tickets to the Andrea Bocelli concert at the Honda Center; four tickets for each Broadway show at The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, a handmade, one-of-a-kind acoustic guitar, and a classic, restored vintage radio.

The most interesting item for grabs was an impromptu item that was added, Eric Marienthal's colorful shirt he was wearing. A guest raised his hand and said he'd like to purchase it, so after it was agreed upon for sale, the bidding war began. The final bid of $4,000 from Dawn Bennett from Mission Viejo was secured.

Established in 1975, High Hopes Brain Injury Program is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and retraining of those who have been devastated by brain injuries. The program at High Hopes is unique as its physical programs include conditioning classes, therapeutic swimming, nautilus weight training, physical therapy, and rehabilitation activities for cognitive and social challenges. Other services include vocational art classes, pre-vocational training, music classes, community activities, independent living classes, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. High Hopes' goal is to provide the best possible program to those who have brain injuries and get results far above expectations. High Hopes is celebrating 47 years of witnessing miracles in the life of these deserving people.

For more information, visit High Hopes at www.HighHopesBrainInjury.org and follow them on social media on Facebook at highhopesheadinjuryprogram, Twitter @highhopes100, and Instagram at highhopesheadinjury. 12| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… Sep/Oct