Notes from the Publisher

THE SMOOTH JAZZ LIFESTYLE IS ALL ABOUT THE PARTY

and creating a soulful vibe in a cool setting with our like-minded jazz community.

was our aim for the 20th anniversary celebration of Smooth Jazz News, held again at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California, during their legendary Sunday brunch.

The ultimate party band––DW3––performed in the lounge, which overflowed with fellow jazz enthusiasts, some of our advertisers and a sprinkling of special guest artists. Our annual bash usually takes place on the last Sunday of the NAMM Show, the world’s largest trade show of music products, held at the nearby Anaheim Convention Center. This is where many professional musicians and artists shop for new equipment, learn about the latest technology and/or endorse and demonstrate the instruments they play. However, this year, many of our guest artists were already booked on a cruise that Sunday, so we moved the date up a week. Unfortunately, this made it too early or too inconvenient for some of our other guest artists to attend. On the flip side, it also meant that Sheryl and Tevis Laukat, owners of Cannonball Musical Instruments, were already in town. The Laukats, who have a booth at NAMM every year, helped us celebrate before they got pulled in by the demands of the show, demonstrations, and writing orders for their superb line of saxophones and other wind instruments. Luckily, we had some Cannonball fans in the house. Eric Darius, who endorses Cannonball saxophones, attended the party with his wife, Lynne. As did Rick Braun, who plays a Cannonball flugelhorn, and his wife, Christiane, and their daughter Emma. Unfortunately, Gerald Albright, who has his own line of Cannonball saxophones––the Gerald Albright Signature Series––had to miss this year’s celebration. This glorious blend of saxes, a flugelhorn and a trumpet made for an amazing jam session when they joined DW3 onstage. And, for the audience, Rick Braun with Kathy and Willie Payne it was pure joy to (Payne Pest Management) watch Darius, Braun, trumpeter Rob Zinn and former DW3 member and saxophonist Isaac Edwards display their talents. Darius, who will again host The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival (July 10-12), had a chance to catch up with festival producers Kim and Ozzie Benoit (Rainbow Promotions) and sponsors Kathy and Willie Payne (Payne Pest Management), who brought Kathy’s mom, Joan Giddens, to the party. As an added bonus, Rebecca Milkey, director of marketing for Hornblower Cruises & Events, was there to celebrate not only our

Photos: Ambrose

Kathy and Willie Payne (front) present Smooth Jazz News with a 20-year commemorative plaque at Spaghettini, accompanied by DW3 band members Billy Mondragon and DamonReel and saxophonist Eric Darius

Craig Collier accepts award for Smooth Jazz News

“Smooth jazz is party music. [It’s] about environment and having fun.”

-David Benoit

On-air personality Pat Prescott (right) interviews Rick Braun during 94.7 The WAVE’s live broadcast at Spaghettini Sheryl and Tevis Laukat, owners of Cannonball Musical Instruments

Denise and Steve Thornton (president of Thornton Winery)

Spaghettini co-owners Cary Hardwick and Laurie Sisneros meet Angela Sanchez (Catalina Express marketing manager) and her husband, Adam Sanchez, while Evette Benjamin (Gardena Jazz Festival) and Melanie Maxwell (Smooth Jazz News publisher) watch DW3 perform

Al Williams (Rainbow Promotions founder), Kei and David Benoit, Christiane and Rick Braun, Ozzie Benoit, Steve Thornton, Kim Benoit, Kathy Payne, Lynne Darius, Emma Braun, Bud Harner, Isaac Edwards, Rob Zinn and Eric Darius (Above right) Rob Zinn

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anniversary, but also Hornblower’s partnership with The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival. For the second year in a row, the festival kicks off with a dinner cruise on Inspiration Hornblower on Friday, July 10. Another type of cruise kept Dave Koz from joining the festivities. The popular Grammy-nominated saxophonist, radio show host, winemaker and humanitarian was on a site inspection for his 2020 fullship charters (both seven-day sailings to Amsterdam and the British Isles are sold-out). But, he sent us this message: “Sadly, I will be missing this year’s brunch. Apologies! Have a wonderful time, and sending my love to you and all. May this new year and decade bring continued blessings, good health, success and tons of fun for you and Craig! Much love always, DK.” Although we missed Koz, Pat Prescott, his previous radio co-host on 94.7 The WAVE, was broadcasting live on-site.

In between interviewing Braun, Darius and other musical guests on-air, Prescott raffled off prizes to Spaghettini patrons, including gift baskets, concert tickets and round-trip boating excursions on Catalina Express (compliments of Angela Sanchez, director of marketing for Catalina Express). When Angela first attended our anniversary brunch, she was known by her maiden name Puchala. Back then, she brought her boyfriend Adam Sanchez, a Catalina Express boat captain. Seated at a table for two, the cozy couple sparkled and beamed at each other during champagne toasts and over the music without conversation (yep, we noticed!). Later that year, the two became engaged, and the year after, they married. This year, the wedded pair announced the next logical step in their happy relationship: shopping for maternity clothes and furnishings for a baby nursery! Another couple who joined us were Steve Thornton (president of Thornton Winery in Temecula, California) and his wife, Denise. The newly married couple shared a table with Steve’s father, John, the founder of Thornton Winery, and the winery’s general manager, Tonya Wake, who has brought the production and operations of the 2020 Thornton Winery’s Lynne Darius and Emma Braun dancing during the jam session; Rebecca Milkey (director of marketing for Champagne Concert Series Hornblower Cruises & Events) with her partner Rick Kail; Willie Payne groovin’ to the music in-house. They were joined by

Steve Chapman (Chapman & Co. Management), who is booking the concert series, which is now in its 32nd season. Other guests included pianist-composer David Benoit (no relation to Kim and Ozzie) and his wife, Kei; Evette Benjamin (Gardena Jazz Festival); Sandy and Al Williams (founder of Rainbow Promotions and Kim Benoit’s father); and artist manager Bud Harner and his wife, Debra. Plus, major smooth jazz supporters Marilyn James and her husband, Rick Phetteplace, drove up from San Diego to share in the fun before catching a flight to Florida to attend other genre festivities. The philanthropic couple frequently sponsor concerts and festivals, help fund artists’ projects and host private smooth jazz concerts at their downtown San Diego high-rise condo building. Carmen Ramirez (owner of Maritza’s They definitely epitomize the smooth jazz Mexican Food in San Diego) with her lifestyle (on steroids!). daughter Carmen Rubalcaba celebrating James and Phetteplace (who support Smooth Jazz News’ 20th anniversary genre endeavors under the moniker 2 Jazz FANatics) definitely epitomize an opinion David Benoit shared during an interview for his feature in this issue of Smooth Jazz News: “Smooth jazz is party music. [It’s] about environment and having fun.” Hopefully, everyone who helped us celebrate our 20th anniversary enjoyed the musical entertainment, upscale environment and genuine conviviality. Ozzie and Kim Benoit partying with Kathy Payne

We thank you all. And, cheers to another 20 years!

Steve, Denise and John Thornton (Thornton Winery) with Sheryl and Tevis Laukat (Cannonball Musical Instruments), Eric Darius, Craig Collier and Lynne Darius