Candlelight guests just want to have fun

GUESTS AT THE 48th Annual Candlelight Concert had cocktails in Central Park and dinner under the Brooklyn Bridge. It was “A Night in New York,” a nod to Cyndi Lauper, the evening’s headliner, who hails from Brooklyn. Lauper, an ’80s pop icon, is a Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner and wrote the book for the hit Broadway musical Kinky Boots, which appeared at Segerstrom Center in 2014 and 2018.

The annual fundraiser, held December 2, was chaired by John E. Stratman, Jr., a Center board member and the senior director of public affairs and brand communications for Kaiser Permanente, the Center’s Official Healthcare Partner. Lugano Diamonds was the presenting jewelry sponsor and donated a gift of a bottle of fine wine to attendees.

Candlelight Concert, the premiere Orange County social event, brings glamour center stage, and puts philanthropy in the spotlight. Candlelight raises vital funds to support the Center’s nonprofit education, community engagement, and artistic programs, impacting the lives of a million people annually.

“When we think of a spectacular special event, this is it,” said Stratman. “The great support for the Center that was demonstrated shows what an important role we play in this community.”

Guests made their way to Orchestra Terrace lobby to enjoy a Champagne bar, cocktails, and delicious seafood station.

When the house opened, guests followed the lively Brass Pacifica band down to the Segerstrom Hall stage, which was set with elegantly decorated dining tables. The décor was an immersive experience, with the Brooklyn Bridge crossing the back of the stage, sculptural red drapes and Edison light chandeliers.

The meal was prepared by Giada Catering by Giada de Laurentiis, the Emmy Award-winning television personality of Food Network and author of numerous cookbooks. Guests dined on antipasti, Giada’s Signature lemon spaghetti, petit filet and scallops, and finishing with an array of Italian desserts.

Then the stage morphed into Studio 54, with a lighted dance floor and disco balls glittering above as Lauper sang her greatest hits. Guests swarmed the dance floor as she inspired everyone to recreate their finest ’80s and ’90s moves. After Lauper’s performance, world famous DJ Richard Blade kept the energy high as everyone remained on the dance floor.

The evening ended with pizza in “Little Italy.” Coffee was served in the iconic NYC blue and white cups, accompanied by a selection of Giada’s cookies.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts applauds all the generous supporters and guests of the 2022 Candlelight Concert—an extraordinary event and annual tradition not soon to be forgotten.