The Crowd:

The crowd turned out in pink for the “Legally Blonde the Musical” opening night performance and cast party at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

The after-show soiree featured both a midnight buffet and a candy buffet that was oh-so-popular. Blondes were definitely in, and blonde jokes were out. Pink martinis were the late night rage followed by black coffee. Pulsating music kept the gathering in high gear.

Tiger Woods will once again present his annual Block Party benefiting high school youth aided by the Tiger Woods Learning Centers in Orange County.

Sheryl Crow is set to headline the massive dinner event that will unfold Oct. 17 at the Grove of Anaheim. More than 1,000 local guests are expected to support Woods and his learning centers. Big name stars of sports, entertainment, business, politics, and, yes, the kitchen, will be in full force. Dinner is always a treat, prepared by an internationally known chef.

Jazz on the beach will be the draw Sept. 26 as the Crystal Cove Alliance throws its seventh annual beach party on the shore. Cocktails at sunset will be followed by dinner catered by the Beachcomber, the Montage Resort, the Pelican Hill Resort and the St. Regis Resort. Quite a lineup of incredible beach cuisine. The Brenna Whitaker Jazz Orchestra will keep the evening fine and mellow with dancing into the starry, starry night.

The beach theme adds a touch of 1930s Prohibition as organizers are encouraging guests to don ’30s period costumes and come in their antique Packards, Cadillacs and assorted touring cars, rumble seats preferred.

The event provides some 60% to 70% of the annual funding for the work of the Crystal Cove Alliance promoting the protection and preservation of this treasured Southern California beach enclave. Some of the dedicated sponsors include Dan and Louise Brigham, Rick and Wendy Aversano, Tammy Wong, Dave and Lynn Rahn, Pam and Jim Young, and a host of local businesses. Tickets are $300 per person, all inclusive and tax deductible. Go to www.crystalcovealliance.org/gala2009.

The ever popular Trojan Club of O.C. is preparing for dinner Sept. 23 at the Doubletree Hotel, Santa Ana. Kevin O’Neill, USC’s new basketball coach ,will join Mark Jackson, from USC football operations, to welcome local support and to address the dinner gathering. There are some 30,000 USC Trojan alumni living in Orange County and about 29,000 of them are in Newport-Mesa. (Kidding a bit.) As in years past the Trojan Club is sponsoring “Home Game Buses” for the 2009 football season between the Orange County and the Los Angeles Coliseum.

To make a reservation, call (714) 921-1101 or go to [email protected].

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.