The Crowd:

There is a difference between the types of events produced on the Orange Coast social circuit. Those unfamiliar with them might assume that they are all pretty much the same — rubber chicken dinners prepared by hotel chefs and wealthy people jockeying for attention in designer clothes. On occasion this stereotype is accurate. However, the vast majority of gatherings attracting the attention of a diverse Newport-Mesa crowd are, first and foremost, supporting an amazing array of worthwhile causes and secondly, many of them are unique, interesting and downright fun.

Saturday evening, “Jazz in January” unfolded at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, proving once again to be a unique and special occasion supporting a very worthwhile cause and entertaining the crowd — many of whom commented that it was the most fun they had had in months. Jazz in January is actually a two-day event, but the big party takes place the second night and features a celebrated jazz artist as the entertainer.

This year the star was Jonathan Butler, a two time Emmy-nominated singer, songwriter and jazz guitarist. Butler was joined by trumpet star Rick Braun, a dedicated Ocean Institute board member, helping to raise funds for the organization.

What was special about the party and the performance was the relaxed, intimate relationship between the performers and the crowd of 200 guests paying $500 or more per ticket to attend.

The audience experienced a jazz jam session that had more of a feeling of being in someone’s private living room than at a formal charity fundraiser.

An incredible ocean setting at the Institute — combined with a gala gourmet dinner prepared by chefs from the St. Regis, Monarch Beach, the Laguna Cliffs Resort and Spa, the Montage Resort and Spa, and the Ritz Carlton — made for a party that was appropriately named by organizers as “Get Jazzed.” And the crowd keeps coming back year after year, along with the hardworking volunteers who put together the effort.

For the eighth year, Tim McMahon and Jens von Gierke have chaired the sold-out two day event. It raised in excess of $120,000, which goes toward supporting youth education programs at the Ocean Institute.

The crowd wandered, enjoying sunset cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres, and checking out the displays of star fish and sea creatures along with science experiences focusing on matters such as ocean pollution and water erosion. Silent auction items were accessible and affordable with an emphasis, once again, on fun. Special dinners for two in romantic places, quick weekend getaways to local haunts and lots of great wine attracted generous bidders all too happy to support the Institute.

In the crowd were Beverly Roland, Al and Darleen Carroll, Melvin and Linda Chambers, Chris and Rebecca Cox, Dennis Gabrick, Pamela Greacen, and John Heffernan. Also front and center for Jazz in January were Lara Hughes, Michael Lowther, Joan Hadley, John Williams, Steven and Carole Weinberg, and Ted and Julie Xanders along with Chief Executive of the Ocean Institute Dan Stetson and his wife, Roxanne.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.