Vangie Gunn
Johnny Mathis
Driving into Newport Beach is somewhat confusing to the senses. You exit the freeway onto a six lane road that looks like it was designed by the Disney imagineers of Tomorrow Land. Everything is clean, every business entrance is spacious and inviting, and the driveway up to the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach could double as the entrance to Xanadu. Who wouldn’t want to come out to a nice dinner and concert at this venue? Although the location was a few miles inland, you could still feel the ocean air bringing a crisp fresh revival from the inland heat battling towards the coast. More excitement poured into my heart as I saw a line that most young rock bands would envy, wrapping around the event space into the overflow parking lot on the far side of the resort. My excitement did not stem this time from the music, but from the fact that with every ticket purchased for this event, it would up the substantial amount of money that would go towards High Hopes Brain Injury Program.
Two full decades ago, Eric Marienthal performed at the first benefit concert for High Hopes, a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and retraining of those who have been devastated by brain injuries.
Fast forward to July 8, 2018 now the 20th Annual Eric Marienthal and Friends Concert was attended by well over 1000 jazz fans and High Hopes supporters alike at the outdoor amphitheater at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.
“For 20 years, Eric Marienthal and Friends Jazz Concert has played an integral role in raising the funds needed for High Hopes Brain Injury Program,” said Mark Desmond, Director/Instructor and Developer of High Hopes Brain Injury Program. “This year, we are using the funds to help support our scholarship program so more can be helped and toward rehabilitation equipment that enables the brain-injured to recover.” (#1)
The Ron Kobayashi Trio added a vibrant energy to the already amazing atmosphere as VIP guests enjoyed a wonderful dining experience provided by The Tulsa Rib Company. As the dinner carried on, special guest artist, singer / songwriter Mary Desmond joined the trio with a powerhouse of a voice. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for this up and coming artist who is sure to make waves in the music industry as her career continues to blossom.
With the VIP dinner coming to a close the night was just getting started. Guests and concertgoers were led over to the Hyatt’s outdoor amphitheater as they were greeted by radio host Talaya Trigueros from 94.7FM The Wave Radio station served as Master of Ceremonies along with Mark Desmond.
Leading the charge on stage to jazz standards “Oasis,” “Compared to What,” and a Glenn Miller mash up was the talented Eric Marienthal.
Marienthal started his professional career in 1980 with famed New Orleans trumpeter Al Hirt, then became a member of the Chick Corea Elektric Band. He recorded five albums 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. (#2)
Marienthal’s two special guests for the 20th anniversary concert were Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band and Johnny Mathis.
Johnny Mathis & Vangie Gunn
Goodwin, a six time Grammy nominee, has won two Grammy Awards as well as two Emmy Awards. Goodwin played such hits as “Garaje Gato” from his “Life in a Bubble” album, “Sing Sang Sung” from his “Swingin’ for the Fences” album, George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and more. (#3)
On the other hand the list of accolades goes on and on topping off with a lifetime achievement award in 2003 from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. This Special Merit Award is presented by vote of the Recording Academy’s National Trustees to performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artist significance to the field of recording, a few songs into his set Mathis invited up stunningly beautiful Vangie Gunn. Her first notes to the romantic ballad floated across the audience like the wishes of dandelion umbrellas and fell like rose pedals upon our ears. The late Johnny Carson was once quoted as saying “Mr. Johnny Mathis has the most beautiful ballad voice in music.” Together there voices complimented the music and the music complimented the both of them right back. What a privilege it was to experience that moment with the rest of the audience.
The event raised over $200,000 which included the silent and live auction. Highlights of the live auction included a rare vintage radio, jewelry, and vacation trips.
As the night came to a close the heat of the late afternoon and evening might have removed the vibrant energy from the crowd, but every guest in attendance left the event in great spirits and with high hopes!
Established in 1974, High Hopes Brain Injury Program is a one-of-a-kind non-profit 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 their 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 and lowest cost program to those who have traumatic head injuries giving them a sense of hope.
For more information visit High Hopes at HighHopesBrainInjury.org
Gordon Goodwin (The Big Phat Band)
Work sited:
#2 : www.Wikipedia.org
#3 : www.bigphatband.com/
By: Timmy D / Pullman Standard / BackStage360
Interviews at the 2018 High Hopes Head Injury Program at The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. BackStage360 sits down with Eric Marienthal, Mary Desmond, Ron Young, Terry Wollman, Gordon Goodwin, (The Big Phat Band) and Steve Cederquist (Flip or Flop)
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