Jazz on the Plazz organizers threw a gala party on the eve of the grand opening of the 2008 season, attracting over 300 people to the Opera House to mingle, wine, dine, and hear jazz vocalist Claire Martin perform. Martin kicks off the Jazz on the Plazz season tonight--June 25--at 6:30 p.m.
The Fisher Middle School Jazz Ensemble performed as guests mingled and enjoyed appetizers served in miniature Chinese take out boxes, courtesy of Willow Street Pizza. Ed and Louise Rathmann, owners of Willow Street, were recognized for their consistent support for jazz in Los Gatos. Gerald O'Brien, owner of Silver Mountain Vineyards was thanked for providing private-label Jazz on the Plazz wine, along with Muns Vineyard.
Producer Teri Hope, owner of the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company, also thanked the team that mounts the sophisticated jazz venue each year. In particular, Hope recognized Joan Perry, the founding president of the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club, for creating Jazz on the Plazz as the club's first project five years ago. KRML radio personality and Jazz on the Plazz host Michael Jacobi was given due appreciation. Hope also thanked coordinator Louise Mehlman, Assistant Producer Vicki Trammel, Production Manager Bruce Lavity, Doug Carolie on Sound, Stage Manager David Plater, and Publicity Chair Marguerite Padovani.
Jazz on the Plazz is now a project of Los Gatos Music & Art, a brand new non-profit organization. Also new is a cutout mascot, Flat Stanley, created by Jon and Alicia Robertson of 1-800 Pro-Color.
None of the current town councilmembers was spotted in the capacity crowd, but Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Chief Scott Seaman was there with his wife, Christina, as was council candidate Planning Commission Chair Michael Kane. Kane, a member of the Morning Rotary Club, was assigned Security duty.
Other Los Gatans observed included Community Services Commissioner Christine Currie and her husband, Rob; Gil Decker; Rex and Elaine Cardinale; Mary Ellen Kaschub; Kathy Brown; Community Newspapers Executive Editor Dale Bryant; Planning Commissioner Joanne Talesfore; Nancy Fischer; Karen Barker; history walking tour creator Carol Gruetzner; Jon Robertson; Marleen and Mark Brodsky; Mollie Drake; Suzanne Detrick; Keith Plottel; Museums of Los Gatos Executive Director Elke Groves; Los Gatos Art Association President Tonya Carpenter; Tim and Marina Barnes; artist Noreen Christopher; Larry Arzie; David Stonesifer; Jonathan and Kelly Knowles; former mayor Randy Attaway and his wife, Sara LaBerge; Arts Commissioner Marianne Lucchesi and her husband Doug Hamilton; Steven and Mary Leonardis; Darrell Monda; and Arts Commissioner Valerie Hopkins.
The Mercury News' Sal Pizarro was evidently at the event, as well. He noted seeing jazz singer Lara Price; Olga and Tony Nespole; Bruce Labadie; and Jay Meduri in the crowd.
It was a sparkling evening, capped by a special performance by Claire Martin, who simply unclipped the microphone from its stand and started to sing, backed by a three-piece ensemble. No stage, no distance between the performer and her audience. For jazz lovers, it doesn't get any better.
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