Special Birthday Surprise for KSBR 88.6 FM

Six Time Grammy Nominated Artist and American Idol Saxophonist Make Surprise Appearance at KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival - More than 30 musicians helped local college station raise money

Posted by CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita,  CA –  Grammy nominated saxophonist Dave Koz and American Idol saxophonist Mindi Abair were among the five surprise all-stars to grace the stage at the 2012 KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival and Taste of the Bash Sunday, May 27 on the Village Green of Oso Viejo Park in Mission Viejo. The concert is co-sponsored by the City of Mission Viejo and is the station’s largest fund raising event, in this case celebrating  the 33rd anniversary of jazz on KSBR (88.5 FM).

 Mindi and Dave.  Photo by Steve Wylie, www.stevewyliephotography.com   

Koz, a six time Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz saxophonist and Abair, who recently shared the “American Idol” stage with Phillip Phillips, winner of the Fox mega-hit reality show, surprised roughly 3,000 jazz fans gathered to celebrate KSBR

Other surprise artists that came out to the nonprofit radio station’s 23^rd annual event were Peter White, Rick Braun, and Brian Simpson. Over 30 artists appeared at this year’s event, including the band Hiroshima, guitarists Paul Brown and Chris Standring, sax man Jackiem Joyner, trumpeter Greg Adams, Brazilian singing sensation Fabiana Passoni, and Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman. Trumpeter Tony Guerrero once again served as the event’s Music Director.

KSBR Operations Director Terry Wedel said, “what makes the KSBR Birthday Bash unique is that most of the participating musicians are bandleaders in their own right, but on this day, everyone plays each other's music in various all-star configurations, making each Bash a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both the artists and the audience,”  

New this year was the Taste of the Bash, which featured over 20 restaurants and wineries showing off their finest creations.  Restaurants participating were Savannah Chop House, Pita Jungle, The Melting Pot, Marie Callender’s, Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, Einstein Bros Bagels, Roma D’Italia, Boscoes, Bistro K, California Pizza Kitchen, Chili’s, Boosters, Sundried Tomato, Delizies,  Vito’s Pizza, Oliver’s Olive Oil,  and Mamma Chia.  Wineries serving tastes were Hamilton Oaks Vineyards and FLO Winery.   The crowd also enjoyed wines from Longshadow Ranch Winery, Napa Cellars, and Folie à Deux. Specialty cocktails were served up by Tito’s Vodka.

Memorable musical moments of the 2012 Bash included a rousing “all hands on deck” opening jam of Pick Up The Pieces, which included virtually every artist on stage; 19-year old sax phenom Vincent Ingala’s impressive work on his featured tune, a great cover of Groovin; Koz’s moving cover of Over The Rainbow; Rick Braun’s version of Grazin’ In The Grass with Braun backed by Koz, Abair, Ingala, White, Paul Brown, Jackiem Joyner, and others; and the closing jam, a raucous rendition of Love And Happiness led by vocalist Derek Bordeaux with all of the artists onstage at once.

The event included a special tribute to Veterans.  The march of the colors was presented by the Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division Color Guard.  Headquarters Battalion is the adopted unit of the City of Mission Viejo and has approximately 2200 Marines and Sailors that deploy around the world in support of our nation.  The National Anthem was sung by internationally renowned opera soprano Lynette Tapia; her performance moving some to tears as she sang all four stanzas.

Platinum and Premium Gold VIP guests were treated to a fine dining experience by The Anaheim White House Restaurant, Hanna’s Restaurant in Rancho Santa Margarita, and Vintage Steak House in San Juan Capistrano with desserts provided by Donna B’s Bakery in Laguna Niguel, Tommy Bahama in Newport Beach, and Oh For Sweets Sake! in San Clemente.  It’s a Grind Coffee in Mission Viejo served up coffee for the crowd while Islands Restaurant in the Mission Viejo Kaleidoscope donated meals to the 100 plus volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the festival a success. Two Guys Grilling provided a BBQ experience for Bash All-Stars and their families backstage.   The artists were treated to “thank you” gift bags with items generously donated by Tommy Bahama, KSpin Designs, and Hi-Chew.

Other major sponsors of the event were The City of Mission Viejo, Cox Communications, Kaiser Permanente, Bank of the West, Infinity of Mission Viejo, Ainsworth Design, Ben’s Professional Electrical Services, Blue Moon International Limousines, Jim’s Music Center, Betty Miner Works of Art, Omega Events, Brian and Jean Thompson, and Steven and Nancy Dixon.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,00 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visitwww.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.