He did it again! Yes, the irrepressible Judy Hearn won the bid to lead the Santa Maria Philharmonic in the “Star Spangled Banner” at the first concert of the orchestra’s 2009-2010 season. Fans will recall that Clark-Center-Follies-tap-dancing star Judy also guest conducted at a previous season-starting concert.
The bidding took place at the Philharmonic’s annual fundraiser dinner, “It’s Magic,” on Jan 24, at the Santa Maria Country Club. Attended by 125, this event was an elegant, classy, upscale (pardon the pun) evening.
Arriving guests were dazzled by the music of a string quartet playing in the dining room. Violinist Judge Jed Beebe joined fellow musicians Marsha Botello, Lynne Garrett, and Tom Turner for a performance of classical music.
The centerpieces could not have been prettier: orchid blossoms floating over a lighted (obviously waterproof) miniature light in cube-shaped vases. Kudos to Shana Medrano of Creative Events for these.
This event was literally and figuratively magical. Even I—no magic lover—was charmed and wowed by the talents of the evening’s entertainer, San Luis Obispo-based magician Rich Ferguson. He had his audience, as well as a deck of cards, in the palm of his hand. What made Rich such a pleasure was that before and after dinner, he wandered from table to table, displaying his talents to small groups of awed and enthralled admirers. We got to see—or not—his tricks up close.
The guy is good.
Bluegrass banjo lessons for one month did catch my eye in the silent auction. If only I could play!
After dinner, the Philharmonic Society’s executive director, George Majoue, made introductory remarks, which were followed by a live auction led by the fast-talking Pete Melero from Nipomo.
Nancy Johnson and Franca Lockard were among the guests who dined on giant pieces of filet mignon (or halibut or salmon), accompanied by jazzed-up baked potatoes, a pleasing bean medley, a most noteworthy salad, ciabatta bread, and a cute dessert (star-shaped puff pastry shells filled with whipped cream and decorated with blueberries, strawberries, and mint).
Dr. Ken Nelson and wife Tara, who have worked very hard for the success of the orchestra, were there, as were board members Evelyn Dykema and Marye Mariscal (with music-loving husband Marty) and Dr. Richard Ontell with wife Ruth Ann, and George Crosby with wife Dorothy.
I spotted Dr. Mudit Dabral and wife Nandita, Joyce Ellen Lippman, and Julie Colegrove by the auction tables. Is it my imagination, or do Julie and husband Jim, who are local Shaklee sales coordinators, look 30 years younger since they started taking Shaklee’s newest product, Vivix?
I chatted briefly with Reverend Orrie Johnson and wife Gladys, and with Betty Van Berckelaer and Janice Hoffman.
For those who missed “It’s Magic,” don’t despair. More is coming up, and soon. On March 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Philharmonic Society will sponsor a music, wine, and cuisine event at Cambria Winery and Vineyards on Chardonnay Lane. Tickets are $50 per person. A similar event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 23 at Cottonwood Canyon Vineyards Caves, 3940 Dominion Road. Tickets and more info are available at 925-0412.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Jan 29 – Feb 5, 2009.