This first column of the year is more about what’s coming than what has been. Consider the coming attractions: Is this shaping up to be a great, fun year or what?
NASCAR races, New Orleans Jazz Festival, cruises
The above are included in live auction packages available at the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society’s annual fundraising dinner. To be held on Saturday evening, Jan. 23, at the country club, this is going to be, according to executive director George Majoue, “an outstanding event.”
Majoue is on a high about the evening—and no wonder! World-class pianist Kirill Gliadkovsky will present a program both before and after the live auction.
The day before the dinner, Gliadkovsky will preside over a master class at St. Louis de Montfort. Several young, gifted pianists from the area will play for the master, who will coach them on technique. Tickets for this event cost $20—or $15 for seniors.
But back to Saturday night (tickets for this cost $100): There’s no silent auction this year, but in addition to live auction packages already mentioned, there will be opportunities to buy a framed Betsy Jones original as well as a trip in the Napa Valley wine country.
The NASCAR item is the most intriguing—the winner gets to pick his or her favorite NASCAR race anywhere in the country and receive two tickets as well as two nights of accommodations and round-trip airfare.
Majoue has been a very busy guy lining up this bonanza of travel and entertainment opportunities. George, you’re our kind of guy! Call him at 925-0412 for reservations.
Rotary Rocks! talent show in March
Yo! American Idol junkies! Do you long to sing, dance, do magic tricks, swallow flaming swords, jump hoops, or rap and jive in front of a live audience?
Good news. You may get your moment in the sun.
The Santa Maria Evening Rotary came down with the performing arts bug and is sponsoring a community talent show, open to just about everyone (sorry, no bands), with—get a load of this—a $1,000 first prize!
Does that make you want to dust off your tap shoes, tune your guitar, polish your sax?
There’s a registration fee of $35. Prizes will be given for the best act, the funniest costume, and other categories.
Rotary member Diane Balay (937-8910) has the skinny on this tremendous opportunity to strut your stuff.
Nat Fast Fest at Discovery Museum
Nat Fast will star at another coming event on Friday, Jan. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is celebrating its sixth birthday (how time flies!) with an event that features wine, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert.
Fast will be the featured artist for “Discover Santa Maria Valley 2010,” the museum’s major annual fundraiser, and is thus being honored at this birthday fest. Call 928-8414 for ticket info.
Altrusa and The Mouse Trap
President of the Board of the Altrusa Central Coast International Foundation Jackie Brunello told me that now that the tree season is past, Altrusa Central Coast is planning its first 2010 fundraiser. They bought the house at the Civic Theatre for Sunday afternoon, Feb. 7, for a performance of The Mouse Trap.
For reservations, call Jackie Brunello at 982-1189 or Sylvia Ng at 598-2020.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Jan 14-21, 2010.