8 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Everyone who advertised with us during the previous year is invited to join the celebration at the always-spectacular Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California. We also invite many of the artists we feature throughout the year, and when they sit in with DW3—the genre’s undisputed best party band—the a ernoon quickly turns into something magical. Because our celebration lls nearly a quarter of Spaghettini’s performance lounge, the remaining seats are opened to the public, giving readers, friends and genre fans a chance to share the vibe. is year’s bash, held Sunday, Jan. 18, didn’t just deliver—it sold out ... again. At the heart of the a ernoon were the advertisers whose support has kept Smooth Jazz News in print for 26 years. We were thrilled to celebrate with Kathy Payne, owner of Payne Pest Management; Terri and Michael Paulo of Apaulo Productions; Steve Chapman and Bud Harner of Chapman & Co. Management; Nikki Sweeney of the City of Gardena and her husband, Joseph Charles; Kimeri Opacic, director of marketing for City Center Bishop Ranch and its Smooth Jazz Series, and her husband, George; along with Gratitude sounds even better with a groove. Every year, we gather around the table—Champagne glasses clinking, the aroma of delicious food in the air and a festive musical vibe—for one very important reason: gratitude. Our annual Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session is our way of thanking the advertisers who help keep Smooth Jazz News thriving as the only smooth jazz-themed magazine in existence. Top left: Richard Elliot, Melanie Maxwell and Camella Elliot Top right: Odysseus, Euge Groove’s service dog Center: Adam Hawley, Will Shares and Craig Collier Bottom: Eric and Lynne Darius with Maggie and Will Shares and Kimeri Opacic and her husband, George Where the Anniversary Celebration Turned Magical Photos: Harper Hardwick
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