FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 9 continued on page 10 longtime smooth jazz supporters Marilyn James and Rick Phetteplace, and Maggie and Will Shares. Musically, the room sparkled. Peter White, Richard Elliot, Eric Darius, Michael Paulo and trumpeter Rob Zinn each took turns jumping in with DW3, elevating the groove song by song. Guitarist Adam Hawley stopped by a er church and mingled with other guests during the band’s last song. One of the most heartfelt highlights, though, came without a single note being played. Euge Groove attended the party with his service dog, Odysseus, and the two were simply a joy to have in the room. Fans who follow Euge online know the challenges he’s faced in recent years—major health issues that pulled him o the touring circuit for a time. e good news is that he’s back in motion, building strength, conditioning his lungs, and preparing to once again let that saxophone do what it does best when he returns to the stage later this year. His presence was a reminder of why this music—and this community—matters. With everything he’s been through, Euge deserved a moment of his own here—even as we look ahead to featuring him in the October-November-December issue of Musically, the room sparkled. Peter White, Richard Elliot, Eric Darius, Michael Paulo and trumpeter Rob Zinn each took turns jumping in with DW3, elevating the groove song by song. Top: DW3 and Peter White Center: (left) Peter White, Kathy Payne, Joy and Cary Hardwick, Robin Pao (center) Bud Harner and Michael Paulo (right) Rob Zinn Above: Eric Darius and DW3, Peter White Right top: Kathy Payne and Terri Paulo Right: DW3 and Michael Paulo Photos: Harper Hardwick
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