Page 10 August 1, 2013 TORRANCE TRIBUNE TerriAnn in Torrance Under the Stars for Charity By TerriAnn Ferren the rain had poured down on this very spot. an intimate venue, but the separation between strong, emotional, dulcet tones of Kenny G the The balmy afternoon and then the rain beating The only memory of that event seemed to the stage and the audience was clearly removed. same way after this beautiful evening. on my open window made my eyebrows rise. be the clear air and the clouds high above As I stood there by the edge of the blue After the music ended--all too soon--Kenny Was it going to rain out the Evening Under the festivities. The moon was nearly full and area, I was mesmerized by the notes floating G was escorted off the side of the stage to take the Stars with Kenny G just when I finally looked like it was purposely placed in the sky through the air. Kenny G introduced each photographs with the sponsors and benefactors was able to attend? This was the 27th Annual of the evening. But I wanted to speak with him Gourmet Food and Wine Festival put on by as well. How was I going to do it? Frankly, I American Honda Motor Co, Inc & the Torrance thought of you--yes, my readers would want Area Chamber of Commerce, which benefits to hear something from this special man as the Torrance Memorial Medical Center New much as I did. I spoke with a security man Patient Tower. Quickly looking at the dress at the back of the red section and he told me I had decided to wear, I added a coat and little. Then a beautifully dressed woman tapped changed shoes just in case. It was the evening my shoulder, called me over and whispered in the Torrance Memorial Hospital benefit was my ear, “Here, take my red wristband--I am being held on the tennis courts of Honda in leaving.” Yikes! I couldn’t believe it. I quickly Torrance. I had wanted to attend this special slipped the wristband over my clammy hand event for years and finally it was happening! and flashed it past the security guard. I was in. I was going to the Gourmet Good and Wine As I approached the clump of people standing Gestival and would hear Kenny G live. Truthfully in line for photographs, I identified myself ever since last year, I regretted not attending and was told I wouldn’t be able to interview and decided that would not happen again. or meet with Kenny G. Then suddenly Kenny Driving east down Torrance Boulevard G spotted me. I identified myself to him and toward the event, I noticed the sky had cleared he waved me toward him and I was able to completely and the white clouds dotted the blue The entertainer, Kenny G. Photo by TerriAnn Ferren. speak with him one on one. He was gracious summer sky as the breeze kept the warmth at especially for atmosphere. Sometimes the moon song by giving the origin, history or why he and gentle and told me, “I think it is great bay. Turning into the parking lot, I spotted sets a tone for an evening. Such was this night. chose a particular piece. I looked around and that Honda brings the community of Torrance a line of elegantly dressed men and women As the sun set and the evening progressed, couples were holding hands, swaying to the together. I am local enough--I wish I was more getting ready to check into the event. Everyone colored lights softened the atmosphere and the soft, gentle sound and smiling. Some had their local ‘cuz I think it would be great to be part received a wrist bracelet, either iridescent red stage was lit with tiny lights--like stars. Those eyes closed as if the music would float over of the… this is just great…everybody being or iridescent blue, and a glass and plate. You who were fortunate to be sitting in front of the them like a wave. It truly was magic. here tonight, it shows that people want to be see, this was a gourmet food and wine event stage around tables in the red section were Kenny G’s real name is Kenneth Bruce part of a community together.” Then he smiled and excellent local restaurants and vineyards taking their seats. On both sides of that area, Gorelick and he was born in Seattle, Washington and posed for a photograph for me. Okay, I had set up booths for guests to taste-test all others-- including me in the blue area--were in 1956. He told the audience between songs that did gush a bit, but not too much. the offerings. also either snapping up a seat around tables or he owed his success to his early introduction to After speaking with Kenny G and getting The hosts of this benefit, American Honda Co, moving toward the stage to get a closer look. music and the support of his music teachers at his quote about the event, I floated out of the Inc. and the Torrance Chamber of Commerce, As for me, I was one who wanted a close look school. Kenny G lives in Southern California venue to the parking lot, into the car and west did a magnificent job of creating an atmosphere and didn’t even look for a seat. This is one bit and clearly has a heart for Torrance Memorial down Torrance Boulevard. The nearly full of welcome to those attending the evening. A of entertainment I wasn’t about to miss. Not Hospital. Hsaid he had flown in from Chicago moon was still high in the sky and the magic red carpet covered the pathway from the parking one single second. Honestly, the anticipation by to do the benefit that night and was flying back was still there. lot--across the street and then down onto the this time was palpable and we knew the show to his boys, still in Chicago, to continue their All the organizers should be proud of the tennis court covered with green. The large was about to begin. Then from the back of the vacation. That is dedication and character. job they did to put on such a magnificent space looked like a huge carved-out fantasy red area, the piercing sound of the smooth jazz The sweet songs went on seamlessly as he gala for charity. For it is in giving, as we see area where vendors lined the court and signs saxophone cut through the crowd noise--and played one hit after the other. He introduced everywhere in Torrance and the surrounding designating the different restaurants, venues like a pied piper, all eyes were on the man his accompanist Robert Damper, who has been communities, that true joy lives. and companies were placed above the vendor with the long, curly hair dressed in an elegant playing with him since they were both students The air was still a bit warm, but the damp booths. All this effort was to benefit Torrance charcoal suit and crisp white shirt whose very at Franklin High School. The two jammed on from the sea was making its way into our town Memorial Hospital. Everyone attending the event breath was the source of the sound. Floating stage, improvising as they played. You could and closing up another special evening. Who was well-aware of the purpose and focus--even slowly toward the stage stopping to serenade tell they had played together thousands of times knows what next year’s event will be or who the guest performer, Kenny G. groups of people as he went, Kenny G without since their teens. It was a treasure to hear the will entertain, but all I can say is that for me, As I walked around, people were visiting, saying a word was communicating with each easy melodies played by this artist who seemed this special night will be hard to top. Then eating and drinking--all the while keeping tabs and every person who opened up their soul to to lose himself in his music. The songs were again when it comes to vision and giving, on the stage situated smack dab in the center his heavenly sound. familiar, but I had a hard time remembering American Honda Motor Company, Inc. and the sideline of the courts area. It was there that the This was the very first time I had ever heard all the titles. Kenny G’s music had penetrated Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce seem entertainment of the night would be presented. this artist play in person. Maybe it was the my everyday life and now I was hearing this to be a winning combination. Mark me down It was hard to imagine that only hours before, special evening or maybe it was because it was artist live. I knew I would never hear the lilting, for next year! • business & professional directory concrete electric handyman painting plastering WIGINGTON MASONRY Wise Electric Contracting Service BILL’S HOME AND APARTMENT TKO PAINTING CO. INC. Charles sCira PlasteringKnocking Out The CompetitionMAINTENANCECommercial/Industrial/Residential Interior Plaster & Dry Wall Repair A Skilled Craftsman. Serving El Segundo Specializing in apartment turn around and home repairs. Satisfaction Guaranteed Exterior RepairGeneral ContractorLicense No: 785853 EVERY Walls, Veneers, Flatwork. 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