Groovin’ on the Golf Course
The 24th Annual Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival
by Nedra Myricks
Good vibes and smooth grooves filled the air as the 24th Annual Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival (NBJF) took over the hotel’s grounds June 1-3, 2018. This annual event brings together first-class musicians and appreciative audiences for three days of great music and fun in the sun.
Shelley Callahan, Director of Events for the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, has spearheaded this event since 2013 and takes great pride in its success. The hotel spares no expense in making sure this signature event and venue continues to be successful every year. This was the first jazz festival for new General Manager Sid Ramani, but he has committed his continued support of the event and vowed to “assist the hotel moving forward on its musical journey and making memories….”
Featuring a balanced blend of well known, established artists and new, emerging talents, this festival appeals to a wide variety of musical tastes, and brings fans from all over the country. With two stages of entertainment, the music was ongoing and the party in the process; add to that a variety of vendors providing experiences in food, clothing, collectibles, AND perfect weather – no argument – this was the place to be! A crowning touch was the dynamic and much loved MC Pat Prescott from 94.7 The Wave, a long time co-sponsor of the event.
Omega Events became full-time producers of the event in 2013, although Omega’s President, Rich Sherman, was involved in producing the first Newport Beach Jazz Festival in 1994. “Without the incredible team at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, the event would not be possible,” Sherman stated, “They are awesome, and they love what they do.”
Another favorite activity for attendees at this event is the “Artist Merchandise” booth where fans line up to meet their favorite artist one on one; purchase CD’s to have signed and take photos. It’s hard to tell who is more excited about this exchange….the fan or the artist! Mutual exchange as both sides thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to be up close and personal with each other. Artists are patient and thorough, leaving no fan unattended, and fans are appreciative, profess continued loyalty and truly value their new acquisitions.
Sherman continued, “We take pride in the customer experience that is provided at the festival, as it is one of the reasons we see fans coming back every year — some of them have been coming for 20 years! Jazz music is the backbone of the event, and we are very aware that the success of the event is due to the stellar jazz lineups this year, from mainstays like Rick Braun and Jonathan Butler to new artists like Damien Escobar. There is something for everyone!”
Bank of the West has been the presenting sponsor for this event for the past 10 years and continues their commitment to providing quality entertainment opportunities to the communities they serve by also sponsoring the Hyatt’s upcoming “Summer Concert Series,” which will run from July-October. LeAnn Rimes, Chaka Khan, and Chris Botti are just a few of the spectacular performances already scheduled, and more to come.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for both the 2019 Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival and the 2018 Summer Concert Series.
