On Sunday October 29th, Topa Mountain Winery hosted the 10th Annual Concert Fundraiser for local nonprofit, Safety Harbor Kids (SHK) to support music education programs for orphans, foster and homeless children.
The event, sponsored by Ventura Land Rover Jaguar and Maserati of Bakersfield, was emceed by actor/comedian Hal Sparks and featured music by Chicago co-founder and drummer Danny Seraphine, KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, Jeff Beck bassist, Phil Chen, singer Tony Grant of AZ Yet and SHK Music Director and band leader, Edward Roth.
The evening began with a special performance by Italian actress/singer, Maria Elena Infantino whose infectious personality and song got people out of their seats to dance. Then, as the sun set creating an Ojai “pink moment”, American Idol top four finalist Jessica Meuse took to the stage to keep the crowd going for the All Star Band to follow.
Enter The All Star Band with Danny, Tommy and friends breaking into Chicago hits Make Me Smile and Just You and Me followed by The Doors hits Love Me Two Times and Touch Me without The Doors guitarist, Robby Krieger who regretted that he couldn’t do the gig due to personal reasons.
The second set was absolutely explosive with KISS guitarist, Tommy Thayer (who had just given guitar lessons to disadvantaged children before the show), shredding on KISS anthem, “Rock and Roll All Night” and Danny Seraphine’s tight drumming on Chicago classic “25 Or 6 To 4” got the entire place out of their seats dancing and singing along.
In addition to a legendary rock concert, guests enjoyed door prizes, silent auction and food by The Deer Lodge, Shrimp vs Chef, Ocean Pride, Rainbow Bridge and The Berry Man with drinks by Hint Water, Lori’s Lemonade and organic tea with Charles and Company.
Many businesses rallied to support the cause including The Gibson Foundation, Guitar Center, Hollywood Studio Rentals, Drum Paradise, Audio Technologies GPS Security, Southern California Life Magazine, Ojai Business Center, Susan Cummings Jewelry Design, Su Nido Inn, Casa Ojai, Bamboo Creek Spa, AAA Relaxation Station, , SST, Café Fiore, California Car Rentals, Westlake Golf Course, Osea Malibu Skin Care and Mastro’s Restaurants.
SHK’s Personal Enrichment Programs teach essay writing, goal achievement, work ethic, music and art in a one on one format. SHK Program Sponsors include Edison International, Santa Monica Kiwanis, Golden State Water and Harrison Industries.
Safety Harbor Kids supporters include Jackson Browne, Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett of Little Feat, Grammy winner Albert Lee, Apple Records co-founder Peter Asher, Danny Seraphine, Tommy Thayer, Edward Roth, Tony Braunagel, Inara George and many others in the music industry.
