KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival Announces Line-Up; Grammy Award-winning Vocalist Melissa Manchester Makes Debut Appearance!

Saddleback College Radio Station KSBR (88.5 FM) is proud to announce that Grammy Award-winning vocalist Melissa Manchester will be making her debut appearance at this year’s KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival. Among the more than 30 other musicians who will join her are Najee, Paul Brown, Slim Man, Greg Adams, Gregg Karukas, Bill Cantos, Brian Bromberg, Max Bennett, Grace Kelly, and Tony Guerrero.  The Birthday Bash takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2014 on the Village Green of Oso Viejo Park in Mission Viejo. 

As always, there will be very special guests who, because of contractual obligations, cannot be announced until they step on stage.  This year there will be at least four “secret” guest artists performing. Previous surprise artists have included Dave Koz, Peter White, Mindi Abair, Patti Austin, Chris Botti, Larry Carlton, Brian Culbertson, Bob James, Boney James, Joe Sample, and Tom Scott.

“At most festivals, one band takes the stage, followed by a break, and then another band, and so forth. But at the Bash, headliners leave their bands behind and play together in an all-star musical party,” according to Saddleback College Broadcast Services Director Terry Wedel.  The concert is co-sponsored by the City of Mission Viejo. This will be the 26th year of the station’s largest fundraising event, and it celebrates the 35th anniversary of jazz on KSBR (88.5 FM).

The Orange County Register named the KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival and Taste of the Bash the Best Nonprofit Gala for 2013 “Best of Orange” County saying, “Jazz radio station KSBR can throw a birthday party. For 25 years, the Saddleback College fundraiser has brought out some of the top names in jazz each spring. This year’s Birthday Bash at Mission Viejo also brought out more than two dozen Orange County restaurants to add flavor.” 

The event also includes The Taste of the Bash, which features more than 15 local restaurants showing off their finest creations.  The Taste is an added value so those purchasing tickets to the concert can enjoy the Taste of the Bash for no additional charge. Some of the restaurants that are confirmed include California Pizza Kitchen in Mission Viejo, Sundried Tomato in San Juan Capistrano, Slater’s 50/50 in Lake Forest, and Cold Stone Creamery in Mission Viejo. Among the wineries at this year’s Bash are Hamilton Oaks Vineyards, Giesen Estates, and Beach House Winery as well as Cismontane Beer in Rancho Santa Margarita. More restaurants and wineries that will be at the Taste of the Bash can be found at www.ksbr.org.

Platinum and Premium Gold VIP guests will be treated to a fine dining experience by Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Anaheim, Savannah Chop House in Dana Point, Delizie Ristorante in Mission Viejo, The Ranch Sports Grill in Ladera Ranch, and Vintage Steak House in San Juan Capistrano. It’s a Grind Coffee in Mission Viejo will also be serving coffee.  Ricardo’s Place in San Juan Capistrano and Two Guys Grilling from Dana Point will be providing meals for the Bash All-Stars and their families in the Artist’s backstage area. Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Rock N Roll Tequila will also be featured.

The event will include a special tribute to Veterans.  Saddleback College’s Veterans Memorial is the most significant tribute to veterans at any community college campus in the nation. In recognition of this event and the role that the college’s VETS (Veterans Education and Transition Services) Center plays in the community, the festivities will include a color guard performance and a special musical tribute to kick off the concert.

There will be many raffle items available to win at the Bash including the chance to win a two year lease on an Audi A3 courtesy of Audi Mission Viejo. Proceeds will benefit the Saddleback College Foundation and KSBR.  Tickets are $20 each and will be on sale during the Bash with the winner being drawn that evening. (Winner does not need to be present to win).

The concert takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Oso Viejo Park, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. Gates open at 3:30 p.m..; Taste of the Bash from 3:30-5:00 p.m.; Military Appreciation Festivities at 4:30 p.m.; Music at 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $60 for General Admission; the box office opens at 10:00 a.m. For general information visit http://www.ksbr.org/geninfo.html.

Located in Mission Viejo, Saddleback College provides quality higher education and training to the greater south Orange County community. Having served more than 500,00 students since 1968, Saddleback College offers over 300 degree and certificate programs to help students reach their personal, career, and educational goals.  For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu and for Fine Arts information, please visit www.saddleback.edu/arts.