Concert
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8 newportbeachindy . com JULY 5 , 2024
Concert
PAGE 7
Every year , Marienthal – a longtime Newport Beach resident and a Grammy-nominated sax player – brings together talented smooth jazz musicians for an unforgettable evening of music .
There ’ s also a pre-concert VIP dinner which includes reserved seating for the concert , a dessert bar , a no-host bar , and silent and live auctions .
The proceeds from the concert help economically disadvantaged individuals to receive much-needed rehabilitation services .
With the help of many guest artists who have donated their time to perform , these concerts to date have raised well over $ 2 million for High Hopes .
This year , Marienthal has invited jazz pianist David Benoit , who has charted more than 25 albums since 1980 , and Grammy Award-winning singer Patti Austin . Marienthal has played and recorded with Benoit and Austin many times , so the concert will be special for them as well as the audience .
Marienthal first learned of High Hopes through swimming .
Mark Desmond , the visionary behind the High Hopes program ’ s development and High Hopes director / instructor , coached swimming for many years in Newport
Beach . In addition to training lifeguards and water polo players , Desmond coached Eric ’ s children , and eventually Marienthal himself . When Marienthal learned about High Hopes , he visited the High Hopes facility to see what the organization was all about .
“ It sounds dramatic to say it changed my life , but in fact it did change my life ,” recalled Marienthal . “ I went and saw what Mark and his staff were doing , and the people they were helping with every possible head related injury . I heard their stories . It was an emotional experience . I realized this could happen to anyone — my wife or a friend . At that point it became more personal .”
Marienthal decided to host a benefit concert for High Hopes . That first concert was held at the Costa Mesa Community Center , and based on that initial success , Marienthal held another one the following year but was able to move to the concert ’ s current location , that Hyatt Regency ’ s beautiful outdoor amphitheater .
Every year Marienthal has been able to coax his noted musician friends and special guests to perform at the concert , although it doesn ’ t take much coaxing when they learn of the organization the concert benefits .
“ We currently help 60 people a day ,” said Desmond . “ Concert proceeds
Guests peruse the silent auction items at the High Hopes concert in 2023 . Photo by Jim Collins .
help offset the costs of the program . Without the community ’ s help we could not serve as many people . We only have one person that pays the full fee , the others pay what they can afford , so the difference is what has to be raised every month . The concert allows us to offset the bad months where we do not make it . It ’ s the lifeblood of our program .”
“ High Hopes is always here to help people from around the country ,” added Desmond . We take those that the rest of the world gives up on . We
are here for them , and because of this concert , this provides that High Hopes will be here for generations to come .”
Tickets for the concert and sponsorships are still available . Tickets are $ 175 for VIPs and $ 75 for General Admission and are available at www . HighHopes . ws or by calling ( 949 ) 733-0044 . The VIP Party starts at 3:45 p . m ., with the general admission starting at 5 p . m . The music will begin at 5:30 p . m .
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