August 24, 2013, was one of the most enchanting nights of the summer in Orange County. It was the Acura/KOST celebrity Event, Concert and Pageant of the Masters/Festival of Arts. I was fortunate enough to be invited as member of the press to cover this most intimate outdoor event celebrating the 80th anniversary of one of the nation’s oldest and most highly acclaimed fine art shows.
Grammy-winner James Ingram headlined the event and actress Heather Locklear hosted and announced the most sought-after winning ticket for a 2014 Acura RLX.
Heather Locklear, six-time Golden Globe nominee, known for hit shows like Melrose Place, Dynasty, TJ Hooker and Spin City, named three times on People magazine’s Most Beautiful list looked absolutely stunning on the red carpet. I remember when I used to watched T.J. Hooker and Dynasty in the ‘80s and Melrose Place and Spin City in the ‘90s. I often dreamed what would be like to be her. I even thought of dressing up on one Halloween like Amanda Woodward, the advertising executive in Melrose.
The 51-year old icon was dressed in a white halter mini dress, and she still looks like she is in her ‘30s. She has that wonderful smile that every photographer will be enthralled. Heather was also very friendly with the fans and photographers. She also brought her new beau, Dr. Marc Mani, named one of the country’s ten leading plastic surgeons in Forbes Magazine.
James Ingram, known for his easy listening hits in the ‘80s is a multiple Grammy winner. He captivated the audience with his notable hits “One Hundred Ways,” “How Do you Keep the Music Playing,” “Somewhere Out There,” “Baby, Come to Me,” and the song he co-wrote with Quincy Jones and performed by the late Michael Jackson, “Pretty Young Thing.” I was already mesmerized with his strong vocals and his ballad hits but when he serenaded audience members with his number one hit “I Don’t Have a Heart,” that was the ultimate treat of the night. Ingram even came by my seat and I was shocked when he gave me the mic. I could not say a word when I knew the song by heart. He also gave tribute with one of Barry White’s hit. Overall, the concert was not just great, it was amazing. If you like jazz, R&B or just simply feel good music, this was the concert. I asked my husband, what did he like about the concert and he said, “I love James Ingram’s passion. I also specially enjoyed his rendition of P.Y. T. It reminded me of my early love for you.” The concert wrapped with a finale song “Yah Mo B There.” People started to get up and dance and sang with the soulful singer.” It was indeed a memorable experience under the stars.
Special thanks to Barb Chamberlin and Meghan Perez
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