Berkeley Preparatory
School Gala
The Ted Knight Orchestra played for "Shades of Blue," the spring event held to benefit Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa.
This year's theme was "Havana Blue." Ted's band played tropical numbers as well as their usual mix of jazz, blues, disco, and rock and roll. Click images to enlarge.
The gala was held at
TPepin's Hospitality Center,
a beautiful venue created by philanthropist and business owner Tom
Pepin.
First it was cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at
the Beachwood
Bistro, with sambas, bossa novas and American jazz from Ted's quartet.
Shades
of Blue committee chair Liz Diamandis is pictured with Headmaster Joseph Merluzzi
and incoming Parents' Club president Merideth Newman.
A
silent auction was underway in the foyer as parents and alumni bid on
the many items on display. Matt Hoffman, Class of '85, is pictured with
his wife Kimberly and her parents, Philip and Linda Swain.
At
right, Greg Iglehart ('79) with his wife Tracey and their friends
Jennifer St. John ('91) and Pam Cozene.
Inside
the main room, Pepin's staff were busy making sure everything was "just
right."
The doors were opened and the orchestra welcomed guests with Duke Ellington's Things Ain't What They Used to Be.
The band played mostly jazz and standards for dinner,
adding
Mambo Jambo and Guantanamera to go with the scrumptious
Cuban cuisine. Pepin's general manager
called the music "perfect."
After dinner, professional auctioneer
Frank Trunzo
did his stuff, getting generous bids on everything from luxury vacations to choice
parking spots at the school.
Then it was party time. There was major dance floor action as vocalist Tom Willis and the band went into Copacabana and Hot Hot Hot. Dancers from the Arthur Murray Studio joined in the fun.
Guitarist Gary Kolosey played a hot solo on Oye Come Va, and his bluesy sound on At Last was a hit with the slow dancers. Joel Kaye's big bari sax built a solid foundation for the band, and Brad Turner hit the high notes on trumpet. David Pate played a soulful tenor sax solo on When I Fall in Love. Jeff Lego's trombone solo on Night Train was simply amazing. On Jump, Jive 'n' Wail,Ted sang backup for Tom and played a wild keyboard solo. Steve Boisen played bass, and drummer Rich Mongoya doubled on conga drum.
With more than 425 people in attendance, Shades of Blue 2010 was a big success.
Images courtesy of photographer Bryan Manicchia and Studio Artistry, Inc.