HB Jazz Festival in Central Park 9 p.m.

BB Jazz in Central Park
7111 Talbert Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA
bbjazz.com

Past Festival Lineup
Faith Evans, Eric Benet | Elle Varner | Sisqo | Anthony David | Legally Blynd | L.Young
Joe | Sheila E. | Kelly Price | Bilal | Jarrod Lawson | Bslade

BB Jazz annual festival in Central Park was created by a caring family of an autistic individual. With the purpose of raising money to help fund research and programs for non-profit organizations, Corky & Betty Bennish pour their heart & soul into each year's production of this top notch event featuring Grammy-winning acts. The festival includes general admission areas (bring your own blanket or lawn chair) and reserved seating sections where VIP amenities are provided. Central Park includes shade and sunny areas, with shade typically the most popular spots in the afternoon. Held annually in September, this is one of the many music festivals in California worth a look.

This year's exciting line up of artists include two jam-packed days of soulful, sizzling and sensational music:

More Than 6,000 Jazz Enthusiasts Celebrate the Magic in Central Park

by Chris MacDonald
Writer/Photographer, HB Ambassador/The Local News Columnist

The 10th Annual BB Jazz Festival drew a record 6,000 fans at a magical outdoor venue below Central Library. Happy people danced in the aisles and cheered the sensational talent, which included the legendary Najee, who started his segment out in the audience, thrilling all those lucky enough to be right near him as he performed before going up on stage. This exciting event, which will be remembered for a lifetime, was made possible because of Corky & Betty (BB) Bennish and their friends, who have been making jazz "rock" in HB for a decade. BBJAZZ is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization formed with a dual purpose of raising funds and awareness for children's charities.

BBJAZZ brings annual Smooth Jazz, R&B, Soul and Contemporary Music Events to the community of Huntington Beach and more. Many of the spectators made their way to Surf City from Los Angeles, Long Beach and other cities throughout the West. After a few years of working with Ritz Entertainment in Orange County, Betty found a way to combine her passion for music and her experience in the music industry to benefit various charities. "The journey has been very rewarding and we hope to continue supporting live music and donating the proceeds to great causes," Betty said. "We're so grateful for our super volunteers, vendors and musicians, who band together for something memorable that also rewards others. The Central Park site, out amongst the trees and lake, is so special, so beautiful, so memorable. Hearing the wonderful sounds of our stars echoing throughout the setting is indeed magical."

Corky and Betty have both had life threatening illnesses and are excited to help others in a positive way. Check out Betty's links for others that are making a difference and support them too. In addition to the annual, much-anticipated festival in Central Park, BBJAZZ is proud to present an Annual Concert Series in the Huntington Beach Library Theatre and A New Years Eve Gala in the Grand Ballroom at the HB Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa. "Please come and join us and celebrate life," she said.

At the recent event, I got to see people from all over, who came together to help the worthwhile cause and enjoy some of the finest live music on the planet. I was thrilled to hear Najee play the saxaphone and flute and see how much he meant to the crowd as he "worked it" in it. He was fabulous! I also got to chat with friends like Huntington Beach Planning & Building Inspection Manager Bill Grove, Huntington Beach City Clerk Joan Flynn and "Surf City Highlights" Host/Producer/Director Matt Liffering.

Thanks to Corky, Betty and everyone that made it happen, including Farmers & Merchants Bank, Toyota of Huntington Beach, The Greatest Party At Sea--The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Korbel California Champagne, The Sean Stanfield Group at FIRST TEAM REAL ESTATE, INC., Meridian Steel Company, El Monte RV, Rainbow Environmental Services, Signature Party Rentals, Solomon, Ross, Grey & Company, LLP Certified Public Accountants, KJLH 102.3FM 94.7FM The Wave, 88.5FM Saddleback College Jazz and VDORepair.com .


Photos not shown:
1. Betty (BB) Bennish co-owner of BB Jazz
2. Famed Musician Najee playing his Saxaphone.
3. Huntington Beach Planning & Building Department's Inspection Manager Bill Grove and Huntington Beach City Clerk Joan Flynn.