Green Colors Blues Fest

The event: Hot Blues on a Cool Summer Night, a concert on the green staged by Center 500, a support group of the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Thursday’s event took place under the trees at the South Coast Plaza Village courtyard in Santa Ana.

Blues brothers: Sporting cool shades, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers played a mix of blues that had the crowd of more than 900 people tapping feet, clapping hands and swaying to the beat.

“You can’t do a blues show without a tune from Muddy Waters,” said Piazza, before launching into “Baby, Please Don’t Go.” While Piazza and company sang the blues, party-goers circulated among buffet tables and enjoyed pasta, pizza and other specialties from 13 local restaurants.

Circle of friends: Center 500 members are young business professionals who support the arts while mingling and having a good time. “The members are the life of the center,” said Dennis Potts, Hot Blues chairman. “Events like this appeal to a younger crowd. They’re where the growth is.”

Members donate $250 a year to the center to join the group. Its popular Informally Yours series offers music or dance performances in intimate settings.

Bottom line: Guests paid $30 each to attend the concert, which was expected to net more than $30,000, thanks to a $10,000 donation from sponsor EV1 Electric. Proceeds will be used for center performances as well as educational and community outreach programs.

Quote: “These are the people who will help build the next symphony hall in Orange County,” Potts said.

Blues fans: Enjoying the show were Leslie Trammell, event co-chair; Jerry Mandel, new Performing Arts Center president; Bill Tucker, Center 500 president; emcee Gary Wagner; Bruce and Cathy Crair; Barbara Daly; Terry Jones; Pat Ward; John and Katherine Campbell; Chuck and Sue Turner; and Pat Cherpeski.

What’s ahead: Center 500 will take the train to the Del Mar Racetrack to bet on the horses Aug. 23. Call (714) 556-2122, Ext. 532.