B.W. COOK -- The Crowd

The Balboa Performing Arts Theater Foundation presented “A Musical Mid

Summer Nights Evening In The Garden” at Corona del Mar’s Sherman Library.

An intimate crowd of 100 guests devoted to the recreation of the old

Balboa Theater converged upon the Sherman property to partake in a sunset

glass of chardonnay and to relish in the romantic music of performance

artists Tingstad and Rumbel, an acoustic duo. The evening concert in the

gardens was the second offering in the foundation’s “Sampler Series”

designed to introduce Orange Coast audiences to a selection of the

performances they might enjoy in the historic Newport Beach theater,

following completion of renovations.

In May, the first Sampler Series event offered locals a glimpse of a

world premiere performance of “The Bulldozer Ballet.” The dance event

became the centerpiece of the Balboa Theater’s groundbreaking ceremony to

launch construction. The Sampler Series will continue with future events

to include children’s programs, films, more dance concerts and a special

holiday-themed theatrical piece.

Actual reconstruction on the old theater is set to begin this month,

transforming the circa 1927 movie house into a state-of-the-art 350-seat

performing arts theater. The cause has been championed by many locals

committed to architectural heritage, as well as cultural expansion in the

community. Dayna Pettit has served as president of the foundation’s board

of directors with great support from a host of other individuals,

including Ronald Baers, Douglas Boyd, Steve Bromberg, Art Gronsky, Rush

Hill, Ken Honig, Stanley Kafka, Jo King, Riki Kucheck, Amy Larson, Terry

Markowitz, Britta Pulliam, Yaron Telem, Bill Wren and Michele Roberge.

The event at the Sherman Library & Gardens was made possible by the

support of Don Haskell, Wade Roberts, Jeanelle McCall, Tom Johnson, Lana

Johnson and a staff of volunteers who helped bring the music of Tingstad

and Rumbel to life for one special night in the garden.

The couple combines the music of a guitar and woodwinds to create

their unique and romantic sound. Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel have been

touring America and the world for the past 15 years. Their folk style,

which combines Celtic, Spanish and American influences, was thoroughly

enjoyed by all in attendance. Laurie Veitch, a Dover Shores resident,

said, “Their music, combined with the sounds of birds singing and

waterfalls flowing turned the evening into a spiritual experience.”

Spotted in the crowd were Lynn Newton, Amber and Victor Schubert,

Elaine and Steve Grant, Paula DeMars and Elaine, and Hunter Keck.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.