THE CROWD:

The Newport-Mesa crowd joined a full house at Honda Center to recognize the 50th anniversary celebration of Cal State Fullerton. Organizers billed the concert-themed evening as “Front & Center 2008 with Stevie Nicks.”

The rock legend, perhaps best known for her association with Fleetwood Mac, followed by chart-busting solo hits including “Stand Back,” “Rooms on Fire” and “Leather and Lace,” took the crowd on a high-energy ride leaving no one in their seats.

The evening was emceed by alumnus Marc Cherry, creator and producer of “Desperate Housewives.”

The concert and dinner attracted a large and diverse O.C. crowd, many of whom had personal allegiance to the school. Honored guests included Newport’s Patti and Jim Edwards, Marie and Robert Gray, Joan and Don Beall, and Paul and Daranne Folino. Funds raised will benefit student scholarships.

Newport’s dynamic Bobbitt Williams is set to chair the upcoming performance event by Hutchins Consort. Williams and her committee, including Susan Beechner, Sabra Bordas, Jan Landstrom, Barbara Woods and Corona del Mar’s lovely Sharon McNalley,are planning to recreate a scene right out of Elizabethan England.

The evening is set for March 15, at Village Crean, which will include music and merriment and a feast on the olde English table in the Crean residence.

Williams states, “Be there — the ides of March!” Hutchins Consort is an octet of harmonically matched violins. Tickets are $150 per person. Call (949) 675-6010 to reserve space.

Former CdM High student Dean Ferrell, who went on to Juilliard and has enjoyed an international career with symphony orchestras, will play his only West Coast gig for 2008.

The very involved and charitable couple Glenn and Mindy Stearns are set to host the Feb. 28 underwriting party for Canyon Acres Children and Family Services’ Center. The Stearns will open their coastal estate for a wine and hors d’oeuvres evening at sunset, raising needed funds to support the agency that serves the most severely abused children between the ages of 6-17 in the O.C. Since 1980, Canyon Acres has made a demonstrable difference in the lives of children in great need.

This year’s fundraiser, which will follow later in the spring, is being chaired by John and Ruth Ann Evans. Underwriting chairwomen are Mindy Stearns and Erin Lastinger. For more information please call Kristine Blidy at Canyon Acres (714) 385-5272.

Today is the big red day. One billion envelopes will be exchanged in the U.S.A. In Newport, the Sophisticates will gather at noon for their annual Valentine’s Luncheon. The 2008 celebration takes place at Bayside restaurant. Earlier this week The Center Stage Chapter of the Guilds of The Orange County Performing Artscenter converged on the elegant garden of Newport’s Jane and Richard Taylor for a wonderful evening of fine wine and gourmet fair. Billed as The Center Stage Valentine Social, new members were toasted and long-time devotees were lauded.

Jason Holland, manager of Education Programs for the Artscenter, introduced talented young singers to the crowd. Featured “rising starts” included Olivia Hernandez, a student of musical theater and Keith Colclough, classical vocalist. The winter event was something of a prelude to the much-anticipated Center Stage annual summer fundraiser known as “Hot Blues On A Cool Summer Night.”

Happy Valentine’s Day all you lovers and other strangers out there in Pilot land. Please go and kiss someone today — preferably someone you know well. Love is definitely in the air.

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