THE CROWD:

The House of Design debuted last week in the Newport Coast. Benefiting the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, a crowd of 250 glittering patrons descended upon the Andalusian-inspired estate in the coastal hills built by Stonefield Development. Hors d’ oeuvres were prepared and served by Jay’s Catering of Laguna Beach as guests explored the estate. Following the home tour patrons traveled to [seven-degrees] in Laguna Beach for dinner, accompanied by the music of Tim Gill’s jazz ensemble.

The premiere evening was chaired by Terry Brick with support from Sabra Bordes, Judith Longyear, Violette Lorenzen, and Melinda McCrea. Also assisting were Theresa Jennings and Shirlee Pruett of Corona del Mar, and overall benefit chair Kim Weddon and committee members including Angel Michael, Dea Stanuszek, Cindy Kornhaber, and Jan Lawrence. On hand for the opening celebration was Stonefield Development president Bob Pack, owner of the residence on display.

The 2008 House of Design runs through May 18. Proceeds benefit youth music education sponsored by the Philharmonic Society in Orange County. For tickets to view the residence and information on related events, call (714) 840-7542 or visit www.philharmonichouseofdesign.org.

The Pacific Chorale celebrated recently at The Village Crean, Newport Beach. Organizers called the spring fling “Flavors of America.” Chaired by Jan Landstrom with support from chair emeritus and uber-devoted chorale patron Mary Lyons of Harbor Island, the “classy casual” Sunday reception welcomed locals including Sharon McNalley, Anne Nutt, Dorcas Preston, and Lori Loftus. Also supporting the party were Stephanie Blanchard, Sharon Fair, Margaret Gates, Valerie Imhof, Janice Johnson and Sally Fans.

The lively event featured “The Top Notch” barbershop quartet welcoming the crowd upon arrival at the antebellum style Crean mansion on the back bay. Inside, pianist Dave Clemensen entertained at the grand piano with vocals by Mrs. Senior America 2001, Newport’s own Dorcas Preston resplendent in a floor-length red gown. In the courtyard, a 50-member children’s chorus directed by Susan Gerling charmed the patrons with an American-themed patriotic musical review.

Dinner was all-American, as well. Barbecued chicken, short ribs, mac and cheese and berry cobbler with ice cream put big smiles on everyone. John Alexander, artistic director of the chorale mingled with Sally Segerstrom and her sister Sandy Daniels. Darrellyn and David Melilli were front and center with Kimberly Bernatz, chairman of the chorale board, and her husband, Bob. Kelly Ruggirello, chorale president shared some all-American mac and cheese with the pretty Rosalie Friedman and her man, Lou Delmonico. Also enjoying the Sunday evening gathering were Tom and Vina Williams Slattery, and the super dedicated Bobbitt Williams and her husband, Bill Williams.

The celebration marked the 40th anniversary season of the chorale. Proceeds from the party topped $30,000. For more information on chorale events, call (714) 662-2345.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays.