Saturday night I was invited to be the photographer for the Union Station Homeless Services charity event. The event was held at Memorial Park in Old Towne Pasadena. There is a small bowl style stage there with a large lawn where people brought their chairs, blankets and dinner and enjoyed the evening under the stars.

I will be honest, typically I’m not a fan of jazz music, but this night was an exception. The musicians were amazing! It didn’t hurt that some of the musicians were people you recognized from movies or TV or had heard of. I did make some new friends back in the “green room” where all the talent eats and hangs out before the show. Some of the people in this photograph are: Bill Cantos (Jazz pianist), Michael Shapiro (Drums), Rabbi Marvin Gross CEO of Union Station, Kleber Jorge (Guitar), Hussain Jiffry (Bass) and Debby Boone (Vocals).

This image was made from backstage while Debby Boone was in the middle of her set.

The MC for the evening was Adam Arkin. Adam is known for his roles in TV shows such as West Wing, Chicago Hope, Law and Order and Frasier. He also has directed Grey’s Anatomy and Boston legal and has played roles in movies.

Along with being MC Adam filled in on percussion and proved to be very accomplished in the rhythm section.

The amazing guitarist, Kleber Jorge from Brazil

My new friend, bassist, Hussain Jiffry

Michael Shapiro on drums. Michael organized most of the musicians for this event and has for the past 10 years the event has been running.

Debby Boone perfomed a song by Rosemary Clooney her late mother-in-law, skat style.

Another great thing about this event was hearing people perform in a way you may have never seen before. Hector Elizondo performed a jazz duet and it was great!

One of my favorite parts of the evening was listening to singer and song writer Bill Cantos sing a page out of the yellow pages in a G chord, blues vibe. So cool!

Well if you ever have the opportunity to attend this event I highly recommend it. Grap your folding chairs or a blanket and some dinner to go, and enjoy some outstanding music, all for a great cause.

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