ELEGANT AND ELECTRIC DIANA ROSS
ROCKS 35TH CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
by Ann Conway  | December 5, 2008

Segerstrom Hall is transformed for Candlelight Concert

"Vegas never looked this good!"

With those opening words from a thrilled Orange County Performing Arts Center President Terry Dwyer----and a tour de force performance by legendary pop music icon Diana Ross----the Board of Directors staged its 35th Anniversary Candlelight Concert, netting a record-breaking $1.4-million for artistic and education programs.

   
"Congratulations to our Co-chairs, Marta Bhathal and Pat Poss, for this spectacular event," Dwyer said as he stood before 500 elegantly clad guests in a Segerstrom Hall that had been totally transformed into a scarlet-and-gold Vegas-style showroom, complete with neon billboards, terraced seating, stage-side dance floor, and room enough around dining tables for guests to rock between courses as the electric Ross trilled her mega-hits. "This is a challenging time for the arts and we want to extend a special 'thank you' to all of you who supported The Center by attending tonight," Dwyer continued. "The arts bring communities together and transform lives. They spark our imagination and inspire creativity and innovation."

	Jane and Jim Driscoll with Ms Diana Ross

After a lively First Tier lobby cocktail reception, the black-tie crowd at the Lugano Diamonds-sponsored event on Dec. 5 swept along a red carpet that led them past a Ketel One Vodka ice bar to the mirror-topped tables where they would enjoy a gourmet feast highlighted by Colorado rack of lamb and Holiday Trifle with brandied fruit and gingerbread men.

But not before more congratulations were bestowed upon the Candlelight Committee from Board of Directors Chairman Thomas V. McKernan and a one-hour show was staged by the legendary songstress----Ross has sold a whopping 100-million records---that featured four couture costume changes and hits ranging from "Baby Love" to "I Will Survive!"

Candlelight Co-Chairs Pat Poss and Marta Bhathal with Center President Terry Dwyer

As spotlights swam upon the scarlet-curtained stage and the loud beating of drums began to resonate throughout Segerstrom Hall, the excited guests knew Ross was about to appear. The ultra-slow buildup had guests frantically applauding the Tony Award-winning superstar, even before she set foot onstage. And then, THE VOICE: "I'm commmmmmmmin' ouuuuuuut!" she proclaimed, still hidden from view. And then she sang those same words as the curtain parted and she appeared, Goddess-like, in a Holly-red ruffled cape draped over a blindingingly spangled matching gown.

	Idit and Moti Ferder of Lugano Diamonds

As she sang, a throbbing nostalgia began to fill the theater and guests crowded the dance floor, watching the charismatic diva as they danced to her longing-filled songs. "Wow! Wow! Wonderful!" she exclaimed after one set, fluffing her flowing dark hair and blowing kisses as she spoke to the crowd. "It makes me so happy to see your faces! You are a wonderful audience!"