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Glamour, Glitz and Golf

Glamour...

A glitzy gala attended by 300 of Silicon Valley’s glamorous people introduced San Jose Symphony’s Season Opening featuring the internationally acclaimed cellist, 43-year-old Yo-Yo Ma. Marking the Symphony’s (122nd) year of bringing music to Santa Clara Valley, the concert was a rousing, sold-out success and the Gala proceeds drew over $100,000 for the Symphony’s depleted coffers.

No doubt because of Ma, the APIA community was out in full force, much to Yo-Yo’s delight. Speaking to press backstage, he implored his fellow APIAs to continue to support the Symphony’s 50 concert season this year, as music is the universal language uniting us. He added that he would try to return this season for another appearance to bolster the Symphony’s fundraising efforts.

I also commend the San Jose Symphony Board for Leonid Grin’s direction and mission to bring cultural diversity to its programs and guest artists.

In that vein, cellist Han-Na Chong is featured artist for the Haydn concerts, Oct. 12-13. Chong is considered one of today’s most outstanding young instrumentalists. For tickets, contact 408-288-2828 or go to www.sanjosesymphony.org.

Music of a lighter nature graced San Francisco with former film and stage star Rita Moreno, who sang her heart out to packed audiences at the York Hotel’s Plush Room. Now almost 70, new Berkeley resident Moreno still cuts a youthful figure and brought strong vibes to the Plush Room’s long-lost intimate nightclub atmosphere. Look for Paula West opening there soon.

“Harmony & Bliss” was the tone for Chinese Culture Foundation’s evening of Chinese foods and western wines last week at Daly City’s King’s Bistro, with wine pairing led by Raymond Fong, proprietor of Wine Impressions.

GLITZ...

Kristi Yamaguchi will host a grand luau celebration at Roy’s Restaurant in San Francisco together with restaurant owner and renowned chef of Hawaii, Roy Yamaguchi (no relation) Oct. 16. Proceeds from this benefit dinner will continue the Foundation’s goal to make an impact on children and youth living in economically and socially disadvantaged environments. She encourages children’s organizations to come with “dream lists” as the Foundation awards grants to many nonprofits organizations throughout the year. Jan Yanehiro chairs the event, with special guest hosts Ronnie Lott, Gold Medalists Brian Boitano and Jonny Moseley. For ticket information, call 510-713-1005.

Not as glamorous but just as much fun for a good cause, will be Self-Help for the Elderly’s Golden Gait Walkathon Oct. 13 in San Francisco’s Washington Square Park and San Jose’s Lake Cunningham. Proceeds from this healthy outdoor activity will support SHE’s programs which services 25,000 seniors annually in San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. For information, call 415-296-0313 or 408-985-9703. I can attest to Self Help’s wonderful senior services for my own mother, 94-year-old Helen Kee, who for the past six months, has been a resident at Leonard House, a 16-bed San Francisco residential care facility, receiving loving care from dedicated Chinese caregivers.

Asian Pacific Fund goes to Tiffany’s of San Francisco Oct. 11, 6 - 8 p.m., to introduce new board members Andrew Cuyugan McCullough, Gail Tsukiyama and Sama Yamada. Last year APF completed distribution of its first million dollars in grants and awards to Bay Area APIA causes. www.asianpacificfund.org.

Wa Sung Club of Oakland presents the 4th Annual A Chef’s Delight at Oakland’s downtown Rotunda Building Oct. 14 with renowned host, Narsai David, leading a star-studded cast of celebrity chefs and 50 restaurants, caterers, wineries and microbreweries. Proceeds raised from the $40 ticket charge will go to the American Cancer Society and the Wa Sung Charity Fund. More details at www.wasungserviceclub.org.

GOLF.......

The little town of Mesquite, NV, was introduced to me by Ted and Doris Lee, owners of the bustling, friendly Eureka Casino Club, one of four casino resorts there. For those needing a quieter laid-back atmosphere from nearby Las Vegas, Mesquite offers six beautiful golf courses at half the Vegas green fees. Most spectacular of all was Wolfe Creek, set unbelievably within rocklike canyons. Designer Jon Ryder told us he and his father Dennis, just visualized in their minds where the course could wind around without disturbing the environment, and it was newly opened this year. Marketing Director Ronald Thomas confided it is already receiving awards and raves from golfers all over the world.

In a greener more forested atmosphere, Dragon At Gold Mountain, set in Graeagle near Lake Tahoe, is a hilly challenge for wayward golf balls. Running half price specials until winter season’s closure, Dragon owners Peggy & Dariel Garner also offer a gourmet restaurant Natoma, filled with oriental decor in a Frank Lloyd Wright designed building. Dragon Keeper Golf Pro Matt Ochs awaits any and all dragon conquerors so call 800-368-7786.