Hats Off Evening

“It is said that at any given time, somewhere in the world, someone is playing or singing a Jeff Barry song.” The Lobero Associates had the privilege of having a “Hats Off Evening” featuring the iconic songwriter himself and honoring him. It definitely “Lit up the Night.”

The Lobero Associates are a group of women who devote their extra time to helping the historic Lobero Theatre. Since they were founded in 1972 with the help of Marilyn Schuermann they have donated more than $1 million in various ways: a Steinway grand piano, the terrace, a new ladies room, and more. For many years, they had the popular Hats Off Luncheon. Now, they are trying something new with an evening event for couples at the El Paseo Restaurant.

We gathered in the local landmark for cocktails, dinner, and then to have Jeff sing some of his chart-topping hits. Songs such as “Tell Laura I Love Her”, “Chapel of Love”, “Be My Baby”, “Doo Wah Ditty”. His songs have been recorded by a wide variety of artists such as Celine Dion, U2, Elton John, The Beach Boys, Glenn Campbell, Mariah Carey, and Johnny Mathis.

Mr. Berry was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Rolling Stone Magazine has proclaimed him to be #19 in their “Top 100 Songwriters of All Time” list. He is currently active, writing songs for and developing artists, plus TV, feature films, and musicals. Not to mention performing for various charitable organizations.

Emcee Catherine Remak added her professionalism to the evening. She told the history of the Lobero Theatre, which in 1873 was a wooden school building evolving to 1924 when it opened and in celebration Fiesta began. Bringing the evening into fruition were co-chairs Janet McCann and Joan Crossland. Annie Williams is president of the group. Thanks always to the many sponsors. Some are: Mr. and Mrs. John McCann, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stoll, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Powell, Montecito Bank & Trust, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Byers, Dr. Douglas Katsev, Mr. and Mrs. Milt Larsen, and Mr. and Mrs. Steven Buster.

Thanks Jeff, for “Lighting Up Our Night.”

H) Lobero associates member Hope Kelly, board president for the Lobero foundation Amy MacLeod, and Leslie Meadowcroft-Schipper