What happens after Jazz on the Plazz (JoP) ends? You attend a “GALA” and wait for next summer, of course.
The producers of JoP, Los Gatos Music & Arts, held their annual GALA and sponsor recognition this Saturday. This year’s event was held at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center (the JCC) in the Fletcher, Krauss, Reinhard Auditorium.
People come to give back to the organization that has provided them with music each Wednesday evening during the summer.
It’s a chance to dress up, listen to some live, improvisational jazz and just chill out.
Many who attended this series-ender said that this had been the best series yet.
People also seemed to be really enjoying the choice of venue for the GALA, as well.
BTW, JoP has been going strong for more than two decades now.
Every year for the GALA, organizers suggest men arrive in “black-tie encouraged” dress, though this is not strictly enforced.
Black-tie usually means refined elegance. All styles of gentlemen attire were present for this event. The ladies outdid themselves this year. Some in fancy cocktail dresses or floor-length evening gowns with tasteful jewelry.
Male fashion tips
LGM&A board member Jonathan Knowles spoke with Town Vice Mayor Rob Moore about having a black or dark navy suit to wear to these festivities. Moore said that Knowles suggested that he “get himself a tuxedo jacket for events.” Knowles also said “every mayor needs a tux,” referring to how the young politician is slated to take on mayoral duties this December (possibly in a tuxedo jacket or a dark suit). Councilmember Maria Ristow and husband Warren also attended this GALA as arts supporters. Former County assessor Larry Stone was in attendance, a few die-hards did restrained (customary) booing when he was announced. A candidate to replace Stone as County Assessor, in the next election was also introduced.
A bit of bidding
To start the evening, Teri Hope (co-founder of LGM&A) along with Knowles and Ginger Taylor McDonald—all unpaid volunteers board members—held a short auction. Luxury vacations and services were offered, including lobster dinners in an historic home.
The Los Gatos Morning Rotary club and other local volunteers also support this nonprofit by helping out at the events. This well-attended summer series serves our community with pleasant musical evenings—and a way to gather outdoors and enjoy our town together. For a long time Los Gatos has been known as an arts and music mecca.
And folks from all over come here to partake in the fun.
Businesses support the arts
It takes a large cast of characters to make JOP what it is. This year’s donors include El Camino Health, Star One Credit Union, Addison Penzak JCC and Los Gatos Garden Inn Hotel. Other sponsors include Lexus of Stevens Creek (who brought a brand new Lexus to the Wednesday evening series), Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley, Carnico Tools & Provisions, Jean Tenore Group, Ayurvedamrut Wellness Center, Lavish An Experience Co., Los Gatos Thrives and for its first year the De Mattei Construction Company.
We all have seen the De Mattei signs around Town. Since 1985 De Mattei Construction has been a presence in Los Gatos and surrounding communities. I was fortunate enough to be seated next to the next generation of De Matteis, Josh. This 26-year-old spoke with pride of his work as project manager, estimator and in general just doing what needs to be done. We hope to see more of him next summer, if not before.
Jessica Kashian, executive producer
As an LGM&A administrator, Jessica Kashian is responsible for working with sponsors. “I have been discussing with De Mattei for them to become part of our Jazz on the Plazz events and sponsoring for a while now,” she said, referencing the way their arts organization has worked to ingrain itself in the community. “It’s taken a couple of years for us to get down to this point. We welcome De Mattei Construction as our newest LGM&A sponsor.”
What’s up for next year?
Given that the Brubeck Brothers Quartet was the featured attraction at the GALA, you couldn’t help but wonder what the organization has up its sleeves for 2026.
Guess we will have to wait till early next year to find out who will be headlining the upcoming series of shows. It sure will be hard to top this year. But somehow they always do.
Los Gatos Music & Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that, in addition to Jazz on the Plazz, hosts other live productions, as well as music education programming for local youth.
Note after performing at Saturday’s evening GALA the BBQ conducted a jazz workshop for local referred students at the JCC. The 12 young jazz students had a chance to sit in with this world famous group. The lessons learned here are not in the text books or online. The mere presence with these greats was a highlight for all of the schooling that they had had to date.
This is what Los Gatos Music & Arts is all about.
