The Rich Little Band

By Emily Charrier-Botts INDEX-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITE

It’s hard to find a more picturesque setting for an extravagant party than the courtyard and barrel room at Jacuzzi Winery. While this year’s gala night brought a chilly breeze, attendees were warmed by heat lamps and the open bar.

Walking into the courtyard, guests were greeted with a glass of champagne, although the supply of bubbly ran out within the first two hours of the event. The sumptuous food provided by area restaurants and caterers also disappeared quickly…..Guests were entertained by daring fire dancers, who swung kerosene-drenched flaming batons around their heads and used rings of fire as hula-hoops. The attendees danced into the night to the classic rock music of the Rich Little Band. The band was joined on stage by powerhouse vocalist Misty Adana, whose rendition of “Proud Mary” brought everyone to their feet. Little said he came prepared with a basket full of harmonicas in case Willis, a longtime musician, felt like playing a set on stage. Willis never made a public appearance at the gala, and instead stayed on the upper balcony with the other VIPs. … Robbi Pengelly/Index-Tribune