Loggins brings his mellow sound to Laguna

Inclement weather was not enough to deter Kenny Loggins fans from arriving at the Irvine Bowl, where guests from all over Orange County kicked off their Sunday shoes to cut footloose at the Winter Concert Classic.

The holiday concert, which benefits three local nonprofits, was presented by Montage Laguna Beach and local radio station KX 93.5 FM at the outdoor amphitheater on Festival of Arts Pageant of the Masters grounds.

Because of upcoming renovations to the Montage property, the hotel did not host its annual tree lighting and open house this season. To celebrate the holidays, organizers instead planned a Winter Concert Classic at the Laguna Beach venue with a lineup featuring performances by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Loggins, pop harmonizing male group The Shadowboxers and pianist David Allen Baker.

“Kenny is my brother from another mother,” joked Tustin resident Steve Slead, whose wife, Tracey, joined him to watch the show. “This is awesome and we’re going to love it.”

Just before Loggins and other performers were to take the stage, concertgoers wandered through a Winter Wonderland where snow fell, carolers sang, children met with Santa and participated in holiday activities, and adults snacked on menu items served by Montage Laguna Beach employees.

Laguna Beach resident Sheila Patterson attended the show with friend Janis Pope.

“I had every one of his albums in college,” Patterson said. “I like to support local events, I didn’t have to drive to Los Angeles for a great entertainment and I didn’t expect Montage food. This is pretty amazing.”

Loggins, who maybe best known as one half of the rock-pop duo Loggins Messina, played sold-out tour dates around the world and released hits like “Your Mama Don’t Dance.” He became a solo artist recording songs like “Whenever I Call You Friend” with Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and “This Is It” with Michael McDonald. Hits followed with “Footloose,” “Danger Zone” and “I’m Alright.”

Rick Riess, managing director at Montage Laguna Beach, said he and his wife have known Loggins for years and asked the singer if he would come to the city and help raise money for charity. Riess met the Shadowboxers about two years ago, and the group agreed to assist with the show as well.

“I thought the concert was a great success,” Riess said.

Proceeds from the benefit support nonprofits KX 93.5 FM, the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach and the SchoolPower Laguna Beach Education Foundation, an organization that has raised money for Laguna Beach public schools since 1981.

The show was a near sell-out, organizers said Tuesday.