American Red Cross Benefit : Opening Night Combo--Jazz and Garlic

Jazz musicians will provide entertainment for the opening night ceremony of the third annual Los Angeles Garlic Week, a fund-raising event benefiting the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Red Cross, Sunday in the parking lot of the British and Continental Development Corp., 8480 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles.

Among the musicians scheduled to perform are Freddie Hubbard, Joe Farrell, Papa John Creach, Teddy Edwards, Ernie Andrews and Mayuto Correa. Other featured jazz musicians are Eddie Zip, Patrick Tuzzolino, Arnetia Walker, Dennis Rowland and Greg Field.

Why jazz with garlic? Katherine Veniero, originator of the event, explained that the idea began three years ago as a means of entertainment at the original opening night of Garlic Week, which was held at Nucleus Nuance restaurant.

“It was such a natural that we knew it would always be an important element of opening night,” Veniero said. “Music and food historically go together . . . and jazz in particular is the perfect music for an outdoor celebration like ours.”

In addition to live jazz, the opening night event will feature garlic specialties from more than 20 restaurants around the world, including local eateries Orleans and Carlos & Charlie’s.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 12 and younger. Celebration will continue throughout the week with participating restaurants offering “Garlic Week Specials” as part of their regular menus.