Music Festival 2002 - Carl St. Clair

Highlights of the 8th Annual Music Festival for Mental Health

September 21, 2002

"This festival was conceived eight years ago as a celebration of life. The generosity of so many individuals, corporations and volunteers has allowed us to exceed $11 million in gifts since our inception and provide substantial support to research and care," said Shari. "We are engaged in a struggle of major proportions to fight for the cures for mental illness which continues to affect more than 20 million Americans annually."

Dr. Eric Kandel gives a talk on the biology of memory disorders.

"[The] $2.5 million raised [this year] puts the Music Festival among the highest grossing fund-raising events related to wine and music in the United States without an auction," said Garen. "Through this worthy cause, we provide much-needed funding for scientists, which enables them to later go on to secure additional monetary support from NIMH (the National Institutes for Mental Health) and other more traditional sources."

The gala day began with a scientific symposium featuring Nobel Laureate Dr. Eric Kandel, University Professor at Columbia and Senior Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His presentation on his work on the biology of memory storage and related disorders neatly captivated the audience. "The symposium was fascinating and gave great hope for the future," said State Senator Wesley Chesbro. He added, "I was deeply inspired by this event."

Winemakers Fiona Barrett and Debbie and Randy Lewis talk at the reception.

Following the symposium, a reception was held in our new 24,000 square feet of winery caves, featuring fine wines from over 60 ultra-premium wineries from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Washington and Oregon. Hors d’oeuvres by Catahoula Chef Jan Birnbaum provided counterpoint. One of the highlights was the Anti-Depressant Table which was made from wine barrels filled with ice and seafood including fresh oysters, salmon, sashimi, and ceviche (Omega-3 is know to act as an anti-depressant).

Maestro St. Clair salutes solo guitarist David Tenebaum.

Guests reassembled later in the afternoon for a concert under a tent overlooking the vines of the Staglin Family Vineyard featuring musicians from the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Carl St. Clair of the Pacific Symphony of Orange Country, California. The concert included works from Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Rodrigo. Particularly inspiring was a classical guitar solo, by guest artist David Tenebaum, which prompted an encore and standing ovation.

Rounding out the program was a four-course dinner under the stars prepared by volunteer celebrity Chef Josiah Citrin, of Melisse restaurant in Santa Monica, California.

Alicia Nash talks with Kay Kimpton, Sylvia Nasar, Jeanne Robertson, and Shari.

Shari dedicated the concert to Nobel Laureate John F. Nash, Jr., his wife Alicia Nash, and author Sylvia Nasar, for the contributions they have made to raise awareness for mental health through the book and movie "A Beautiful Mind," the story of John and Alicia Nash. Also honored were Nobel Laureates, Eric Kandel, for his research on the brain, and Michael Spence for economics. All of the above were present for the day’s events.

Sylvia Nasar said the match of education, wine, music and food was a good one. "I don’t think the match is trivial at all," Nasar said. "Most of the time, the stories about schizophrenia are painful. Coming to a delightful occasion like this, it invokes hope and generosity."

Nobel Laureates Michael Spence, John Nash, and Eric Kandel with Garen

Learn more about 2008's upcoming Music Festival for Mental Health