The dinner is the result of a brainstorming session among Olympic students three years ago. The students wanted to show their appreciation of the military and decided a night of "breaking bread, laughing and relaxing" was the best way to do that, said Cris Larsen, Bremerton comedian. Larsen performed at the event along with fellow funnyman Kermet Apio.

MORE:  http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/feb/16/military-appreciation-dinner-145a-wonderful-that/

The Festival returned for it's 7th installment at the Silverdale Beach Hotel, bringing with it the largest lineup in its history. The Friday Night Gala Benefit was July 11 from 5:30-10:30 pm out on the hotel patio. A fantastic Cajun-style buffet dinner along Dyes Inlet complimented an evening of dancing, live and silent auctions and wonderful music by The Don Alverson Trio and The Jazz Ambassadors. Emcee and auctioneer, Cris Larsen, kept the laughs coming and bids rolling throughout the night while attendees bid on everything from a handcrafted vase to lunch with City of Bremerton Mayor, Cary Bozeman.

MORE:  http://www.pchsweb.org/JazzFest1.htm