BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Without a doubt, “An Evening of Acoustic Jazz”  — which featured mandolin great David Grisman and his  quintet — was music to the ears of Bill McLennan.

More than $90,000 was raised at the recent event at Goucher College’s Kraushaar Auditorium to benefit Paul’s Place, and McLennan, the organization’s executive director, was overwhelmed.

“Events like this help us provide services, programs and resources that promote hope in a welcoming, safe and respectful environment.” said McLennan of the nonprofit that focuses on the city’s Washington Village/Pigtown community.

More than 400 people enjoyed a pre-show reception and then the music of Grisman, jazz guitarist Frank Vignola, and country-influenced jazz singer Robinella. After the show, a dessert reception was held on-stage, where guests got to mingle with the artists.

ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOK

Legendary jazz guitarist and singer George Benson headlined LifeBridge Health’s recent “Magic of Life” gala at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore. Chairwoman Lynn Abeshouse and co-chairmen Tommy Obrecht and Richard Blue were definitely feeling the magic, as they welcomed guests to a wonderful evening that included yummy food, cocktails, great music and history in the making.

“We are excited that our gala raised the most money ever at a fundraiser in one evening in Baltimore City — more than $2 million,” shared  beaming LifeBridge VP of Communications Rudy Miller.

PSST! YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

When he was press secretary to President Bush, Ari Fleischer was guest speaker at a dinner for the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and told the crowd how much he loved working and living in D.C. Today, Fleischer — a devout Yankees fan — and his family reside in New York state (Westchester County to be exact), where he owns a consulting firm. “I just didn’t want my kids to grow up as Redskins fans” was Fleischer’s explanation for the move north. Guess love wasn’t “Skins deep.”

SAY IT AIN’T SO!

A little orange-and-black birdie told me the Orioles had hired some college-age part-timers during last weekend’s series against the Yankees  to go around and check seats purchased by season ticket-holders, noting which ones had Yankees fans in them. Ouch! Worse than that, there were pinstriped fannies in some prime seats behind the O’s dugout — seats that belong to part-owner Steve Jeppi. Now that really hurts.

ANNE’S PICK OF THE WEEK

What: “Taste” — a wine event to benefit Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore Inc.

When: May 8, 6.30 p.m.

Where: The Rooftop Terrace of The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. in Baltimore

Tickets: $75

Info: 410-727-4921, ext. 16; www.webinc.org