In Two Time Zones

Here’s the setting: a romantic evening in a European-styled courtyard, complete with an 18th century fountain burbling in the background. Now think of a soundtrack. A little Strauss? Some soft Brahms?

How about up-tempo jazz?

That’s the choice organizers made recently for a Hot Summer Night concert at the Decorative Arts Villa in San Juan Capistrano.

A hundred people gathered around the fountain to hear Finger Roll perform dynamic jazz from its debut album, “In the Zone.”

“It’s an interesting juxtaposition,” says Lynn Chici, the evening’s mistress of ceremonies and one of the event organizers. “The old setting--two blocks from the San Juan Capistrano Mission--and the contemporary jazz. It definitely makes it a hot August night.”

The Decorative Arts Villa is a group of buildings that house antique stores specializing in 17th, 18th, 19th and early 20th century antiques and decorative accessories.

A different courtyard performance is offered each month. September’s will take an even odder twist--a couple of hours of comedy by Chici.

“I have a very funny life,” she explains. “I met my husband through video dating. I paid $1,200 for him and if you divide that by the pound, he’s like a fine filet mignon.”

For information on the Sept. 13 event, Comedy in the Courtyard (which also features the Capistrano Players and the comedy troupe Basic Insanity), call (714) 488-9600.