by Lance | May 19, 2022 | Blog
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of American Red Cross Dallas
Svitlana Vasylenko, Sarah Losinger, BJ Murchison-Coffman, Dany Decell, Ariane Einecker, Keith Rhodes, Amy Hofland. Melanie Silberman, Julie Meister, Susan Stone-Poteet, Sandy Nachman and Patti Keirnan
Recently, the American Red Cross Dallas Tiffany Circle Spring Social was in full bloom. Hosted at Trammel Crow’s Arrowhead Drive home it was a wonderful success.
Damian and Dany Decell & Sharna Barbarin
The evening’s program provided an early glimpse at the Red Cross’s climate change and sustainability efforts. Josh Lockwood, the Red Cross vice president of Climate Change & Sustainability, flew in from Chicago for the presentation. Keith Rhodes, CEO of the Red Cross North Texas Region, outlined the significant impact the Tiffany Circle is having on the people of North Texas.
Amy Hofland, Susan Stone-Poteet, Patti Kiernan and Tom Kiernan
The event spotlighted these wonderful ladies and the huge impact they have on the foundation from which the American Red Cross is able to assist locally, nationally, and on a global scale. The following week This High Tea with the Tiffany Circle leaders of Fort Worth followed suit by supporting more great women in the region.
Josh Lockwood, Amy Hofland, and Ariane Einecker
For more information on how to support the American Red Cross North Texas chapter, visit RedCross.org.
Darryl Ratliff, Grace Cook and Amy Hofland
by Lance | May 19, 2022 | Blog
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography by Jenny Antill
After successfully navigating the challenges of the wedding industry throughout the pandemic, we love that Holloway Events founder Cathleen Holloway celebrated with a brand relaunch and intimate dinner at La Colombe d’Or Hotel in Houston.
Holloway transformed the private dining room into a magical garden oasis, just in time for the start of spring and summer, and welcomed guests such as Mariana Goodall, founder of Hibiscus Linens, Lindsey Leigh Schultz of Lindsey Leigh Jewelry and interior designer Alexandra Killion. Rob Smith of Events in Bloom lent his floral decor magic to the occasion, as well.
Cathleen Holloway of Holloway Events
The larger-than-life Italian crepe poppies were commissioned by the event designer and spilled over from each corner of the room, offering the perfect springy summer flair.
Guests received gift boxes from heritage chocolate maker Louis Sherry upon arrival and were encouraged to select their own flowers from the take home flower bar as a parting gift.
The event was a celebration of a new moment for the brand, a time to gather again, and represented the types of high-touch, smaller events that Holloway says her bridal clients are requesting even post-pandemic.
We love knowing such dynamic female entrepreneurs and will be cheering on all their continued success.
by mckenna | May 18, 2022 | Blog
HOUSTON HAPPENINGS: HTX WHISKEY WEEKEND
By Jake Gaines Photography by Mario Santos
MKT Distillery Tasting at The Butcher’s Ball Dinner
Recently, HTX Whiskey Weekend was a huge hit in the region. On Day One, the three-day libation celebration kicked off with the talents of three Bayou City Bravo Top Chef contestants—current competitor Evelyn Garcia and past participants Dawn Burrell and Sasha Grumman— coming together in the kitchen at the bequest of sustainability-focused food group, The Butcher’s Ball, to benefit Houston food-focused non-profit Urban Harvest. The four-course dinner for 100 in an expansive tent, festooned with flowers, on The Plaza and started with chilled snapper aquachile, charred citrus, scallion oil and crispy plantains by Garcia—perfect start to prepare the palette—followed by smoked oyster mushrooms and potatoes with preserved lemon dill yogurt, zhug and spring onions, toasted seeded focaccia, and fonio fry bread by Grumman. Burrell rounded out the course with suya dusted beef cheeks with a charred onion glaze and tomato and corn curry and crispy yams, all seasoned to absolute perfection. All three chefs collaborated on what was no less than a grand finale—a berry crumble topped with sweet corn ice cream and a fish sauce caramel for dessert. After dinner, the attendees danced under poetically strung garden lights and continued to indulge in whiskey tastings from Still Distillers and Old Humble Distilling, along with bites from Island Grill and cigar rolling courtesy of Lucho Houston.
Sasha Grumman Evelyn Garcia and Dawn Burrell at The Butcher’s Ball Dinner
The HTX Whiskey Weekend Day Two then began with yoga and bootcamp classes on City Place Plaza, where necessary sweat and burn sessions for attendees before the festival transitioned into the afternoon’s bevy of whiskey programming. The early afternoon included three sold-out educational seminars: Collecting Whiskey 101 with Carl Norris, The Business of Whiskey hosted by Blair Ault of Milam & Greene, and A Perfect Pour: Whiskey Cocktail Class with Patrick Abalos of Not Too Sweet Ventures, each of which was held in the poolside Canopy room at the adjoining Houston City Place Marriott.
The Butcher’s Ball Dinner at HTX Whiskey Weekend
Then, A Taste of City Place, the weekend’s signature outdoor event, drew hundreds to the waterfront edge of City Place Park and featured whiskey samplings from a multitude of local and regional distillers, including MKT Distillery, Devil’s River Whiskey, Gentle Ben, Frontier Spirits, Hill Country Distillers, Still Austin, Rebecca Creek, Blackland Distillery, and others. The whiskey samples were complemented with an array of food samplings in collaboration with non-profit Urban Harvest from notable chefs, including award-winning pitmaster Ara Malekian of Harlem Road Texas BBQ in Richmond, TX, Austin Simmons of acclaimed Tris in The Woodlands, Andrew Musico of The Fattest Cow, and Drake Leonards of Eunice, Bryan Caswell of Caswell Catering and private chef, Christofer Dilan. The beautiful spring afternoon was made complete with live music performances by Rapture, Jake Bush, and Johnathan Tyler, and The Northern Lights.
Natalie Galgano and Sonia Quinonez
The weekend culminated on Day Three’s Sunday morning with Waffles & Wheels, which featured an eclectic mix of Art Cars, whiskey-infused brunch items served by Star Cinema Grill, and hair of the dog aplenty for weary festival-goers. The inaugural HTX Whiskey Weekend proved to be a smash hit with attendees…and plans for it to return bigger and better in 2023 already underway.
Attendees at The Butcher’s Ball Dinner
A Taste of City Place
Echo and Ryan Dalton
by Lance | May 8, 2022 | Blog
Texas Performing Arts Unveils Broadway In Austin 2022-2023 Season With New Hits, Familiar Favorites And Three Austin Premieres
Recently, Texas Performing Arts unveiled the Broadway in Austin 2022-2023 season, including three Austin premieres, two beloved classics, and two family favorites. “We know our loyal audiences are going to love these shows,” says Texas Performing Arts’ Executive and Artistic Director Bob Bursey. “It’s one of the most layered seasons we’ve ever presented. The mix of modern-day classics, family-friendly blockbusters, an acclaimed play, and three Austin premieres provides a way in for everyone.”
Broadway in Austin six or seven show subscription packages go on sale to existing subscribers beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3; prices start as low as $217. Season Subscribers may add the holiday sensation DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS as a seventh show to complete their package for as little as $241. BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL is also available as a season option for renewing subscribers.
Texas Performing Arts’ Broadway in Austin 2022-2023 season features seven productions from November 2022 to June 2023 at Bass Concert Hall, including the following exciting line-up:
Chicago. Photo by Jeremy Daniel
CHICAGO, November 1-6, 2022
After 25 years, CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder CHICAGO has been honored with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary —you’ve got to come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still…CHICAGO.
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, January 17-22, 2023
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). Brought to the stage by lead producer Paula Wagner, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ’69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift your spirits and light up your heart. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News). Are you ready to fall in love all over again?
Disney’s ALADDIN, February 14-19, 2023
Discover a whole new world at Disney’s ALADDIN, the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. See why audiences and critics agree, ALADDIN is “Exactly What You Wish For!” (NBC-TV).
Ain’t Too Proud To Beg – The Temptations. Photo by Matthew Murphy
AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, March 28- April 2, 2023
AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nominated for 12 Tony® Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award® for Best Choreography, it’s a thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal during a decade of civil unrest in America. Set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” AIN’T TOO PROUD tells the unforgettable story of the legendary quintet that Billboard Magazine named the greatest R&B group of all time.
To Kill A Mockingbird. Courtesy of UTPAPC
Harper Lee’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, May 9-14, 2023
All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is “the most successful American play in Broadway history.” (60 Minutes). New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.” With direction by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD — “the greatest novel of all time” (Chicago Tribune) — has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR). Emmy Award®-winning actor Richard Thomas plays the role of Atticus Finch in the National Tour.
Hairspray. Courtesy of UTPAC
HAIRSPRAY, June 13-18, 2023
You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” HAIRSPRAY is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times). This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring HAIRSPRAY to a new generation of theater audiences.
7-SHOW SEASON ADD-ON: DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, December 6-11, 2022
- SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL is the record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. Don’t miss what The New York Times calls “AN EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCE! 100 times better than any bedtime story.”
SEASON OPTION: BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, April 21-22, 2023
BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song, BEAUTIFUL has a book by Tony Award®-nominee and Academy® Award-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni, choreography by Josh Prince, and took home two 2014 Tony® Awards and a 2015 Grammy® Award.
by Lance | Apr 10, 2022 | Blog
Austin Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Peter Bay’s Silver Anniversary
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Randy and Jackie Smith Photography
Isabel Welland, Peter Bay and Linda van Bavel
THE SETTING: The Junior League of Austin’s new event space was the recent setting celebrating a milestone of one of the Capital City’s most beloved cultural leaders. Several hundred of Austin’s most notable sociables and philanthropists turned out to celebrate Maestro Peter Bay’s 25th anniversary leading the Austin Symphony Orchestra. In the process, patrons were treated to an unforgettable evening of fun, tributes and performances those on hand will not soon forget
Cliff and Linda Mountain & Peter Bay Mela Sarajane Dailey
THE STYLE: The Austin-chic crowd began the evening in the foyer of the Junior League for a cocktail hour. Upon arrival, partygoers were able to pose for photos on the step and repeat with the guest of honor and offer their heartfelt congratulations. Afterword, guests mingled about with the conversation flowing as freely as the spirits. The cocktail hour concluded with Mela Sarajane Dailey, Peter Bay’s wife, performing a showstopping rendition of the classic song, At Last.
Ben Bentzin, Peter Bay and Dalya Sachs
The festivities then headed to the ballroom for the main program. As guests dined on delicious multi-course meals, they were treated to a dazzling array of musical performances and tributes as well as a special sneak preview of the upcoming 2022-2023 season. Performances included a set by the McCallum High School String Orchestra as well as the guest of honor, Peter Bay leading a concert with the Austin Symphony Orchestra for all to enjoy. The evening was capped off with a special presentation by the event’s co-chairs, who provided Peter Bay with a personal, customized book highlighting his life, experiences and accomplishments.
Austin Symphony Orchestra performs
THE PURPOSE: The event, co-chaired by Isabel Welland and Linda van Bavel, raised over $576,000 for the Austin Symphony Orchestra. In fact, $200,000 of that total, which was raised during the “paddles up” portion of the event, goes to funding Peter Bay’s new and exciting initiatives.
