That is the question the lovely Barbara Daane has been asking for thirteen years, and for the last thirteen years she has successfully filled the Belcourt Theatre for just that—dinner and a movie. This event benefits Park Center, a mental illness recovery facility. Barbara, in her elegant white attire, greeted each guest as they entered the theater. Enjoying popcorn and a cocktail were Becky Clayton, Emily Parrish, Catherine Cook, Peggy Joyce and MJ Davenport. The sold-out crowd was there also to honor the amazing and fearless Louise Katzman for her many years of service to Park Center. Oh yes, there was a movie—The Visitor by Thomas McCarthy, starring Richard Jenkins. (He was nominated for an Oscar for this performance.)
The 2010 Equality Dinner “15 Years of Tribute” was held last month at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. The Equality Dinner supports HRC, Human Rights Campaign. HRC is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
Council member-at-large Megan Barry was the honorary co-chair along with Mayor Dean and Vice Mayor Neighbors, and most all of the Metro Council attended this award event. Dwayne Jenkins was the recipient of the Community Leadership Award; David Taylor and Michael Ward received the Legacy Award, Maria Salas the Equality Award, and many more deserving volunteers were given awards during the evening. The highlight of the evening was the live auction emceed by those wild and crazy Jugg Sisters.
The Ballet Ball has come a long way since this year’s honorary chairmen Clare Armistead and Elizabeth Nichols created what was then known as the Masked Ball. A fellow designer and myself created the decor for Clare and Elizabeth that first year, and I will never forget Clare saying all she wanted on the tables was a simple, low bowl of roses, and that she got! Betsy Wills and Jennifer Puryear chaired this year’s ball and with the help of Mrs. David Mahanes III
did a wonderful job creating an art deco setting at the new Hutton Hotel. This was the first year the Ballet Ball was held here. The ballroom gave me somewhat of an elegant Manhattan feeling—small and cozy. James Adams created the cocktail of the evening “Irish Arabesque,” something with blue vodka.
The evening started with a ballroom dance exhibition with our very own Linda and Stephen Mason performing. The Masons were wonderful, Linda in the waltz and fox trot and Stephen in the American tango. The 2010 Vasterling Award for Artistic Vision and Excellence in Dance was presented to Mr. Jacques d’Amboise. I was in the elevator with Mr. d’Amboise, and he told me that all the lovely crystal award needed was to be full of Jack Daniels—not a problem Mr. d’Amboise!
Those joining the Masons on the dance floor were Lucy and Lucius Carroll, James and Jessica Adams, Emily and Lee Noel, Arlyne and Ted Cherney dancing the night away to Pat Patrick. Betsy Wills looked beautiful in her peachy beaded gown by Dez Zamek; Anne Dobson always great looking with her long black train (she said the train was the distance Matt was to stay behind her—a bit Victorian, hey?); Rachael Oldham in a stunning one-shoulder silver Muna with fox trim. My favorite dress by Dez Zamek was worn by Laura Cooper, an aqua short flowing chiffon cocktail attire that I know looked good on the dance floor.
Lisa and John Campbell hosted the patrons’ party the week before the ball in their lovely home. Sandra Lipman and Nancy Cheadle will lead the ball next year—what a great duo!
I regret to end this on a sad note, but it would not be right not to mention the passing of the Ambassador of the Arts to Nashville Nancy Saturn. We at Nashville Arts Magazine and all of Nashville will miss Nancy, but I know she is with Alan, and they are planning one heavenly art show! Loved you, Nancy.
by Ted Clayton
