by Ted Clayton
My exercise of choice this last month has been attending galas, art and fashion shows, waltzing at the State Capitol, and I thought I needed a trainer. Let’s start with the amazing Honors Gala benefiting the T. J. Martell Foundation. Laura Heatherly and Frances Preston have the ability to put on a party that always makes Nashville proud, not to mention the co-chairs Whitney and mom, Barbara Daane, and C. Wright Pinson. Funny tidbit Whitney shared with me that evening: “The committee did not think I could handle this alone, so they added Bubbles as my co-chair.” Turns out Bubbles is Barbara’s nickname from days long ago when the Daanes and the Jack Basses would spend Christmas Eve together and Barbara would bring the champagne, so young Jack Jr. honored her with the name. Back to the gala—the honorees were Governor Phil Bredesen, Senator Bill Frist, my new friend Michael Bolton, Anita Baker, Dave Mason, Brooks & Dunn, the lovely Susan Simons, and Danny Gokey. Think that is it . . . no, the award presenters were Big Kenny Alphin, Ross Perot Jr., former Nashvillian Ruth Ann Harnish, Terry Bradshaw, and Frances Preston. My old grade-school classmate John Seigenthaler Jr. was the MC. The Fisk Jubilee Singers opened the evening, and as a finale both Anita and Michael performed. The event was held at Nashville’s hottest hotel, the Hutton. Bolton shared with me that even being trained and working in New York, Nashville is his favorite place to write. “There is a comfort in this city like none other where I can work, relax, breathe, and be creative,” he added—our city’s new ambassador.
Nashville’s most elegant of elegant fund-raising dinners was held a few weeks ago at the State Capitol. The Tennessee Waltz benefiting the Tennessee State Museum is without a doubt the most beautiful evening of the year. Governor Bredesen with his lovely wife, Andrea Conte, hosted the dinner, which was co-chaired with Joelle and Brant Phillips. Large, crystal tulip vases filled with all-white hydrangeas, roses, and tulips surrounded by green apples centered the elegant tables. The entire capitol was candle-lit, and it was a bit eerie looking up while enjoying the great, four-course dinner by Danielle Kates and seeing all the former governors looking down at you.
Entering the capitol the Marine Orchestra played The Tennessee Waltz, and there was a standing guard on each step dressed in their finest. Leave it to Lois Riggins-Ezzell and Leigh Hendry of the museum to make this a most impressive evening. Waltzing their way from House to Senate chambers were Sylvia and Al Ganier, Mary Ann and Andrew Byrd, Maggie and Will Tucker, Sutton Lipman and Pete Costanza, Gloria Houghland and Chuck Welch, Marilyn and Kem Hinton, and Mary Belle and Tony Grande. Speaking of Mary Belle, she is a size zero and had on the gown of the evening—a strapless, black chiffon and taffeta number encrusted with jewels in the design of budding flowers. Outstanding, and Tony was not bad himself. I would say they were the most handsome couple of the evening. Ray Bell was recognized for his years as chairman of the board. It was a most enjoyable evening. My mother always told me those Fort-Nightly waltz lessons would pay off, and right she was (as she always is).
The most thrilling, new, coolest party was held at the Hutton Hotel—Dancing for Safe Haven Family Shelter held its inaugural evening a few weeks ago. The evening was in celebration of twenty-five years of serving Nashville’s homeless families. Jim Shulman, board chairman, honored Henry Bedford as the Safe Haven Hero. It was his vision that started this shelter. Okay, to the fun part—the evening was a take-off on Dancing with the Stars. Ericka Dunlap, 2004 Miss America, and Gary Chapman were the MCs, and judges were Julie Eskind, Ellen Nelson, and Paul Vasterling. The judges and the table patrons had the difficult job of selecting the winning dance team. Dance teams included well-known Nashvillians Ted Welch, Jim Shulman, Kelly Sutton, and Danny Baye, to name a few. It was hard to stay seated with the sounds of tango, rumba, and cha-cha-cha in the air. Joni Werthan’s table had the most fun judging and really took the job seriously. It consisted of the Greils, Tannenbaums, Joyners, and Yours Truly. Judge Ellen Nelson summed up this new great evening, “Nashville feels a little lusty tonight!”
I think one of the best art shows in the Southeast is the Temple Arts Festival. Jewelry, glass, paintings, and sculpture from all around the country were included in this two-day show at the Temple. Featured artist Yankel Ginzburg was in town showing and donating his painting Movement in Light to the event. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ginzburg on the Thursday prior to the festival opening at the lovely home of one of Nashville’s gifted hostesses Phyllis Alper. Many patrons return year after year to purchase from their favorite artist. Christi and Jay Turner came to purchase another sculpture by well-known artist Sylvia Hyman. Sylvia won Best of Show in this sixth annual exhibit. My favorite best of show were paintings by Glenn Payne and Gary Oglander.
Julie Boehm was so busy buying a fabulous hand-blown sculpture that she almost forgot that husband Frank was treating the evening as his own 70th birthday party. Happy Birthday, Frank. Beck and Edwin Raskin were honorary chairs—how fitting for a wonderful couple that have given so much to the arts of Nashville.
The Cannery/Mercy Lounge was the scene for a most interesting art and fashion show. Hannah Maxwell was awarded Best of Show for her portrait in charcoal. There were fashion shows at different times of the evening, but amazing to me was this new designer Alain Patterson. Patterson designs in the deco, ‘30s and ‘40s period—big hats and flowing gowns in taffeta, organdy, and velvet, oh my! For the finale Patterson’s models were all in deep hues of red velvet, carrying a strawberry tart and eating a bite at the end of the runway—so dramatic. I do hope to see a lot more of Patterson’s design in the future.
Hope to see you this month through my binoculars at the Iroquois Steeplechase followed by the glamorous Swan Ball.
