RSVP Magazine November 2008

Page 1

November

2008

Blues Ball Z oo Re nd ez vous MIF A “ Fe ed th e Sou l” Pa rty T ast e of th e To wn Q &A w ith Jo hn We ed en

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CONTENTS

Contents November 2008

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Rick Masson Shelby County Park Conservancy’s newest executive director plans to enhance the quality of life for Memphians by preserving the country’s largest parkland in an urban setting.

Blues Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

18 BLUES BALL Michelle Hodges, Libby Huff and Crystal McAllister

This 15th anniversary celebration dubbed “Hallelujah Homecoming” was dedicated to the late Isaac Hayes and recognized many more Memphis music greats at the biggest street party of the year.

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 & 38 Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

Zoo Rendezvous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

42 HOMESTYLE Venturesome Style Christine and Ron Burkett

NOVEMBER 2008

Twenty-five years later, the Memphis Zoo’s largest annual fund-raiser has grown to attract thousands of hungry animal lovers.

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32, 37 & 40 She’s facilitating a world of opportunity for thousands of Special Olympians. He calls his next novel a “horror noir,” but that’s only the beginning of Godspeed. The first female chief justice for Tennessee draws attention in the courtroom and the karate studio. StreetSeens spotlight Lisa Taylor, Will Christopher Baer & Janice Holder.

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Homestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

26 ZOO RENDEZVOUS Robert Jones and Sherian Howard

A creative genius, Christine Burkett created a winning style for the house she shares with her husband, Ron.

Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Q&A with John Weeden, the Urban Art Commission executive director.

55 MIFA “FEED THE SOUL” PARTY Eric and Kimberly Gray

RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 A trek across the city’s party landscape.

MIFA “Feed the Soul” Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 The Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) has helped the community’s impoverished for 40 years, warranting a soulful affair at the Warehouse.

Taste of the Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 The Germantown Chamber of Commerce created a foodie’s paradise at Agricenter International to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® Mid-South Chapter.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

37

The Act of Kissing Kissing someone other than your significant other is one thing, but our beloved Phillippi has found reason to justify his onscreen lip-lock with another woman.

58 TASTE OF THE TOWN Judy and Leland Gupton

STREETSEEN Will Christopher Baer Cover Photo Paige Patrick and Dr. Rolando Toyos at Blues Ball Photo by Roy Haithcock

Volume XIV

Number II

November 2008 PUBLISHER

Roy Haithcock EDITOR

Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ruth Cassin Kelly Cox Jonathan Devin Dennis Phillippi Lesley Young ART DIRECTOR

Patrick Aker s PHOTOGRAPHERS

NOVEMBER 2008

Roy Haithcock John Hammer Don Perry Steve Roberts SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Toni Ander son

12 RSVP

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Libby Huff Seth Joneas RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $75.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to: Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104

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For advertising information contact Roy Haithcock Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax (901) 276-7785 e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com WEB

www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785. e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com Copyright 2008 Haithcock Communications, Inc.

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NOVEMBER 2008

From the Editor

T

NOVEMBER 2008

Photo by Steve Roberts

he season of feasting has officially begun. And with this time comes the need for moderation, in terms of physical intake and monetary costs, especially in light of the current national financial crisis. What to do when the “I’ve got to have it” temptation lurks near? Either savor the moment because you only live once (my favorite, yet sometimes unwise philosophy), or weigh the deliciousness of the proposed consumption. Exercising any restraint will be hard considering that parties specifically devoted to food and wine are abounding. These affairs began with Zoo Rendezvous and Taste of the Town in September and will cease around the middle of November, allowing stomachs a sufficient rest to better enjoy Thanksgiving indulgences. Proceeds from these parties go toward various philanthropies, so think of them not only as an introduction to new culinary delights, but as a way to benefit the greater good. To get started, here’s a short list of some not-to-miss events: Une Grande Soiree Wine Tasting, Harvest Celebration, Signature Chefs’ Gala, Chefs’ Celebrity Gala, Sip Around the World Wine Tasting, Memphis Wine Opener, and Curtain Up: A Taste of Playhouse. I realize this isn’t an all-inclusive schedule, so for more details on these and other nonprofit parties, please access our new events blog at www.rsvpswhatsgoing on.blogspot.com. If at-home festivities are your thing, here’s a little advice I picked up after watching one of filmmaker Robert Rodriguez’s 10-Minute Cooking School shorts. While giving directions for one of his favorite recipes, Rodriguez urges viewers to practice making several dishes really well, and then set up a menu of “the house” specialties. The key is keeping the ingredients for your menu handy. Not only will your chef-decuisine skills impress, but you’ll hopefully have a stress-free kitchen experience, which is something we could all use a lot more of. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, and take a break to enjoy this issue of RSVP because there’s a whole city of people, places, and activities to motivate the spirit.

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SIGNATURE MEMPHIS

Rick Masson Executive Director of Shelby Farms Park Conservancy/Java Lover/Bow Tie Fan

Personal hero: My dad. First concert: Led Zeppelin. Stress outlet: Biking, walking.

NOVEMBER 2008

Childhood ambition: Attorney. Ideal vacation spot: Any beach. Favorite album: Wheels of Fire by Cream. First job: Paperboy for The Commercial Appeal. Your Mantra: Lead, follow, or get out of the way. Your greatest achievement: Two wonderful children. Last book you’ve read: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. Historical figure you most identify with: Harry Truman. Movie you could watch over and over again: The Right Stuff. Biggest obstacle you’ve overcome: Working my way through college with a young family.

photo by Steve Roberts

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EVENT

Blues Ball

BLUES BALL

“Hallelujah Homecoming”

M

NOVEMBER 2008

Halley Phillips and Chad Yeager

Paige and Bill Lucchesi

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Joy and Larry Rice

Charlotte Neal and Shirley Raines

emphis musicians united at a party that has become the largest annual ball in the country. For the 15th year running, Pat Kerr Tigrett, founder and president of the Blues Ball/Memphis Charitable Foundation, achieved her goal of bringing local talent to the masses with the aptly titled “Hallelujah Homecoming.” “Our donors and sponsors have been extraordinarily generous to help us reach this milestone,” Tigrett enthused. The event spanning all ages revisited the Gibson Guitar Factory, Westin Memphis Beale Street, and Ground Zero Blues Club this year. Red Rooster Bar and Music Hall opened its doors to the musical festivities for the first time. These locales converge at Lt. George W. Lee Avenue, where some 250 tables awaited guests, who savored Southern fare as they admired a curtain of more than 100,000 blue lights and oversized music posters. Afterward, desserts and coffee were served in the Gibson Guitar Factory lobby. The Angelic Voices of Faith blessed the celebration with the national anthem and opened the stage for singer Larry Raspberry, dressed in a lime green suit. Fireworks accompanied Raspberry’s set, which was followed by performances from Eddie Floyd and Andy Childs on the Gibson Stage; The Bar-Kays, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Jason D. Williams on the FedEx Stage; Dianne Price at the Blues Ball Piano Bar in the Westin; and Ruby Wilson in the Isaac Hayes Lounge (Gibson Lounge) presented by Golden Moon Hotel & Casino. Garage bands held their own in Red Rooster, as did Voodoo Village in Ground Zero. The evening ended with Raiford spinning dance hits and Al Kapone and the Untouchablez working the crowd into a frenzy on the Gibson rooftop. Night owls also snatched up Soul Burgers, courtesy of Earnestine & Hazel’s, on their way home. Other highlights included B.B. King receiving the Blues Ball Lifetime Achievement Award via a taped recording and the unveiling of B.B. King Highway (on a stretch of U.S. 61). In light of the recent passing of two men instrumental to Blues Ball, this year’s event was dedicated to Isaac Hayes, a legendary performer and honorary chairman for 14 years, and Thomas Boggs, the food and beverage chairman on numerous occasions. Awards also went to the following: Sally Wilbourn, Volunteer of the Year; Henry Juszkiewicz/Gibson, Sponsors Award; Rev. Al Green’s Full Gospel Tabernacle Choir, Gospel Award; Danny Sumrall, “Service with a Smile” Volunteer Award; and John Elkington, “Big Balls” Award for his tenacity and vision in reaching Beale Street’s 25th anniversary redevelopment milestone. Special recognition went to George Klein for his emcee duties, Bill Lucchesi of Delta Wholesale for supplying the libations, and Jon Hornyak for representing the power of the garage band. Event proceeds will benefit various philanthropies, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Madonna Learning Center, the Baddour Center, the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, NARAS, the Manassas High School music department, and Porter-Leath Children’s Center, to name a few. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick See all the party photos at Photos by Roy Haithcock rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP and John Hammer

Andrew Cavallo, Dory Selters and Jereme Cavallo

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Laura O’Mell, Billy Calipari and Deborah Flautt

Dennis and Janet Phillippi

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EVENT BLUES BALL

Brooke Tweddell, Silky Sullivan and Beth Flanagan

Cindy Bailey and Akasha Samuel

NOVEMBER 2008

Sarah Francis and Reed Wamble

Taryn Spake and William Bell

Debbie Jacobson and Arnie Birmingham

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Diana Roedel and Melanie Tigrett

Heather Ottinger and Babs Chase

Lillian Cara and Emma Jean Pierotti

Nikki Schroeder and Renee Trammell

Cynthia Little and Clifford Davis

Don and Kathleen McAfee

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EVENT BLUES BALL

Wight Boggs and Ashley Boggs Williams

NOVEMBER 2008

Rachel Musca and Adam Hardy

Sarah Yuhas, Tom Beyer, LeAnn Beyer and Henry Juszkiewicz RSVP

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Dianna Willis and Shea House

Gina and Tommy Epperson

Glenn and Linda Malone

Dr. Russell Radican and Debbie Deer

EVENT Shawn and Anna Kelly

Wes and Lauren Phillips

Mike and Carol Motto

NOVEMBER 2008

BLUES BALL Stacy and Paul Lucchesi

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Joan and Buddy Casey

Jessica and David Kenzelman

Bobby and Denise Sharp

Amy Goodman and Will Belleperche

ONSITE

Onsite Art on Tap

A

NOVEMBER 2008

Michelle and Jesse Jenkins at Art on Tap

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24 Teresa and Michael Routh at Art on Tap

Rob Beaver and Sarah Freidt at Art on Tap

Patrick Halloran and Mary Lunn at Art on Tap

n estimated 1,000 Dixon Gallery and Gardens Young at Art members and guests certainly would agree with the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who said, “He was a wise man who invented beer.” The 13th annual Art on Tap beer tasting, held on the Dixon grounds, was the ultimate bliss for beer enthusiasts. Sponsored by Roadshow BMW/MINI and leading local distributors and breweries, the evening’s festivities featured more than 130 brews for sampling from complimentary souvenir pilsner glasses. Some of the more intriguing beers were contributed by Bluff City Brewers & Connoisseurs and included Watermelon Wheat Ale, Toadspit Stout, German Dunkelwizin, and Coconut Porter. To accompany the terrific libations were tasty treats provided by The B-B-Q Shop, McAlister’s Deli, Swanky’s Taco Shop, and Jimmy’s Chicago Style Pizza, Dogs & Beef. One of Memphis’ all-time favorite bands, Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster, regaled the crowd with its particularly ingenious brand of ‘70s and ‘80s classics. The event benefits the Dixon’s educational outreach programs. Young at Art is the membership arm of the gallery and gardens specifically targeted at encouraging the 25 to 40 age group to appreciate and support the arts. Susan Phillips, the Dixon’s marketing and public relations director, said, “Art on Tap is the major tool of the membership drive for Young at Art, the city’s largest beer tasting and the party of the year!”

Leigh Smith and Fred VanHofe at Art on Tap

Sarah Christensen and Ryan Jones at Art on Tap

Story by Ruth Cassin Photos by Roy Haithcock and Libby Huff

Natalie Brown and Colleen Hitch at Art on Tap

Dimitri and Kristine Protopsaltis with Tiffany Brimhall at Art on Tap

Lana and Shawn Danko at Art on Tap

Bryan Edmundson and Lee Ann Kunz at Art on Tap

NOVEMBER 2008

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EVENT

Zoo Rendezvous 25th Anniver sary

ZOO RENDEZVOUS

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NOVEMBER 2008

Matt and Kim Flournoy

Corey and Scott Morgan

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oo Rendezvous attendees embarked on a sizable culinary adventure at the silver anniversary of the zoo’s premier fund-raiser. Some 3,700 zoo members and guests roamed throughout the grounds, leaving no exhibit unturned and no delicacy untouched. Map in hand, one partygoer said, “I hardly know where to start!” With more than 70 restaurants and bars offering their finest, the choices satisfied a plethora of different tastes. Southern specialties ranged from the Dixie Café’s fried dill pickles and blackberry cobbler to Rendezvous’ signature ribs. Seafood definitely made a big showing this year with Hog Wild Catering’s seared scallops over polenta and spinach, Yia Yia’s Euro Bistro’s shrimp on coconut rice, and Bonefish Grill’s spicy Bang Bang Shrimp. Dessert lovers savored gooey bread pudding from Owen Brennan’s and petit fors by La Baguette. A 25th anniversary cake was also on hand, since no party would be complete without this sweet staple. A little competition upped the vendor décor even more, with five awards up for grabs. The Steakhouse by Sheraton, Sheraton Casino earned Restaurant Best in Show, while Huey’s took away the Bar Best in Show honor. The restaurants that placed first in their respective zones were Boscos Squared (in the China/China Road area), Folk’s Folly (in the Primate Pavilion/Canyon area), and Itta Beena (in the Courtyard). Guests took breaks between feasting (and loosening their belts) by investigating the sounds coming from the AutoZone entertainment stages. The Kathryn Stallins Band, The Dempseys, Garry Goin & G3, and The Venus Mission rounded out the concert bill and provided the tunes that kept happy feet moving. “This is the perfect celebration since tonight is my birthday,” said guest Blake Waddell. The animal statues at the entrance even got in on the festivities by donning silver bow ties and top hats for the occasion. A beautiful ice sculpture engraved with a 25th anniversary logo rose above the reflecting pool and gave the party, presented by platinum sponsors Mid-South Chevy Dealers and FedEx Express, the finishing touch. However, event proceeds, which were in excess of $435,000, really gave zoo supporters, inhabitants, and volunteers something to roar about.

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

David and Erin Tashie

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry

Jenna Leary and Jamie Cox

Marshall and Kristen Wright

Drs. Brooke and Dan Dishmon

John and Alina Stechyshyn

Whitney Bailey, Heidi Yates and Larissa Arnault

Alexandra Phillips and Jeff Wright

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EVENT ZOO RENDEZVOUS NOVEMBER 2008

Audra Paslay, Chip Paslay and Renee Spiegel

Christal and Rep. Steve McManus

Jerry, Debbie and Jake Ferrell

Jenny and Nick Vergos

Cathy Dalfiume, Chet and Judy Whitsitt and Gayle Fowler

Honey and Rudy Scheidt

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Heather and Jim Crowder

Rick and Kim Fogelman

Sally Goodin and Jon Hodge

Kelley and Steve Hutton

Alexis Ferrell and Brooke Ferrell

NOVEMBER 2008 RSVP

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EVENT ZOO RENDEZVOUS NOVEMBER 2008

Mike and Elizabeth Rodriguez with Kimberly and Paul Rivera

Brian and Kelly Athow

Leah Thomas and Chris Thomas

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Debbie Tashie, Jane and Mason Ezzell and Libbie Seuss

Jill and Brandon Dyles

Tim Haberberger and Becky Melvin

EVENT Jessica Payne and Seth Joneas

Jennifer Hatchett and Jess Barnett

George Gates and Laura Welden

NOVEMBER 2008

ZOO RENDEZVOUS Brenda and David May

30 th A nniver s ar y

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Oct. 29 Memphis Jazz Orchestra with Tom Prestigiacomo Nov. 5 Amy LaVere (Amy and the Tramps) Nov. 12 Kirk Whalum Nov. 19 Kallen Esperian $EC Memphis BoyChoir and Chamber Choir Dec. 10 Christmas POPS James Feddeck, conductor Sponsored by: The Daily News Publishing Company /Â…iĂŠ/Ă•`ÂœĂ€ĂŠ Ă€ÂœĂ•ÂŤĂŠ­ Ă€iiÂ˜ĂœÂˆVÂ…]ĂŠ œ˜˜iVĂŒÂˆVĂ•ĂŒÂŽĂŠUĂŠ >Â?Ă›>ÀÞÊ ÂŤÂˆĂƒVÂœÂŤ>Â?ĂŠ Â…Ă•Ă€VÂ… ADDITIONAL SUPP ORT PR OV IDED BY

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STREETSEEN

Lisa Taylor Athletic Educator

NOVEMBER 2008

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xercise undoubtedly improves physical strength, but Lisa Taylor knows that’s just the beginning for those whom share a lifelong love affair with sports. As the Torch Run and area director for the Special Olympics of Greater Memphis, Taylor witnesses thousands of kids and adults gain confidence, friendships, passion, and often a new lease on life after engaging in athletic activities. “There’s nothing for people with intellectual disabilities to do after age 22 in the education system, so it’s important to give them a chance to succeed in other things,” Taylor says. Currently, 2,500 Special Olympic athletes, ranging from ages 8 to 67, are registered with the Memphis office, however, Taylor hopes this number skyrockets. Statistically, a lot more people in the Shelby and Fayette County area are eligible to qualify as Special Olympians, but she says many are unaware of the program. Upon participation, athletes don’t have any financial obligations since the organization is completely funded by United Way and donations. And if someone is unsure about which sport to choose, the local chapter offers an inclusive list: aquatics, track and field, bocce, golf, basketball, bowling, powerlifting, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. Flag football and kickball are also in the works. “The easiest way for a volunteer or participant to become involved is to come out to one of the events they’re interested in,” Taylor says. “We’ll also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of our Polar Bear Plunge and Chili Cookoff in February, which is a lot of fun.” Personally, Taylor harbors a fondness for softball, especially after coaching the Tennessee Special Olympics softball team at the National Games in 2006. That competition marked her debut as a national-level coach, an experience she says gave her goosebumps. The team won the gold medal in the end, but not without first giving its leader a scare in the qualifying game. “We were down 8-0 at the top of the ninth, but we went to bat and won 9-8…if we’d lost that game, we would have come in third,” she says. Taylor adds, “The National Games were totally amazing, but it was the kids who did it for me. Seeing an athlete compete for the first time and getting a medal and putting it around their neck is priceless.” The next order of duty is enlisting a facility as the official training site for the Special Olympics. Athletes train year-round in the evenings or on weekends at host facilities, but Taylor says she would prefer a permanent facility that’s more centrally located for sports and other social activities, like the recent prom she organized. Special Olympians also meet regularly for outings to see sports teams, such as the Memphis Tigers and the Grizzlies. However, it’s Taylor who receives the most enlightenment during these gatherings. “I’ve become friends with these athletes, and they’re all so kind and loving,” she says. “They might be different, but we’re all different.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

NOVEMBER 2008 RSVP

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Examining the Human Condition

STREETSEEN

Will Christopher Baer

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

NOVEMBER 2008

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ill Christopher Baer has been back in Memphis for two years, but the writer with a knack for noir admits the move has been an adjustment. In California, Baer was close to the ocean, grew accustomed to the lack of seasons, and thrived off the 24-hour culture. On the other hand, Baer’s new bearings resonate well with his internal makeup. “I like being on the Mississippi because there’s just something about living on the edge of something,” Baer muses. Living on the edge is what Baer’s famed Phineas Poe character does best by constantly walking a fine line between self-destruction and gratification. A disturbed ex-cop who has bad luck with women, Phineas is the type of character readers hate to love and vice versa. Phineas occupied Baer’s thoughts enough to fill three novels with artfully crafted tales describing not-so-pretty truths about love, crime, and violence. The trilogy, which includes Kiss Me, Judas, Penny Dreadful, and Hell’s Half Acre, received a loyal following, earning a Barnes & Noble Best New Voice recognition for his first book. Baer also sold the film rights to Kiss Me, Judas a few years ago and is waiting for the appropriate actor to sign on the project. Other than the movie deal, flattery has come in the way of international relations. “The coolest thing happened three years ago when I got a random call from an Italian publisher who asked if I’d like to come to Italy for a noir festival,” Baer says. “The surprising thing about Italy was writers of fiction were treated like pop stars, and bookstores were everywhere.” Fans are currently awaiting Baer’s next novel, Godspeed, which is set for a summer release. Shaking Phineas’ voice from his head while working on this novel has been difficult, prompting him to write in third person for a while. He’s leaning toward a character named Jack Straw for this book and is utilizing a similar writing style found in the Phineas Poe books, though he experiments more now with lengthier prose. Godspeed’s setting will be way left of ordinary reality, or what Baer says is “a little more apocalyptic.” “I’ve always wanted to write stories that people could really feel on a gut level,” he divulges. “I want people to smell smells and get so engrossed that they might miss their subway stop or feel dizzy when they look up.” Though Baer suffers from sleep disorders, from narcolepsy to sleepwalking, the motivation to write seldom escapes him. He reasons that he’ll always write since people will continue to want stories, and he has a proclivity to instill others with storytelling tools through the fiction workshop he teaches at Memphis College of Art. “Even if we stop publishing books on paper, there will still be someone telling a story who is the genesis for everything that comes after,” Baer says.

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Baddour Center Fashion Show Cooper-Young Festival Kickoff Memphis Hadassah 90th Anniversary Visible School Fund-raiser

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NOVEMBER 2008

Frankie Manus and Mary Ann Pittman at Baddour Center Fashion Show

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38 Billie Jo Parker, Mary Ann Hodges and Melissa Scott at Baddour Center Fashion Show

or 29 years, the Baddour Center of Senatobia, Mississippi has introduced locals to the latest fashOver the ions at its annual fashion show. Titled “O Rainbow,” this year’s show at Hilton Memphis lived up to the hype with chic ensembles courtesy of Cotton Tails, Oak Hall, Chessie’s, and Gloria’s Mother of the Bride. Babbie Lovett emceed the event that was dedicated to Beverly Massey for her tireless efforts helping coordinate the show. Event proceeds benefit the Baddour Center, which is a residential community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Jerome and Evelyn Makowsky with Leonid Saharovici at The Cooper-Young Festival Kickoff jumpstarted Memphis Hadassah 90th Anniversary the weekend by packing in festival devotees at the Icehouse. The get-together also served as a poster party, with the 2008 poster artist Lizi Beard-Ward onsite for autographs. Area restaurants provided the nibbles, D. Canale Beverages supplied beer, and Jason Sims spun the oldies. Tamara Walker, director of the CooperYoung Business Association, couldn’t have been more pleased with the turnout or the support from her favorite Memphis community. Memphis Hadassah hosted “A An Evening to Remember” at David Lusk Gallery to celebrate its 90th anniversary. Freda Bode welcomed guests, who were treated to a scotch and wine tasting courtesy of Forest Hill Wine Merchants, Southwestern Distributors, and Victor Robilio Company as well as a book signing of Jan Horn, Laura Sherman, Rhonda Brode and Stephanie Cohen at Memphis to Jerusalem: Hadassah Bridges the Memphis Hadassah 90th Anniversary Generations by Perre Magness. Hadassah is the largest women’s volunteer organization in the country and locally operates the Check It Out program in Memphis City Schools. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music opened its historic facility for the Visible School “IInto the City” Capital Campaign Fund-raiser. Ken Steorts, founder and president of Visible School, thanked those who have contributed to helping build a new urban campus for the music and worship arts college by July 2010. Visible school alumni performed in Studio A during the event as Steorts said, “The Stax story reminds me of Visible School because both have recognized people who are creative.” Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick Ken Steorts and Marc Willis at Visible School Fund-raiser

Bill Stemmler, Tamara Walker and Richard Sullivan at Cooper Young Festival Kickoff

Laura Carpenter, Cecilia Villa and Anna Marotti at Cooper Young Festival Kickoff

Maria and Pete Williams with Kelly and Geordy Wells at Visible School Fund-raiser

Tom and Missy Richgels at Visible School Fund-raiser

NOVEMBER 2008 RSVP

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STREETSEEN

Janice M. Holder Legal Dynamo

NOVEMBER 2008

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anice Holder made history when she recently became the state’s first female chief justice, but taking the road less traveled wasn’t her initial plan. She first set out to become a research psychologist, but after neglecting to send in her test scores to graduate schools, she opted for a break from the field. In the meantime, she took a gamble by applying to law school, French grad school, paralegal school, and Pan Am. “I wasn’t really sure I wanted to be a lawyer, but I chose law school, and all the while, Pan Am kept calling me,” she smiles. Holder soon found her stride in the courtroom and says one of her most influential experiences came when she worked as a judicial clerk for a federal judge, the Honorable Herbert P. Song. She would travel with the judge across the country for assignments, one of which enabled her to witness notable criminal defense lawyer, F. Lee Bailey, try a case in Arizona. In turn, Holder practiced law from 1977 to 1990 and became an inspiration in her own right when she co-founded the Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women and received a Tennessee Supreme Court appointment in 1996. A composed and fearless woman (Holder has a third degree black belt in karate!), she did have reservations about participating in a ceremony after taking the oath of office as chief justice in September, but felt good she went through with it since the occasion marked a milestone for Tennessee. Justice Connie Clark eased the mood by giving Holder a tiara and wand to reflect that both are independent-minded justices. Holder might laugh at the photo taken while she was wearing her regal accessories, but the picture highlights her charisma and serves as a reminder to not take life too seriously. Now that she’s traded business suits for black robes, the chief justice admits that lawyers are the ones with nerves in the courtroom since a case is rarely heard before the state Supreme Court. This court actually hears about 100 cases annually, or roughly 10 percent of requested cases, with very few advancing to the U.S. Supreme Court. Holder says all the cases are interesting since many are taken to develop the law. Some of the state Supreme Court’s goals include increasing the access to legal services for lower-income citizens, examining issues of productivity and timeliness, and providing mediation training to its trial judges to enhance their settlement skills. She also hopes that the national female chief justice phenomenon continues to trickle down to Tennessee in the future. Her advice for potential candidates? “Being a judge is being at the right place at the right time, but you still have to prepare your path,” Holder urges. “Women should first aspire to be good advocates, develop interpersonal skills, communication skills, and be involved in legal associations.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

HOMEST YLE

HOMESTYLE Featured Home of Christine and Ron Burkett

Left: For the Burketts’ game room, Christine chose a beautifully grained cork floor, which absorbs sound and eases the leg strain of billiards’ players. Her contemporary style is filled with soft arcs, circles, and ellipses like the ones in the iron work, window treatments, and carpet.

NOVEMBER 2008

Below: A sweeping stairwell descends from the upstairs balcony to form the rounded edge of the dining room. Christine had a circular tile inset in the floor and a unique wagon wheel ceiling frame for the chandelier above.

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VENTURESOME STYLE C

hristine Burkett, owner of Creative Genius Interiors, worried that her spacious, contemporary home just across the Fayette County line would not be very popular when it appeared in the 2005 Vesta Home Show. “I thought nobody in Memphis is going to like my house, because Memphis is so traditional, and all 10 of the other homes in the show were traditional, and we were the last one the judges came to,” says Christine. “But we won Best of Show and the People’s Choice, so we were pretty proud.” Christine and her husband Ron, of Burkett Homes, built the house themselves from Christine’s hand-drawn floor plans and design by Creative Designs of Bartlett. The entire four-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot house was constructed and decorated at record speed, a mere nine months for the entire project. “There were some days I was sure we’d never have it ready for the show, but we did,” says Christine. The quiet country estate subdivision surrounding the Burketts’ home is the last place one would expect to find contemporary design. The exterior blends hints of stately Tudor style in keeping with the neighborhood, but the inside is a different story altogether. “When I grew up in the ‘60s and ‘70s, I loved looking at the magazines and I loved the contemporary and retro stuff, so now I like to put that into a house, especially in mine, but if I can put some of that into someone else’s house, I love to do that,” Christine muses. Christine enjoys the organic visual appeal of circles, arcs, and ellipses, so her interior—from the floor plan to the appointments—is laden with smooth curving lines, creating a relaxed flow throughout the house. Inside the front door, a grand stairwell with an iron banister sweeps down from a second floor balcony, nestling the round dining table like a mother’s arm around a child. The rest of the ground floor rooms hang off of the central arch of a hallway found behind the stairwell. The dining table sits atop a black tile inlaid ring in a harlequin

Introducing Electrolux. Exquisitely designed appliances found in Paris, Italy, and now Memphis.

HOMEST YLE NOVEMBER 2008 RSVP

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pattern, and above, a bronze-finished chandelier with lanternlike globes from Builder Specialties hangs from a wagon wheel inset frame in dark browns and warm creams. Christine chose an iron statue of three jazz musicians to center the table, and a circular-patterned fabric for the straight-back chairs. Over the door, a tall, organic metal statue is lit so that reflections shine throughout the foyer at night.

Christine. “It’s plaster with a crackle effect and a bronze powder over it. We think it turned out just amazing.” The publike game room has a cushiony cork floor and offers space for a bar, bistro tables, a pool table, and jukebox. The cork, Christine says, is not only attractive, but it absorbs sound and keeps billiards players’ legs from tiring. A door with a porthole window on one side leads to a home theatre, and south-facing windows flood the expanse of the room with light through custom ironwork, framing the pool and waterfall beyond. The real living space of the house, Christine says, consists of the eat-in kitchen and den, which flow together seamlessly with only slight partitions from one to the other. A dramatic chocolate and cranberry granite island contains one of the kitchen’s most novel features, a snakelike “mystic sink” by L.K. that runs 3 feet from one end of the island to the other. “What I do is fill it with ice and drinks and as the ice melts, it just goes down the drain,” says Christine. Red pendants light the island from above, and more black combed granite—Christine’s favorite—forms the countertops, and cork again lines the kitchen floor. “My architect kept wanting to move the kitchen to the back, but I wanted it in the front,” she tells. “I wanted to be able to look out the window every morning and see the neighborhood.”

Above: The arch theme in Christine’s design is never more brilliant than in the master bath suite in which cabinetry along with black combed granite and travertine are styled as one giant curve.

Christine’s favorite room, her “chat room,” sits just opposite the dining area. Unlike the rest of the house’s warm, neutral tones, she chose a white shag carpet and a lively robin’s egg blue for the walls with white mosaic-styled shelves covering one wall with vases and novelties. Four handsome armchairs, each done in a different fabric pattern, face each other from the north, south, east, and west corners of the room—admittedly a daring move, but Christine said she enjoys watching her friends gravitate toward the chair that best suits each’s personality. Like the dining room, the sitting room has an inset-framed ceiling, this one containing four arches converging inside a square. The far wall of the sitting room opens into a small alcove containing an iron rail before a magnificent, pale blue stained glass window by Motamedi of Collierville, which is flanked by candelabras and plush benches. Christine said her prayer room was designed after her childhood church. “When I was small, the first church I ever went to was Highland Heights Methodist, and they had this little chapel that I would pass by all the time,” she says. “I wanted something to remind me of that little chapel that always intrigued me.” The master bedroom, the next room following the circle of the hallway, was designed to be conservative in size since Christine and her husband spend most of their time in the den and outdoors. It features deep browns with blue flecks, recessed lighting behind double molding, and two dual oscillating fans on rotating arms overhead. For the master bath suite, complete with a home gym and dressing closet, she chose black combed granite and travertine, an uncommon natural stone, for the countertops and walls, which together with the cabinetry form one large arch containing the two vanities and the bathtub. A purple and red striped crescent bench seat stands out among the gold and black in the room’s palette. The hallway bathroom also is a work of art with its stained wood vanity and a fluid faux finish. “The finish was done in four different coats,” explains

Above: The sitting room is the one room which defies the home’s neutral color palette with its robin’s egg blue walls, white carpet, and dark wood floor. Christine says her friends tend to gravitate to their favorite of four distinctly different armchairs. The prayer room lies just beyond.

It’s no small feat to win the praise of several thousand Vesta Home Show attendees, especially in only nine months, but Christine says more importantly, her house reflects the creativity and imagination of her overall design work. With the right concept and a little bit of daring, she says any home can be a true winner. Story by Jonathan Devin Photos by Steve Roberts

NOVEMBER 2008

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VOX POPULAR

Vox Popular Q&A with John Weeden

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ohn Weeden took over the helm of the UrbanArt Commission this spring with a mission to make the Bluff City known as an art town. Nearly seven months have elapsed since the executive director’s first day, and he’s getting closer to his goal with the construction of a large-scale mural downtown and by creating arts projects with community groups wanting to affect positive change in neglected areas. RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick met Weeden in the UrbanArt Commission’s new office on Broad Avenue, which is becoming an artist community in its own right, to learn more about Weeden’s commitment to public art. “The passion, desire, and energy are all here,” Weeden says, “but I’m here to help facilitate the game plan.”

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Weeden: Well, I actually tried to go back to Britain after going through my second grad program at Bard College and was an assistant curator in Dundee, Scotland. And I was really in the mix of all these wonderful international artists and meeting all of these incredible curators and collectors: European, American, Asian. But my father had a health scare, so that brought things really into sharp focus for me, and at the same time, I was getting a bit weary of the art conversation then because people were saying how tired they were and how nomadic they felt and how their work was all about being dislocated and not feeling like they had any place to call home. The timing of that kind of discourse as well as my dad having a health scare made me realize I had a home that I love, so it brought me back to Memphis, though I had nothing to do when I came back. I think there’s a bit more awareness out there now about art, but when I came back, no one knew what a curator was. People thought I was a computer programmer or something. There were no jobs in Memphis for a curator...there may be five jobs in the entire city, especially when it comes to contemporary art jobs. So some artist friends from Scotland were doing a show at P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center in New York about modern day romanticism, and they wanted to come through Memphis and check it out. Then they asked me if I could help them find a place to stay and people to meet. That really went very well, and they ended up staying here for about six weeks; they were only going to stay for two. Everybody loved them, and what really brought into my frame of awareness was that this kind of cross-cultural, international discourse and dialogue was something people were hungry for here. Being in the middle of the country and so isolated in some ways, we didn’t have this tradition of seeing foreign artists in our town. Memphis is a music town and is known the world over as a music town, but to see contemporary artists from abroad was a whole new concept. People got really excited about that, so I invented this residency program called the Lantana Projects in 2004 to bring international artists here. RSVP: Why did you feel that the executive director position at the UrbanArt Commission was the right job for you?

Weeden: A number of things…one, you’re dealing with living artists. You’re able to act as a translator, an interpretive advocate, not only for specific pieces or specific artists, but for the role of art in building a better world, and that’s something I very much enjoy. I’m always encouraging people to dream big, especially students and young artists, but I’m always very conscious, almost to a fault, and get on their case a little bit about breaking dreams down into plans with bite-size pieces. Big dreams fade away if you don’t actually do anything to make them come about. Also, this job is about learning a lot of new things for me. In this role, I have a great many dealings with local politicians because we manage a city-funded contract even though we’re a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Because we manage that percent for our campaign that’s under city ordinance, we’re responsible to them as a client, as stakeholders, and getting to know them. RSVP: Were there any immediate changes you saw needed to be made when you took on the role with the UrbanArt Commission? Weeden: Yes, because they were so small staffed for 10 years, the commission didn’t really have the ability to do anything else but work the projects. The things that weren’t getting done were the development side of things: fund raising, promoting, communications, community engagement programs, more education and outreach engagement programs. Immediately, what had to happen was we had to change the perception of the organization and make people understand what it was and that we were actually here. I think the majority of the city didn’t know there was such a thing as the UrbanArt Commission, and if they did, they didn’t know how it worked. The communication piece and the development piece were the immediate things that stood out. As a nonprofit, you have to have these pieces or you just don’t survive, or you don’t grow. Photos by Don Perry

NOVEMBER 2008

RSVP: You’ve worked in a number of different places, London being one of them, so what prompted you to come back to Memphis to establish your career?

RSVP: What has surprised you the most about your new role? Weeden: The first few weeks I got into the job, I had several calls from community associations, church groups, and neighborhood groups about me coming and talking to them about how they could build their own art projects or how UrbanArt could help them develop projects for their landscape. The desire is here. People get it. People actually love the idea of having a more beautiful streetscape to enjoy on a day-to-day basis, but for the most part, they don’t have

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a clue about how to go about it, so that’s where I can come in and do pro bono coaching to community groups and guide them through the process and build a plan that’s going to be feasible and sustainable. What touched me most among all these different community groups is that the first that called me were the Binghampton Development Corporation and the Frayser Interfaith Association. Now those are probably the two most denigrated areas in the local press about poverty, crime, and violence, but there are people in those communities that are passionate about their home and they want to make a difference and want it to be better, and they’re not going to satisfy themselves by shaking their head and saying, “Oh, woe is me.�

NOVEMBER 2008

RSVP: Do you think the UrbanArt Commission’s move to 2549 Broad Avenue better serves the organization’s needs? Weeden: Oh yeah, completely. Where we were downtown was really very inaccessible. People had to pay to park. You had to walk kind of too far sometimes. It was really loud in that space‌you couldn’t hear yourself think, you really couldn’t have a conversation. We didn’t have a conference room that you could darken fully, so you could never get a good read on the slides we were trying to show. Just those little, practical details really hampered what we were trying to do, and also, the perception of an office building feels corporate and almost impersonal, whereas here, we have a store front. It’s a onestory building. We have our front door signage for the first time ever, so we can really proclaim our anchorship here and our pioneer

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attitude of this neighborhood. The surrounding businesses and the business association has really encouraged us to use this block as a demonstration block of “this is what good art and design can do to a previously neglected area; let’s show you what can happen in your neighborhood.� We’re the 12th art and design related business within a quarter mile of the urban city, and there are more on the way. RSVP: What are some new projects coming up? Weeden: Well, Beale Street Landing, we’ve got two projects that will be part of that. A woman named Carolyn Braaksma from Boulder, Colorado; she is doing a bas-relief polished, concrete piece for the walls going down to the river. Then a guy named Evan Lewis from Chicago is making a large, iconic metal sculpture, which will be a kinetic piece in the plaza on the actual bluff. We received funds from the city to build a project in Chickasaw Heritage Park, which is right by the National Ornamental Metal Museum. We’re in talks with the parks department now about developing a project for the Wolf River Greenway, which will link downtown to Shelby Farms. The one that’s going to be super cool and have the most immediate impact, I think, and will be the most high profile thing in quite some time is a project we’ve been developing with Rhodes College to develop a mural on the side of a building that sits in left field of Redbirds Stadium. It actually faces Madison and is five stories tall and 150 feet wide. The building’s owner, Chick Hill, wanted to do something to make a difference in the look and feel of

Weeden: Probably the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. That’s probably the one I’d point to because not only does it define various types of work, the artists were very diverse and there was a lot of collaboration going on. It was a mix between county representatives, city representatives, the architects, the developers, the library system, and the community.

RSVP: I also have to ask, how did your blog, The Weeden Arts Watch, come about? Weeden: I love it! It’s really relaxing for me, and I just get really excited and enthusiastic about art news items or people in town that I think are incredibly creative or just contemplations on the role of

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RSVP: Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to leave a mark in the art community? Weeden: I think people really need to be conscious of the world outside their own immediate community. I think it’s imperative they research as widely as possible about the different facets and opportunities that are involved because I certainly didn’t know the different career paths within the art world. Talk to as many people involved in art as humanly possible. Seriously, they have to understand it’s not all sunshine and lollipops. The art part is a beautiful thing, but it’s not always pretty, and you have to toughen yourself for those hard spots.

NOVEMBER 2008

RSVP: If you had to choose any one project that best defines what the UrbanArt Commission does, which would that be?

sculpture versus monuments and different things. I had all these ideas, and I just had to get them down. I didn’t really tell anybody about it, I mean I invented it as a means to keep in touch with my friends around the world so they could see what I was up to. Then someone caught wind of it locally and passed it around, and now I think people look at it a lot. I find it really funny, but it’s really a means to show how great Memphis is and that there is so much more than barbecue and the blues. My only policy about writing that blog is it has got to be positive, even if I have to address something serious. You know, one entry was about the WEVL DJ, “Cap’n Pete,” who was murdered. Well, that broke my heart because when I moved from Arkansas when I was 13, I turned on that show and it opened up my world. He was the most genteel, vibrant old soul, and you could tell he loved what was he was doing. It was amazing!

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the local landscape. He then went to Philadelphia last summer, I think, and was just blown away by the number of murals in that city. Actually, Philadelphia has more murals per capita than any city in the world—over 3,000, and they’re building a hundred a year—so he was amazed by the effect it has on the way the place feels. They just started the stucco yesterday to make it a uniform, clean surface, and we’re having artist interviews tomorrow at the UrbanArt office. The goal is for this to be completed by the week of opening day for the baseball season in April 2009.

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A Trek Across the City’s Party L andscape “The Perfect Party” Memphis Symphony League Gala Several years had passed since the Memphis Symphony League threw classical music devotees a glamorous affair indicative of the Great Gatsby era, but league members thought it was about time that changed. Dressed to the nines, attendees gathered at The Peabody Skyway and graciously applauded the return of the event

fashion show as the models wore outfits from the 1958 Maid of Cotton’s wardrobe. Chair Billie Jean Graham introduced the special guest and former Maid of Cotton, Jean Carter Fisher, as event co-chair Babbie Lovett spoke with Fisher about her time in the spotlight. While the memories unfolded, footage of Fisher’s travels in Jamaica during

NOVEMBER 2008

Ryan Fleur with Shelby and Bernard Taylor

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Gretchen and Charles Reaves

Arnold Weiss, Shirley Condon, Marguerite Piazza and Joan Weiss

that initiated the local black-tie party scene. Ryan Fleur, president and CEO of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, said, “We once defined the gala in Memphis.” The beauty of the surroundings was unmatched this evening as guests mingled on The Peabody rooftop to watch the twilight glow. Florence Leffler, the Memphis Symphony League president, gushed, “It’s the perfect party and the perfect sunset!” Truly, the weather couldn’t have been more accommodating for the festivities, which included a cocktail hour, silent auction, three-course dinner, and a vintage fashion show. However, this wasn’t any ordinary

her Maid of Cotton reign played on a big screen. Lovett added that Memphis was particularly well known for its cotton trade then, and Fisher was one of the people that helped promote the message of cotton around the world. The evening ended with dancing to Joyce Cobb and the Doctor’s Band and a

Kathy Canerday, Arnold and Joan Weiss, Shirley Condon, Marguerite Piazza, Charles and Gretchen Reaves, Renee Guibao, Sledge and Denise Taylor, and Bernard and Shelby Taylor. Models included Jean Kelly Fisher, Suzanna Ragen, Caroline Wallace, Jenna Ragen, Cindi Marshall, Della Ellis, Barbara Petronis, Melissea Raddatz, Melissa Simpson, Kelly Nipi, Rachael Ragen, and Madeline Ragen.

Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

2008 Jazz and Pasta Party benefiting the Samaritan Counseling Centers of the Mid-South, Inc. About 250 guests brought their appetites for goodwill and good meals to the 2008 Jazz and Pasta Party, held at the Memphis Botanic Garden to benefit the

Sledge and Denise Taylor

Kathy and Barry Canerdy

live auction conducted by Jim Wilson. Mednikow and Peter Poole Fine Jewelers sponsored the auction, which helped raise $60,000 to benefit the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Graham smiled, “I’m so happy you’ve all come to share this with us.” Those contributing to this cause were co-chair Sheila Wilson, Barry and

Susan Farris, Ann Langston and Mary Kathryn Koffman

Samaritan Counseling Centers of the Mid-South, Inc. [SCC]. Warning: Readers who are on strict nocarb diets may wish to skip the next few sentences. Penne pasta, rigatoni, lasagna, and shells! Cheesy, meaty, creamy, con fungi, or tossed cold as a salad! With tantalizing dishes provided by Elfo’s, Jarrett’s, The Grove Grill, Brooklyn Bridge Italian

Gwen Owen and Dudley Langston

Horton, Jane Feild, and Jacob and Joan Biddle. Story and photos by Kelly Cox

Fall has arrived, and to jumpstart the season, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary hosted Shades of Autumn” luncheon. Sponsored by a “S Harrah’s Tunica, the event attracted hundreds of attendees to the U of M Holiday Inn for a memorable program. Dianne Champlin, the Salvation Army

Dianne Champlin and Major Rhea Dawn Woodcock

David Leigh and Bonnie Binkley

mission of the SCC, which is to provide a ministry of affordable mental healthcare, counseling, and education. As noted by executive director Dr. James Coffman, demands for SCC’s services have increased by 87 percent in the last three years. Among those enjoying the evening were Ann Langston, Mary Kathryn Koffman, Holden and Jo Potter, Susan Farris, Dudley Langston, Sara Holmes, Martha Kelly, David Leigh, Bonnie Binkley, Gwen Owen, Bob O’Connor, Tricia

Women’s Auxiliary president, welcomed all to the affair by saying, “We’ve had some red hot ladies working on this luncheon, which feels like a threering circus since we have so much going on.” Ron Childers of WMC-TV 5 kicked off the afternoon by auctioning off some big ticket items, like pieces from the new Rebecca jewelry line featured at Mednikow, a mink coat, and a week’s condo stay in Destin, Florida. Major Mark Woodcock led the invocation, followed by a lunch of smoked chicken and mushroom linguine. As ladies dined, Babbie Lovett commentated for a fashion show, featuring the fall line from Seriously Fun, and Rene Koopman tickled the ivories.

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Restaurant, and others, there was something molto delicioso to suit every pasta lover. Some fantastic live jazz was provided by musicians who were playfully billed for this night only as The SCC Jazz Quintet: Rene Koopman on vibes, Dominic Fosco on piano, Tom Lonardo on drums, Jim Mahannah on horns, and Bob Sunda on bass. Live and silent auctions featured not-to-bemissed items ranging from one-of-a-kind jewelry and art to enviable experiences like a week’s stay in the Rocky Mountains. Funds raised at this ninth annual Jazz and Pasta Party help to further the

“Shades of Autumn” Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Luncheon

NOVEMBER 2008

Joan and Jacob Biddle

Rounding out the list of attendees were Barbara Freels, Virginia Robinson, Ann Weller,

Sharon Young Mycra Pac Sandy Starkman Nick and Zoe Windridge Brighton One Sole Shoes Vanilia Jeans And Tribal!

Pat Massengill and Ron Childers

Gracie

NOVEMBER 2008

2 Girls & A Trunk

Relaxed and ready to seize the day, attendees were also treated to inspirational speaker and author Carol Kent’s speech on “Shades of Change in a New Kind of Normal.” Another touching message came when Ellen Klyce delivered the “Good News” Kroc report. Currently, the Salvation Army is raising funds for the Kroc Center, which will be a com-

Carol Kent and Hilda Mullen

Beverly Little, Tommie Pardue, Billie Jean Graham, Monta Robinson, Major Rhea Dawn Woodcock, Hilda Mullen, Stacie Waddell, Grace Bartee, Suzanne Snipes, and Pat Massengill. Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

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Opera Memphis Season Preview Gala

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Tommie Pardue and Billie Jean Graham

munity center built on 15 acres at the Mid-South Fairgrounds. Memphis is one of 30 cities picked to have this type of facility for worship, recreation, arts, and education purposes. To date, $19 million has been raised for the center, but the fund-raising campaign’s goal is $25 million. “There are more than 250 people here today, so please think about how little it would take for each of you to contribute toward this campaign,” Klyce said.

Opera Memphis backers let their ears lead the way to the Clark Opera Memphis Center for the Season Preview Gala. Not only was this a chance for attendees to hear a sampling from one of the season’s three operas, but it exposed younger generations to the Italian art form. Guests’ ensembles befitted the formal occasion, which got underway with cocktails and music on the terrace. Underneath the star-filled

Delores Kinsolving and Kallen Esperian

Suzanne Snipes and Grace Bartee

sky, one felt the specialness of the surroundings and the beautiful performances to follow. As the air grew cooler, partygoers crowded inside the lobby, where a silent art auction took place. Mednikow also had its David Yurman and Rebecca jewelry items for sale, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Opera Memphis. Art, jewelry, and the opera…what an ingenious combination!

turn hyping the crowd, but the opera diva later returned in a bouffant wig and ‘60s print dress and joined the group. Dancing progressed into the wee hours, certainly signifying a successful gala. “Opera is 400 years old and has survived everything,” said co-chair, Dr. Suzanne Gibbard. “It still goes on because what opera really is a melodrama set to music.” Warner Moore chaired the Opera

Dr. Suzanne Gibbard, Doc Gary and Ally Luciano

The dinner hour soon drew near, and guests were more than ready to feast upon the delicious preparations by Felicia Suzanne’s. Tables decorated in peacock and white feathers, red linens, and tea lights oozed a ToulouseLautrec/Parisian vibe as a three-course dinner of crepes, braised short ribs in puff pastry, and mini chocolate cakes with peppermint chocolate sauce

Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick Nayla Nassar and Warner Moore

were served. Conversation ceased as Kallen Esperian and fellow opera singers graced the stage. Esperian, dressed in a floor-length gown, stunned the audience with her mini-performance from La Traviata,” one of the operas featured at “L Opera Memphis in October. “Treemonisha” and “Faust” are other upcoming operas not to be missed this season. Esperian took a break during the dessert course when The Bouffants had their

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Woman’s Exchange of Memphis 75th Anniversary Gala Woman’s Exchange members Bette Scott and Barbara Wright are best friends, so when it came time to celebrate their club’s 75th Anniversary Gala, they discussed what they were going to wear. They must have been friends for many years, because both showed up at the GJ7N L>AHDC

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Memphis Season Preview Gala, which had support from Renee Guibao, Emma Jean Pierotti, Charlotte Clark, Doc Gary, Ally Luciano, Dr. Tyler and Kathryn Swindle, Dr. Guy and Linda Photopulos, Dr. Charles and Janice Akins, Gretchen Reaves, Caroline Little, Kristen Myers, Alex Felgar, Michelle Thurlough, Cyndii Jo Hartley, Lain Whitaker, Nayla Nassar, Steve and Anita Burkett, Delores Kinsolving, Steve and Jill Anderson, and Brad and Dina Martin.

NOVEMBER 2008

Renee Guibao, Emma Jean Pierotti and Charlotte Clark

NOVEMBER 2008 RSVP

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Memphis Hunt and Polo Club for the gala wearing the same outfit. “Bette told me she got the cutest top at Macy’s, and I told her I got the cutest top online from Nordstrom,” Wright said. As far as Scott’s and Wright’s dates comparing notes on their outfits, it was a nobrainer. Cynthia and Don Jordan “We all look alike,” said Wright’s husband, Tom. “We have to wear tuxedos.” It was all laughs over dinner though, because everyone at the event was enjoying their filet mignon, wine, and ice cream pie, prepared by the club’s executive chef, Kevin Shockency. Woman’s Exchange member Anne Piper chaired the event, which included a silent auction with an opportunity to bid on such items as jewelry, a vacation on Eden Isle, tickets to a University of Memphis Tigers— University of Southern Mississippi football game and a case of Coppola Chardonnay. After dinner and a few glasses of wine, the ladies and their companions took a turn on the dance floor to the tunes of Captain Phil McGee and his band. The Woman’s Exchange started 75 years ago as a way for women to sell their wares that they made at home. Now, they have a consignment store and a tearoom located on Racine Street near the Memphis Central Public Library. The tearoom serves Southern-style lunch items homemade by club members during lunch hours Monday through Friday. The Exchange also sells heirloomquality hand-sewn clothes as well as specialty children’s books, kitchen items, gifts, and the organization’s celebrated cookbooks. Other attendees at the event included Woman’s Exchange president Bobbie Lovelace and her husband, Bill, Craig and Lisa Holliday, Carroll White, Jim and Beth Breazeale, Barbara Wright, Mackey Pepper, Bob and Elise Lisa and Craig Holliday Wilson, Michael and Jean McSwain, Terryl and Nina Wilson, Don and Cynthia Jordan, Ray Eberle, Ann Clark Harris, Richard and Debbie Binswanger, Bill and Melinda Bagley, Bob and Lola Llewellyn, Theresa Hardison, Gregory Warren, Earl W. and Hope Cook, and Beve and Connie Johns. Story and photos by Lesley Young

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Andre and Monica Wharton

Ed and Mae Stanton

Elizabeth Maynard-Garrett and Sally Heinz

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Pat Mitchell Worley and Billie Worley

he Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) has helped relieve social injustices for 40 years, giving volunteers, staff, and the community reason to celebrate. Nearly 700 people convened at the Warehouse on G.E. Patterson for the “Feed the Soul” Party, appropriately named since MIFA provides meals to the disadvantaged. MIFA executive director Margaret Craddock wanted the evening to exude a “funky feel,” which was accomplished in the location, attire, music, and even the silent auction items. Charlie Nelson, event chair and MIFA’s volunteer and special events coordinator, added that the organization enlisted MIFA participants to paint homegrown themes on TV trays found in MIFA’s thrift store for the auction. Some resourceful interpretations included a “Meals on Wheels” tray, complete with a miniature toy truck glued on the surface, and a “From Hearts to Home” tray depicting houses with giant hearts on their facades. Vintage ensembles on display also promoted the thrift store, and one guest took advantage of the opportunity to acquire a jacket by purchasing the item off the mannequin. Partygoers also contributed to MIFA by purchasing raffle tickets for a $100 Ruth’s Chris Steak House gift certificate. As guests enjoyed tasty barbecue, fried chicken, and side dishes, all courtesy of Kroger, emcee Joe Birch welcomed everyone to the after-work affair. Birch said, “I can’t say enough good things about this organization and what it does for the community…I hope it has 40 more good years.” Partygoers applauded and readily broke out in dance mode for DJ Spanish Fly and Raiford, who posed with guests for photographs. Presenting sponsor SunTrust Banks, Inc. gladly participated in this event that raised $70,000 for the MIFA Meals program. Organizers hope to make the “Feed the Soul” Party an annual tradition to express gratitude for long-standing volunteers and to attract younger ones. “We have so many faithful supporters, so this is our way of saying thanks,” smiled Arnetta Stanton-Macklin, MIFA’s vice president of senior programs. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Kris Kourdouvelis and Sharon Gray

Clay and Beth Auttonberry

Katie Whitehead and Curt Griffin

Phil Woodard, Amber Browning and Lee Warren

NOVEMBER 2008

40th Anniver sary Celebr ation

MIFA “FEED THE SOUL” PARTY

EVENT

MIFA “Feed the Soul” Party

Charlie Nelson and Dawn Hill

EVENT MIFA “FEED THE SOUL” PARTY NOVEMBER 2008

Lauren Murray, Anna Kathryn Word and Stacie Ann Mosley

John Davis and Rosie Bingham

Ellie Rolfes and Carmen Sandoval

Mary and Corey Trotz

Lauren and Clay Gray

Cecilia Robilio, Larry Dodson and Ruby Wilson

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Marcus Dorris and Genesha McCraven

Ellen Coleman and John Burruss

Shawn and Lana Danko

Lillian and Judge George Brown

Amy and Joey Dudek

EVENT

Taste of the Town

TASTE OF THE TOWN

Benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation®

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NOVEMBER 2008

Casey Tansey and Brooke Ehrhart

Pam and Rick Leet

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gricenter International resembled more of a lavish food hall than an expo center during the eighth annual Taste of the Town. The Germantown Chamber of Commerce hosts this event to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® Mid-South Chapter and taste testers everywhere. This year was particularly special because it marked the return of celebrity judges. FM-100 Morning Show host Karen Perrin, pro basketball player Andre Turner, pro golfer Shaun Micheel, and University of Memphis women’s basketball head coach Melissa McFerrin lent their appetites and waistlines to charity. Each sampled food from three divisions, while learning a valuable lesson in portion control. Perrin joked, “I’ll be lucky to get through one category!” After the scores for the “Best of the Best” were calculated, Ruth’s Chris Steak House placed first in the appetizer/soup/salad division, Stix won the entrée division, and CrêpeMaker swept the dessert division. Many more restaurants and hospitality vendors also impressed with unique and delicious fare. Corliss Jarrett of The Classique Epicurious brought black-eyed pea cake, a recipe she’d adapted from an ancestor and updated with cream cheese frosting and sweet potato crème anglaise, while Big Foot Lodge served Nanaimo Bars, a Canadian dessert. Southwestern Distributors offered Smoking Loon wines, a perfect palate cleanser for salmon, scallops, shrimp, and tuna served over polenta prepared by chefs from Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown. Guests’ eyes were definitely larger than their stomachs this day. Sean Berry emceed, Pat Register provided the tunes, and Jeff Morris handled the live auctioneer duties, rounding up bids on everything from an Orlando, Florida vacation package donated by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to a private in-home wine tasting for 12 donated by Kirby Wines & Liquors. A silent auction took place during the event as well, giving guests a chance to snatch up early holiday gifts, like a one night stay at The Alluvian in Greenwood, Mississippi and a fall fashion ensemble donated by Wish. Judy Gupton chaired Taste of the Town with the help of cochairs Janice Hamil and Renee Cook. Event proceeds reached $15,000, a rewarding total for Make-A-Wish Foundation staff. “This is the most Taste of the Town has ever raised!” said Brooke Ehrhart, a special events coordinator for Make-A-Wish. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Connie and Rob Arline

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry

Mark McMinn and Amanda Veteto

Dr. Chad and Rebecca Cullison

Jill and Earl Lake

Allison and Scott Ezell

Shaun Micheel, Karen Perrin and Andre Turner

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Debbie and Robert Hummell with Sue Woodall

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ast week, for the first time in more than 23 years, I kissed a woman other than my wife. Sure, through the years there have been the occasional awkward pecks or unexpected miscues that led to lips touching, but this was locked-in making out kissing. And a whole bunch of people saw me do it. That’s mainly because it was for a scene in a movie. Once upon a time I thought acting was my future. There were tons of school plays, community theater productions, even professional summer stock. Yes, I also did my share of Shakespeare. What I will point out is that when you’re a nearsighted, skinny, and clumsy teenager with no talent for sports, theater is the perfect place to meet chicks. Even a guy like me seemed masculine in theater! So, I was going to be an actor. Then I literally stumbled into stand-up comedy. A friend suggested we try it, we did, we sucked, but they needed warm bodies on stage in 1981, and that meant not only girls, but free beer as well. So long theater. A few months ago an agent was misguided enough to sign me to a contract. I won’t give her name to save her the embarrassment, but since she had, in what I assume was some kind of drunken haze, agreed to represent me, she had to start sending me out to auditions. There was an adjustment there because since I last went out on auditions, the roles for which I am suited had changed dramatically. Back when I was last serious about this, I was always up for the goony kid, the snarky teen pal, or the troubled son. Now I’m finding myself up for the part of the uncomfortable father, the middle-aged husband, or the stern doctor. Yikes, it’s like I spent time in acting hibernation. Because I was busy making jokes and drinking free hooch, I skipped the whole stretch where I might have been playing the guy who meets the girl. A few weeks ago my wife was joking with a friend of ours about how weird it would be if I were ever cast in a part where I had to makeout with another woman. I said, and I’m quoting here, “That’s never going to happen. I’m 45years-old and very odd looking.” True story. Then I go out and audition for the

part of, again, “The Doctor,” in a movie that was about to be shot here in town. The movie is titled N’Secure, and I know next to nothing about it other than Tempest Bledsoe is in it, and there was a part for a doctor. I didn’t get the doctor part, but I was cast as “Man in Car.” That’s a resume builder right there. I joked with people about being cast as Man in Car because I thought it was funny. My

Because I was busy making jokes and drinking free hooch, I skipped the whole stretch where I might have been playing the guy who meets the girl. agent said it was just a featured extra part, and I said it wasn’t like I had anywhere else to be that Tuesday, and I could use the 50 bucks. Then she sent me an email saying that the lines I didn’t know I had originally, which had been removed, were now back in, and I was recast as “Business Man.” She enclosed the page with directions and my two lines of dialogue. I opened the script attachment, cracked up laughing, and went to find my wife. Because this is what I read: “Int. car, night. A Business Man and a Business Woman are kissing passionately.” Uh-oh. I was Business Man. The scene had the man and woman kissing, breaking the kiss, discussing how they had to stop kissing because their spouses were going to find out, then kissing again. Oh boy. Luckily the wife thought it was funny, and didn’t snuff out the acting career before it started. She has a lot more class than me. That Tuesday I arrived on the set downtown wearing the Business Man attire, which made for a long day since it was Memphis in late September, and therefore much too hot to be outside in a suit. I don’t know how people with jobs do

it. In time, I met my co-star, a total professional named Nancy Mills, who did one of those sexy snarls that actress types can do and scared the change right out of my pockets. First I was made up, then remade up because they were going to shoot the scene after the kissing scene before shooting the kissing scene, and in the scene after the kissing scene, well, let’s just say there’s a pretty high price paid for the kissing scene that involves fire trucks, an ambulance, police cars, over-turned vehicles, blood all over my face, and a bandage around my head. Hope that doesn’t ruin anything for anyone. After hours of sitting around, we shoot that scene, then we get remade up to look the way we did before we were remade up the first time. Then we were up. Soon we would be kissing. Well, soon in movieland, which meant several hours later. Me and a woman I had known for a few hours were sitting 6 inches away from one another in a car we had never seen before, with a half dozen people aiming things at us, waiting for the director to say, “Action.” When he did, we started kissing, as agreed between us, open-mouthed, no tongues, until the director said, “Cut.” We did that about half a dozen times. There were discussions of me being a little less funny, something I find difficult to do, and then discussions of our being a little closer together on the break, or a little further apart, or my arm being here, or her arm being there. All of this was happening while this woman and I were literally nose-to-nose, listening and changing what we were doing. It was all very complicated and specific. After the second time, I almost forgot we were even kissing. Of course, I haven’t seen it. Seeing it is going to be the weirdest part. Oh wait, the weirdest part is going to be my wife seeing it. Geez, I hadn’t thought about that part. People are going to see this. My wife is going to see this. This is going to be so weird.

Don’t worry RSVP readers, we assure you our resident humor columnist, Dennis Phillippi, exercised all precautions and used as much breath freshener as humanly possible before his onscreen makeout session. The sweat-stained suit was even more appealing for his Business Man persona.

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Monkey Time at the Fair

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n organ grinder and his well-dressed monkey delight children and adults alike at the 1951 MidSouth Fair. This is just one of many special memories Memphians cherish from the Mid-South Fair, which celebrated its 152nd anniversary and final year at the Mid-South Fairgrounds this September. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MID-SOUTH FAIR If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.

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