MEET DARIUS KEEVON BATEN

Financial advisor with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management by day, and Wortham Center board member by night — or, really, whenever he has a moment to spare. An Asheville native, Keevon fondly remembers visiting the Wortham Center in his childhood, and, in 2020, he joined the board to fulfill his passion for serving the local community. We recently (virtually) sat down with Keevon for a Q&A to formally introduce him to our patrons.

What fuels your passion for the Wortham Center?

I visited the Wortham Center as a child and can still remember how much I enjoyed myself. I appreciate the performances and their ability to evoke emotion. I feel that the Wortham Center has always done an exceptional job of providing deeply moving performances.

Which decade do you think had the best style?

More recently, my style has been very minimalistic. I’d say the style of the ‘50s most embodies minimalism. A very clean, simplistic yet timeless look that serves as a blank canvas from which to showcase my colorful personality.

What are five words that best describe you?

Enigmatic Intentional

Perceptive Sensory Acute Curious

What makes you laugh?

Moments of awareness about the miracle and serendipity of life.

If you had a dinner party and had to invite one musician, one famous couple and only one family member, who would you invite? What would you serve and where would you have it?

Musician: Margit-Anna Süß Famous Couple: Beyoncé and Jay-Z Family Member: My sister I’d host a sunset dinner party at Craggy Gardens during the peak of the rhododendron bloom. We’d enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and champagne as we listened to Margit-Anna Süß playing “Clair de Lune” on the harp.

What is on your bucket list?

To presently focus on a flower bud as it fully blooms in the sun, but I’ll settle for attending the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan with loved ones.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

When I am not working, I enjoy reflecting, learning, and connecting with friends and family. Naps in my hammock as I soak up rays of sun. Snuggles from my cat.

What is your best piece of advice that you’d like to share?

Self-awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and motivations is key.