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RSVP magazine is like no other publication in the city of Memphis. What began as simply “The Society Pages” more than a decade ago has evolved into a monthly review with stunning photography and entertaining, informative stories. See for yourself!
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Gift of Life GalaBrooks Grand AuctionTheatre Memphis GalaCrown & Sceptre Coronation BallQ&A with Dr. Ron Jones
J u l y 2 0 1 1
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CONT
ENTS
10SIGNATURE MEMPHIS
Paul Edelstein
22 STREETSEENTony Benedetti
16CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL
Dennis and Martha Drexler
34 BROOKS GRAND AUCTION
Kristy Street and Stephen Gipson
42THEATRE MEMPHIS GALA
John Hiltonsmith and Kell Christie
38GIFT OF LIFE GALA
Erika and Dr. Jason Vanatta
Cover PhotoRick Fogelman and MacKenzie Paul
at Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball
Photo by Don Perry
ContentsJuly 2011
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Artist Paul Edelstein invites RSVP into his home studio.
RSVP Watch List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Pick up one of these purses, and you’ll be set for your summer soirees.
Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Carnival royalty were out in full force at the 80th coronation ceremony, held at HiltonMemphis.
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 & 24He’s a former Marine who continues to show his gratitude for this country’s troops throughTickets for Troops. She’s a CEO and administrator with a passion for providing quality andmore convenient health care for women. StreetSeens highlight Tony Benedetti and AnitaVaughn.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Q&A with the president of Memphis College of Art, Dr. Ron Jones.
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32, 45, 46 & 47Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
Brooks Grand Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34The first “Memphis Wine & Food Series” came to a close with a fine finale at the MemphisBrooks Museum of Art.
Gift of Life Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38The National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee hosted an evening of thanks at ThePeabody.
Theatre Memphis Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42Theatre Memphis supporters were wowed at the institution’s “Variety: A Mega Mix andMingle” fund-raiser.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48SupernerdOh Dennis Phillippi’s joy this month at all his comic book superheroes coming to life in themovies!
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Volume XVI Number X
July 2011
P U B L I S H E RRoy Haithcock
E D I T O RLeah Fitzpatrick
C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R SRuth Cassin
Jonathan DevinDennis PhillippiSuzanne Thompson
Lesley Young
A R T D I R E C T O RPatrick Akers
P H O T O G R A P H E R SNathan BerryRoy Haithcock
Don PerrySteve Roberts
S E N I O R A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V ELibby Huff
A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V EChris Pugh
A C C O U N T I N GRuth Cassin
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Copyright 2011 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
Near Poplar andForest Hill Irene
Please visit us upstairsat the Hedgerowe Home
in Bocage
June 17-19
June 24-26
July 2-4
Fri-Sat 10am-6pmSunday 1pm-6pm
Benefitingthe
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While watching therecent U.S. Open (a tra-dition for my hus-
band’s family every Father’sDay), I could not help butbe drawn to first-time win-ner Rory McIlroy. I’m notquite sure what precisely hasmade me a McIlory fan, butmaybe it’s his Irish roots,his ability to come backafter a more-than-disappoint-ing showing at the Mastersor the way he strikes a golfball with such precision thateven a non-golfer can appre-ciate. What I think impress-es me most though isMcIlroy’s sportsmanship-likeconduct, which Jack Nicklaus pegged when he said (via phoneinterview at the Open), “He’s humble when he needs to behumble, and he’s confident when he needs to be confident.”My hat goes off to anyone who can achieve that balance ofhumility and confidence, especially in times of extreme pres-sure.
Watching the Open on TV also reminded me that Iattended my first golf tournament this year, which was theFedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind. While I only made itout for the Seersucker Sunday portion, I can still say, “Man,what an experience!” From seeing the competitors up close towalking the beautiful course and witnessing a sudden deathplay-off, the event excelled at delivering a fine dose of fun forall ages, while raising money for a good cause to boot…seeingthe homemade “We love St. Jude” sign hanging from a house’sbalcony on the 18th hole brought it all home!
I guess all this golf watching goes to show that I’m upfor trying new things, which just so happens to be the case forall of this month’s interviewees. First, you’ll read about TonyBenedetti (page 22), a former Marine who decided to go outon a limb and start a nonprofit that honors deployed troopsfor their service, all while maintaining his day job. Next, you’lllearn about Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women’s CEO andadministrator, Anita Vaughn (page 24), who took a big chancewhen she decided to move from nursing into administration.Once you move past the StreetSeens to the Vox Popular, youwill be introduced to the Memphis College of Art’s newlyappointed president, Dr. Ron Jones (page 28), who not onlyaccepted this job at an age when most have given up careerchallenges, but moved to a city previously foreign to him.
Readers, I challenge each of you to take on somethingdifferent this month, whether that be actually visiting a placeyou’ve always talked about visiting, until now that is, or some-thing as simple as challenging yourself to sample a new culi-nary dish. Oh yeah, happy summer!
Leah [email protected]
From the Editor
Photo by Steve Roberts
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Paul EdelsteinArtist/Director at Paul Edelstein Studio and Gallery
SIGN
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HOBBY: Foreign languages.
PERSONAL HERO: King George VI.
FAVORITE MEMPHIS MUSICIAN: Elvis.
IDEAL VACATION SPOT: Hotel Bel-Air in L.A.
WORDS OR PHRASES YOU OVERUSE: “Oh wow.”
FIRST JOB: A clerk at A. Schwab on Beale (1978).
YOUR MANTRA: The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 100.
FAVORITE ALBUM: “Music for Airports” by Brian Eno.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Häagen-Dazs chocolate ice cream.
WHERE YOU TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS: Graceland.
FAVORITE AUTHOR: Eudora Welty (a 30-year friendship).
FIRST CONCERT: The Beatles at the Mid-South Coliseum (1965).
LAST BOOK YOU’VE READ: Prayer Changes Things by Charles L. Allen.
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH: Queen Elizabeth II.
MOVIE YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN: The Wizard of Oz.
YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: Shady Grove Presbyterian Church mural.
BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU’VE OVERCOME: Agoraphobia and Asperger’s syndrome.
ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I want to go back to live in
Louisville, where I was born.
HOBBY: Foreign languages.
PERSONAL HERO: King George VI.
FAVORITE MEMPHIS MUSICIAN: Elvis.
IDEAL VACATION SPOT: Hotel Bel-Air in L.A.
WORDS OR PHRASES YOU OVERUSE: “Oh wow.”
FIRST JOB: A clerk at A. Schwab on Beale (1978).
YOUR MANTRA: The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 100.
FAVORITE ALBUM: “Music for Airports” by Brian Eno.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Häagen-Dazs chocolate ice cream.
WHERE YOU TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS: Graceland.
FAVORITE AUTHOR: Eudora Welty (a 30-year friendship).
FIRST CONCERT: The Beatles at the Mid-South Coliseum (1965).
LAST BOOK YOU’VE READ: Prayer Changes Things by Charles L. Allen.
HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH: Queen Elizabeth II.
MOVIE YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN: The Wizard of Oz.
YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: Shady Grove Presbyterian Church mural.
BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU’VE OVERCOME: Agoraphobia and Asperger’s syndrome.
ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I want to go back to live in
Louisville, where I was born.
Paul EdelsteinArtist/Director at Paul Edelstein Studio and Gallery
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Ph
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PURSE PURSUITTHE SEASON FOR GARDEN PARTIES IS HERE, SO FLAUNT A PURSE THAT WILL MAKE YOU BLOOM.
PURSE PURSUITTHE SEASON FOR GARDEN PARTIES IS HERE, SO FLAUNT A PURSE THAT WILL MAKE YOU BLOOM.
Top Row (from left to right): Blue and White Chevron Striped Clutch by Melie Bianco-$53at More Therapy (901-682-2013); Honey/Yellow Bonaire Handbag by Yul Taylor-$325 atJames Davis (901-767-4640); Hotty Pink Dress to Impress Bag by Lilly Pulitzer-$98 at ThePink Door (901-682-2107); Bottom Row (from left to right): Pink Layla Purse by Big Buddha-$70 at Southern Couture (901-682-1128); Ivory Tote by Melie Bianco-$69 at Paisley (901-853-4911); Coral Dylan Cross Body Carryall by Linea Pelle Collection-$270 at Indigo
Top Row (from left to right): Blue and White Chevron Striped Clutch by Melie Bianco-$53at More Therapy (901-682-2013); Honey/Yellow Bonaire Handbag by Yul Taylor-$325 atJames Davis (901-767-4640); Hotty Pink Dress to Impress Bag by Lilly Pulitzer-$98 at ThePink Door (901-682-2107); Bottom Row (from left to right): Pink Layla Purse by Big Buddha-$70 at Southern Couture (901-682-1128); Ivory Tote by Melie Bianco-$69 at Paisley (901-853-4911); Coral Dylan Cross Body Carryall by Linea Pelle Collection-$270 at Indigo
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Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball80 Years StrongE
V E N T
Mary and Charles Davis Robert Tipton and Molly Martin
Holman Moores and Meredith Moreland Joe and Virginia Lopresti
Pam Cain and Steve Nix Don Chenault and Mary Rea
CROW
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ON B
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King John Hull Dobbs Jr. and Queen Kate Orgill SmithRichard Mallory and Mary Catherine Hughes Mary Lee and Jess Wesberry
See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Young ladies wearing stunning white gowns swirled around thereception area outside the ballroom at Hilton Memphis prior totheir presentation at Carnival Memphis’ 80th anniversary Crown &
Sceptre Coronation Ball. This kick-off event marked the beginning ofCarnival Week and was held with all the pomp and circumstance befit-ting royalty.
After the cocktail hour, the crowd of nearly 600 took their seatsaround tables covered with black cloths and adorned with burgundyrunners, which accentuated the colors bursting from the petals of thefragrant Stargazer lilies that made up the centerpieces. Sparkles werestrewn around the table, and a special anniversary program was at theplace of each guest.
Carnival President Jess Wesberry, in his opening remarks, an-nounced that the “party with a purpose” has raised $1.3 million forthe Carnival Memphis Children’s Charity Initiative since its creationin 1999. This year, the initiative included Hope House, MemphisAthletic Ministries and Shelby Residential Vocational Services.
The evening began with the presentation of King John Hull DobbsJr. and Queen Kate Orgill Smith, whose long velvet train was carefullycarried by her pages. Then, the 36 princesses were presented, most ofwhom were accompanied by their fathers, with their escorts followingclose behind. After the royal court was assembled, the princesses andtheir escorts processed out of the room, and the next phase of theprogram began.
Carnival kings and queens from years past were introduced andpaid homage to the 2011 king and queen, after which the kings andqueens of each of the Grand Krewes, along with their dukes andduchesses, were presented. The Secret Order of the Boll Weevils wasthe last group to enter, and each member brought a segment of whatwas constructed into a huge Boll Weevil, behind which appeared asimilar visage of King John and Queen Kate.
Once the royalty took their seats, a three-course dinner was inorder. A Bibb lettuce salad with avocado and crumbled feta cheeseserved with French dressing was followed by a tenderloin medallionwith a mushroom reduction, roasted creamed potatoes and asparagusspears. Dessert plates, each containing a variety of miniature sweets,finished off the dinner. After the tables were cleared, guests headedoff to the dance floor, where they continued to party well into thenight.
Story by Suzanne ThompsonPhotos by Don Perry
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E V E N T
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Cecil and Summer Godman
Ruthie Layman and Philip Cruzen Claudia and Hayley Efird
John Sill and Sharon Fewell Mike Honeycutt and Cathy Welsh Lisa and Ken Roberts
Amy and David Turner Christian Braunfisch and Maty Tipton
Janette and Bobby Krauch
Dee Stephens and Jim Woods
Jim and Amy Whittington
Karen Davis, Teresa Starnes and Mace Gearhardt
Audsley Dunavant and Bessie Bucholz
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E V E N T
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Vaughan and Joe Stewart
Martha and Dick Stobbs
Palmer Whittington and a Boll Weevil
Mike and Dr. Shelley Thannum
Deborah Tipton and Jay Cox
Jim and Janie Henderson with Meade Musgrave and Jay Wilson David Tate, Holly Tate and John Hunt
Elizabeth Gibson, Matt Burland, David Clarke and Florie Crump Hooper Jones, Suzanne Shelton and Robert Hummel
E V E N T
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Tara Bodansky and Ed Galfsky with Debbie and Barry Marshall
Drs. Charles and Melanie Woodall
Al Perry, Caroline Webb and Sally Perry
Kim and Andy MacQueen
Bud Cowgill and Marta Vinzant Michah Layman and Beth BomaritoWeetie Whittemore with Jim and Mimi Taylor
Blake Anderson, Anne Buttarazzi and Joe Orgill
Grayson Kisner, Hailey Jordan, Chandler Ince and Kaiden Kisner
Caroline Terry, Cory Yandell and Marilyn Kelley
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Tony BenedettiReigniting Family Bonds for Troops
AU.S. Marine for seven years, Tony Benedetti hassince traded his uniform and active duty for busi-ness attire and an IT recruiting job, but he hasn’t
abandoned his sense of commitment to fellow service-men. Rather, Benedetti devotes much of his free timeto Tickets for Troops, a nonprofit he started with hiswife Suzy three years ago after one eventful footballgame.
“I was at a UT game in Kentucky in ’06 whenthey asked military families to stand,” he recalls. “Iwent home thinking how cool it would be if we couldfind a unique way to say ‘thanks’ to troops.”
The resulting idea entailed providing welcomehome celebrations for families of Mid-South servicemembers returning from deployment, and so came thebirth of Tickets for Troops. To keep overhead minimal,the couple based the organization at their house andwent full speed ahead with accruing donations andsponsorships for family outings, complete with ticketsto activities like sporting events, dining vouchers andhotel stays. The celebrations cost on average between$100-$300, depending on the size of the family, andusually take place in a day, however the biggest cele-bration to date spanned a weekend.
Benedetti shares, “There was a Marine who hada son with an inoperable brain tumor and was onlygiven six months to live, so Tickets for Troops provid-ed a motorcycle escort from Millington to Memphis forthe family to have lunch at the Hard Rock Café, stay atThe Peabody, go to a Grizzlies game and get a behindthe scenes tour at the Memphis Zoo to feed thegiraffes.”
Tickets for Troops has given welcome homecelebrations to some 500 more families, each of whomhas been referred by family readiness coordinatorsfrom five different military bases and units aroundMemphis and from another in Paragould, Arkansas.These coordinators are military trained and take careof families left behind. Currently, there are 75 familiesfrom the Millington area alone that are dealing withthe struggles of separation due to deployment overseas,so Tickets for Troops is already planning a large groupcelebration for these individuals who left in Decemberof last year.
“At the height last year, 15,000 troops weredeployed from Tennessee,” notes Benedetti.
For several families to enjoy an outing together,Tickets for Troops has hosted events such as a Collier-ville Veterans Celebration and a U of M FootballMilitary Appreciation Game, but Benedetti’s goal is toadd additional Military Appreciation Games at othervenues and gain access to a suite at FedExForum forall events.
He points out, “To see families that are goingthrough some of the toughest times of their lives beable to relax and not worry about the expenses associ-ated with an event is priceless.”
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
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Anita VaughnA Proponent of Women’s Health Care
Friends can often prove a great resource when facedwith life choices, and for Anita Vaughn, a BaptistMemorial Health Care employee for 38 years, that
observation couldn’t ring truer, especially when itcame to time to choose a career. As Vaughn remem-bers, she was unsure about what job to pursue post-graduation from Central High School, and then a girl-friend announced plans to attend Baptist MemorialHospital School of Nursing. Vaughn responded with“That sounds good,” and her own career in health careensued.
Since graduating from nursing school, Vaughnhas become that special friend for many patients whohave come through the doors of the various BaptistHospital outposts where she has worked since 1973,beginning with her stint as an ICU nurse. By 1985,Vaughn transitioned into more administrative roles,though she felt reluctant to do so at first knowing howhappy she was taking care of patients. Vaughn man-aged to take on each of her newfound roles with gusto,from director of Practice Management for BaptistMemorial Health Care to administrator of ManagedHealth and Wellness, to name a few, and found she fitwell in the administrative environment. Never didVaughn dream she would be asked in 1998 to lead theplanning and development team for Baptist MemorialHospital for Women, ultimately becoming its CEO andadministrator.
“It was very intimidating to be part of theplanning stage, and I wanted to be back in the hospi-tal so bad,” she tells.
Vaughn emphasizes that the planning processcentered on teamwork and that Baptist employees hadlots of input into the design. She also proudly men-tions that the first person she hired was a female engi-neer, as incorporating feminine touches, such as afountain in the lobby and lots of sunlit, graciousspaces, into the facility was crucial. A quality projectfrom the beginning, the only design features needed in10 years (May marked the hospital’s 10th anniversary)have been extra walls, installed due to HIPAA privacyand security rules.
“The biggest compliment is when the physi-cians here call it their hospital,” Vaughn divulges.
Proud of leading a hospital solely devoted towomen from maternity care to gynecological surgery,Vaughn has been instrumental in making servicesmore accessible by offering a satellite location atMacy’s Oak Court and a mobile mammography unit. ABreast Risk Management Center has also been incorpo-rated for those at high risk for breast cancer, as well asa weekly Multi-Disciplinary Conference, where doctorsfrom competing practices discuss breast cancer casesand arrive at the best treatment plan, giving womensecond and third opinions that are of no cost to insur-ance companies. The list of achievements could go on,and Vaughn would probably say she has more toaccomplish, but one thing she’s already mastered ismaking people feel like they matter.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
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AT THE AVENUEFR DAYS
EVERY
FRIDAYNIGHTTHRU OCT 28
JULY 1 Screen on the Green Outdoor Movie | 8:15 PM
JULY 8 Live at The Avenue featuring Elmo & The Shades | 6 PM JULY 15Screen on the Green Outdoor Movie | 8:15 PM JULY 22Family Fun Night featuring Wild Willy | 6 PM
JULY 29Screen on the Green Outdoor Movie | 8:05 PM
carriagecrossing.shoptheavenue.comfacebook.com/avenuecarriagecrossing
Don’t have a mobile code reader? Visit www.getscanlife.com on your mobile phone’s browser to get a FREE mobile code reader.
Scan to be directly connected or visit fridaysattheavenue.com for a complete event line-up and movie listing.
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8:15 PM
8:15 PM
| 8:15 PM|
Live at The Avenue featuring Elmo & The Shades Live at The Avenue featuring Elmo & The Shades
6 PM 6 PM
8:15 PM
6 PM | Live at The Avenue featuring Elmo & The Shades
8:05 PM
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Vox PopularQ&A with Dr. Ron JonesVO
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RSVP: What peaked your interest about the president job at MCA?
Jones: I was ready for a change, but I wasn’t thinking so muchabout a private art school. I was thinking more about another dean-ship because I enjoyed being dean; I’ve done it for a lot of years,and I’ve always found satisfaction in it. A search firm, which I’dworked with for a long time, called me and told me about MCA, andI told them I wasn’t really interested. They waited about 10 daysand called me back, and they said things they didn’t say the firsttime. I think the second time they figured out what would sell meon MCA, and I’m glad they did.
RSVP: What did thesearch firm say that soldyou on MCA?
Jones: What they said thatsold me was it was small,the school gets along andis almost there, but it justneeds help getting towhere it wants to go. Ithought that that waswhere I wanted to go formy next opportunity. Ihad never been toMemphis before and cer-tainly didn’t know what toexpect, so it’s been alearning experience fromthe first moment I gothere. And then, the firstday, I went to the Nation-al Civil Rights Museum,and that was the equiva-lent of the most powerful thing I’ve ever experienced in a settinglike that, which was at the United States Holocaust MemorialMuseum in Washington.
RSVP: Why take on a new city and a new job at 68 years old?
Jones: I wanted another experience. It was time for me to do some-thing different—a new challenge. You can create your own chal-lenges, and we all do that in our jobs, but there is something kindof exciting that’s different when there’s a new opportunity you setfor yourself, where you don’t know anyone and start at ground zero.It causes juices to flow that you don’t normally experience.
RSVP: How would you compare thestudent body at MCA to that at theCollege of Arts at the University of South Florida in Tampa, whereyou most recently served as dean?
Jones: There’s not one size that fits all for students going to college.I think the majority of students really don’t pick the school tomatch what they want—it’s just the school someone sends them to,it’s the closest one or the one their friends went to. The Universityof South Florida is a gigantic 50,000-student university/researchinstitution. Everything that’s done there is done with an emphasis
on research and scholar-ship, and the pressures arenot only immense on thefaculty, but on the stu-dents to engage in newkinds of things, etc. If theinstitution has a focus onresearch, it’s very difficultfor it to be about individ-ual students, who they areand what moves them for-ward. So, the MCA job issuch an exciting opportu-nity for me and is kind ofa full cycle for me becauseI started out as a studentin a small art departmentwith a small faculty, withcloseness and concern andattention to me as an indi-vidual who was unique anddifferent from others. Now,I’m back in that same kindof institution, and the stu-
dents who are here—you’ve got to remember I haven’t met them inan extended way because when I got here they were leaving, but Imet them at other times in the interview process—are different. It’sclear they’re different in several ways. They picked to come here,which shows much more intentionality, and what they know they’regetting here kind of redefines them as students—they are passionateabout and consumed by the discipline, and the faculty are too. It’s acommunity of people who are absolutely engaged in that experiencethat each of those individual students has, with the faculty thinkingabout how to nourish it and move it forward and the student think-ing about how to take the next step. In a research institution, thosethings happen, but with only the top 10 percent of undergraduates.
It seems like school just let out for summer, but Memphis College of Art’s new president, Dr. Ron Jones,already has student move-in day (August 17) on his mind. Having relocated from Tampa to Memphis in themiddle of May, Dr. Jones missed meeting much of the current student body, so the desire to connect with
students remains ever-present. The Class of 2015 will be particularly special for the MCA president because hesays its members are the ones starting with him, in addition to several new faculty members. RSVP editor LeahFitzpatrick caught up with Dr. Jones at MCA as he adapts to his new surroundings, which seem to suit thebow-tie wearing administrator just fine considering his evolving need for a professional challenge in the artworld. When asked how he fell in favor with the arts in the first place, he said, “At an early age, I started mak-ing marks on paper that looked like something and became the class artist by the first grade. By the 12thgrade, it was inevitable I would do something art-related—fate had spoken.” Now is his moment to recognizeand propel the talents of others who share his love of the creative process.
Photos by Don Perry
Photos by Don Perry
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VOX
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RSVP: What is the most imme-diate item on your agendagoing into next semester?
Jones: Probably three things.One is internal, and that is tohelp the faculty and staff havea greater voice and understand-ing of what we’re trying to do.In my judgment, it needs to befine-tuned a little bit, that’s all.Then, there needs to be acrisper vision for the college—crisper so that we can allunderstand what we’re doingand the direction we’re going,and crisper so that the boardcan subscribe to and support itand that the public and stu-dents can better understandwhat the next year and thenext year will be like. The thirdthing has to do with what peo-ple know about MCA and ourreputation. It seems like witheach step away from Midtown,there’s less understandingabout MCA. I’m exaggerating,but the truth is MCA is veryregional in terms of its reputa-tion, and it has no reason to beregional. It’s a great, greatschool, but we’re small, so it’sa lot harder to get nationallynoticed.
RSVP: How does an art institu-tion like MCA benefit the com-munity?
Jones: The answer that comesto mind is actually not artsrelated. The budget here isaround $13 million, whichcycles through the communityin several ways with every dol-lar going through the hands oftwo or three people and all ofour faculty who live in thisarea. I think we are a signifi-cant part of the economy. Any$13 million corporation wouldbe considered importantenough to take notice of, butthat’s not really our value. Ourvalue is more intangible, butit’s extremely important. We’repart of a higher education com-munity that enriches Memphisand the Memphis area, andthen our specific interest in artmeans that we generate anunusual number of people inthis community focused onartistic kinds of qualities andaesthetic qualities. That’simportant because you can’t
My story almost ended before it was time.Like most people who experience heart attacks, I’d heard all the warnings. I just never did
anything to change. But when the chest pains started that morning in 2008,
I knew there was no more ignoring it.
My wife drove me to the ER at Baptist Memphis. Within minutes, I was being rushed
to the cardiac care unit, where a cardiac specialist inserted a stent. It all happened so fast.
Looking back, their immediate response literally saved my life.
Of course, I’m grateful for the kind and compassionate care I received, but it didn’t end there.
Today, through the Baptist Cardiac Rehab program, I’ve redirected my entire life.
I’m exercising, eating better, minimizing stress, and most important, listening to my doctor.
Thanks to the Baptist Heart Institute team’s incredible response time,
I was given a second chance. Thanks to their cardiac rehab program, I’m making the most of it.
S H A R E Y O U R S T O R Y .
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find any great city wherethe arts aren’t a greatpart of that city. We arecontributing in a uniqueway because every citydoesn’t have a college ofart, so Memphis is oneup on many communities.
RSVP: What kinds of pro-grams does MCA offer tothe general public?
Jones: We have a chil-dren’s program and anadult continuing educa-tion program. We alsohave a program downtownthat’s interesting. It’s aprogram to help train teachers that are out in the county andcity schools to get professional development experience, to learnnew things about art and to train them for classroom manage-ment.
RSVP: Currently, are you a member of any arts organizations?
Jones: I just ended a two-year presidency in the InternationalCouncil of Fine Arts Deans. I’m in my first year of co-chairingthe Arts Education Council of Americans for the Arts, which islike the lobbying organization for all of the arts in America. Acouple of weeks ago there was legislation in Congress to doaway with the National Endowment for the Arts budget.Americans for the Arts mobilized everyone in America to putpressure on members of Congress to reverse and not supportthat bill that was put forth. Because of those two organizations,I have been to the White House a couple of times, and I’veworked with the National Endowment for the Arts people andlater on did things with the Department of Education and thePresident’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. I amone week away from a national art blog post for the Americansfor the Arts Blog [blog.artsusa.org] about Mayor Whartonbecause I was so impressed with him when I met him. Thispost will really be about mayors who give lip service to the arts,but I will be using Mayor Wharton as a good example of amayor who has demonstrated over and over that he’s really dedi-cated to the arts in a way that’s unique and for the long term.
RSVP: Will you be writing any more about the arts in thefuture?
Jones: I probably will. What I really want to do, but I have tospend some time testing it here, relates to something I’ve beendoing for two years, which is working with people across thecountry about what the outcomes should be of an arts educa-tion. For example, I want to be able to tell students who cometo MCA for four years what they’ll be able to do with theirdegree and be specific about it. What happens in studios andclassrooms will be guided and formed by what is expected pro-fessionally, whether it’s a desire to be a painter, a designer or avideographer. Art schools have been a little lax in how carefullythey examine what happens post-graduation, so through a longextended process where I’ve utilized deans across the country toreview my ideas, I’ve come up with about a dozen different out-comes. The info would make up about 12 chapters in a book,and I keep thinking that this is inevitably where this info willbe. For right now, I’m going to see if I can get MCA to movefrom where they are to really addressing these 12 things in such
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a way that we can reallydemonstrate to everyone thatthis is legitimate, logical andreasonable. I’m still in theexperiment part of it though,so I’m obviously not going towrite a book yet.
RSVP: Can you share one ofyour 12 outcomes of an artseducation?
Jones: One of them is that bythe time a student graduates,we should be confident thatthey can step into and utilizethe networks that exist region-ally and nationally that putthem in positions to have suc-cessful opportunities. Thosedon’t come from want ads inthe paper or from making acold call to someone aftergraduation. They come fromus putting together experi-ences over a four-year periodwhere students get to knowpeople in networks that areright for them, so by the timethey graduate, they shouldhave business cards, cellphone numbers, know peoplewho are part of networks close-ly related to what their style isand what their temperamentis. Right now, this happens,but in a very disorganized way.If you say, “Now, what do Ido?” after you graduate, that’sterrible. If a student is in thatsituation, then it’s a fault ofthe educational system. Stu-dents should know before theygraduate what they’ll be doing.You see, being an artist is notlike a lot of professions wherethere are job advertisements orjob fairs.
RSVP: What would you likeyour mark to be on the artworld?
Jones: I’m not interested inmaking a mark on the artworld, but I would be veryproud if I make a mark oneach of the students who grad-uate at MCA. A group of facul-ty and staff are also workingincredibly hard—they’re verytalented and committed peo-ple—to move this group of stu-dents through a set of experi-ences that will make a real dif-ference in their lives, in theirfuture and in their families.
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Wesley and Matt Wadeat JDRF Promise Ball
Ryne Clark, Nick Saban and Bill Clarkat Steak n’ Burger Dinner
ONSITE Onsite
Fred and Lynn Smithat Steak n’ Burger Dinner
John and Becky Iosue with Vanessa and Jim Hawkinsat Arts in the Garden Party
Beth Watts and Anna Harrisat Taste of Jubilee
Denise and Mitch Omar with Paige and Mike Omarat Arts in the Garden Party
Steak n’ Burger Dinner Arts in the Garden PartyJDRF Promise Ball Taste of Jubilee
The Racquet Club of Memphis was packed to therafters with guests who turned out for the 40th annu-
al Steak n’ Burger Dinner, benefiting the Boys & GirlsClub of Greater Memphis. During a VIP reception,Nick Saban, University of Alabama Head FootballCoach, posed for pictures and signed footballs. Sabanwas the host and speaker at the event, which honoredthe citywide Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year,Shannon Wright.
The weather was almost as beautiful as the sur-roundings at the Arts in the Garden Party held atMorgreen Nursery in Collierville. The event, which ben-efited the Paige Robbins Adult Day Care Center, wasfilled with art lovers who strolled through the lush gar-dens as they perused artwork. Guests sipped on wineand Champagne as they enjoyed the canapés beingoffered on silver trays by servers moving throughoutthe crowd. Chefs Sam Long and Brian Harwell donatedtheir services preparing epicurean delights such assalmon with herbed Boursin cheese on pita trianglestopped with pistachios, smoked turkey meatballs,sausage quesadillas and spinach-artichoke topped crosti-ni.
At the entrance to the 11th annual JuvenileDiabetes Research Foundation Promise Ball atAgricenter International, guests walked through an O-shaped archway, part of a huge, black wooden OO7 dis-play complete with a gun hitch pointing out the theme,“License to Cure.”BMWs lined the hall to the silentauction area, where cocktail tables were topped withgiant martini glasses and the bars were serving upOO7’s signature drink—martinis shaken, not stirred.Partygoers were then ushered into an area transformedinto a ballroom, Casino Royale-style. A spirited live auc-tion was conducted during dinner, which was cateredby Erling Jensen. Attorney David Wade, who has twodaughters with juvenile diabetes, was the night’s hon-oree.
More than 500 supporters of the Diocese ofMemphis’ Jubilee Schools gathered at the Pink PalaceMuseum to celebrate the success of the program, nowmarking its 12th year. Entitled “Taste of Jubilee,” theparty that benefits the Blue Streak Scholarship Fundkicked off with entertainment by the delightfulResurrection Catholic School Choir, followed byChristian Brothers High School’s Brother Joel McGrawtinkling the ivories. Meanwhile, many guests participat-ed in a silent auction or enjoyed tastings from 20-plusarea restaurants, including Thyme Bistro’s Cubanbruschetta, Jim’s Place Grille’s Souflima, Rendezvous’popular sausage and cheeses and Erling Jensen’s black-ened flank steak with Andouille bread pudding. Mid-South favorite Gerry Finney and his band rounded outthe night with a superb performance.
Story by Ruth Cassin and Suzanne ThompsonPhotos by Roy Haithcock and Suzanne Thompson
Greg and Amy Croneat Taste of Jubilee
Matt and Evlyn Vander Vliet, David and Benlyn Wade and Drs. Julie Kate and Chad Websterat JDRF Promise Ball
Jenna and Austin Lowryat Taste of Jubilee
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BROO
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E V E N T Brooks Grand Auction
A Fine Finale
Lynn and Lisa Shaw, Kent Ritchey and Hal Lewis
Denise and Don Carpenter
Jodi and Carter Kirk
Wendi and Marc Mihalko
Larkin and Kimberly Grisanti
Mary Trotz and Joanna Lipman
Denise Wheeler and Jordan Barre
Sarah and Ryan Strain
Jan and Al Lyons
It’s not uncommon to see elegance, art and great wine collide atthe Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, but when it happens on awarm spring evening with celebration already in the air, it’s sim-
ply grand. The Brooks Grand Auction seemed aptly named. About 300 museum supporters opened the event by strolling
the rotunda, which was stocked with regal displays of wine and hothors d’oeuvres. Guests arrived in a bright array of cocktail attire,with bold-striped blazers and casual slacks for gents and short sum-mery dresses and sandals for the ladies. A handful or two camesporting their “Believe Memphis” shirts in honor of the Grizzlies’latest victory over Oklahoma City earlier in the day. In fact, theentire event was specifically postponed by two hours so that guestscould enjoy the game, resulting in an added measure of energy dur-ing the auction.
Partygoers nibbled on noshes of bruschetta, pork tenderloin,fried green tomatoes and other tasty treats offered by fine localrestaurants like Cortona, Napa Café, Felicia Suzanne’s, Grove Grilland Interim. Twomey Cellars offered a variety of wines from caber-net to pinot grigio for sipping while the crowd took in a silent auc-tion featuring original works of art and more wine by the bottle.Brooks staff, including director Cameron Kitchin and chief curatorMarina Pacini, mingled with attendees, who eagerly awaited theirturn to bid on the treasures to come.
Outside on the museum’s front terrace, a massive white tenthad been decorated with plush black carpeting and towering floralcenterpieces of hydrangea buds and, of course, more art, to welcomeguests into the main event—the grand auction. For this portion,guests found that most of the auctioned paintings were appropriate-ly wine-themed, and one piece of art was even created right beforeviewers’ eyes. The wine theme was carried out at dining tables, witheach place setting set with a myriad of wine glasses for the manycourses to come. And once the cork was popped, there was no stop-ping the excitement of the bidding as piece after piece found its wayinto new homes.
Story by Jonathan DevinPhotos by Don Perry
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Mike Dragutsky, Chris Klingenstein and Beni Dragutsky
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Lindsey McGrew with James and Kristi Carmichael
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E V E N T
Leslie and Michael Mullis
Chantal and Jeff Johnson
Jenny and Bubba Ezzell
Jerry and Danielle DonaldDan Flick and Jennifer Wright
Mark Hatgas and Donna Lillard
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Gift of Life GalaA Night of ThanksE
V E N T
Bryan Eskew and Britnee Peters Charles and Tonya Holmes
Claire and Dr. James Eason Dino and Christine Tashie
Courtney and Daniel Stanton Stacey Payton and Robin Williams
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Matthew Dunn, Stacie Denton, Thomas Neblett and Bill DentonCorinna and Dr. Luis Campos Sally Morris and Pete Dunn
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When the average person thinks of a gift, he or she probably con-jures up an image of a special item wrapped in a box. However,for those who have received a new kidney or other type of organ
transplant, the word “gift” holds a much deeper meaning—that of asecond chance at life. One can imagine then the nature of the storiestold by both recipients and donors at the 2011 Gift of Life Gala, host-ed by the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee for 230 sup-porters at The Peabody.
This year, the foundation fittingly selected the MethodistUniversity Hospital Transplant Institute (in partnership with theUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center) as its Gift of LifeAward honoree for the institute’s success with kidney, liver, kidney-pancreas and pancreas transplants. Dr. James Eason, the institute’sprogram director since 2006, accepted the award on behalf ofMethodist, which holds one of the highest post-transplant patientsurvival rates of any hospital in the country. While accepting theaccolade, Dr. Eason, said, “I’m grateful this is a team honor,” and itwas indeed, as half of the Grand Ballroom accommodated members ofthe hospital’s transplant surgical and medical team, as well as theirfamilies.
The program also highlighted several amazing individualswho shared their stories about giving and receiving the gift of life.First up was Thomas Neblett, a 20-year-old man who talked about hisdiagnosis with FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) at age 11.Neblett said the disease eventually affected his kidney’s ability to func-tion enough so that he needed a transplant. As it turned out,Matthew Dunn, another speaker at the gala, heard about Neblett’sneed for a kidney and ended up donating his.
Of his graciousness to his donor and his doctors, Neblett said,“Before surgery, I heard that Memphis was the best place to have thistransplant, and I can’t thank you enough.”
Christine Tashie took to the podium as the third speaker andpacked a punch with the crowd as she relayed her son Ryan’s battlewith kidney disease. Tashie’s husband Dino turned out to be thedonor Ryan needed, so he donated a kidney to his son. A short slideshow aired detailing the family’s experience.
The message was brought even closer to home, as attendeesviewed other organ recipients’ pictures and stories in frames placed inthe center of each table. For added emphasis, two quilt panels wereon display in the lobby from the national Patches of Love campaign,which the foundation president, Susan Smith, encouraged guests toview when she said, “These panels are an ever-growing memorial ofthose who donated tissues or organs after death.”
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry
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Michael and Teresa Loving Tina Sandoval and Adam Gonzales Rorgan Neal and Landrus Burress
Whitney Jordan and Leigh Anne McGill Tezra and Edward Woody Jeannine and Rob Brooks
Gail King and Dr. Pamela Sylvestre
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THEA
TRE
MEM
PHIS
GAL
AE V E N T Theatre Memphis Gala
“Variety: A Mega Mix and Mingle”
Kelly Phillips, Ann Marie Hall and Erin Shelton
Christie Fair and Lindsay Mitchell
Thad and Lydia Gaillard
Evelyn Hadley and Jim Frommel
Kristin and Angelo Rapan
Anne Piper and Carroll White
Bob and Cheryl Bowen
Eric and Emily Pettet
Donn and Faye Southern
Accented by regal turquoise tablecloths and other décor, varietywas the chosen palette of the evening for the annual TheatreMemphis Gala. Titled “Variety: A Mega Mix and Mingle at
Theatre Memphis,” the fund-raiser kept folks dazzled until time toturn into a pumpkin at the theater located on Perkins Extended inEast Memphis.
From the spread of lamb chops and beef tenderloin to thesilent and live auctions that included a mink coat and a cruiser bicy-cle, variety was unmistakably served to fans and supporters of thestage. But where the troupe really shone was in the entertainmentarena. Acts for the evening included comedian Larry Clark, chanteu-se Susan Marshall, aerial artist Val Russell and men’s a cappellagroup RSVP.
“We tried to keep everything for our performances locallybased,” said the theater’s director of marketing and communica-tions, Randall Hartzog. “Everything we’re going to see tonight arelocal Memphis people who have created their own niche in theentertainment world. And there’s so much–variety.”
After everyone had visited the cocktail buffet, filled their bid-ding cards and had been fully entertained, the evening culminatedin desserts and dancing on the big stage to the tunes of the SusanMarshall Band.
“The night passed quickly and everyone seemed to be havinggreat fun, so I’d say it was a huge success,” Hartzog said. “We couldnot have done this without the help of many, many volunteers, so Ithank them for their devotion to Theatre Memphis.”
“There was something for everyone and it was all to benefita great cause, our artistic product, and we’re the oldest and mostrecognized theater in the city,” added executive producer DebbieLitch.
Story by Lesley YoungPhotos by Don Perry
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THEA
TRE
MEM
PHIS
GAL
AE V E N T
Melissa and John Moore
Harold and Susan Edwards
Travis Bradley and Jordan Nichols
John and Whitney KoskiTeresa and Mac Bailey
Jack Kendall, Andre Ward, Debbie Litch, Gary Beard and Joe Lackie Christi, Carly and Austin Hall
Ed Hanna, Dion Murray and Ken Cummins Kyle Schorman with Hallie and Dan Conaway
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Kari, John, Anna Kathryn, William and Stephen Underwoodat Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast
Abigail Smith and Laura Harris at United Housing Evening at the Theater
ONSITEOnsite
Jan and Dick Tillmanat CMOM Flashback Party
Tom and Liz Baker with Denise and Harold Ware at CMOM Flashback Party
Gerry Thomas and Hilda Mullenat Duration Fine Arts Club Spring Luncheon
Bill Widdop, Ruthie Samana, Judy Blythe and Randy McKeelat CMOM Flashback Party
Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast CMOM Flashback PartyUnited Housing Evening at the Theater Duration Fine Arts Spring Luncheon
Guests were urged to “Step Right Up!” at the LeBonheur Miracle Maker Blast for a circus-themed
affair that was all about family. The annual event tookplace this spring at the Pink Palace Museum andserved as a celebratory occasion for families who com-peted throughout the year to raise the most money forLe Bonheur Children’s Hospital in the hopes of beingnamed the Miracle Maker Family of the Year. This year,the competitors included the Aylor family (Paul,Jennifer and Sydni), the Banks family (Christopher,Kimberly, Nicole and Christopher Jr.), the Eggers fami-ly (Hamilton, Ashley, Lilli and Hamilton Jr.), the Joycefamily (Jeff, Kathryn, Katie and Lillie) and theUnderwood family (John, Kari, Anna Kathryn, Stephenand William).
The Children’s Museum of Memphis debutedits party for the young at heart, appropriately dubbedthe Flashback Party. The Avenue Carriage Crossingserved as the title sponsor for the gathering that regis-tered high on the fun factor scale, with a wine pull,lots of groovy ‘60s tunes, door prizes and tasty nibblesby Central BBQ, Café Society, the Uptown Grocer andBoscos. All proceeds, which came in at $14,000, bene-fited CMOM, which is already gearing up for its biggestfund-raiser, Cirque du CMOM, scheduled for February2012.
A year after combining the Duration Club andDur-Arts into the Duration Fine Arts Club, the organi-zation remains steadfast to its mission of bringing highquality arts-related experiences to its members, like itdid at the recent Duration Fine Arts Spring Luncheon.Held at the University Club, the luncheon program fea-tured vocalist Terri Theil, who belted out a vast reper-toire of Broadway tunes, and pianist Mary LawrenceFlinn. Afterward, outgoing president Hilda Mullen pre-sented a check from the group to Theil to go towardthe Second Conservatory of Music (at SecondPresbyterian Church), with the installation of officersrounding out the agenda. “We’ve had an absolutelywonderful year, which has been a year of change,”Mullen said, as she handed over the reins to GerryThomas, the new Duration Fine Arts president.
Friends of United Housing sponsored the annu-al United Housing Evening at the Theater, which show-cased a special dress rehearsal performance by the castof The 39 Steps at Circuit Playhouse. Prior to curtaincall, patrons mingled in the lobby with cocktails inhand and eyes tempted by “chance auction” goodies.Board members and United Housing executive directorTim Bolding greeted attendees and thanked them forcoming out for an event that helps the nonprofit con-tinue its efforts as an affordable housing agency.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Nancy Chamblin and Betty Lou Jones at Duration Fine Arts Club Spring Luncheon
Bob Coleman, Melinda Rutland and Laura and Tim Bolding at United Housing Evening at the Theater
Jennifer, Sydni and Paul Aylor at Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast
´
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Jim and Christina Hallat Spring into Green
Doug and Melanie Schrank with Susan and Bryan Larryat Connections: Earth and Sky
ONSITE Onsite
Ann and Mason Hawkins with Dorothy Gunther Pughat Connections: Earth and Sky
Linda Blankenship and Taylor Bunchat COMEC Dance Party
Lynn Rivalto Long, Katharine Taylor and Betsy Arthurat Pegasus Spring Luncheon
Jessica Fredericks, Selena Silvestro and Michelle Robinsonat COMEC Dance Party
Pegasus Spring Luncheon Connections: Earth and SkySpring into Green COMEC Dance Party
Moods inside the Racquet Club of Memphis were asbright as the day of the Pegasus Spring Luncheon
and Fashion Show. The queen and princesses of theGermantown Charity Horse Show first were presentedwearing their white gowns. Then, they all donnedclothes from the Shops of Saddle Creek and drapedthemselves in Mednikow jewelry to strut their stuff onthe runway. The silent auction, which featured itemsincluding a garden starter kit arranged in a bird cage,a Himalayan Salt Lamp and, of course, a stunning oilpainting of a horse, closed at the end of the fashionshow.
Although the weather felt more like early winterthan spring as temperatures dipped into the 50s, BalletMemphis dancers, who performed outside, didn’t let itslow them down. Drawing the Ballet Memphis 24th sea-son to a close, Connections: Earth and Sky, held at theMemphis Zoo, began in the lodge at Teton Trek withcocktails and appetizers. A sumptuous meal providedby Karen Blockman Carrier followed, however balletfans who did not attend the dinner gathered with pic-nics on blankets to watch the show, which featuredthree separate segments each by different choreogra-phers about earth, water and sky.
Spring into Green, a juried art show that was acollaborative effort between First Unity Church ofMemphis and the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, wasa booming success, with planners intending to make itan annual event. “We want to feature local Memphisartists and support the Greenline,” said Ronna Zinn,one of the volunteers. In addition to a silent auction, adelicious buffet was available, and the goal of the eventwas definitely realized because hot pink “SOLD” signswere going up everywhere.
Kids and parents alike hit the dance floor at theOwings Life Enrichment Center in Germantown for agood cause: to raise funds for the Commission onMissing and Exploited Children. Dance hits were inready supply thanks to DJ Kerry Rogers of MemphisDJs, which was just fine with Michelle Robinson, whogot the “Best Dancer” honors, and for LindaBlankenship and niece Taylor Bunch, a duo that pickedup the “Best Dance Team” award. Other activitiesincluded a silent auction and entertainment by StudioB Dance, teen singing sensation Brittany Russell, theRenegades of Rhythm Drum Line, Desert Rose DanceCompany and the Mid-South Buccaneers. Sweet andSassy also provided complimentary updos, with Angelaand Rick Webster, along with daughters Rayna andRayven, winning the “Best Hair Contest” with theirretro look.
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick and Suzanne ThompsonPhotos by Tran Bui, Selena Silvestro
and Suzanne Thompson
Lisa Moffat, Sandra Harcrow, Dianne Green and Dorothy Claytonat Pegasus Spring Luncheon
Bobby and Elizabeth Rouse, Jan and Ron Coleman and Katie Maxwellat Connections: Earth and Sky
Lisa Bertagna, Seth Green and Kerry Peeplesat Spring into Green
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Jesse and Michell Jenkins with Brian and Jennifer Klimanat Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
Ham and Julia Smytheat An Evening of Classic Soul
ONSITEOnsite
John and Kim Brewerat An Evening of Classic Soul
John Flanagan, Lisa Bouchier-Hayes, Shelly Burr and Melissa Pourpakat Memphis Brewfest
Tim and Pat Corriganat St. Jude Gala
Joy Simon, Ellen Douglas, Nicole Fox and Karen Vincentat Memphis Brewfest
An Evening of Classic Soul Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival Memphis Brewfest St. Jude Gala
With 14 soul legends hitting the stage and more than700 guests strutting it on The Peabody dance floor,
R&B singer Peabo Bryson knows how to throw a birth-day party. Actually, Bryson’s 60th birthday fell in linewith The MED Foundation’s special benefit, so theyjoined forces to create An Evening of Classic Soul.Singers such as Percy Sledge, Dee Dee Sharp and TheNew Temptations Review, featuring Dennis Edwards,delighted the crowd with classic hits in an effort toraise close to $150,000 for the hospital’s advanced med-ical technology, training and improvements. David Gestemceed the event, and other highlights included silentand live auctions and a seated dinner.
Nothing lets Mid-Southerners know spring ishere quite like eating mudbugs at the Rajun CajunCrawfish Festival. Held at Wagner Place, the free festi-val benefits the Porter-Leath Children’s Center, offeringbuckets of crawfish for $15 and a gumbo-cooking con-test for a small entry fee. For those who had a low tol-erance for the sun and a big appetite for the crus-taceans, Harrah’s provided VIP tickets, which gaveaccess to a covered tent with tables, all-you-can eatcrawfish, gumbo and drinks. Lafayette’s Bayou Boysand Webb Dalton supplied the entertainment.
From brewing to tasting to pouring, beer can beas much about art as it can be about fun—the MemphisBrewfest managed to be about both. The festival offered100-plus beers at AutoZone Park to benefit ParentProject Muscular Dystrophy and the Memphis RedbirdsFoundation. Upon entering, “hops heads” were given asmall glass and had the opportunity to hit two dozenstations where they could notice the appearance,aroma, taste and texture of ales, lagers, stouts andBelgian brews. Food from various vendors was offeredto maintain sampling stamina, and taxis were wiselynearby afterward.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital operateson a $1.6 million budget daily, with more than 70 per-cent of that cost covered by public contributions. Itsannual fund-raising gala, now called the Memphis St.Jude Gala, is a key player in those operating costs sothat no child has to be denied treatment. The eventtakes place at The Peabody with live and silent auc-tions, and this year proved to be as grand as ever. Thedinner, which included speared petit filet of beef withcabernet jus and herb crusted salmon with basil merlotglaze, had that Peabody verve, and guests were wowedby the playful piano renderings of Jason D. Williamsand the Party Planet band. Phil Cannon, tournamentdirector of the FedEx St. Jude Classic, took home theMarguerite Piazza Healing Rose Award, joining theranks of Danny Thomas, Marilyn and Jack Belz andRichard Shadyac.
Story and photos by Lesley Young
Debbie Simmons, Phil Cannon and Rachel Plantat St. Jude Gala
Dave and Judy Sypkens, Darlene Pruett and Mike Whitfieldat An Evening of Classic Soul
Kevin Barbee, Ashley James and Richard Holdenat Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
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By Dennis PhillippiRSVP
HILL
IPPI
SUPERNERDHere’s a confession that will come as a
surprise to almost no one: As a kid, Iwas a huge comic book nerd. At one
point, I had hundreds of comics in mytreasure trove. Now, I didn’t keep thecomics in those special little plasticsleeves or insist that anyone touchingthem use the kind of care reserved forinfants and baby birds. I wasn’t that kindof nerd.
I was the kind of nerd who rereadcomics over and over, obsessing over everydetail and plot development. My friendsand I would dissect each issue, searchingfor portents and hints, and then we’d dis-cuss the potential impact of these develop-ments on the lives of the superheroesinvolved. I was that kind of nerd.
Eventually, real books came alongand then girls, and that was that for meand Daredevil and his gang. In fact, I canpoint to the exact moment when I madethe transition from comic nerdom to chas-ing-girls-unsuccessfully nerdom. It waswhen I gave my entire collection, hundredsof comics, to Molly Wharton’s little broth-er because I wanted to come over to hishouse and watch his older sister walkaround in a swimsuit. This was an exten-sive collection, with some issues thatwould probably be valuable to other nerdsnow, but I was aging out of the interestand Molly looked really, really good in abikini.
I mention all of this because itseems like every movie that opens numberone this summer is based on a comicbook, and more to the point, they all seemto be based on comics that were popularwhen I was reading them, in the mid-70s.Think about it, when was the last time yousaw a kid reading a comic book? The onlyperson I ever see flipping through a comicbook is me, at a drug store waiting for aprescription to be filled, reading a comicbecause I don’t want to be caught lookingthrough Cosmo.
And even now, the comics are stillpopulated by the same heroes they wereback then, Super and Spider men, Xgroups and other various irradiated ormutated people in tights. That’s right,unlike in the movies, these guys still sitaround during their downtime in tights.And masks. In films, that was never goingto fly. Ever since Tim Burton re-imagined
Batman as Michael Keaton in rubber mus-cles, the Spandex thing has been out thewindow, and rightly so. Except for ScarlettJohansson in Iron Man 2. She should’vebeen in tights. Wait, there is one, theGreen Lantern sort of wears tights in thenew film, but that’s going to be such aweird movie that I don’t think most peopleare going to dwell on the tights. There arecharacters with giant purple heads in thatmovie.
Some superheroes wear more ludi-crous get-ups than others. Take, for in-stance, Thor. If you saw the movie Thor,you may have noticed that he is in hisThor suit for very little of the movie, and
he almost never wears his helmet with thegigantic white wings on the sides. Wingson heads have been pretty much strickenfrom the movies. In Captain America, thetiny wings on the sides of his head havebeen changed to little patriotic decals onhis helmet. That was a good call.
Many people complain that thefilm industry has lost all creativity and isjust picking at the remaining bones oforiginality from earlier times. That’s apretty fair accusation. For every Inception,there is a Hangover II. For every Brides-maids, there is a Pirates of the Caribbean6 (How much money does Johnny Deppneed?). But as a comic nerd, this worksout great. See, I was a Superman andSpiderman fan, but I loved all kinds ofheroes, and Hollywood’s desperation hasthem ransacking the closet and makingmovies about those guys. The GreenLanterns and the Thors are great, and Iget to see them in movies now. That’sexcellent. Sometimes, it really is all aboutme.
This brings us to the big gigantic
superhero movie on the horizon: TheAvengers. If you didn’t read comics, oryou’re, you know, a girl, you may notknow the deal with this movie. TheAvengers is like Emerson, Lake & Palmer,or yes, they’re a supergroup, but in thisinstance a really super group. You got yourCaptain America, Thor, The IncredibleHulk, Iron Man, Hawkeye and BlackWidow, all in the same movie. This worriesme because a room can only house somany people wearing outrageously goofyoutfits. If you don’t believe me, rewatchThe Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of theDesert sometime.
In The Avengers, you’re going tohave some scenes where they’re just talk-ing, and they’ll all be wearing these trippycostumes and masks. The fighting will beawesome, with the flying and the super-powers and all that, but the drama isgoing to be very difficult to take seriouslywhen someone is emoting inside a metalhead to a gigantic, angry green guy. Whensomeone storms out of a room in protest,they’ll very possibly be wearing purple,skin-tight leather, and unless it’s ScarlettJohansson, people might just snicker a lit-tle.
My wife has never read a comicbook, and, in fact, she claims that she isincapable of reading one. She can’t figureout which direction she’s supposed to go,and who is saying what. Nonetheless, sheis grateful to comics for one thing: Theyhelped her get me out of the habit of bit-ing my fingernails. Honest. This is a truestory. We’d been together for just five orsix weeks, and we were driving to NorthCarolina so she could meet, and be judgedby, my family. I sat there reading a Thorcomic book, biting my nails. My wife saidto me, “Do you think Thor bites his fin-gernails?” And, as the God of Thunder ismy witness, I never bit them again. I toldyou. I am a nerd.
Dennis Phillippi, thanks for sharing yourcomics obsession, which fortunately foryou didn’t end at childhood or otherwiseyou’d still have gnarly nails. And you’reright about Hollywood recycling all thecomic stories of yesteryear into silverscreen productions…we just wish you’d geta chance to show off your acting chops inone of them. Wham! Zap! Kaboom!
Ever since Tim Burton re-imaginedBatman as Michael Keaton inrubber muscles, the Spandexthing has been out the window,
and rightly so.
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To the SkyRSVP
AST
1929
This picture, taken in 1929 by Goodman Commercial Photographer, shows Memphian Robert B. Snowden Jr. with investors(mainly friends) in his company, CommandAire, standing in front of the prototype airplane The Little Rocket. The stock
market crash later that year would crush their dreams for the fledgling company, based in Little Rock. From left to right areSidney Farnsworth, Robert B. Snowden Jr., Sam and Marietta Rembert, Unknown, Unknown, George Alexander and Harrietand McKay Van Vleet. Farnsworth happened to be Snowden’s best friend, and Alexander later married Snowden’s sister-in-law,Elaine Patteson Snowden, after John Bayard Snowden was killed in WWII.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SW FARNSWORTH III AND KATIE HUTTON, SNOWDEN’S GRANDDAUGHTER
If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105or e-mail the photo and caption to [email protected]
All photos will be returned promptly.
Custom Foods Lipscomb Pitts Insurance Resource ONE Yuletide Office Solutions Diamonds by Doron
13th Annual Spirit of SRVS A Taste of the Good Life August 6 at 6:30 PM Hilton Memphis939 Ridge Lake Blvd.
Honorary ChairsMayor AC and Ruby Wharton
Sandra and Jack JonesEvent Chairs
Autumn and David Porter
Premiere Auction Wine TastingsMemphis’ Finest Restaurants
Live Music EntertainmentTickets $75
Visit www.srvs.orgor call 901-312-6802
Proceeds benefit SRVS & People with disabilities
Com
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ive a
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Bro
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