rsvp magazine april 2012
DESCRIPTION
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!TRANSCRIPT
Memphis Heart Ball
Oscar Night® America
Hands of Hope Auction Party
Phoenix Club Mardi Gras Party
Opera Memphis Wild Game Dinner
Germantown Charity Horse Show Royal Ball
Q&A with Cary Brown
A pr i l 2 0 1 2
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12OPERA MEMPHIS WILD GAME DINNER
Bill and Jan Spencer
36 GERMANTOWN CHARITY HORSE
SHOW ROYAL BALLErnest and Alyce Chism
26PHOENIX CLUB MARDI GRAS PARTY
Heath Upton and Zac McRae
44 MEMPHIS HEART BALL
Steven Gubin and Carly Gubin
56HANDS OF HOPE AUCTION PARTY
Michael and Clara Herr
52OSCAR NIGHT® AMERICA Alex and Megan Arevalo
Cover PhotoMark Harris and Elizabeth Foster
atGermantown Charity Horse Show Royal Ball
Photo by Don Perry
ContentsApril 2012
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Jim Duncan invites RSVP to the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Opera Memphis Wild Game Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Plates were “Fully Loaded” at Opera Memphis’ tasteful fund-raiser.
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 & 20He’s making strides in the field of urban trail planning. This CEO will tell you whyMemphis’ newest record label is different from all the rest. StreetSeens spotlightKen Reardon and Sam Garrett.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Q&A with the Memphis Garden Club president, Cary Brown.
Phoenix Club Mardi Gras Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26The party spirit was alive and well at the Cadre Building for the Phoenix Club’sspirited charitable affair for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34, 35, 50 & 51Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
Germantown Charity Horse Show Royal Ball . . . . . . . . . . .36The Germantown Charity Horse Show queen and her princesses promenaded atWoodland Hills for all to see.
RSVP Room View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42The bedroom of this Central Gardens stunner has grand appeal.
Memphis Heart Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Guests felt “Young at Heart” at the American Heart Association’s gala at ThePeabody.
Oscar Night® America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Supporters of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis went star-watch-ing during the nonprofit’s annual benefit at Minglewood Hall.
Hands of Hope Auction Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56The Columns at One Commerce Square provided the perfect backdrop for an ele-gant affair hosted by the Exchange Club Family Center.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61Fashion WeakHumor columnist Dennis Phillippi tells us why he’s not hip on the fashion front.
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Volume XVII Number VII
April 2012
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 CassinKelly Cox
Jonathan DevinJeannie MandelkerDennis PhillippiSuzanne Thompson
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 BerryBaxter Buck
Roy HaithcockDon Perry
Steve 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 E SChris PughPhil Wallace
A C C O U N T I N GRuth Cassin
E D I T O R I A L I N T E R NMaggie Giffin
RSVP Memphis is published monthly byHaithcock Communications, Inc. First class
subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year.Send name and address with a check to:
Haithcock Communications, Inc.2282 Central AvenueMemphis, TN 38104
For advertising information contactRoy Haithcock
Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101Fax (901) 276-7785
e-mail [email protected]
W E Bwww.rsvpmagazine.com
For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, pleasecontact RSVP Magazine
one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785.
e-mail [email protected] us on
&
RSVP Memphis Magazine
Copyright 2012 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
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RSVP STAFF
LIBBY HUFF,SENIOR ACCOUNTEXECUTIVE901.276.7787, EXT. [email protected]
Having worked in advertising and publishing since 2000,Libby decided to try her hand in magazine ad sales by joiningthe RSVP team in 2007. Right off the bat, this free-spiritedMississippi girl fit in perfectly with her new surroundings,quickly rising to become head of the advertising departmentas senior account executive.
CHRIS PUGH,ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
901.276.7787, EXT. [email protected]
Chris has been exercising his talent in the advertising worldsince 1999. He joined the RSVP team in 2009 and broughtwith him a love for laughter and creativity. Originally fromNew Albany, Mississippi, Chris has settled in Memphis andenjoys being active in the fashion community.
PHIL WALLACE,ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE901.276.7787, EXT. [email protected]
Phil, who was born in Flint, Michigan, is the newest additionto the RSVP advertising team. An actor at heart, he hasappeared in many plays in local theaters in Memphis.Currently, Phil performs as historical characters in schoolsaround the country.
MAGGIE GIFFIN,EDITORIAL INTERN
901.276.7787, EXT. [email protected]
Maggie is a recent graduate of the University of Mississippiwith a degree in marketing communications with an empha-sis in magazine publishing. Originally from Jackson,Mississippi, Maggie moved to Memphis to attend culinaryschool in hopes of pursuing a career in both food styling/writing and magazine publishing. Maggie enjoys readingmagazines, cooking and her new position as editorial internat RSVP.
c h i c k a s a w o a k s v i l l a g e 3 0 9 2 p o p l a r a v e .
9 0 1 . 4 5 2 . 2 3 2 3
f a s h i o n a c c e s s o r i e s s t y l e
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CelebrateChickasaw Oaks Spring Fling
Thurs. April 12 5p to 8pPromoting
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ShopSpring Cleaning Sale
April 12, 13, & 14
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Hello spring, you’ve offi-cially arrived, and wehere at RSVP couldn’t
be more ecstatic because thechange in season meansmany favorite springtimeevents are upon us, not tomention the much-appreciat-ed extension of daylight.What a breath of fresh air itis to leave work still ener-gized and ready for fun afterhours since it’s not darkoutside. As for you readers,I’m guessing you all areenjoying this special time ofyear just as much as thosein my office are currently.
If you are looking toengage in outdoorsy experi-ences in April, look no fur-ther than the pages of this issue. Hopefully, brilliant buttercupblooms will catch your eyes first in the Signature Memphissection on page 10 and remind you to make a trip out to theMemphis Botanic Garden, which the executive directorinformed me has already started construction on a new naturephotographer’s garden. On page 22, more buttercup budsappear along with purple tulips and ornamental lettuce in theVox Popular photograph of the Memphis Garden Club presi-dent. The club will be hosting its biennial Memphis FlowerShow this month at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, and judg-ing by the impressive pictures the club president showed mefrom past shows, this free event shouldn’t be missed, and bet-ter yet, it has components that will appeal to children andadults.
While I’m on a flower kick, I might as well tell youthat if you’re wanting a weekend getaway to a beautiful gardenunheard of by many Memphians, head to Garvan WoodlandGardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Run by the University ofArkansas, this expansive tree-covered botanical garden sits ona 210-acre peninsula of Lake Hamilton and offers some of themost magical outdoor vignettes I’ve seen. The tulip extrava-ganza lured me there, and let me just say that Holland justmight have some competition with Garvan. I’m sure thoughthat the garden remains picturesque throughout the year withits peacocks at the entrance, several waterfalls that meanderthroughout the property, a giant koi pond, panoramic lakeviews, an awe-inspiring chapel and much more. Can you tellyet that I initially wanted to be a landscape architect when Iwent to college?
As for the rest of the issue, check out the StreetSeenson pages 18 and 20 to learn about a proposal to the ShelbyCounty segment of the Mississippi River Corridor TennesseeTrail Plan as well as a new record label in town. Also see ifyour smiling face made it into one of our party spreads, but ifit didn’t, scan our event calendar at rsvpmagazine.com andmake plans to attend a fabulous gathering where your mugcan be photographed by one of our photographers. Just don’tstart the party without us!
Leah [email protected]
From the Editor
Phot
o by
Ste
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Jim DuncanExecutive Director of Memphis Botanic Garden
Your mantra: James 1:12.Favorite author: Dan Jenkins.Stress outlet: Going to movies.Hobby: Coaching youth league basketball.Words or phrases you overuse: “Trying one.”Guilty pleasure: Heath Blizzards at Dairy Queen.One thing you can’t live without: My faith in God.Personal hero: My high school football coach, Bill Davis.
Historical figure you most identify with: Andrew Jackson.Last book you’ve read: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.
Movie you could watch over and over again: From Here to Eternity.Favorite Memphis musician: Mark Butler (garage band leader extraordinaire).Favorite album: Toss up between “Eagles Greatest Hits” and Bob Seger’s
“Night Moves.”
First concert: Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins concert at theGreenwood, Mississippi High School Auditorium in 1956.
First jobs: Cutting grass, then a lifeguard, but first “realjob” was a high school football coach.
One thing most people don’t know aboutyou: That I am a good cook and very comfortable inthe kitchen.
Your greatest achievement: Having a won-derful family life with my wife, Elizabeth, two suc-
cessful grown and loving children and being “Big
Jim” to six grandsons.
Your mantra: James 1:12.Favorite author: Dan Jenkins.Stress outlet: Going to movies.Hobby: Coaching youth league basketball.Words or phrases you overuse: “Trying one.”Guilty pleasure: Heath Blizzards at Dairy Queen.One thing you can’t live without: My faith in God.Personal hero: My high school football coach, Bill Davis.
Historical figure you most identify with: Andrew Jackson.Last book you’ve read: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.
Movie you could watch over and over again: From Here to Eternity.Favorite Memphis musician: Mark Butler (garage band leader extraordinaire).Favorite album: Toss up between “Eagles Greatest Hits” and Bob Seger’s
“Night Moves.”
First concert: Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins concert at theGreenwood, Mississippi High School Auditorium in 1956.
First jobs: Cutting grass, then a lifeguard, but first “realjob” was a high school football coach.
One thing most people don’t know aboutyou: That I am a good cook and very comfortable inthe kitchen.
Your greatest achievement: Having a won-derful family life with my wife, Elizabeth, two suc-
cessful grown and loving children and being “Big
Jim” to six grandsons.
Jim DuncanExecutive Director of Memphis Botanic Garden
SIGN
ATUR
E ME
MPHI
S
Photo by Steve Roberts
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OPER
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“Fully Loaded”
Mickey and Charlie Schaffler with Keith Miller
Jessica Toliuszis and John Dawkins
Brenda Joffe and Jennifer Kimbrough
Anita and Ray Pohlman
Mickie and Steve Nabers
Stephanie and Greg Grisham
Stephen and Lynn Fincher
Ned Canty and Mayor Mark Luttrell
Emily Lawrence and Rob Mayer
Fresh from the resounding success of its January performances ofStrauss’ comic operetta “Die Fledermaus,” Opera Memphis pre-sented its annual Wild Game Dinner at the beautiful Clark Opera
Memphis Center in East Memphis. General Director Ned Canty’sprediction that the dinner would be the “biggest and best yet” cer-tainly proved to be true, as more than 250 guests, many of whomwere attired in the requested hunting garb, filled the hall for adelightful evening of fabulous food and entertainment.
During the cocktail hour, folks sipped cocktails and nibbledpassed hors d’oeuvres as they caught up with friends and perused asilent auction in which an abundance of covetable items were offeredthrough the generous donations of local merchants and OperaMemphis supporters. Moving into the hall, there was a feast tobehold! Back for the third consecutive year, Chuck and MarcyGoldstein’s Heart and Soul Catering anchored the tasting tables witha splendid array of comestibles such as roasted whole hog, mixedvegetable medley, rooster fries, garlic mashed potatoes, fresh rollsand chicken roulade with liver pâté. Additional catering sponsorswere Another Roadside Attraction, which served duck breast withmarsala cream; Club Windward with pan-fried quail breast overparmesan grits; and Coletta’s, who provided venison and spinachravioli with wild mushroom demi-glace. Just for Lunch’s duck breastbites wrapped with bacon, Off the Square Catering’s venison withrémoulade on crostinis and Simply Delicious’ venison chili alsopleased many a partygoer’s palate.
Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, who attended with hiswife, Pat, once again served as honorary chairman. The mayor wel-comed everyone and praised the wonderful accomplishments of theopera, especially its fine performances, community outreach andeducation efforts. The evening’s highlight came from the guestappearance of baritone Keith Miller. A former NCAA and profession-al football player, Miller had never had any formal music educationuntil entering The Philadelphia Academy of Vocal Arts, where hegraduated just six years ago. Since then, he has made more than 200appearances at the Metropolitan Opera. Needless to say, those inattendance were enthralled by his magnificent voice.
Rounding out the evening’s entertainment were the BluffCity Backsliders, delivering their one of a kind hot, hootin’ and hol-lerin’ brand of Delta soul to an enthusiastic audience that danceduntil the late hours. Holliday Flowers and Mahaffey Tent & PartyRentals sponsored the evening that organizers were more thandelighted by thanks to the outcome of the event, which garneredapproximately $25,000 to benefit Opera Memphis.
Story by Ruth CassinPhotos by Baxter Buck
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP
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OPER
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Greg and Kim Steinman
Emily Woodside and Bill Falvey
Ben and Jennifer Collins
Jim Strickland and Heidi ShaferAshlea and Sean Montesi
Sarah Squire and Erin Whipkey
Adrienne Hare and Mandy Chauhan
Kathy and Gene White
George Flinn and Tim Wilson
Robert and Amanda Biggs
John David and Linda Gail Douglas
4732 Eiffel LaneNesbit, MS
$849,000
453 Tennessee StreetThe Bluffs
$799,000
585 S. Greer StreetCountry Club Tower
$399,000
2246 Court AvenueMidtown
$325,000
415 Twelve Oaks CircleEast Memphis$289,000
137 Harbor Point LaneHarbor Town$469,000
954 Harbor View Dr.Harbor Town$305,000
SOLD
391 Chickasaw Bluff St.The Bluffs
$429,000
Office: 901.754.0800
2515 Cedarwood DriveGermantown$249,000
50 Gayoso AvenueDowntown
$149,000
859 Harbor Isle Circle W.Harbor Town$549,000
7741 Hunters Run DriveGermantown$227,000
SOLD
119 Harbor Commons Dr.Harbor Town$425,000
1234 Main Street$150,000
Feature Your Home Here!
pending
948 Island DriveHarbor Town$379,000
SOLD
2221 Washington Ave.Midtown
$499,500
SOLD
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$289,000East Memphiswelve Oaks Cir415 T415 Twelve Oaks Cir.954 Harbor View Dr954 Harbor View Dr.
$289,000East Memphis
clewelve Oaks Cir
$429,000The Bluffs
391 Chickasaw Bluff St.
$429,000The Bluffs
391 Chickasaw Bluff St.
$150,0001234 Main Street
$150,0001234 Main Street
$249,000Germantown
2515 Cedar
$249,000Germantown
wood Drive2515 Cedar
$549,000Harbor T
859 Harbor Isle Cir
$549,000ownHarbor THarbor Town
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$227,000Germantown
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Downtownvenue50 Gayoso A50 Gayoso Avenue
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Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800Office: 901.754.0800
$379,000Harbor T
948 Island Drive
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$379,000ownHarbor THarbor Town
948 Island Drive
SOLDSOLD
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Shannon McGee, John Ryder and Miriam Handorf
Jill Farr, Mark McCowan and Amanda McGee
Lindsey and Brad HarmonChristy Kinard and Kristi Stanley
Dick Wittenberg and Tara CrainStan and Jeanne Evans
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Shannon and David Lenoir with Palmer and Kathy Albertine
William Murray and April HolmMarianne and Alan Neal
John and Barbara ViserAgnes Thomas and Trey Thomas
John Mansfield and Jan YoungJohn Joe Sohn and Marti Ash
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Ken ReardonTrailside Planning
Ken Reardon, a professor and director of theUniversity of Memphis Graduate Program in Cityand Regional Planning, divulges epic stories about
his hometown of New York’s sports teams and animpassioned history of the decline and revitalization ofhis South Bronx neighborhood, but he recently com-bined his interests in physical activity and communityresurgence in an unlikely way. Asked to help propose aset of improvements to enhance the Mississippi RiverCorridor Tennessee (MRCT) Trail Plan’s beauty, useand economic and social contribution in the trail’sShelby County portion, Reardon signed on board, giv-ing his department at U of M its first urban trail proj-ect.
Reardon says, “With the city constantly dealingwith health and wellness issues, including high rates ofmorbid obesity and Type 2 diabetes, it has taken moreof an interest in the trail and thought that it could bebetter utilized. So, we studied literature on urbantrails, did careful assessments of current conditions viasurvey, looked at strategies to increase accessibility andhighlighted educational and cultural aspects along theroute.”
Data collection began in the fall of 2011. Forthis part of the project, Reardon joined about nine oth-ers, some of whom included Marie Curie ResearchFellow Laura Saija, Chooch Pickard of the MemphisRegional Design Center (also a partner in the study),Diana Threadgill and Glenn Cox of the MRCT and twoserious cyclists—Kyle Wagenschutz, the City ofMemphis bicycle/pedestrian coordinator and JessicaButtermore, an administrative associate in Reardon’sdepartment. Throughout two days, the team traveled ina van along the existing 32-mile trail segment from theTipton County border on the north to the trail’s ShelbyCounty exit at the Harahan Bridge. Two people tookphotos every 15 seconds of the route, while a couple ofpeople behind them entered data on spreadsheetsabout the trail experience at every mile, from changesin elevation to scenery aesthetics and presence/widthof shoulders. Participants with hard copy maps record-ed things that could negatively affect a cyclist’s experi-ence, from lack of signage to difficult intersections.
Reardon says one of the greatest concerns fromtheir findings was about exiting from Memphis to theHarahan Bridge since there’s nothing to protect acyclist from oncoming traffic. To alleviate this issue,the group proposed to extend the route 19 miles sothat it leaves Memphis at the DeSoto County border.With this extension, cyclists have the opportunity toexperience historical sites when going past theNational Civil Rights Museum, Stax and Chucalissa.
All plan recommendations were presented atfour community forums, with the last held in January,and the final plan was presented to the MRCT onFebruary 15. Reardon relays that MRCT board chair-man Lee Hinson is pleased with what the study partici-pants were able to do.
He adds, “I haven’t seen studies as systematicabout urban trails as ours, so I’d like to jointly publishthis info with the MRCT and the Memphis RegionalDesign Center.”
Also look to hear about promotional activities,which Reardon hopes include a Tour de Shelby on thelast day of the Tour de France in July. Pedal on!
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
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Sam GarrettNew Record Label, New Way
Madison Avenue has gained a new tenant inMadison Line Records, namely one poised tobecome a game-changer for the recording industry.
Headed by CEO Sam Garrett, Madison Line Recordshas forgone conventional operating practices in lieu ofdistinguishing itself as a nonprofit label. Launched byVisible Music College, Madison Line Records had beena part of the school’s plan for some time, but it wasonly recently that the timing felt right, due in part tothe school moving downtown (also on Madison) and toGarrett reconnecting with Ken Steorts, Visible MusicCollege’s founder and president.
A nonprofit consultant among other endeav-ors, Garrett agreed to the new venture, and once hemoved to Memphis in March of last year, he hit theground running. For six months, he met record indus-try executives through phone calls and in person a-cross the country, and he immersed himself in theMemphis music industry, learning about its highs andlows and doing research anywhere he could. With arespect for Stax Records, he quickly realized he wantedto embrace the way Stax didn’t have a divide betweenchurch and music, races or old and new musicians. Ofthe entire industry, he also saw practices that wouldn’tjive at Madison Line.
“There has always been an adversarial relation-ship between artists and record labels, not just inMemphis, but everywhere,” Garrett explains. “We’reartist-centric, meaning that Madison Line’s deal struc-tures are generous, we take care of costs, we align ourinterests with the artists, we believe a songwritershould maintain 100 percent of a writer’s share of roy-alties and we believe an artist or band should have con-trol of what their CD cover should look like.”
Garrett describes the label’s standard proce-dures as an open book policy, which even entails show-ing an artist the books. To prove it, an iPhone App iscurrently being made exclusively for Madison Line sothat after a gig an artist can click on the App to knowhow he or she performed financially. Madison Linespecifically focuses on giving clients “constant atten-tion” by helping them develop artistically, financially,healthfully and spiritually. “We want to encourage peo-ple to grow in all aspects, so for instance, we providenutrition services to help people eat better on the roadand financial education services so they know how tomanage their money,” Garrett shares.
Since launching in September 2011, stage man-agement and tour management have been added toMadison Line’s services, though these services aren’tlimited to signed artists, which currently total six indi-viduals or groups. Of those six, each represents adiverse genre, from Hollywood-based rock trio UntilJune, who has had songs played on shows like “Grey’sAnatomy” and “Private Practice,” to urban hip-hopartist Cayeiro and the Visible Worship Band, made upof Visible Music College students. Garrett says moreartists are asking the label to consider them than thereis bandwidth to manage, and the dozens who havebeen turned away just weren’t a good fit.
“We look for an artist’s teachability and theirexcitement and ability to go through something differ-ent—if artists are looking for the same type of deal theyused to have, they won’t find it here,” Garrett says.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
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Spring Cleaning Sale - April 12th, 13th & 14th
3092 Poplar Ave. (next to the main public library) Memphis, TN 38111
Spring Fling - April 12th, 5-8pmPromoting Sunny Meadows Safe Haven for Pets
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Vox PopularQ&A with Cary BrownVO
X PO
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RSVP: What are your responsibilities as the Memphis Garden Clubpresident?
Brown: The most obvious responsibilities are to see the continua-tion of ongoing work we’re doing and organizations we’re support-ing, but also to run board and membership meetings. I oversee allthe positions that other people have and check in with them tomake sure that the goals of the club are being continuously satisfiedand that no one’s dropping the ball—it could be me, I’m not judg-ing. I would say a lot of it is motivation and encouragement becauseit is a volunteer organization, and there’s a lot of work to do. Byfar, the largest job we have is putting on the Memphis Flower Show.The Memphis Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club ofAmerica (GCA), and there are 200 clubs in America affiliated withthis larger body. We started in1921 and joined the Garden Clubof America in 1925, and we areonly one of a handful of clubswho puts on a GCA Major FlowerShow.
RSVP: What are the requirementsto become a GCA Major FlowerShow?
Brown: We have to hold the showat least every three years, have atleast 36 flower arrangements,have at least 100 horticultureentries and the judges have to beapproved by GCA. Let me justsay, our show is much, much big-ger than that. We’ll have some-where in the neighborhood of 60flower arrangements and probablyaround 600 or 700 horticultureentries. There also has to be aconservation and/or education division, and we have both.
RSVP: Can you give me a general overview of the Memphis FlowerShow?
Brown: There are five parts to the show. The first is a flower arrang-ing component. In the show schedule, there are pictures of eachpainting in the Dixon’s “Modern Dialect: American Paintings fromthe John and Susan Horseman Collection” exhibition, along withevery painting’s dimensions and name, and each one of these paint-ings we sell to a flower arranger to interpret. We call it selling, butno price is involved. This year, there are 63 paintings, and they’vebeen divided into classes. There will be a blue ribbon awarded with-in each one of these classes. One unusual thing we’re doing is the
Exceptional Exhibition Table Class,which is about creating a tablearrangement. There are five paintingsin this class, and teams of two or three people do these becausethey’re big. They are actually setting a table with a flower arrange-ment with the implication of eating, but no tableware. The table isa 48-inch square, and it will be viewed from all sides. It’s reallythinking way outside of the box. The other unusual thing that’s real-ly cool is the American Dream Challenge Class, which is where fivepeople walk in and are given the exact same material, but theydon’t know what the material is until they walk in. They knowthey’re interpreting a certain painting, but they know nothing else.It’s open to out-of-town judges only because they don’t have tobring anything with them. It’s almost like “Iron Chef” for flower
arranging because it is timed.For the first time ever this year,we have a hat class calledMagnificent Mod Hattery. Thesix entries are supposed to makean abstract design loosely basedon an actual hat from theRoaring Twenties because thatis sort of the mid-time of thisexhibition, which is a lot aboutthe move from rural to urbanAmerica. These exhibitors willbe given a hat mannequinplaced on a pedestal, andthey’re given a type of hat tointerpret on this mannequin.You’re not supposed to see any-thing about the way they put ittogether. Then, we have a horti-culture component, and withinit, there are 159 classes, whichinclude things like pansy, rose,peony and hosta classes. Those
are all cut specimens, but then there is an entire section for con-tainer plants like begonias, orchids, ferns, succulents and cacti. Inthat section, there is an ownership requirement for either three orsix months. Our club, along with the Little Garden Club ofMemphis [another GCA Club], is doing a Challenge Class on forc-ing amaryllis, which you normally think of at Christmastime. Alsosomething new this year came from some help from the Dixon,which helped us make some hypertufas. They are porous stonetroughs that were popular in England in the 1800s. We have allplanted them with similar plants and took them home about sixmonths ago. We’re all going to bring back these hypertufas andhope that ours it the best one. The third component is botanicalphotography, and there are six classes of photography, which are alltied into this “Modern Dialect” theme. The fourth part is a conser-
Nearing the end of her two-year term as the Memphis Garden Club president, Cary Brown shows no signs ofslowing down, and for good reason. Not only has First Lady Crissy Haslam asked the Memphis Garden Club,along with four other Garden Club of America clubs in the state, to raise $90,000 to revitalize a formed gar-
den at the Tennessee Governor’s Mansion, but the group’s biggest project, the biennial Memphis Flower Show,looms on the horizon. Free to the public, the Memphis Flower Show will take place April 28-29 at the DixonGallery and Gardens and has the prestigious distinction of being a Garden Club of America Major Flower Show.RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick met with Brown at the Dixon to learn more about the huge undertaking and howthe show specifically incorporates all three of the club’s service commitments (in the areas of flower arranging,horticulture and conservation) to the community. “I think our members would tell you that everything we dofor the Memphis Flower Show is an attempt to give back,” says Brown.
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vation element. This year, ourconservation group is puttingtogether an exhibition withinthe show called “Eat Local,Buy Local, Grow Local.” Thisexhibition will highlight thebenefits of locally grown foodsand includes ways to get start-ed buying and eating food pro-duced close to home. The lastdivision is the education exhib-it, which is always put on bychildren and grandchildren ofour members and the LittleGarden Club of Memphis mem-bers and is a youth-orientedpart of the show. This exhibitis called “It Just TastesBetter.”
RSVP: Do you think Memphi-ans are paying greater atten-tion to horticulture consideringthat there is a push to eatorganic produce and growplants organically?
Brown: I certainly do, andthere’s a big push within ourclub to garden organically byleaving out things like pesti-cides and non-organic fertiliz-ers. In our horticulture entriesat the show, you have to fillout a card with all the informa-tion about the cut specimen orthe container plant, and thereis a place on that card for youto mention the fact that youhave not used any pesticides oranything like that. You wouldget a higher grade on yourentry if it were known that itwas this beautiful specimenand you’d grown it withoutusing harmful chemicals.
RSVP: Are there any otheraspects of the show you’d liketo highlight?
Brown: Yes. The Preview Partywill be held in the museum onApril 27, the Friday nightbefore the show. A tent will beput up in the courtyard of theDixon for that night, and thePreview Party will be open tothe public. It’s $75 a ticket andincludes drinks and dinner. It’sreally the peak time to viewthese flower arrangements andcut specimens, and they’ll stillbe great on Saturday andSunday, but it’s kind of thefirst sneak peek. The tent outfront will stay in place untilMonday morning, so this year,we’re going to have vendors setup a garden market. It’s not a
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money-maker for us, but it’s a chance to show offsome of our local gardening vendors, includingGardens Oy Vey, Randolph’s Greenhouses fromJackson, Tennessee, Little Hill Nursery andGarden District. These vendors will have thingsfor sale, but a lot of what they want is to justshow the public what they have to offer. Keep inmind, it’s free to come to the actual show.
RSVP: How is it possible that the MemphisGarden Club offers this show to the public forfree?
Brown: The Memphis Garden Club gave theDixon a generous donation that was made possi-ble to us by a local foundation, the Crawford-Howard Private Foundation. That money enablesthe Dixon to be open free to the public onSaturday and Sunday for the event. There’s reallyno reason why the community shouldn’t comebecause it’s free, and there are so many thingsthey’ll learn and be inspired by on top of that.The aesthetic beauty of it is also amazing. Thelast thing I’m going to tell you about is reallyexciting, and I’m so excited because it just kindof came together. Because the conservation exhib-it is about eating local, buying local and growinglocal, and the education part is about home gar-dening, we decided to see if Mac Edwards of TheElegant Farmer would be interested in having acafé here on Saturday and Sunday during lunchsince he’s all about farm to table and sustainabili-ty. So, Hughes Pavilion is going to be the GardenCafé by The Elegant Farmer.
RSVP: How many people do you expect to attendthe show?
Brown: I believe in years past we’ve had about3,000 each day. The show actually started at theDixon in 1978, which wasn’t long after the Dixonbegan. Mrs. Dixon was a member of our club, sowhen the foundation opened the Dixon, our mem-bers from the very start would do flower arrange-ments for the residence every week on a verycasual basis. That evolved into what we call thefine arts rotation, and every Tuesday and Fridaymorning, five or six members meet here and dofive floral arrangements that are spaced through-out the house. The only time we don’t do flowerarrangements is during Christmastime because wedo all the Christmas decorations. It takes monthsto get that organized since we do every room andthe outside, so that’s another huge undertakingthat we do.
RSVP: Doesn’t the Memphis Garden Club alsohelp with the Dixon’s Cutting Garden?
Brown: Well, the Cutting Garden was begun inthe early ‘90s, and the original funding for itcame from individual contributions from mem-bers of our club. On an ongoing basis, all hono-rariums and memorials that would and have beenin the past given to our club for us to give away,we now have people write their checks directly tothe Dixon and earmarked Memphis Garden ClubCutting Garden. There’s a fund that’s continuallybeing replenished at the Dixon, and every sooften, Dale Skaggs, the director of horticulture,
will ask us for money. For instance, he recentlyasked for money to help with the brickwork andperennial border being put in the CuttingGarden, and we help maintain and enhance theCutting Garden from time to time with thatmoney. There’s also an endowed speaker series atthe Dixon called the Phoebe Cook Lecture, whichwas endowed by a former member of our club,and we help organize that free lecture to the pub-lic. Usually, some nationally recognized flowerarranger or horticulturist comes, and it’s on aThursday morning in November. Finally, we dohave a monthly horticulture rotation, which iswhen members meet in the potting hub and dothings like repotting or help with the Dixon’splant sale every year.
RSVP: How many members does the MemphisGarden Club have to be able to do all of theseactivities?
Brown: We have a maximum of 100 members, andright now, we have nearly 100 members. Theyoungest person in the club is 45, and then wehave members in their 90s. One of the reasonswhy we have no one younger than 45 is that it istime consuming, and we think it’s probably bestto wait until your children are grown since thereare lots of requirements for new members.
RSVP: What is your advice for anyone looking toget into gardening?
Brown: I would say Dale Skaggs’ gardening classat the Dixon might be a real good start, and thereare so many workshops you can come to at theDixon for a nominal fee. I also think you canlearn a lot from your family members. They knowthings about what grows right here at home. Now,books are also great, but some aren’t tailored toour climate. Our club did put out the Mid-SouthGarden Guide in 1954, and the newest editionwas put out in 2007. It’s available at all of thelocal bookstores and nurseries, and it is veryspecifically tailored to the Memphis and the Mid-South climate. The contributing editors to thisare experts in every kind of field. The tag line is“the essential reference tool for every gardener,”and the best thing about it is that it offers amonth-by-month guide for your garden. The gen-eral price for the book is around $24, and all themoney from sales goes back to the club to help ussupport groups like the Wolf River Conservancy,which we gave money to for a tree planting thisyear. We’re always giving money away; we’re notin the business of making money.
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Phoenix Club Mardi Gras PartyBenefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater MemphisE
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Curt Griffin and Nathan Walters Wesley Fox and Ashley Foster
Melissa and David Turner Carlie Little and Nathan Ennis
Andy Greer and Chris Thornton Ana and Alex Habashy
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Beads, boogieing and blackjack! The Phoenix Club, which dates backto 1955 and is comprised of young men dedicated to serving theBoys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, threw its annual Mardi
Gras Party at the Cadre building downtown. By 9 o’clock, the line atthe entrance looked a lot like Bourbon Street: shoulder-to-shoulderpacked! Sponsored by BB King’s, The Brass Door, Budweiser ofMemphis, Harrah’s, Silly Goose and Ubee’s, the bash brought 1,000young people out to play. Patrick Walton chaired the event, which washosted by club president Nathan Walters and vice-president RossRidenhour.
Corey and Shelly Gunn, both first-timers at the party, wereexcited about trying their luck at the onsite Phoenix Club Mardi GrasCharity Casino. “We learned to play craps on our honeymoon, sothat’s kind of our jam,” said Shelly. Just $25 bought $1,000 in “casi-no money,” which could be traded for chips, and could then beredeemed for raffle tickets. Gamblers had a shot at winning prizes likeGrizzlies tickets, golf at Mirimichi, $700 to spend at Oak Hall andCaesars Entertainment packages, including hotel accommodationsand spa treatments.
While most of the guys dressed smartly but casually, AndyGreer stood out in the crowd. In the spirit of carnival, he wore a tophat, a ruffled-front shirt and brocade coattails. “The best way to avoidconversation about the weather is to wear a top hat,” he explained.Despite the very frosty temps outside, gals like Emily Cross dressed toimpress. Complimented on her bravery in foregoing tights on such acold night, Candace Schaefer, who rocked a short sequined dress,admitted, “Oh, I had tights on till I got inside!”
A VIP area on the mezzanine overlooked the dance floor thathad plenty of action as live band The Covers pumped out the partytunes prior to DJ Mario taking the stage. Bars throughout the venueoffered classic Mardi Gras libations like Hurricanes, LynchburgLemonades and Kamikazes. By the end of the night, a wild time hadbeen had by all, and more than $20,000 had been raised for the Boys& Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.
Story by Kelly CoxPhotos by Nathan Berry
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Chao Lin, Khoa Nguyen, Tri Vu and Dan Truong
Justin Ikerd and Maribeth Kizer
Melanie Murray, Stacy Early, David Goodale, Kanan Bhavsar and Jose Laraya
Lauren and Andy Ikerd
David and Kristen Spratlin with Jason Backus
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Crystal Brown and Frank Phillips
Stephen Schifani and Lauren Steinkamp
Candace Clarkson and Alan Stanford
Jensen Hart and Alan Hyde
Anna Haley and Anna Adair
Sterchi Morton, Kirkland Bible and Samuel Michalik Shannon Coryn, Semmes Humphreys and Lauren Parks
Tara Taylor, Avneet Cheema and Floyd Brummett Falls Robinson, Catherine Talbot and Chris Jones
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Laurel Moffatt and Talon Kasmai
Austin Davis and Kyle Hunter
Katie Crow and Nazi Ghazi
Darren Winfrey and Kari Gano
Jeff and Andrea Orians
Elizabeth Livingston and Caroline Clarkson
Michelle Hodges and Alan Stanford
Colby Kennedy and Ben Ricketts
Graham Askew and Lauren Lazar
Will Poole and Heather Crosby
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David Renfroe and Sarah Williams
Krista Turner, Chris Hailey, Katherine Newsom, Leslie Lynn and Andrew Bean
Jamie Lane and Grace Jones
Julie Robinson and Rebecca Childress Jack Phillips and Abby Elzemeyer
Anastasia and Kyle Margolis Kelcy Hale and Lindsay Pate
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Richard Goldwater, Lisa Harsch and Jason Roth
Garrott McClintock and Brittany Trapani
Ryan Alcock and Tracey Bradshaw Erica Harris and Patrick Hendricks
Andrew Rock and Cindy Barrett James Thompson and Kim Thomas
APRIL 28 / THE COLUMNS
balletmemphis.org
AN ANNIVERSARY GALA YOU’LL TALK ABOUT FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS
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Page Robbins Winter GalaThe annual Page Robbins Winter Gala was held at EsplanadeMemphis and started off with guests purchasing “bottomless” wineglasses and bidding at the silent auction. Lucky ticket holders forthe sold-out event were treated to an evening that truly lived up toits theme, “One Enchanted Evening.” Guests were served a sumptu-ous dinner that began with a salad of mixed baby greens with crum-bled bacon and feta cheese, followed by Beef Wellington and honey-glazed cod. A live auction offered numerous extravagant items, suchas a Kate Spade handbag filled with cash and an emerald and goldnecklace with matching earrings, as attendees were served BananasFoster. Music by The Aims Gang delighted all after dessert.
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
Tennessee Shakespeare Company Valentine’s GalaMore than 400 Shakespeare lovers gathered at theGermantown Performing Arts Centre for the thirdannual Valentine’s Gala that benefited theTennessee Shakespeare Company’s educationalprograms. Themed “Put on a Happy Face,” theevent honored Charles Strouse, who has writtenmore than 30 scores for musicals, including “ByeBye Birdie” and “Annie.” After enjoying a lightcocktail buffet, the crowed moved to anotherroom, where hundreds of silent auction itemswere perused. A performance by Strouse, a three-time Tony winner, and a dessert reception endedthe evening’s festivities.Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
River Oaks Garden Club Valentine Dinner DanceRiver Oaks Garden Club members and their spouses filled the MemphisHunt and Polo Club and mingled with guests, including MargueritePiazza and her daughter, Shirley Condon, at the group’s Valentine DinnerDance. When attendees entered the ballroom, tables draped in blacklinen with embroidered red hearts awaited, along with a wedge saladtopped with bacon and bleu cheese vinaigrette. Adding to the décor weretowering centerpieces surrounded by wreaths of roses and tulips, as wellas chocolate hearts strewn on tables. Filet mignon with a mushroomreduction and creamy mashed potatoes, along with lemon soufflé, werethe next courses, which were accompanied by music from Hudson andSaleeby, who played before and after special guest Earl Randle performed.
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
Works of Heart AuctionHundreds of art appreciators felt the love at the annualWorks of Heart Auction, held at Memphis College of Artto benefit the Memphis Child Advocacy Center (CAC).Bigger and better than ever, the auction had hearts over-flowing at every turn. The CAC’s Beryl Wight describedthe event as “a Valentine to Mahaffey White.” Thebeloved Memphis artist turned 100 last July and still con-tributes new work to the auction. Other sought-after“heartists” included Carroll Todd, Danny Broadway andDavid Mah, among dozens of others. The auction raisedmore than $92,000 for the CAC, where professionals froma number of fields work together toward a common goalof justice, safety and healing for children who have suf-fered abuse.
Story and Photos by Kelly Cox
Jenne and Tom WilliamsPam and Andy BranhamCharles Strouse with
Tammy and Rodney McKelroy
Neal and Tina McConnico with Cassandra and Jack Moriarty
Marie and James Knight with Betsy Sexton
Barbara and Mike Satterwhite with Mike and Camille Thompson
Marguerite Piazza, Betty Green and Shirley Condon
Marion Gleadhill and Jon W. Sparks
Carol Drake and Nancy WilliamsMahaffey White
and Grayson Smith
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A Sweet SerenadeThe Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum in Victorian Village stayedopen late for A Sweet Serenade, a special Valentine-themed benefit.In the spirit of the holiday, the event featured a concert of lovesongs performed by Luna Nova Music members, including sopranoEsther Gray Lemus and guitarist Mark Volker, in the house’s statelyballroom. No Valentine gathering would be complete without choco-late, hence the reason for the event’s “Chocolate Extravaganza.”Planned by AJ Northrop, a Woodruff-Fontaine volunteer and aVictorian Village Board of Directors member, the chocolate tastingand toasting took place downstairs in the romantic root cellar.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Chris Pugh
Ducks Unlimited Wolf River Chapter Sponsor Dinner The rainy weather was a bit foul outside, but everything went offswimmingly at the annual Wolf River Chapter Sponsor Dinnerheld at Ducks Unlimited. DU is celebrating its 75th anniversarythis year, so dinner committee chairmen Randy Graves, AdamWebster and Dave Marrone challenged guests to raise $75,000,or $20,000 more than last year’s event proceeds. With exclusivelive auction items, a silent auction of rare memorabilia andstacks of hunting gear to be raffled, there were plenty of oppor-tunities for the 250 guests to meet the goal. Guests also had achance to watch renowned decoy carver Charles Jobes at workand snack on his Canadian goose corned “beef” and barbecuesamples. The dinner is one of a series of DU anniversary eventsin 2012.Story and Photos by Jeannie Mandelker
Memphis Symphony League Valentine CelebrationThe Memphis Symphony League, the fund-raising arm ofthe Memphis Symphony Orchestra, hosted a ValentineCelebration at the Racquet Club of Memphis. Much like giv-ing Valentine cards in school, guests gave candy to theirValentines and then found their place settings, which weredecorated with sequin hearts, heart ribbon and red bego-nias. After a lunch of iceberg wedge salads, Mediterraneanchicken, Zucchini Provençal, rice pilaf and raisin breadpudding with bourbon sauce, the program turned to music,with vocalists Lura Turner and Joe Lackie, accompanied bypianist Dr. Gary Beard, singing love-themed duets. MSOpresident and CEO Ryan Fleur and Joy Wiener then boththanked Susanna Perry Gilmore for her 15 years of serviceas the MSO concertmaster and principal violinist.
Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Healing Hearts with the ArtsAskew Nixon Ferguson Architects welcomed supporters ofSophia’s House, a program of Catholic Charities of WestTennessee, for an evening devoted to ending domestic vio-lence. With artwork donated to Healing Hearts with the Arts bycelebrity painters, as well as Catholic Charities’ clients andstaff, there was a variety of available pieces, which rangedfrom a heart-shaped sun painting by Mike Maness to a “SuperHero” painting by Jerry Lawler. In addition, there were manyother non-art live and silent auction items, like a pair of AirPenny Nike Shoes autographed by Anfernee “Penny”Hardaway, two tickets to the Masters practice round and a full-length mink coat. Catholic Charities development directorAnna Kathryn Word hoped the event would raise $25,000 tohelp Sophia’s House continue its assistance to women (andtheir children) who are homeless and fleeing domestic vio-lence.
Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Steve Reynolds, Randy Graves and Amy Batson Ann-Felice Thiel with Diane and Paul Schmidt
Patricia Gray, Peggy Lovell, Mark Volker and Esther Gray Lemus Sonja Dowdy and AJ Northrop
Lura Turner, Billie Jean Graham, Susanna Perry Gilmore and Laura Fleur
Christina Ward andNancy Menzies
Emily McAllister andJoy Wiener
Lee Askew and Bishop J. Terry SteibAnna Kathryn and Hank Word Angie Pitcher and Julie Davidson
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Germantown Charity Horse Show Royal BallAnnouncement of the Queen and PrincessesE
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Halle Knox and Gray McQueen Chip and Tracey Carruthers
Johnny and Kim Pitts Bill Dudley and Amy Beth Dudley
Albert Markle and Lillie Kay Mitchell James Berry and Emily Berry
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The presentation of the 2012 Germantown Charity Horse Showprincesses and crowning of this year’s queen drew a crowd of 500guests to the expansive Woodland Hills Manor. Fittingly called the
Germantown Charity Horse Show Royal Ball, the occasion exudedSouthern elegance from the formal floor-length gowns to the friendlyatmosphere, immediately evident during the cocktail hour.
After enjoying a buffet of hors d’oeuvres, the presentation cer-emony ensued with 20 princesses being escorted down the grand dou-ble staircase by their fathers. At the foot of the staircase, the fathershanded off their beautiful daughters to escorts, who accompaniedthem to the stage. During this time, the emcee read long, impressivelists of the princesses’ accomplishments, which guests admired inaddition to the princesses’ beautiful dresses in an array of tulle, taffe-ta, satin, silk, chiffon and beaded lace. Each princess was sponsoredby a local club, charity organization or equine-affiliated entity, someof which included the Junior League of Memphis, the 20th CenturyHome and Garden Club, Pegasus of Germantown, Longreen HuntClub, Oakview Stables, the Exchange Club of Memphis and the WestTennessee Hunter Jumper Association. Culminating the event was thecrowning of Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Foster, who thanked support-ers and shared some of her volunteer experiences at the ExchangeClub Family Center, the beneficiary of the 2012 Germantown CharityHorse Show.
The guest list included several dignitaries, including MemphisMayor A C Wharton, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell and German-town Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy, who issued a proclamation after thequeen joined her princesses. Susan Winn, president of the 2012 Ger-mantown Charity Horse Show, also invited Tennessee State SenatorBrian Kelsey to the podium, where he made congratulatory remarks.
Following the presentation, dinner began with a mixed greensalad and continued with an entrée of filet mignon and herb-roastedchicken breasts served with creamed potatoes and asparagus trimmedin a band of roasted red peppers. To complete the meal, guests weregiven a choice of chocolate or coconut cake. Then the true celebrationstarted as Queen Elizabeth and her father, Murray Foster, enjoyed afirst dance to “My Girl.” Others quickly joined in, dancing to themusic of Front & Beale until the affair ended just before midnight.
Story by Suzanne ThompsonPhotos by Don Perry
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Lillie Burrow and Wil Barton Alex Gray and Ashlyn Beggs Ryan Mazell and Mary Carson Pitts
Allison and Robyn Rey Rudisill
Mayor Mark and Pat Luttrell
Denice and Jim McMahon
Mitch Huelsing and Ann Marie Tucker
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Sarah Lawler and Theo Terry
Trent Blakley and Virginia Walker
Buddy and Lanetta Lanier with Donna and Pat Hoffman
Colin Cunningham and Lee Berry
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Beth Castell and Joseph Allen
John and Nancy Bonk
Greg and Kelly Marcom with Michele and Kyle Smith
Sadie Krauch and Somer Greene
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Joanie and Michael Lightman
Lucy Young and Megan DeLockery Ashly Mitchell and Monica Griffith
Snow Walker and Chris Jumper Jim and Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy
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Robert Hanusovsky and Carole Hinely Angela Hammond and Howe Sipes
Marcus Santi and Allison Sommers Valerie and Drew Foster
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Interior designer Sam Henderson, co-owner of Vignettes, is notafraid of color, a fact that’s apparent the moment you step intothe master bedroom of a client’s house on South Belvedere in the
Central Gardens National Historic District. Throughout seven weeks,Henderson transformed the room into a museum of bold colors likeaqua, rose, gold and deep slate blue all swirled together into a tapes-try of patterns and cultural influences.
From the drama of a small framed canopy over a beautifully-inlaid bed to the creative candor of windows framed in embroideredgold silk and pink taffeta drapery to the custom-built blue velvet sofain front of the footboard, every square inch is decked with fearlesscolor combinations which all somehow manage to work together.
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A custom-built silk and velvet love seat in deep slate blue completes the grandeur of a restored bedwith numerous shades of inlaid veneer. Designer Sam Henderson mixed multiple cultural themesincluding Italian, French, Moroccan and Indian while taking even greater risks with colors and fab-rics such as the bright pink canopy and under draperies and multi-tone tassels. The entire tableau isframed in a river of blue inset into a beige, harlequin patterned carpet.
Interview by Jonathan Devin | Photos by Steve Roberts
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RSVP: What was your starting point in the redesign of the room?
Henderson: It came a long way. It was kind of a lavender color. Ionly kept two chairs and the bed in the room. I changed all the car-pet and all the colors. The homeowner wanted color and talked tosome other designers, but none of them showed her any color. Ithought, I’ll show you some color. I’m not scared of color. In to-day’s trends, most designers are trying to go monochromatic andtone-on-tone. Here, we have a lot of patterns and textures and lotsof meaty elements in the same room.
RSVP: Why did you opt for the layered drape look behind the largemirror?
Henderson: They wanted the ability to black out the room and stillkeep the formality of the tied-back curtains. It’s actually goldembroidered silk and pink taffeta. There’s actually a window on theopposite side, and we covered it with a custom-built, three paneldressing mirror.
RSVP: Why did you select a textured, pale blue wallpaper for thebedroom?
Henderson: Well, the bathroom wallpaper has both robin’s egg blueand aqua tones. You can really see the detail. I love those colors inthere with the pink marble floor. We used that as a basis, and itinspired the colors in the bedroom like the pink under draperies.That way, we didn’t have to change the bathroom surfaces. To redoit would’ve been a small fortune.
RSVP: You’ve added some modern conveniences as well, thoughthey almost look hidden.
Henderson: They had never had a TV in their bedroom before weredid it. My take was to frame a flatscreen. We’ve been doing it fora few years. A lot of people will buy DVDs that run artwork which
changes everyminute-and-a-half,and people will runthat if it’s framed.
RSVP: At the sametime that you’remixing colors,you’re also mixingcultures, too.
Henderson: Thebrass angel sconces are original—they’re very French. Some of thepatterns are Indian. The bed is definitely Italian, but it’s Moroccan-inspired. I’m sure it was custom built for someone. It’s walnut,chestnut, elm and ebony. It looks like Doge’s Palace [in Venice] tome. The figures on the headboard are true Italian. [The bedsidetables] are antiqued mirror in a 1920s French art deco style. A lotof companies are doing mirrored pieces now, and these were a per-fect size for the space. I think it’s an acid wash as far as themethod goes.
RSVP: What made you decide to add the stripe of blue carpetaround the main carpet?
Henderson: I had the border done to strike the room, give it somebalance and really frame the room. The main carpet is a harlequintrellis pattern with small floral medallions. I think it makes theroom pop up at you.
RSVP: And the finishing touch? The chest perhaps?
Henderson: It’s a half-round Maitland-Smith demilune chest. It’s awonderful piece with brass fittings and lion’s paw feet. It has burlwalnut inlay front drawers, and the top has a wonderful inlay halfsunburst.
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A Maitland-Smithdemilune chest, atreasure in itself, isframed by new art-work, a flat screen TVcleverly disguised in aframe of its own andbrass wall sconcesbearing figures ofangels. It's the inter-section of functionand elegance.
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Memphis Heart Ball“Young at Heart”E
V E N T
Ben and Anna Nicol Vicki and Ron Olson
Gloria Morrison and Cynthia Bryant Welch Valerie and Jeff Morris
Nancy and Charles Averwater Brett and Stachia Cutchin
MEMP
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Shannon and Lloyd Finks with Kevin and Judy SpiegelJeshenna Johnson and Jonathan Watkins Hamilton, Lilli and Ashley Eggers
See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
With February being American Heart Month, the time had comefor the American Heart Association to host the Memphis HeartBall at The Peabody, and after 36 years, the event continues to
have staying power with a crowd of 450 guests attending. With anever-changing theme, this year’s organizers opted for an eveningdevoted to those “Young at Heart.”
Raising awareness about the nation’s number one killer—heartdisease—remains the core of the program, hence the reason for incor-porating “hearts” into much of the event, from the décor to the silentauction offerings and stories told by heart disease survivors. Just out-side the Grand Ballroom, glittery red heart cut-outs appeared on twobackdrops set up for photo-ops, and inside, red rose petals were scat-tered throughout tables of silent auction goodies that tempted lovinghearts with items like a “Five Months of Date Night” package toJim’s Place East, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Folk’s Folly Prime SteakHouse and Lucchesi’s Ravioli and Pasta Company, as well as a jewelryarmoire perfect for that special someone. New volunteer Pat Whitakerpointed out that her favorite item in the mix was a retro-looking, pinkPottery Barn toy sink fit for a child, but popular with adults who havea heart for children. On a far wall, a giant “Lilli Wall” showed offwhimsical paintings created by students at Hutchison in the sameclass as Lilli Eggers, a special guest at the ball as she is a heart dis-ease survivor. The 48 “Lilli Wall” paintings were offered at $35 each,and all works catered to the theme, whether they had tissue paperhearts arranged in the shape of four-leaf clovers to hearts strategicallypainted to look like butterflies.
Standing next to the “Lilli Wall,” Gloria Morrison said, “Thisis my first time volunteering, and I’m enjoying it. This wall is great—italmost becomes a decoration.”
Ladies and gents soon sat down for a four-course dinner, dur-ing which Zula’s Child entertained and Jeff Morris of Morris AuctionGroup sold some hot ticket items in the live auction. A regular auc-tioneer on the charity party circuit, Morris seemed particularly excitedthis evening with the items up for grabs, telling guest Ron Olsonbeforehand, “You’ve got to see this stunning piece,” as he walked overto Ken Lecco’s “Passion of Life” painting. According to Morris, Leccohad just completed the one-of-a-kind piece at noon earlier that dayand used melted gold in the design. Other tempting items included aViking Cooking School class for 12 and a one-week stay in a condo atBig Sky Montana Resort. Ready to party after dinner and bidding,guests rounded out the festivities by dancing to popular tunes byParty Planet, showing that you can always be young at heart.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry
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i t ’ s j a z z !
wumr.memphis.edu
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c l a s s yisit us online at wumrwumr.memphis.eduisit us online at
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c l a s s y.memphis.edu.memphis.edu
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E V E N T
MEMP
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Bob and Dianne Laster
Andy and Mandy Willhite Cyndi Jomes and Michael Keep Drs. Purvisha and Dharmesh Patel
Dustin and Beth Martin Priscilla and Paulo Teixeira Brenda and Rick Wagers
Meghan and Ryan Heimke
Leann and Matt Linam
Bill and Sallie Nicol
Constance and Tom Conley
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E V E N T
Pat Whitaker and Mary M. Alexander
Callie Langston with Robert and Lane Carter
Charlie and Becky Portis
Vicki and Randy Fisher
Cynthia Lewis, Deloris Burrow and Beatrice Williams
Betty Cotton and Patti Massey
Eddie Jean and Doyle Childress
Rachel Smith, Kathleen Smith, Brister Barrett, Scott Ellis and Lisa Heros
Lynn and David Kirkland
Nic and Marianna Vescovo
Glenda Jernigan and Chuck Palmore with Lisa and Henry Hutton
Janice and Charles Akins
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MEMP
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ART
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E V E N T
John and Christy Hunter Adam and Shannon Arthur
Jennifer and Glennbruce Campbell Dianne and Ben Traylor
Richard and Veronica Jones Cindy Primm and Jim Beck
Terry and Cheryl Ford Drs. Linda and Jim Porterfield
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MEMP
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E V E N T
Carol Ann Jordan and Dr. Oakley Jordan Jessica and Chance Carlisle
Mona and Bill Sappenfield Dr. Michael and Rebecca Ugwueke
Jennifer Maranowicz and Lance Hall Tom Love and Emily Capadalis
Nishel and T.J. Patel Todd and Whitney Overby
To purchase tickets visit the Orpheum Box Office, The Booksellers at Laurelwood, Ticketmaster, call 525-3000, or visit our website at
www.orpheum-memphis.com2011-2012 Broadway Season
sponsored by
APRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOW!
Nothing changes a family faster than a daughter in love.Nothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family fastothing changes a family faster than a daugher than a daugher than a daugher than a daugher than a daugher than a daugher than a daugher than a daugher than a daugher than a daugher than a daugher than a daugher than a daughter in loer in loer in loer in loer in loer in love.
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ets visit the Ochase ticko purTTo purAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NO
e aebsitall 525-3000, or visit our w, com.c.orpheum-memphisw
ooksellers ahe BT, efficx Oorpheum Bets visit the OAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NO
t e a 2011-2012 Broadway Season sponsored by
, oodelwt Laurooksellers aAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOAPRIL 24-29, ON SALE NOW!W!
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Grand Krewe of Phoenix Coronation
The Premiere Palace Ball-room on Monroe Avenuelooked anything but pala-tial the night of the GrandKrewe of Phoenix Coro-nation. The exterior of thebuilding was shrouded inblack, and a marquee out-side identified it as “ThePhoenix Auto Sales Club.”A small eye-height panelslid open, and guests wereonly admitted after theyprovided a password. Thiswas all part of an elaboratedisguise that transformedthe venue into a 1920s-stylespeakeasy. The room wasfilled with flappers andBugsy Malone look-alikes,with King Ryan Landwehrand Queen Amber Roettgenincluded among them. Theroyals donned their fineryfor a brief presentation cer-emony after which theytook the floor and dancedthe Charleston to the tune“Shake Those Feet.”
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
Grand Krewe of Sphinx Coronation“Wait until I get changed for the coronation to take my photo-graph,” urged Jack Conway, who was crowned King of the GrandKrewe of Sphinx at a grand coronation held at Colonial CountryClub. Once properly attired, Conway escorted Queen Kelley Martinthrough a throng of guests, including Mayor Mark Luttrell and hiswife, Pat, and Mary and Myron Lowery. The evening’s theme was“Lost in the ‘50s,” prompting Amber Roettgen (Queen of theGrand Krewe of Phoenix) to borrow an authentic mid-century cock-tail dress for the event. On the way out, guests helped themselvesto bowls of nostalgia-tinged Clark Bars, Mary Jane’s, mini WhoopiePies and Wax Bottles candies. “Isn’t the candy great?” askedConway. “It was my idea!”
Story and Photos by Jeannie Mandelker
ONSITE
Grand Krewe of Luxor CoronationThe keyword for the Grand Krewe of Luxor Coronation at EsplanadeMemphis is elegance since everyone who attended the affair wasdressed to the nines. Guests enjoyed a buffet of heavy hors d’oeuvresand cocktails prior to the presentation of the court, during whichQueen Ann Newell and King Charles Shoaf III decreed that fun andfestivities would follow. Their subjects obeyed and partied well intothe night to the tunes of the King Beez. As the hour neared mid-night, partygoers were treated to a breakfast buffet as the LuxorKrewe made sure no one left hungry or thirsty.
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
Queen Ann Newell and King Charles Shoaf III Mike and Cathy Welsh
Onsite III
Queen Amber Roettgen and King Ryan Landwehr
Anita Howell, Hooper Jones and Donna Renard
DeAnne Gammon and Rick CondreyKing Jack Conway and Queen Kelley Martin
with Erica Knight and Taylor Martin
Michelle Kornberger, Ally Lucianoand Tara Bodansky
Grand Krewe ofRaMet Coronation
Carnival Memphis royaltyand their guests filled theClark Opera MemphisCenter for the GrandKrewe of RaMet Coro-nation. A “Night in Rio”theme was chosen to par-allel Brazil’s Carnival,with attendees seeingmannequins dressed infull festival attire whenthey walked through thedoor. The table decor alsofollowed the theme, andeven before the court waspresented, its memberswere already in theCarnival spirit as theydanced to tunes byBulletTown. After KingBuddy Russell and QueenDebbie Halbrook wereofficially seated on theirthrones, surrounded bytheir court, tables emp-tied as the rest of thecrowd joined the king andqueen on the dance floor.
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
Queen Debbie Halbrook and King Buddy Russell
Sandra Cooper, Kim Leonard, Vickie Carwelland Patti Russell
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ONSITEOnsite IV
Marion Bailey and Dave Hulbert
Doug and Jenna Thompson
John Tabb and Brady Bryan
Drs. Dharmesh and Purvisha Patel
Heather Brucks and Belinda Sink
Avni Pathak, Susan Williams, Amy Chestnut and Christy Brandon
Jon and Beth Autrey with Stacy and Jared Autrey
Thomas Whitehead and Megan Fuller
Andrew Ticer, Kelly English and Michael Hudman
Soup Sunday
More than 70 Memphis restau-rants gathered on a chilly Febru-ary afternoon at FedExForum forthe 23rd annual Soup Sundaybenefiting Youth Villages. Linesthat seemed a mile long formedat nearly every restaurant aroundthe perimeter of the stadium asattendees gathered to taste thelikes of Jim’s Place ChickenFlorentine soup, Rendezvous’ redbeans and rice and Folk’s Folly’sbeef vegetable soup, to name afew. Savory smells and enticingtable displays drew in a record2,500 people, who helped raise$55,000 for Youth Villages’ men-toring program. By day’s end,Hard Rock Café Memphis wasalso celebrating with their bigwin for “Best Soup.”
Story and Photos by Maggie Giffin
Blue Jean Ball
The third time’s a charm for theJunior Auxiliary of Collierville’sBlue Jean Ball, which drew thesignature benefit’s best attend-ance yet with 225 members andguests. Themed “Mardi GrasUnmasked,” the event unfoldedat Memphis National Golf Clubwith revelers, some in beads andfeathers, enjoying a wine pull fea-turing 61 wines at $15 a piece,entertainment by DJ TommyAustein and Cajun fare like muf-faletta sandwiches. A silent andlive auction included several area-friendly items, including ticketsto the Main Street ColliervillePreservation Party & Taste ofCollierville, a Café Piazza gift cer-tificate and pilates classes atPilates of Collierville. Brandonand Avni Pathak co-chaired thesold-out event that helped raisefunds for group service projectsand to assist children in needthroughout Southeast ShelbyCounty.
Story and Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Daniel and Meggan Kiel
Rabbi Micah Greenstein and Mayor A C Wharton
Dr. Marc and Elissa Taub with Robin and Jeff Wallace
“Temple a Go-Go” Party
Temple Israel took locals on atrip down memory lane with its1960s-inspired fund-raiser, the“Temple a Go-Go” Party. While afew dressed to the theme, allguests got into the vibe when DJKenny Bosak spun hits of yester-year and when Karen Carrier andher Another Roadside Attractionteam served a creative ‘60s-themed feast. Silent and live auc-tion buzz generated due to lots offun items, such as a Beatles expe-rience in London, Dallas Cow-boys tickets, Red Hot ChiliPeppers tickets, a tour and tast-ing of Dinstuhl’s Candy Kitchenand a wine dinner for six withJosé Gutierrez. WMC-TV 5’s RonChilders served as live auction-eer, gaining bids so that TempleIsrael can continue to ensurevital services are available forTemple members regardless ofability to pay.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos Submitted
Cochon 555
A number of chef-friendly eventspop up on the local social calen-dar, but none quite like Cochon555. An event that tours theU.S., one leg of the tour revisit-ed Memphis this year at TheColumns at One CommerceSquare. Though the main objec-tive is to help responsible familyfarms sustain and expand theiroperations while raising aware-ness of heritage-breed pigs, theactual event has chefs competingto create the best dishes usingall parts of a pig. Kelly Englishof Restaurant Iris took home thecrown, beating out ChrisHastings of Hot and Hot FishClub in Birmingham, LeeRichardson of Ashley’s in LittleRock, Kevin Nashan of SidneyStreet Café in St. Louis andMichael Hudman and AndrewTicer of Andrew Michael ItalianKitchen in Memphis. Englishwill next compete at GrandCochon in Aspen.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Libby Huff
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Oscar Night® AmericaBenefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities® of MemphisE
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Jill Albright and Kevin Morgan Katie Kalsi and Anastasia Wiseman
Geoff Begnaud and Brittany Herbert Jarvis and Emily Greer
Betha Gill and Jenne Williams Brandon and Jessica Corley
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Arthur and Andrea Malkin with Gail Sevier Weakley and Randy EngelAnne and Jay Mead Mayor A C Wharton and Caron Byrd
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Minglewood Hall has become known for its concerts, but theMidtown locale attracted movie lovers instead of music fans thenight of February 26 for Oscar Night® America. A benefit for
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis, the event celebratedits 11th year and remains one of a few Oscar Night® celebrations inthe country sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts andSciences®.
Though people like Best Actress winner Meryl Streep (for TheIron Lady) and Best Actor victor Jean Dujardin (for The Artist) werethe stars of the Oscars® broadcast, which appeared on a giant screenin the 1884 Lounge and on many smaller TVs throughout the mainconcert hall, organizers recognized that their stars were the many chil-dren who come through the doors of the Ronald McDonald House. A“home-away-from-home” for families with children receiving medicalcare at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the nonprofit annuallyhosts more than 6,000 families at its facility, which boasts areas likean exercise room, kitchen and meditation room that families have fullaccess to while their child is undergoing treatment. With operatingexpenses in mind for these and other rooms at the facility, executivedirector Caron Byrd said, “All money raised tonight goes towardRonald McDonald House to keep the doors open.”
Since the night carried an Oscars theme, plenty of celebrity-signed memorabilia was up for bids in the silent auction, whichkicked off in the atrium, also the spot where guests picked up signa-ture cocktails and eyed Laurelwood Shopping Center outfits on livemodels. Mosa Asian Bistro, an event newcomer, provided all the horsd’oeuvres during the cocktail hour and later offered some dinneritems, including curried beef pastries, spring rolls, tempura shrimp,potstickers and sushi. In traditional Oscar Night fashion, many of therestaurants outfitted their tasting stations with movie-related décor,like Humdingers did with its nod to Hugo and Noodles Asian Bistrodid with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Décor aside, food offeringsfrom any participating restaurant were pretty spectacular, with CiaoBella serving Jack Daniel’s cannoli milkshakes and CrêpeMaker serv-ing made-to-order dessert crepes.
As the evening wore on, The Soul Shockers performed andawards were bestowed to those outstanding restaurants in the décorand taste categories. However, the real treat came when the telecastshowed that Undefeated, a documentary about the Manassas HighSchool football team, had won Best Documentary Feature. Montrail“Money” Brown, who appeared in the movie, happened to be in theOscar Night audience and was given a roaring round of applause whenUndefeated won. Of course, autographs were in order from Brown—another star Memphians were able to see right in their hometown.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Nathan Berry
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Bob and Laura Burditt
Tamara and Daryl Hodges Peter and Denice Susen Victoria and Tim Disalvo
Dede Malmo and Valerie Truhan Sharon and Grayson Hall Kevin Dacus and Amy Worrell
Alec and Margaret McLean
Renee Fortune and Eric Patten
Jessica and Ted Simpson
Jeff and Stacey LaRusso
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Megan and Seth Smith
Morgan Newsom, Matt Powers and Lauren Watson
Jason Prater and Holly Whitfield
Kathy Lofton and Gwen Frazier
Bob, Katie and Mary Tolbert
Gail Musick and Michael Booth
Steven Hankins and Amanda Hindsman
Michelle Lamansky, Princess Daniels and Dana Campbell
Michaela Burkhardt and Andy Windham
Paul Gagliano and Tracy Bunn
Will and Bridgett Routt with Genna Cox and Tucker Strickland
Bart and Mamie Shannon
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HAND
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E V E N T Hands of Hope Auction Party
Benefiting the Exchange Club Family Center
Paul Chandler, DJ Mark Anderson and Steve Conley
Matt and Lynda Spinolo
Madelyn Gray and Brooke Shannon
Paul and Mia Henley
Brian and Valencia K. Turner
David Holdford and Monica Burt
Jake and Kate Van Namen
Jim and Deborah Summers
Ashley Ward and Gary Smith
“Come on, raise your hands for hope!” urged emcee and auction-eer Steve Conley as he worked the crowd of 500 Exchange ClubFamily Center supporters at the organization’s annual Hands of
Hope Auction Party. Bidding high was the name of the game for thisauction-heavy benefit co-chaired by Madelyn Gray and Mia Henley,with Mayor A C and Ruby Wharton as honorary co-chairs.
“We have an amazing turnout,” said Gray, “and we love thatwe’re able to have the event at The Columns at One CommerceSquare.”
Indeed, The Columns was a welcome change of venue andprovided quite the romantic ambiance, with amber colored lightsshining on the soaring Greek Revival columns in the building thatwas once a bank—you couldn’t tell this night! The space had lots ofspecial touches, from towering calla lilies in a tall, slender hurricanevase at the “Champagne Welcome” table to the private bistro tablesset up for guests to enjoy French wines in the “VIP Wine Bar,” cour-tesy of North Berkeley Imports. Then, there was a canopy of star-litsatin hanging from the ceiling, lots of soft white candlelight andcalla lily centerpieces containing illuminated wire copper balls. Graypraised Brent Logan of Holliday Flowers for helping coordinate theoverall look.
When they weren’t savoring Italian cuisine from Ziparo’sCatering or sipping coffee from Café Las Flores, ladies and gentscould be found studying a multitude of silent auction items. Thiswas no ordinary auction either, as there were out-of-the-ordinaryofferings, starting with gorgeous terrariums, both a large one and apair, created by Jane Goetz. Other attention-catchers included ahand-carved mantel from Old City Millwork, private water skiing les-sons on a private lake by a member of the Collierville Ski Club and afine bourbon selection by Star Distributors. “What are you biddingon?” became a common phrase this night, but perhaps the moreappropriate one should have been “What shouldn’t you bid on?”
For the live auction, Kevin Kane, president and CEO of theMemphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, took on a new role asauctioneer when he joined Conley on the mic. The two said they haddone about 10 auctions together now, but it was the first time manyin the room had seen the duo in action. Some of the live auctionhighlights auctioned off were a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade get-away, a six-night stay at a WaterSound lakefront home in Santa RosaBeach, Florida, tickets for two honorary observers at the FedEx St.Jude Classic Golf Tournament and a private in-home dinner for 10with North Berkeley wines and Jennifer Chandler, who was in theaudience.
By night’s end, patrons were boogieing to tunes spun by DJMark Anderson, but more importantly, they had lived up to raisingfunds for Hands of Hope by donating an estimated $120,000 to helpthe Exchange Club break the cycle of child abuse.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Baxter BuckSee all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com
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HAND
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James Burns and Grace Fong
Scott and Marta Murphy
Teri and Bart Hanners
Brad and Jacki LindsayLiza Livingston and Stephen Routh
Bobby and Sherri Simmons
Dr. Jara Best and Kent Jones
Michael and Debbie Sego
Alice Higdon and Parker Pickle
Diane and Herbert Montgomery
Andy and Karen Boyd
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Rebecca Fountain, Stephanie Simpson, Gina Deutsch, Courtney Wood and Kathye Sbravati
Mayor A C Wharton with Rinnie and Keith Wood
Chris and Anna-Sarah Farha with Dan and Lori O’Brien
Chris and Summer SmithRachel Bradley and Billie Jo Parker
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AFTER HO
URS After Hours
A photo collage of the latestbusiness happenings
Cellure National Launch at Mona Spa & Laser Center
Armenta Trunk Show at South House Fine Jewelry
“Million Dollar Quartet” Orpheum CastParty at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
Doxchoice Scotch Tasting at the Racquet Club of Memphis
“Meet the Experts” Benefit for the National Civil Rights Museum at Macy’s
Mona Sappenfield and Jessica Sappenfield
Dr. Nancy Chase and Seldon Murray
Roy Berkenstock and Lee Berkenstock
Rand Page, Dawn Toups and Tyler Sory
Toni Rutledge, Allison Bailiff, Marge Snipes and Tammy Earwood
Keva Duckett, Greg Hanson and Valerie Calhoun
Easton Shariett and Pat Mitchell Worley
Claire Chamoun, Dr. Laurie Baker and Judy Strong
Lee Ferris, Scott Moreau and Jerry Katell
Bayo Tojuola and Mary Omachonu
Lexie Routh and Brent Hogue
Carolina Garbouicz, Abby Walsh, Amy Mooreand Michelle Heck
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By Dennis Phillippi RSVP
HILL
IPPI
FASHION WEAKAwhile back, I
started buyingthe occasional
men’s fashion mag-azine. Who knowswhy. Probablybecause they alsousually have scanti-ly-clad models inthem. What I dis-covered, to myshame, is that virtu-
ally everything I ever wear is out of style.It should have been something I saw com-ing, but I didn’t. I mean, I’m in my late40s and haven’t bought a new, differentgarment in probably a decade. Please notethat I said “different.” I’ve bought plentyof clothes, it’s just that I always buy thesame things, and they, from what I gather,all look rotten.
Bear in mind, fashion has rarelybeen my chief concern when buyingclothes. I’ve always, at least in my adult-hood, gone almost entirely for functionali-ty. The most important thing is havingenough pocket space. Turns out, that’s notwhat you’re supposed to be keeping as pri-ority number one. If you do, then it’s justa matter of time before you’re one of thoseold cranks who wears a foreign correspon-dent’s vest all the time. That’s not a goodlook unless you happen to be a foreign cor-respondent, and then you get a pass. I’mnot, so I don’t.
Reading these shiny periodicals,and just flipping through this one, it’seasy to see that cargo pants and superherotee shirts are not what a man my ageshould be sporting. Sport coats that actual-ly fit and don’t have a blown lining aremore appropriate. It may be getting late inthe game to be wearing sandals sevenmonths out of the year as well.
Even my dress clothes, and I haveplenty of them, are out of step. My suitsare too baggy, the pants may have pleats,my lapels are too wide and so are my ties.Some of my dress shirts look worn at thecollar, which is a serious transgression.You’d expect more from shirts I bought 15years ago at a store whose primary productis not clothing.
There are, it seems, some thingsthat don’t ever go out of style, like goodItalian shoes, a properly fitted two-button
suit or having enough money to look like akook.
There are things that will never bein style. It will never be hip for a man towear gloves for anything other thanwarmth or work. Men wearing glovesinside anything other than their garage isnever going to be a good look. That guywho wears the motorcycle gloves all thetime may want to rethink that choice. Formen, sunglasses anywhere on your head,other than to cover your eyes, is nevercool. Not on top of your head, not hangingon your chin and not on the back of yourneck. You can get away with them beingon top of your ball cap, but you’d better
be fishing. And unless you’re in a risinghip-hop band, a guy wearing sunglassesinside anywhere is decidedly uncool. I’vesaid this here before, but no matter howhot it gets, no one is ever going to be okaywith seeing your underarms. Fellas, unlessyou’re on your way to or from the gym,keep the wife-beater inside your own home.
None of these things holds true forwomen. Women can violate all of these. Noone cares if a woman wears a sleevelessshirt to the opera. A woman with her sun-glasses on top of her head is adorable. I’veeven seen women, eccentric women, ableto pull off wearing gloves. Granted, thatwas in New Orleans, and they were wear-ing feathers as well, but women can dothat sort of thing. Really attractive womencan wear anything. Scarlett Johanssoncould go out wearing a coffee can for a
hat, a dress made from a Little Mermaidshower curtain and shoe boxes for shoesand most of us would still say, “Yeah, butman she’s hot.” Trust me, Jon Hamm can-not pull off a Hawaiian shirt, cargo shortsand boots. The rules are different forwomen.
Now, that’s according to men’smagazines. I’m sure that women’s maga-zines are focused on making women feelthat no matter what they already own, itmakes them look out of style and hippy toboot. They are, after all, in the business ofgetting people to buy things.
There are things in these men’smagazines that I will never do, no matterhow much they insist it’s what everyone isdoing in Milan. You’re never going tocatch me wearing plaid, a colorful vest, myshirttail sticking out of my sweater, asweater at all for that matter, a bowtiewithout a tuxedo or anything bright red,purple or pink. That’s just asking toomuch of a Southern man who’s been mar-ried for more than a quarter of a century.My wife would tell me I look ridiculous,and I trust her judgment.
Don’t misunderstand me—I’m notplanning on becoming a slave to fashion.For one thing, it’s too expensive. Foranother, there’s a thin line between beingstylish and being Quentin Crisp. Buyingties more often than every 15 years or sois probably a good move. Wearing an ascotis never going to be. Buying somethingother than sunglasses endorsed by a bassfishing champion is a respectable decision.Buying sunglasses so huge they make youlook like you should be in a biplane dog-fight over WWI France isn’t.
The big fear, I guess, is getting socalcified I end up looking exactly like whatI am: a man who likes what he wearsbecause it’s comfortable, has enough pock-ets and the shoes are comfortable. Itsounds like a reasonable argument fromone perspective, but really it means you’regoing to look lazy, angry, cheap and likesomeone who wants everyone to just staythe hell off your lawn.
Dennis Phillippi, please feel free to comeon our lawn at work any time as long asyou have your article ready. If you don’t,we’ll gladly start a “What Not to Wear”feature in the magazine.
It will never be hipfor a man to weargloves for any-thing other thanwarmth or work.
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1952
Alison (Strawn) Franklin (front row, third from the left) poses with her cousin, David Strawn (toprow, fifth from the right), and the rest of the members of the Spike Jones Band. This group of
young musicians came from the 1952 kindergarten classes of Peabody Elementary School, whereRuth Flautt Young taught both Alison and David’s class. The school still operates today at 2086Young Avenue.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALISON (STRAWN) FRANKLIN
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