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July 2008
Do talkers drive you nuts?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I was out shopping over the weekend, picking up all sorts of stuff to use and wear in China, where I’ll be part of the AJC’s Olympics coverage team.
(Never mind that half of what I bought was made in China.)
On the way in to one store, a lady I’d never seen before struck up a conversation. I exchanged a few pleasantries and went on my way. On the way to try on some cropped seersucker pants (they are SO cute. The Chinese are going to love me), there she was again.
Does this color look good on me? she asked. What do you think of this top?
Blah, blah, blah. Good grief! She about drove me nuts! As politely as I could, I extricated myself from her orbit. Her husband’s weary glance told me she strikes up “friendships” wherever she goes.
Does this happen to you? What do you do when a stranger wants to be your new BFF? I’m going to have several hours on the plane Monday to make new friends (or not). Unlike the store the other day, there will be no escape.
What’s a polite way to tell someone to zip it?
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When do you tie one on?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tie guys Shawn H. Wilson of Usher’s New Look Foundation, left, and Charles Ellis, store director of the Phipps Tiffany & Co., flank the man of the hour at a party Friday night to celebrate Usher’s Camp New Look. Photos by Philip Shone
When the invitation says black-tie, it’s easy for guys to figure out what to wear.
But at many of Atlanta’s social events, the dress code is more open to interpretation. (Business-chic, smart-casual, glam-festive, anyone?)
Last Friday, an invited crowd gathered at the Phipps Plaza Tiffany to celebrate Usher’s Camp New Look, which educates children about the sports and entertainment industries. As you can see from the party pix, some folks rocked the cravat while others, including Usher himself, went without.
From left, Tom Carroll of Tiffany & Co., Bill Bolen, Usher, Wesley Jonathan, Ken Yaffe, and Charles Ellis of Tiffany & Co.
Over the past year of covering social events, I’ve noticed that about half to two-thirds of the guy generally wear ties, unless it’s a black-tie gala. If you’re in doubt, take one with you, scan the crowd as you arrive and work that Windsor knot right quick.
Maybe it’s because I work in a newsroom, where ties might as well be illegal, but I think they finish the outfit. I’m a big fan of bow ties.
Or do ties make a guy seem stuffy? Does it make a difference this time of year, when it’s so hot? In business and social settings, when do you tie one on?
Usher and eco-trendy philanthropist Laura Turner Seydel.
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Butterfly’s Beijing-bound
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One week from today, I’ll be on a plane to China. As part of the AJC’s Olympics coverage team I’ll be reporting on Atlantans in Beijing, whether for fun or business (or both) during the 2008 Olympic Games.
Guanming Fang, an attorney with Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, will be among the Atlanta residents I’ll see there.
“I am purely going for the partying, not the sports!” she was quick to point out.
A native of southern China, Fang leads her firm’s China Initiative. she works with U.S. and international companies — particularly Chinese companies — and in 2004, co-founded the Georgia-China Alliance. The nonprofit organization promotes business exchanges between the United States and China.
Fang’s community involvement has included the boards of the National Association of Chinese Americans, Chinese Business Association of Atlanta and Zoo Atlanta.
“Georgia was a little bit behind some of the other states in cultivating a relationship with China,” she said. “We’ve done a nice job catching up.”
Fang will be there with husband Jian Ni and their sons Oliver, 13, and Preston, 8, who are the sports fans in the family. They return Aug. 15, so the boys will have to miss a little school.
“The education they’ll get from the Olympics outweighs the first week of school,” Fang said. “I really want them to experience the excitement and the pride of the Olympics.”
She says the family will cheer for both her native and adopted countries.
“If the U.S. is not playing China, it’ll be easy,” she said. “If they are, I guess we’ll alternate or maybe split the family up. I think we’ll cheer for the underdog.”
If you’re going to Beijing, let me hear from you.
David York, top, is being honored at this year’s New Leash on Life event, being chaired by Sandra Baldwin and Tony Conway. Photo by Jim Fitts.
Pet project
New Leash on Life plans a fourth anniversary cocktail-silent auction bash Nov. 5 at Mason Murer Fine Art, with a preview shopping event Aug. 27 at the Lenox Ralph Lauren.
Sandra Baldwin and Tony Conway are this year’s chairmen. Honorary chairman is David York, founder of Barking Hound Village.
NLL’s goal is reducing metro Atlanta’s homeless pet population by supporting low-cost spay and neutering and adoptions. Info: 404-863-7370, info@newleashonlifega.org or www.newleashonlifega.org.
James Frazier
He’s walking, she’s running
James F. Frazier Jr., one of the founding partners of the Frazier & Deeter CPA and Advisory firm, chairs this year’s Light The Night Walk, benefiting the Georgia chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The event will be Oct. 11 at Centennial Olympic Park. Last year’s walk was supported by over 7,000 walkers and raised $1.4 million to fund research for blood cancers. Frazier hosts a breakfast for interested leaders in Atlanta’s corporate community at 8 a.m. Wednesday at Villa Christina at Perimeter Summit. Call 678-279-2019 or see www.lightthenight.org/ga.
Meanwhile, Rachel Rosenberg and some of her colleagues at Edelman Atlanta have a fun bash planned from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Park Bench in Buckhead. The event features beer, wine and food, a live band and silent auction. Tix are $20 and benefits Team in Training, which raises money for LLS. Rosenberg’s competing in the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in October, her first endurance event. www.parkbenchbuckhead.com.
Jody Abstance and Jan Bennett
Honoring the artists
The Swan Coach House Gallery toasts the artists whose works appear in “Mining the Surface, New Sensibilities in Art Textiles,” with an Aug. 7 reception sponsored by longtime gallery supporter Dorsey Alston Realtors and president Jody Abstance.
Marianne Lambert and Junco Pollack co-curated the exhibit of works by Norma Bradley, Linda Campbel, Andrew Jackson, Bertha Jenkins, Jennifer Jenkins, Carol LeBaron, Lee Malerich, Amelia Netto, Toya Northington, Carla Powell, Margaret Quiggle, Leisa Tich, Tommye Scanlin, Judith Simmons and Whitney Stansell.
The gallery’s new chairwoman is Jan Bennett.
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Good Lord, shut UP!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Biblical scholars have debated over the years just what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote about his thorn in the flesh.
A physical affliction perhaps? Or maybe a less visible, spiritual challenge.
Anyway, I’m pretty sure that if he were writing about thorns in the flesh today, Paul would be talking about cell phones in church.
Come on, y’all. You’re in the house of the Lord, you can’t turn that thing on “silent” for 60 minutes?
Twice this morning during an excellent sermon, my attention was diverted by someone’s cell phone. Last Sunday, I watched in alarm as a fellow parishioner checked Blackberry messages every five minutes.
Believe me, I’ve got far too many shortcomings of my own before I could begin to criticize someone whose cell phone goes off in church, but that doesn’t stop me from pondering what wrath I might visit upon the guilty. Like nominating them for membership on the next building fund committee.
What do you do when, in a house of worship, a play, concert or other live performance, or a class or business meeting, someone’s cell phone disrupts the proceedings? Do you cast a scornful glance at the offenders, or speak to them afterwards? Or do you embrace a spirit of patience and forgiveness, and pretend not to notice?
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Still can’t find Cheerwine?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’ve been to a family reunion or Wednesday night fellowship supper in North Carolina, you’ve had a Cheerwine cupcake like one of these, served at the July 17 Cheerwine launch party.
Are you still having trouble finding Cheerwine?
As reported last month, the cherry-flavored soft drink from North Carolina has made an official launch into the metro Atlanta market, but anecdotal reports suggest it might still be difficult to find.
The possible reason? People are grabbing every case they can, fearful that its placement on store shelves must be a fluke.
“People are buying out the stock,” said Wayne Parks of Southeast Atlanta Beverage, the bottler that’s distributing the Salisbury, N.C. soft drink. He said he’d seen a woman start to clean out an entire shelf at a north metro Wal-Mart, until he assured her there was plenty and more coming.
Alan Flynt, left, Cheerwine President Cliff Ritchie and Bonnie Grey Flynt clown around poolside during the Atlanta launch party for the iconic North Carolina beverage. The Flynts, originally of Lexington, N.C., say they are glad they’ll no longer have to horde their favorite drink after trips home.
Although Cheerwine’s been available here and there over the years in metro Atlanta, the recent roll-out is the company’s most concerted effort. It should be available in area Kroger, Publix, Wal-Mart and Ingles stores, and plans to start stocking single bottles in convenience stores as well.
A Tar Heel-heavy crowd of fans flocked to the downtown Sheraton last week to cheer Cheerwine’s arrival in metro Atlanta. Guests enjoyed a spread from Dusty’s, which has stocked CW and serves its barbecue North Carolina style, with vinegar-based sauce.
Alan Flynt and sister Bonnie Grey Flynt, originally of Lexington, N.C., said they have been loading up every time they’d go home for a visit.
“I horde it, then I ration it out,” Bonnie said.
Brothers Patrick and Derrick Medley, originally of High Point, N.C., enjoyed the party with pals Jamie Wilks of Winston-Salem, Derrick Weaver of Durham and Brian Payne of Thomasville.
“Cheerwine reminds me of home,” Derrick Medley said.
Cheerwine President Cliff Ritchie greeted guest including Liane Pierce of Cary, Weston Drake of Durham, and Brandon Holland, who like the Butterfly hails from Rocky Mount, in eastern North Carolina.
Many of the guests at Cheerwine’s Atlanta launch party were native Tar Heels eager to welcome their state’s famous drink to Atlanta. Shown here front row, from left, Derrick Medley, Derrick Weaver and Patrick Medley. Back row, from left, Brian Payne and Jamie Wilks.
Sharon Burt and husband Barry aren’t native Carolinians but went to UNC and took a shine to Cheerwine during their time in Chapel Hill.
“Whenever we visit we would bring back cases,” Barry said.
“No more stocking,” Sharon said.
They still have four cases left from their most recent replenishment - just in case.
The Cheerwine party featured eats from Dusty’s, which serves its barbecue Cackalacky style: with vinegar-based sauce.
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Malik Yoba and the Digital Divide
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Actor Malik Yoba with Kei Ramsey, left, and Amber Lee upstairs at Straits Monday night.
There’s a really simple story behind actor Malik Yoba’s involvement with the Alliance for Digital Equality, which advocates improved Web access in underserved minority neighborhoods.
“Julius (Hollis) accosted me on the street,” Yoba laughed, referring to the ADE’s chairman. “I was in town working on Tyler Perry’s movie, ‘Why Did I Get Married,’ staying at the Twelve.”
When the two men ran into each other, Hollis immediately struck up a conversation. Soon he had convinced Yoba to lend his voice to public service announcements for ADE.
“I was interested in the issue itself,” Yoba said during a preview party Monday night at Straits. “I try to do what I can to raise awareness for issues. “And Julius has a way of getting all kinds of folks to do all kinds of things.”
Today, the ADE holds its Digital Empowerment Summit 2008 at the Georgia Tech Conference Center. A panel discussion moderated by Texas State Sen. Rodney Ellis and AJC business columnist Maria Saporta takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The crowd at the Monday night event included Mayor Shirley Franklin, King Center CEO Isaac Farris, and Dr. Jay Yadav, CEO of Cardiomems.
And Lehman Brothers managing director Ernest G. Green, who was one of the brave African American students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., in 1957.
“I’m interested in how we close the digital divide,” Green said. “It’s a focus that’s long overdue.”
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He’s leaving, she’s staying. They’ll make it work.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nicolas Bour and sweetie Elissa Rosen.
Maybe this belongs on Meridith Ford’s dining blog, or Blanca’s dating blog but hey, we’re all about collaboration and versatility at the AJC, so here goes.
Nicolas Bour, the acclaimed exec chef at the Farmhouse at Serenbe south of the city, and the lovely Iris in east Atlanta before that, is leaving town. He’s been lured away by an exec sous post at the Willard InterContinental in Washington, D.C., and leaves Thursday.
Sunday night, a group of friends including caterer Dennis Dean, Atlanta Peach editor Drew Brown, chefs Jonathan St. Hilaire and Ricardo Ullio and Project Open Hand’s Caroline Bortnick gathered at Shaun’s to toast him on his way out of town.
“I’ve had a very loyal following,” said Bour, a fresh-ingredients fan who’s finally made peace with diners who order well-done steaks and other horrors. “They followed me from Iris to Serenbe and they’re here tonight. It’s very humbling.”
Bour’s girlfriend of two years, Elissa Rosen stayed close by his side.
“It’s hard to leave,” Bour said. “We have that to go through.”
Food has factored significantly throughout their relationship, probably like any chef’s. She recalled with a smile the blueberry pancakes he’d make for her early on, the lobster bisque she’s come to crave, the addictive grilled cheese sandwiches he whips up for her and her friends.
Bour and Rosen, an assistant editor at Atlanta Peach, plan to keep things going. It’s a short flight from D.C. to Atlanta, after all.
“We always enjoy our time together,” he said.
“Now we’ll enjoy it more,” she said.
With the sun setting and the weekend ending and Bour four days from leaving, someone ordered another round.
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NBAF update: Wynton Marsalis at ATL Symphony Hall
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jazz great Wynton Marsalis charmed a capacity crowd at Atlanta Symphony Hall Saturday night during a collaborative performance with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Robert Spano.
Marsalis appeared with Dan Nimmer on piano, Ali Jackson on drums, Carlos Henriquez on bass and Walter Blanding on saxophone. Explaining the interaction between the oft-improvising group, Marsalis said, “It’s like the conversation with your old lady. There’s a lot of subtext.”
He recognized notable audience members including dancer-choreographer Judith Jamison and scholar Cornel West, whom he kidded a bit about his current coiffure.
“His ‘fro is not anywhere on the level it should be,” Marsalis joked, telling his friend, “remember those picks we used to have?
By the way, the gracious Marsalis was too polite to show offense at the steady stream of late-comers, saying only, “I’m just going to talk to y’all until everybody sits down.”
He filled the time taken up by lollygaggers with engaging stories behind the pieces he performed, including “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home” by Charles Warfield and Clarence Williams and “For All We Know” by J. Fred Coots.
Saturday’s performance preceded the National Black Arts Festival’s 20th anniversary gala. We caught up with actor Samuel L. Jackson, a dedicated NBAF supporter who’s on the 20th anniversary host committee, at the cocktail party ahead of time.
“It’s contributed to the cultural and spiritual growth of Atlanta,” he said of the event. “Hopefully we’ll be here for the 30th and 40th year anniversary.”
NBAF executive producer Stephanie Hughley said the festival’s success builds the legacy of civil rights icon Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
“It’s all about using culture to bring people together,” she said. “Atlanta is helping realize the dream that Dr. King had.”
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Socializing OTP vs. ITP
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first time we were invited to a party in one of metro Atlanta’s suburbs, we started getting panicked calls on our cell phones shortly before we arrived.
“Are you ok?” our worried friends asked. Apparently showing up 45 minutes after a party’s official start time was cause for alarm.
It’s the opposite story in town, of course. If the party officially starts at 7 p.m. and you show up before about 8:15 p.m., you’ll have the bar to yourself and maybe two or three other guests to chat with.
Have you noticed this OTP-ITP difference in party arrival time? What time do you show up to a party? Do you prefer guests show up right on time or fashionably late?
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Going to any NBAF events?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cathy Evans, from left, with Myrna Anderson-Fuller and Marsha Johnson at Mason Murer Fine Art for the Embrace preview party.
Hundreds of art collectors gathered at Mason Murer Fine Art Thursday night for the Embrace preview party.
Embrace is the National Black Arts Festival’s fine arts event.
“It’s a great cultivation for the Atlanta area when it comes to fine arts,” said Hammonds House Museum executive director Myrna Anderson-Fuller
The event brings artists and collectors together, and gives new collectors a broad exposure to a diverse range of works, she noted.
Of course not everyone in the crowd wanted to be described as a collector.
“Do we look that old?” asked an alarmed Danielle Dirickson, walking through the gallery with Abiose Spriggs.
“We’re admirers,” he said.
Artist Richard Mayhew delighted the crowd by breaking into song after offering a few remarks.
NBAF festivities continue this weekend with a number of events, most notably the 20th anniversary gala Saturday night at the High. If you’re going I hope to see you there!
Click here for the NBAF Web site
Artist Richard Mayhew charms the crowd as NBAF development director Karen Briggs looks on.
Amani Wairimu, left, and Diana Mulili chat near an alcove of art.
Danielle Dirickson and Abiose Spriggs, both way too young to be collectors, simply admire their surroundings at Mason Murer.
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Thanks…an update from an expert
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thanks to Paces Papers owner Jackie Howard and manager Kathy Davidson for their guidance on thank-you notes.
“We think you have up to two weeks for a thank you, so you don’t seem rude, for a dinner party or you were a house guest.”
New brides have a little more time.
“I think the old rule was months after, but so many people don’t know if you even got their gift and just want an acknowledgement so they can pay their store bill,” Howard said. “I would think about a month to month and a half for bridal notes is the maximum.”
However, if your guest list is so huge that it’s going to take forever to get your thank you notes out, Howard suggests gift acknowledgment cards, followed by proper notes when time permits.
How long is too long to wait to send a thank-you note?
Some colleagues and I were discussing this over lunch today. I shared with alarm the tale of a dinner guest who waited - clutch your pearls - three weeks to send a note.
Then I returned to my desk, realized I had a few horribly overdue notes to send myself and made a mental note to get them in the mail posthaste.
What’s the proper timeframe for thank you notes? Is a phone call, e-mail or, dear Lord, a text message sufficient?
Thanking you in advance for your guidance,
S.B.
Why are some people such slobs?
A friend and I took an informal sartorial poll outside the Fox Theatre Tuesday night.
Most folks who were there for the premiere of “The Color Purple” came dressed to impress.
Carolyn Young looked magnificent in a bold print jacket.
Artist Anthony Liggins and Debbie Noble rocked a fab-casual look. Aida Flamm’s trademark turquoise jewelry contrasted nicely with her elegant tunic, white with coral accents. Husband Allan Flamm, a bow-tie and pocket-square man, cut a courtly figure as usual.
Then there were the folks who showed up like they’d just come from the beach. Seriously, we spotted a few people walking into the theater wearing shorts, T-shirts, even flip-flops.
Flip-flops!
Sure, not everyone’s into dressing up, but come on.
I love the Atlanta Opera, and I guess they’re to be commended for pitching a big tent with this advisory on their Web site:
“People come to the opera dressed in everything from jeans to evening gowns, so please feel free to attend the opera in whatever clothes you feel comfortable.”
I’d prefer they employ a bouncer to roust anyone who shows up dressed to clean the gutters.
What’s your take? Is it disrespectful to performers and your fellow patrons when you dress like you’re going to change your oil right after the final curtain call? Or does a casual dress code project a more inclusive welcoming atmosphere?
By the way the image above is an archive photo. Maybe I should have snapped a few of the fashion offenders last night, but I don’t want to embarrass anyone. Here are some photos of folks who did get their looks together.
Carolyn Young and husband, former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young.
Aida and Allan Flamm flank Debbie Noble and Anthony Liggins.
From left, cast members Hollie Wright, Latrisa Coleman and Brian Brooks. These folks worked hard Tuesday night! Is it too much to ask to expect audience members to dress suitably in return?
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An Olympic scandal in the ATL
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Butterfly doesn’t usually read like the police blotter, but I leave for Beijing in three weeks as part of the AJC’s Olympics coverage team.
So here’s an Olympic tale wrought with scandal and intrigue.
Nicholas Wolaver was a lad growing up in America’s heartland when Atlanta was awarded the 1996 games. He wrapped up a degree in mass communications at Minnesota State, Mankato, in 1995 and hustled south, signing on with the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games.
His Olympic fervor persisted long after the last Izzy doll was sold at a yard sale, and he had a specialty tag that said OLYMPIC on his black Volvo sedan.
That’s right, had. Scoundrels made off with the tag Monday while Wolaver, a senior media supervisor at the Edelman public relations firm, was parked at Spring and Marietta streets downtown.
“If it was returned, I would sure appreciate it. I’m not seeking to prosecute,” said Wolaver, who says he’s received no ransom note from the perps and thus far has not considered a reward. “I can appreciate why someone would want something like that. There are a lot of people who collect Olympic items.”
Ebay abounds with all sorts of Olympics gear. Someone in Greensboro, N.C., is hawking a Wheaties box from the Atlanta Games for 8 bucks. A seller in Apopka, Fla., offers a sports guide from the 1996 Games for $3.25.
With this kind of cash to be made, Wolaver’s naturally concerned that someone will try to fence his tag, earning him a trip to the DMV for a new one. And even though the Olympics are supposed to stoke friendship and goodwill in hearts around the world, Wolaver’s not necessarily banking on victory.
“My expectations are low if it gets returned,” he said “I’d be really impressed if it did.”
Political columnist Dick Yarbrough, who handled public relations for the Atlanta Games, was saddened but not shocked to hear of his former employee’s misfortune.
“It isn’t surprising that he got ripped off. We had people climbing poles and stealing Centennial banners,” said Yarbrough, author of a book about the Atlanta Games, And They Call Them Games.
Pressed to account for his whereabouts on Monday, Yarbrough supplied an airtight alibi.
“I am innocent,” he protested. “ I was dragging the algae out of the Chinese lake at the time the crime occurred.”
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Thanks for a great year
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seems like yesterday that the AJC rolled out the neo-retro idea of a society column. In fact, it’s been a year as of July 16.
Thanks so much to everyone who has suggested ideas, passed along tips or helped me navigate Atlanta’s social scene. Our city bustles with a large and diverse group of dedicated volunteers. Society patrons in the ATL give their time and talent to a range of great causes - and sometimes they’re willing to play dress-up.
This picture, sent in advance of this spring’s Excalibur Ball to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge, is my favorite handout photo of the past year. Props to Joanne Gross and Christan Wojcik for getting their husbands to go all King Arthur in the name of charity. Shoot, I can’t get my husband to hold my purse.
From left, Dr. Alex Gross, Joanne Chesler Gross, Christan Eiler Wojcik, Kevin Wojcik, chairs of the Excalibur Ball, “A Night in Camelot, ” benefiting the American Cancer Society. Photo by Greg Mooney
Some themes from my year on the ‘Fly beat, with a look at what’s coming:
The old and the new
The ATL gets knocked for knocking down its past, but many folks here are devoted to history. Last year’s Battle of Atlanta Gala was hosted by Sylvia and Charles Harrison at Meadow Nook, their restored antebellum home. This year’s BATL Gala is July 19 at the Kemp-Castle House in East Lake, hosted by Kim and Craig Castle. Tix are $45, see www.batlevent.org for info.
The ATL’s social scenesters like to mix things up a bit, too. This April, Atlanta Ballet patrons were shakin’ it in the aisles at the debut of “Big,” the ballet’s collaborative effort with Antwan “Big Boi” Patton. Up next: the annual Corps de Ballet luncheon, chaired by co-chaired by Amy Nelson and Crystal Cox, is Sept. 8 at the Buckhead Ritz. Info: www.atlantaballet.com.
Atlanta Ballet artistic director John McFall with Dina Woodruff, left, and Michelle Sullivan. Photo by Jim Fitts
Antwan “Big Boi” Patton with Atlanta Ballet Dancers Christine Winkler & David Blumenfeld. Photo by Charlie McCullers.
The establishment and the young bloods
Smart organizations salute their longtime patrons while cultivating new ones. Example: the Michael C. Carlos Museum. This spring’s Veneralia gala honored longtime Carlos supporters Ann and Ben Johnson. A flock of familiar names packed the Fox Theatre’s Egyptian Ballroom that night for “A Night in Nubia,” while the hipster set enjoyed an adjacent junior patron’s event, “New Mix.”
Ian Walker, from left, and Katie Walker, Carey Benham, and Doug Benham at Veneralia, benefiting the Michael C. Carlos Museum. Photo by Angela Morris
Heading up that party were fine arts purveyor Spalding Nix and wife Aimee, who works in the museum’s development office. Stay tuned for a host of events in conjunction with the Michael C. Carlos’ upcoming show, “Tutankhamun: The Golden King & the Great Pharaohs,” running Nov. 15 through next May 25, at the Civic Center. www.carlos.emory.edu.
And keep an eye on Kate Atwood, one of young Atlanta’s serious up and comers. The fifth annual Kate’s Club Cabaret, benefiting the organization Atwood, 29, founded for kids who have lost a loved one, is Sept. 12 at the Foundry at Puritan Mill. Info: www.katesclub.org.
Kate’s Club founder Kate Atwood with Katie Long, chair of the board, at last year’s Kate’s Club Cabaret.
Green is good
From organic wine and local produce to recycled-paper invites and water-on-request at big bashes, eco-fabulous is the new fabulous. Atlanta radio veteran Vikki Locke made the best of a dry situation, saying “We are going to ask you, because of the drought, not to ask for any water and just to drink heavily, “ at last fall’s “Hope for Children,” benefiting Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers.
Coming up, Share Our Strength’s Second Annual Give Me Five Dinner, July 20 at Waterfall Country Club on Lake Burton, features Georgia-grown products prepared by five Georgia chefs. Info: www.givemefivedinner.org.
Atlanta’s rich diversity and charitable spirit
Urban Chic 2008 co-chair Richie Arpino, from left, Ken Goldwasser, John Stupka and in front, Randi Layne and Karyn Greer
Tons of hard-working volunteers keep Atlanta’s social scene going, so mark your calendar for a diverse range of fab events coming up. Malaysia Fest 2008 is Sept. 6 at the Duluth Festival Center; www.malaysia-ga.org. Urban Chic, benefiting AID Atlanta, starts at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 in the Fox Theatre’s Egyptian Ballroom, www.urbanchic2008.org.
Numerous National Black Arts Festival events are coming up, including the preview party for the Embrace fine art fair, 7 p.m. this Thursday at Mason Murer Fine Art; and the Artist Market grand preview party at 7 p.m. July 23 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Saturday’s 20th anniversary gala, featuring jazz great Wynton Marsalis, is already sold out. www.nbaf.org.
From left, Valerie Richardson Jackson, Susan Taylor, Editorial Director of Essence Magazine, and Thomas Dorch, Jr., Chairman Emeritis of Coalition of 100 Black Men at last year’s preview party for “Embrace, ” the Fine Art Fair of the National Black Arts Festival. Staff photo by Mikki K. Harris.
Speaking of 20th anniversaries, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity celebrates two decades with a family-friendly bash from 2 to 8 p.m. Aug. 30 at 210 Pounds Rd. in Tucker in Tucker. Admission is free and donations are accepted. www.habitatgwinnett.org.
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Getting red wine out of white linen
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The crisp and elegant Hank Stewart.
What do you do when your glass of Bordeaux and your white linen trousers meet unhappily?
We asked poet, author and activist Hank Stewart his advice the other day, given his upcoming three-day bash, the 2008 White Linen Affair. The event features a slew of activities, including a jazz-poetry café night, dance lessons, a writers’ workshop, a brunch, a comedy show, talent auction and even some workout time.
“I’m having a ball,” said the Emmy award-winning Stewart, who performs with the R&B-jazz ensemble 5 Men on a Stool.
The White Linen Affair, July 25-27 at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel, benefits the Stewart Foundation, a youth empowerment organization. Organizers expect another full house, and prominent guests like U.S. Reps. Hank Johnson and John Lewis, State Rep. Tyrone Brooks, the Rev. Joseph Lowery and actors Malik Yoba and Cee Cee Makaela.
The White Linen idea was launched in 2001, when Stewart held a party for the release of a poetry CD and suggested everyone show up looking crisp and elegant. Friends urged Stewart to continue the event, and it’s grown over the years while the sartorial guidelines have been tweaked somewhat. (This year’s look is white linen with a hint of lime.)
So seriously, should your look and your libation collide, how do you get rid of the damage?
“You don’t,” Steward laughed. “You hope you don’t spill anything on yourself until the end of the evening when it doesn’t really matter.”
Tix are $40, see www.hankstewart.net.
From left, Jose and Nikolle Reyes, Fia and Dana Durrett and Kristen and David Ware. Photo by Fernando Decillis.
Hope for Rwanda
Metaleap Design and Paste magazine hosted a June 27 party in their Decatur offices to benefit the nonprofit organization 100 Days.
The group is raising money to build the Good Shepherd Hospital for Children in Rwanda, a country that’s been ravaged by genocide and AIDS. Nearly 200 came out for sips and nibbles provided by Yellowtail, The Brick Store, and Taqueria Del Sol, with DJ Little Jen spinning her magic and rock group The Ming Dynasty entertaining.
Photog Fernando Decillis organized group shots spelling out the night’s theme, Hope. Party people included José & Nikolle Reyes, Fringe Atlanta founders and Metaleap Design owners; Fia and Dana Durrett, Fringe Atlanta founders (Fia is also a violinist for Emory University’s chamber music ensemble, The Vega Quartet) and architects Kristen and David Ware, owners of Ware & Associates.
Also, Kelli Sasser, Ann Magruder, Jim Cox, Linda Cox, Tang Lund, Lisa Brown, Marlon Brown with 100 Days.
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Going…going…gone?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Peter Ta and Eve Gu contemplate silent auction offerings at the recent “Tango on the Tundra” benefit at Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
Has the gavel dropped on silent auctions?
Judging from conversations around town recently, it seems charity event volunteers are of two minds.
Some say they give patrons a fun way to pick up neat items they might not otherwise have access to, while raising additional funds. But others say silent auctions have become dull, and increasingly challenging to fill out (and sell out) in pinched economic times.
“I can’t stand those auctions. It takes up all that space in your pre-function area,” says uber-socialite Sally Dorsey. “It’s just not fun.”
Not so, says Sara M. Foster.
“At a silent auction for the benefit of a scholarship fund for the Atlanta Chapter of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association held several years ago, I got an autographed baseball signed by Ron Polk, recently retired baseball coach at MSU,” she said. “This is one of my most treasured items.”
Foster recently snapped up an oil painting of a cat at an event benefiting Furkids, an Atlanta-area animal rescue organization with which she volunteers.
“As soon as I get it framed, it will take a place of honor in my office so my coworkers can share it,” she said.
By the way, The Wall Street Journal reported recently that some high-end silent auctions in Boston and New York are moving online.
“In the old days, you actually had to go to the party to get the art,” Whitney Museum of American Art Trustee Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo told the Wall Street Journal,
Lynne Yates scored a silent-auction painting as a birthday present the old-fashioned way. The high bidder walked and her sister won the item as a second-chance bidder.
“My sister paid $400 for it. The artist’s website indicates that it is worth about $1,800,” Yates said. “My sister definitely got her money’s worth and I received a great birthday present.”
While silent auctions do seem to be a staple of many charity events around town, you do hear about those that have opted not to offer one. Neither the Legendary Party, which Dorsey is chairing to benefit the Shepherd Center, nor the Vintage Vegas BowTie Ball, which will benefit area teen organizations, plan silent auctions.
“The elementary has a silent auction, you go to a luncheon and there’s a silent auction,” Dorsey says. “It’s overdone.”
What’s your take? Have you bought things from, contributed them to or solicited them for silent auctions? Will you continue to do so?
The Atlanta BowTie Society plans a smashing bash at the W Atlanta Midtown this Nov. 21. The group’s inaguaral gala, the “Vintage Vegas” ball, will feature a Rat Pack-era orchestra, and signature “Bowtini” cocktails - but no silent auction. Back row, from left, Merry Carlos, Lisa Tush, Bill Tush, Dottie Smith and Kelly Willett. Front: Ellenwood Barton. Photo by J. Mark Garrard.
