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CONT
ENTS
12THEATRE MEMPHIS GALABarry Fuller and Ann Sharp
40 SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE GALAJayne and Jimmy Whittington
36LIVE AT THE GARDEN
Jennifer Kettler and David Pool
42 MEMPHIS MUSIC FOUNDATION
BIRTHDAY PARTYKristee Bell and Jill Turner
47AFTER HOURS
Josh Pastner and Bo Abbay
46BBQ, BOURBON & BEER TASTING
Sabrina and John Wheeler
Cover PhotoGriff Israel and Jennifer McCullough
at University Club Carnival Party
Photo by Roy Haithcock
ContentsAugust 2009
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Jimi JamisonBest known for his days fronting the band Survivor, who recorded “Eye of theTiger,” this rock vocalist opens up about his guilty pleasures and biggest obstacles.
Theatre Memphis Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12The Rockin’ Hallelujah Happening provided energetic entertainment with a comedi-an and jazz music for its guests in order to raise money for Theatre Memphis.
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 & 20He worked his way to the top of the radio industry and became the announcer whodoesn’t sound like one. This man created guitars for legendary rock stars like ElvisPresley and Jimmy Page. StreetSeens spotlight Carter Davis and Tom Keckler.
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 34, 44 & 45Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Q&A with Maryanne Lessley, the Memphis Farmers Market market manager.
RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30A trek across the city’s party landscape.
Live at the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36The Doobie Brothers brought some classic rock to Memphis at the MemphisBotanic Garden’s summer concert series, Live at the Garden.
Salute to Excellence Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40The American Liver Foundation’s gala was “Back in Full Swing” at the HiltonMemphis, raising more than $84,000.
Memphis Music Foundation Birthday Party . . . .42The MMF celebrated the Music Resource Center’s first birthday and honored retir-ing chairman Phil Trenary with a Saint Blues guitar.
BBQ, Bourbon & Beer Tasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46The Lichterman Nature Center held a tasty affair to raise money for the center’spublic educational programs.
After Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47A photo collage of the latest business happenings.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48This is It Sports FansPhillipi offers ways to cope with the summer season’s sports drought for those lessinclined to watch baseball.
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Volume XIV Number XI
August 2009
P U B L I S H E R
Roy Haithcock
E D I T O R
Leah Fitzpatrick
C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S
Ruth CassinKelly Cox
Jonathan DevinDennis Phillippi Lesley Young
E D I T O R I A L I N T E R N
Maggie Squires
A R T D I R E C T O R
Patrick Akers
P H O T O G R A P H E R S
Nathan BerryRoy 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 E
Toni Anderson
A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E S
Libby HuffChris Pugh
A C C O U N T I N G
Ruth Cassin
RSVP Memphis is published monthly byHaithcock Communications, Inc. First class
subscriptions are available for $75.00 per year.Send name and address with a check to:
Haithcock Communications, Inc.2282 Central AvenueMemphis, TN 38104
For advertising information contactRoy Haithcock
Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101Fax (901) 276-7785
e-mail [email protected]
W E B
www.rsvpmagazine.comFor 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]
Copyright 2009 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
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What a wonderful master-piece I saw a few weeksago while driving along
Big Creek Church Road inMillington. For miles, allthat’s visible is a landscapedotted by picture-perfectpeach trees in an orchardreminiscent of a Monetpainting. The magical placeI’m referring to is JonesOrchard, and I was morethan overjoyed to have thishidden gem of a setting bethe backdrop for the AugustVox Popular photo shoot.
As soon as I put mycar in park, my feet tookoff! I couldn’t wait to explore the terrain and snag a fewpeaches during my interview with Maryanne Lessley of theMemphis Farmers Market (MFM), featured on page 24. Notonly did I learn from Lessley that the MFM has experiencedtremendous growth in its number of patrons and vendors dur-ing the last four seasons, but a significant amount of its ven-dors has been with the market since day one, proving there’sbeen a consistent desire for fresh produce in the community.To me, it’s great news to hear that consumers are opting tobuy locally grown products, thereby making savvy nutritionalchoices that will hopefully increase their longevity. So, forthose of you still questioning whether to visit the MFM or anyof its vendors, don’t delay a beneficial experience any longer.
Now, onto other notable features: the StreetSeens. Thefirst StreetSeen interviewee you’ll come across on page 18 isCarter Davis, a man of many voices, literally. Davis had adream of being a radio talent since he was a teen, and henever let anyone tell him he was too young to audition, th-ough he remembers often being laughed at in the beginning.Soon enough, he found himself on the air at a “cornfield sta-tion” in Collierville and followed his passion all across thecountry, until he decided to open up a home studio. Who’slaughing now?
For my second StreetSeen, I met with Tom Keckler, or“T.K.” as he’s known amongst his peers, for a lesson on every-thing guitars at the Saint Blues Guitar Workshop. Keckler hasa lot of experience under his belt restoring and customizingguitars for all the greats and even helped co-found Saint Blues,a guitar manufacturer located right here in Memphis. Accord-ing to Keckler, the whole music business started at Sun Studioand slowly worked its way around the world. How about thatfor some hometown love?
You see, there’s greatness everywhere…you just have todrive off the beaten path every now and then to find it.
Leah [email protected]
From the Editor
Photo by Steve Roberts
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Jimi JamisonSSiinnggeerr//SSoonnggwwrriitteerr//BBooaarrdd MMeemmbbeerr ffoorr RRoocckk--NN--JJoocckk CChhaarriittiieess//UU ooff MM TTiiggeerrss FFaann
Jimi JamisonSSiinnggeerr//SSoonnggwwrriitteerr//BBooaarrdd MMeemmbbeerr ffoorr RRoocckk--NN--JJoocckk CChhaarriittiieess//UU ooff MM TTiiggeerrss FFaann
HHoobbbbyy:: Golf.
IIddeeaall vvaaccaattiioonn ssppoott:: My couch.
FFaavvoorriittee aauutthhoorr:: John Grisham.
PPeerrssoonnaall hheerroo:: My mom, Dorothy.
GGuuiillttyy pplleeaassuurree:: Chocolate ice cream.
OOnnee tthhiinngg yyoouu ccaann’’tt lliivvee wwiitthhoouutt:: Black stage clothes.
FFaavvoorriittee MMeemmpphhiiss mmuussiicciiaann((ss)):: Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis.
YYoouurr mmaannttrraa:: Treat everybody like you want to be treated.
MMoovviiee yyoouu ccoouulldd wwaattcchh oovveerr aanndd oovveerr aaggaaiinn:: Groundhog Day.
HHiissttoorriiccaall ffiigguurree yyoouu mmoosstt iiddeennttiiffyy wwiitthh:: Elvis, but I wasn’t quite
as big as him.
FFiirrsstt ccoonncceerrtt:: I was playing at it with my band, The Debuts, and we
played with Roy Orbison, The Buckinghams and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit
Wheels.
BBiiggggeesstt oobbssttaaccllee yyoouu’’vvee oovveerrccoommee:: Not being shy on stage because
the first time I sang in front of a group, I stood behind the drummer.
YYoouurr ggrreeaatteesstt aacchhiieevveemmeenntt:: Winning a People’s Choice Award and
being a part of Memphis music.
SIGN
ATUR
E ME
MPHI
S
phot
o by
Ste
ve R
ober
ts
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Theatre Memphis GalaRockin’ Hallelujah Happening
E V E N
T
Ellen and Tom Prewitt Bob and Betty Mednikow
Nichole Soulé and Steven Hoover Marques Brown and Ashley Bugg Brown
Jonathan and Ann Page Melissa and John Moore
THEA
TRE ME
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Joe Lackie, Gary Beard, Debbie Litch and André Bruce WardJoe Gardner and Valerie Sherman Josh and Shea Lackie
See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Theatre Memphis once again put on a dazzling show for 300 guestswith its Rockin' Hallelujah Happening Gala, an event that raisedmoney to support the theatre’s artistic endeavors. The humorous
invitation matched the wit of the evening's performer Sister Myotis, acomedic character from the Voices of the South Theatre Company,which will be going on tour this coming year.
The décor provided a luxurious atmosphere to match guests’extravagant attire. Ornamentation also echoed the Hallelujah themewith red rose vines elegantly twirled around a church window frameplaced on the buffet table. Birdhouses built to resemble churches sur-rounded the church window frame and were adorned with red roses aswell. Party Tenders catered the buffet and served Southern food, suchas fried chicken, green beans, boiled shrimp, beef tenderloin, hamand biscuits, casseroles, salads and a dessert bar.
Joyce Cobb, a former Theatre Memphis board member, openedthe night by playing blues and jazz as background music for the silentauction that was available throughout the night. Choice items up forbids included an NJ Woods painting, Mednikow jewelry, a popularmargarita machine and wine. Sister Myotis continued the night byentertaining guests on the Lohrey Stage. The character emphasizedthe importance and benefits of the performing arts and then conduct-ed a live auction. Theatre Memphis also gave guests a sneak peakshowing of Curtains, a light-hearted murder mystery musical.
The evening ended with elegantly dressed guests dancing thenight away as the rock band Solid Gold played upbeat music in thelower lobby. Debbie Litch, executive producer of Theatre Memphis,was pleased with the event’s success and said, “When TheatreMemphis throws a party it is going to be entertaining. This year wehit a home run!” In addition, gala chair Susan Labovitz and auctionchairs Robert and Jennifer Hanusovsky are owed a big thanks forrockin’ the theatre.
Story by Maggie SquiresPhotos by Nathan Berry
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E V E N
TTH
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E ME
MPHI
S GA
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Gregory and Laurie Boller
Ann Wade, Pat Beech and Jules Wade
Martha Roper and Romelle West
Jenna Newland and Michael Manning
Kelly Phillips, Julia Hinson, Jerre Dye and Scott Duff
Shane McElveen and Charlotte McElveen
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THEA
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MPHI
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LA
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Robert and Jennifer Hanusovsky
Susan Thompson, Charles Beech and Alexis Porter
Kristy Street and Stephen Gipson
Ted Graves and Tiffany Brimhall
Ashlyn Temple, Alexis Tarver and Lillian Bird
Robert Kyle and Quinten Busey
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E V E N
TTH
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Ed Hanna and Mary Anna Williamson
Nancy Willis and Ed Adwell Todd Stricklin and Marianne Minton Sarah and Dennis Norton
Ron and Vicki Olson Mila McFaden and Steve Good Joan and Arnold Weiss
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Carter DavisThe Voice
Surrounded by a microphone, throw carpets,CDs, scripts and his regular piping hot cupof coffee, Carter Davis prepares for his
daily shout-out to the masses from his private,home recording studio. Specializing in radioand television imaging in the U.S. and abroad,Davis is the guy clients hire when they wantan announcer who doesn’t sound like one.
He says, “I’ve been told I have a voicethat cuts through. What I think people aresaying is that my voice has certain frequenciesthat cut through the static.”
At age 15, Davis had already developedambitions of being on the airwaves and sentseveral demos to local radio stations, only tobe ridiculed. Eventually, WPIP out ofCollierville hired him to be a deejay. Davisremembers doing block programming forthree hours a week at the station in a spotthat was dedicated to teenagers. He jokes thathe probably only had two listeners, but he did-
n’t care. What he was more worried about wasthe transmitter.
“I was scared of the transmitterbecause I thought I had to shut down at sun-set due to FCC regulations, so I would oftenspeed up my program’s final song, the nation-al anthem, to get off in time,” he says.
The gig at WPIP lasted two months,but the experience helped Davis land a job atFM 100 when he was 19. He ended up doingthe morning show at the station for two years,before heading to WHBQ, where he became“David Clark in the Dark.” So, from 7 p.m. tomidnight, Davis deejayed, during the timeperiod (1969-1972) he refers to as the bestmusical years. Working alongside radio iconslike George Klein and Rick Dees didn’t hurteither.
“The personality format was just ascream,” he says. “It was so much funbecause we really put on a show, and my voice
started to change and do great things.”After 1979, Davis left Memphis to pur-
sue programming manager jobs for stations inHouston, Mobile, Birmingham and St. Louis,all the while lending his voice for stationimaging, or branding. By 1990, he’d returnedto his Memphis roots to set up a home studiowith all used equipment and has since nevergone “off the air.” Seventy percent of hisbusiness remains TV and radio imaging, buthe also does business promotions, movie trail-ers and narrations. However, comedic com-mercials are his forté.
He smiles, “I get a little embarrassedsometimes if I sound too confident, so I’velearned to never take myself too seriously.”
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
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Tom “T.K.” KecklerThe Go-To Guy for Guitars
Down the street from Sun Studio stands the Saint Blues(St. Blues) Guitar Workshop, a lesser-known Memphismust-see, but a place any musician should venture to
meet Tom “T.K.” Keckler, if for nothing else. A co-founder of St. Blues back in the early ‘80s, Keckler rentsa space at the front of the building where he repairs gui-tars, a trade he first learned at Mike Ladd’s Guitar City.From the beginning, he lucked out with an impressiveclientele.
“When Mike and I started taking guitars andsouping them up, Jimmy Page with Led Zeppelin came inthe store, and we also did a custom guitar for Elvis forhis birthday, and he loved it,” Keckler says.
Following his stint with Ladd, Keckler became thechief guitar engineer for Schecter Guitar Research inCalifornia, but eventually found himself back in Memphisdesigning a custom line of guitars for Strings and Things.The original prototype he built for the line was called atele-paul, but later became known as a Bluesmaster. Thebrand, which began as S&T Customs Workshop Guitars,also evolved into the name St. Blues. Well-known musi-cians soon took note of the Bluesmaster’s high qualitycraftsmanship and sound, and the brand’s fanbase grewto include Jeff Beck, Bono, Eric Clapton, Billy Squier andBilly Gibbons, to name a few.
He adds, “Oddly enough, getting a star to be seenwith your instrument is still a major weapon.”
Though St. Blues achieved impressive success, theline was put to a halt in 1989, giving Keckler the chanceto upstart T.K.’s Guitar Services. Twenty years later, hestill restores and builds guitars for his loyal clients atT.K.’s, but he has also rejoined the St. Blues family, afterBryan Eagle revived the company three years ago by pur-chasing the trademark. So, from the wee hours of themorning until noon, Keckler goes into work mode atT.K.’s and ventures downtown to St. Blues after lunch tomeet with new clients and show visitors what makes theboutique guitar manufacturer unique.
“Guitar trends are constantly changing, but ourguitars have traditional lines that endure, and a woodguitar still has something that can’t be duplicated by onemade with composites,” he says.
Keckler acknowledges that survival has been hisbiggest accomplishment in the business, but the recentopening of the St. Blues 25th anniversary exhibit at theRock ‘n’ Soul Museum is an honor as well. The first partof the exhibit highlights the early years of the companyand its founders, and the second part features the St.Blues story, complete with memorabilia from 1984 to1989. He’s gotten a warm response from his friendsabout the exhibit, which will move into a permanent spotin the museum next year, and smiles when he thinks howmuch joy working on guitars has given him through theyears.
“I decided a long time ago that if I couldn’t be anastronaut, then working on guitars is the next bestthing,” he says.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
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Norma Upshur and Katie Kitchin at Brooks Patrons Dinner
Chris and Christina Millard at Brooks Patrons Dinner
ONSITE Onsite
Cory Coffman and Rainey Rogers at Baddour Center Gala
Barbara, Anne Marie and Phil Swift at Baddour Center Gala
Carol Chumney and Don Tillilie at Ennead Clubroom
Don and Sue Davis with Mary Phelps at Baddour Center Gala
Baddour Center Gala Brooks Patrons DinnerEnnead Clubroom
More than 600 people celebrated the BBaaddddoouurr
CCeenntteerr’s 30th anniversary at the HHiillttoonn MMeemmpphhiiss.
The gala, which had a “CCeelleebbrraattee tthhee LLeeggaaccyy:: 3300 YYeeaarrss
ooff HHooppee” theme, spotlighted the Baddour Center and
its members, boasted performances by TThhee MMiirraacclleess
and the BBaaddddoouurr CCeenntteerr CChhooiirr and concluded with a
dance. FFeeddEExx, LLiippssccoommbb && PPiittttss IInnssuurraannccee and two
anonymous donors sponsored the occasion to support
the center’s continued assistance to adults with intel-
lectual disabilities.
The MMeemmpphhiiss BBrrooookkss MMuusseeuumm ooff AArrtt gave 120
guests a memorable black-tie dining experience at the
BBrrooookkss PPaattrroonnss DDiinnnneerr. CChheeff WWaallllyy JJooee of the Brush-
mark Restaurant and other renowned chefs prepared
the delicious five-course dinner that they paired with
wines from California’s Spring Mountain region for
museum supporters and vintners. HHaarrtt DDaavviiss HHaarrtt
WWiinnee CCoo.. also auctioned off vacation excursions, art-
work, jewelry and rare wines to benefit the Brooks’ out-
reach and programming efforts.
The GGrraanndd KKrreewwee ooff EEnnnneeaadd hosted a “MMuussiiccaall
CCeelleebbrraattiioonn ooff CCaarrnniivvaall MMeemmpphhiiss” during its annual
EEnnnneeaadd CClluubbrroooomm. The party unfolded at the UU ooff MM
HHoolliiddaayy IInnnn, where QQuueeeenn MMccKKaayy CCllaarrkk and KKiinngg
JJaammeess DDrriissccoollll were presented before their fellow
Enneadians, who danced the night away to music by
the LLeeggeennddss ooff RRoocckk. RRoobbiiee HHooffffmmaann served as krewe
chairman, and WWiilllliiaamm RRaaiiffoorrdd assumed the flagman
duties for the festivities.
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick and Maggie Squires
Photos Submitted and by Leah Fizpatrick
Robie Hoffman and Billy Britton at Ennead Clubroom
Robin Cooper, Carrie Hanlon and Fiona Barnett at Brooks Patrons Dinner
Rick Seal and Debra Beard at Ennead Clubroom
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Vox PopularQ&A with Maryanne LessleyVO
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RRSSVVPP:: Did any of your childhood experiences shape your love forfresh produce?
LLeesssslleeyy:: I think they did. I grew up on a farm in Bartlett, but itwasn’t a working farm. It was just my dad’s hobby. I have threeolder brothers, and they were the ones who really had to do thework. [Laughs] I think I really developed a love for the farmbecause I wasn’t doing the work. I have now started a garden athome with five tomato plants from Keith Forrester at WhittonFarms. He grows these little cherry tomatoes, and they’re likecandy. There’s purple, yellow, green and red, and he mixes them alltogether. They were my addiction last year. I also have herbs.
RRSSVVPP:: What are some goals you hope to accomplish through yourmarket manager job at the MFM?
LLeesssslleeyy:: Our mission andgoal is to bring healthyoptions to people, and real-ly, for me, that’s the key toturning our entire healthissues around. It’s not justabout having foods comingfrom a close distance, butit’s also about the taste. Ifchildren are eating tastelessproduce from a grocerystore, they’re not going togrow up wanting to eat veg-etables. It’s about havingkids that enjoy and appreci-ate dinner that’s full of non-processed foods. Hopefully,being in downtown, it opensup some opportunities forfolks who don’t have accessto grocery stores. I hope itbecomes so popular thatpeople are taking the busdown and really making useof what’s available to them.
RRSSVVPP:: What’s been the most rewarding part of your job so far?
LLeesssslleeyy:: The most rewarding part has been to see the farmers bene-fit and have a sustainable business opportunity within the marketand to do well. I’ve visited farms and seen how the farmers do whatthey do, and it is hard work. To see that work paid off with peoplebuying produce from the farmers and being excited about the mar-ket is a feel-good thing. People are happy with the product they’regetting, and the farmers are thrilled because they’re getting to sell a
product for a fair dollar, instead ofselling it to a grocery store for a quar-ter of what they could get at the mar-ket. I’m not anti-grocery store by anystretch, but when something is in sea-son, there’s just not a replacement at a grocery store to get the realthing. Hopefully, people will develop that taste, so they seek it out.
RRSSVVPP:: What’s the most unusual item you’ve seen for sale at themarket?
LLeesssslleeyy:: I heard that someone had a green eggplant, which I hadnever heard of, but there’s also been Asian melon, which looks likea big honeydew melon. The Vus—Ly Vu, who was probably there thefirst year—grow a lot of different Asian items. We’ve had someone
with lemongrass come.Shiitake mushrooms havebeen new this year.
RRSSVVPP:: What are some of thearts and crafts that are soldat the market?
LLeesssslleeyy:: The arts and craftsare made from natural mate-rials, and they’re for use inthe kitchen or garden. So, wehave potters, who throw theirown pottery. We have a cou-ple of guys who are wood-workers that make woodensalad bowls that are phenom-enal. We also have the goatmilk and herbal soap ven-dors.
RRSSVVPP:: What’s the farthest avendor can be located fromthe MFM to participate?
LLeesssslleeyy:: Our farthest vendoris in East Tennessee, West Wind Farms. We kind of have an unwrit-ten policy about allowing vendors from all of Tennessee, northMississippi and eastern Arkansas. It’s kind of neat being locatedwhere we are because we have what Kelly English [of RestaurantIris] calls “terroir.” Terroir has to do with the soil, the terrain andthe climate being different in each place, so even though you havethe same product, it’s still going to taste a little bit different. So, wetry really hard to keep that mix of vendors.
RRSSVVPP:: Are items at the market certified organic?
As Americans grow increasingly health conscious, our choices in healthful fare are becoming more abundantthanks to grassroots efforts from groups like the Memphis Farmers Market (MFM). Now in its fourth sea-son, the downtown marketplace for fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers, as well as innovative arts and
crafts, boasts 63 vendors and is attracting record numbers on market days, which occur every Saturday fromApril to October at the pavilion behind Central Station. With peaches expected to be one of August’s biggestsellers, it seemed fitting that RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick meet with Maryanne Lessley, the MFM market man-ager, at one of the market’s original vendors, Jones Orchard, to discover why buying local never tasted so goodor felt so rewarding.
Photos by Don Perry
Continued on page 28
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VOX
POPU
LAR LLeesssslleeyy:: West Wind Farms is our only certified organic grower, and
they bring primarily meat products. Many of our growers grow with-out chemicals or pesticides, but just aren’t certified organic. Thegreat thing about the market is you can talk to the farmers and askthem about their products. You build a certain amount of trust withthe vendors to know what you’re comfortable with purchasing.
RRSSVVPP:: What other activities occur during market days?
LLeesssslleeyy:: We always try to have at least one thing a week, whether wehave a themed event, like the Honey Week, or children’s events, likeon Mother’s or Father’s Day where we have a card-making section.We try to build our themes around what’s going on or what’s comingin, like it’s Red, White and Blueberry Week this week. We also havea dogsitter available, since the Downtown Animal Hospital comesevery week. Dogs can’t be in the pavilion around the food due tohealth codes, so we don’t want people to be discouraged and notcome just because they have dogs.
RRSSVVPP:: On an average Saturday, howmany people visit the MFM?
LLeesssslleeyy:: This year, we’ve averaged about2,000 people per market, which is con-siderably higher than last year, and wedo counts every hour on the half hour.We keep track of the number of visitors,so we can mark where we are now andwhere we’re planning to go. Last year,we had about 50,000 visitors, and we’reon track to do close to 60,000 this year.I think as the word gets out, the marketwill continue to grow. It’s been greatbecause our vendors have changed theamount they grow to accommodate forthe increase in the number of visitors.
RRSSVVPP:: For visitors to the market inAugust, what kinds of produce can theyexpect to find?
LLeesssslleeyy:: There will still be tomatoes,watermelons, peaches, blueberries,squash and peppers. There will also belots of fresh flowers, like zinnias, sun-flowers and gladiolas. National Farmers Market Week is also inAugust, and we will be doing some special events to honor farmersnationwide.
RRSSVVPP:: What is your favorite market memory?
LLeesssslleeyy:: Right now, the one that stands out entails two volunteerswho met last season at the market and are getting married this year.We wanted them to have a market-themed wedding, but they didn’tgo for that [laughs]. After it was all said and done, we decided we’regoing to throw a party for them.
RRSSVVPP:: Is there a cookbook people can purchase with some of theMFM recipes?
LLeesssslleeyy:: The cookbook came out the middle of July, and people canbuy it at the market. Chefs, volunteers, vendors and shoppers haveall submitted recipes for the book. We also sell tee shirts, with allproceeds going back to the market, which is important because we’rea nonprofit. All the sales the vendors have go back with them, sothey only have to pay us a small vendor fee to be there. I do want tomention that American Farmland Trust and Local Harvest have Web
sites [farmland.org and localharvest.org] that are doing a “vote foryour favorite farmers market program,” so be sure to vote.
RRSSVVPP:: Does the MFM currently have enough volunteers or does itneed more?
LLeesssslleeyy:: We always need more volunteers and help. There are about30 volunteers during market day, and we have two shifts. There arealso people who volunteer for committees, like the marketing com-mittee, community relations, vendor committee, fund-raising andgrants, so any of those things you have a special interest in would begreat to get involved in.
RRSSVVPP:: What are some of the MFM’s fund-raisers?
LLeesssslleeyy:: The Memphis Farmers Market Dinner Tour is big for us.The participating restaurants buy local produce, and when the mar-ket’s open, they buy from the market and make dinner from those
ingredients. A percentage of the moneymade at those dinners comes back tothe market. The Harvest Celebration isanother big fund-raiser that usually has16 participating restaurants that comein and offer tastings, and we have anauction at that event. Our auction isgreat because we get vendors to donateitems. Jones Orchard, for example,donated a tree, so that tree is roped offand the highest bidder gets all thepeaches from that tree. We’ve had abeekeeper who’s offered bidders achance to bring their kids out to learnabout honey and see a real workinghive. We have farm dinners, where achef will come cook at your home, andsome of the vendors donate a basket ofproduce every week, so you can comepick up your basket every Saturday atthe market. These are things you can’tget at every auction.
RRSSVVPP:: How do you think the markethas evolved since it started in 2006?
LLeesssslleeyy:: I think when it started, it wasmore about just having fresh food downtown. Now, it’s really made ametamorphosis into being real for these farmers. This is the farmers’livelihood. This is bringing back the farmland in our area and com-munity. It’s become a bigger picture than just having fruits and veg-etables downtown. Building this network and seeing how real it is forthese farmers and giving them an opportunity to sell to the public iswhat it’s morphed into. Hopefully the kids that are coming to themarket will decide to grow their own vegetables some day because wedon’t want family farms dying out.
RRSSVVPP:: How will the MFM continue to benefit the Memphis commu-nity?
LLeesssslleeyy:: It’s a place where people can get together in a safe and funenvironment downtown, and I think it has brought a good vibe orreputation there. When you’re getting more people downtown,they’re going to see that there are more things to do. Hopefully, thehealth aspects will take off—that’s certainly something that wouldimpact the community and show that there’s viability for other mar-kets in the area and spread the same type of spirit. As the circlegrows, I hope more farmers will be encouraged to farm and moreland converted to useful, productive farmland.
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Carnival Memphis Fashion Extravaganza“Rags to Riches”
The theme of the CCaarrnniivvaall MMeemmpphhiissFFaasshhiioonn EExxttrraavvaaggaannzzaa may have been “RRaaggssttoo RRiicchheess,” but no rags were in sight at thisevent. The regal queens of the GGrraannddKKrreewweess ooff CCaarrnniivvaall and stylish designersmade the luncheon feel like an escape toNew York City, while at the same timedrawing awareness to the MMeemmpphhiiss OOrraallSScchhooooll ffoorr tthhee DDeeaaff, SSttrreeeettss MMiinniissttrriieess and
YYoouutthh VViillllaaggeess.Hundreds of guests gathered at the
HHiillttoonn MMeemmpphhiiss for the affair that beganwith an hour of conversation and drinks. Aluncheon followed at noon and offered agrilled chicken and fruit salad with a tangylemon cake for dessert. Carnival MemphisPresident JJoohhnnnnyy PPiittttss thanked all for com-ing and opened with a prayer, whileCarnival King KKeeiitthh BBaarrttoonn and CarnivalQueen PPaaiiggee PPhhiilllliippss awarded medals tothose who had truly helped them and peo-ple who made the event possible. Then theSSeeccrreett OOrrddeerr ooff tthhee BBoollll WWeeeevviillss made a sur-prise appearance at the beginning of the
show, showering guests with Mardi Grasbeads and pouring foam on the Carnivalking and queen.
After the Boll Weevil chaos ended, thefashion show commenced as the each of thequeens of the Grand Krewes paraded downthe runway in gorgeous, intricately designedball gowns. Next came a showcase fromlocal designers. For this segment of theshow, flashing lights and loud music wereused to set the high fashion tone. RReeccyycclleeddIInnssppiirraattiioonnss bbyy EEmmmmaannuueellllee CC.. JJoonneess fea-tured items that most people throw awaysuch as newspaper and caution tape as clev-erly created ensembles. CCrraazzyy BBeeaauuttiiffuull’sclothes had an edgy urban look, with mod-els sporting matching black bobs with over-sized sunglasses. The designer also usedmany animal prints, neon colors and bigfunky belts that gave the clothes a city slick-er edge. GGlloorriiaa’s models strutted down therunway wearing floor-length glitteringgowns and retro cocktail dresses. The showconcluded with designs by WWyyllddeerr FFlleetttt,whose models looked like fashion-forwardvillains sporting the colors black and red,corsets, fishnets and studded leather.
The fashion show felt like a very
vogue event and a special thanks goes toSShheeiillaa WWiillssoonn and LLllaannaa SSmmiitthh RRaaddaa forproducing and directing it. Other gueststhat came dressed to the nines includedLLaanneettttaa LLaanniieerr, JJuuddyy JJoonneess, DDrr.. GGrreettaaCCooggeerr, MMaarrtthhaa TThhwweeaatttt, DDeeAAnnnnee GGaammmmoonn,KKeevviinn and BBaarrbbaarraa BBeennttlleeyy, VVeerrnnoonn SSmmiitthh,BBiilllliiee JJeeaann GGrraahhaamm, KKiimm PPiittttss, LLiissaa GGuuyyttoonn,JJaannaa DDaavviiss LLaammaannnnaa, TTeerreessaa SSeeaarrccyy, KKaatteeOOrrggiillll SSmmiitthh, EEvvee GGaammmmoonn, CChhaarriittyy AArrnnoolldd,MMccKKaayy DDoocckkeerryy CCllaarrkk, EEdd GGaallffsskkyy,VViicckkiiMMccCCuulllloogghh, KKaatthhyy SSmmiitthh, LLiissaa GGrraayyssoonn,KKaatthhyy CChhrriissttiiaannsseenn, JJeennnniiffeerr HHoobbssoonn, EElllleennPPaattrriicckk and CCaatthhyy WWeellsshh.
Story and photos by Maggie Squires
“Cigars Under the Stars”benefiting Tickets for Troops
TTiicckkeettss ffoorr TTrrooooppss held its inaugu-ral fund-raiser “CCiiggaarrss UUnnddeerr tthhee SSttaarrss“ atthe MMeemmpphhiiss ZZoooo. Founders TToonnyy and SSuuzzyyBBeenneeddeettttii conceived the idea to start theorganization after attending a sporting
A Trek Across the City’s Party Landscape
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event one gorgeous afternoonat which veterans were invitedto stand and be recognized.Tony, a former Marine, had ana-ha moment. Wouldn’t it begreat if more Mid-South ser-vicemen and women couldenjoy this?
Partnering with localcorporations, Tickets forTroops has taken 40 militaryfamilies to events like Grizzliesgames and Live At The Gardenconcerts. This particular fund-raising event began with thepresentation of colors by UU..SS..NNaavvaall SSeeaa CCaaddeettss, followed bythe JJeerreemmyy SScchhrraaddeerr BBaanndd, who
set the mood with some swinging jazz standards. Meanwhile, menand women alike enthusiastically partook of cigars provided by TThheeTTiinnddeerr BBooxx. Thanks to VViiccttoorr LL.. RRoobbiilliioo CCoo.., WWiilllliiaamm GGrraanntt aanndd SSoonnssUUSSAA, UUnniitteedd LLiiqquuoorrss andFFoorreesstt HHiillll WWiinnee MMeerrcchhaannttss,there were many libations tochoose from, including tast-ings of four premium scotches.Guests also enjoyed a casualsupper courtesy of CCiinnddyy KKrraaggCCaatteerriinngg.
“Getting out to a fami-ly-friendly event gives return-ing troops a fun opportunity toreconnect with their familiesand the community,” saidSuzy. “It’s a welcome-homeexperience. They’re not lookingfor a thank you, but this is away to show our gratitude.”
Some families have beenseparated for up to 18 months,and although Tickets for Troops only got its start in 2008, severalrecipients have already been re-deployed overseas. The organizationhopes to serve 120 military families in 2009. Those supporting thecause included ZZeekkee and LLoorrii LLooggaann, SSaamm and SSaarraa GGooffff, MMiikkee andSSuussaann SSwwaaiinn, JJeerrrryy EEaasslleeyy, MMiicchheellllee BBaattttss, JJoohhnn EEzzzzeellll, BBeenn RReeaaddeerr,DDeebbbbiiee BBaarrkkssddaallee, AAddaamm CCoouucchh, LLaatthhaamm OOaatteess,, HHeeaatthheerr HHiigghhtt, JJoohhnnAArrnnoolldd, DDaanniieell DDeeHHaaaann and CCeeccii NNoorrddeemmaann.
Story and photos by Kelly Cox
Spirit of SRVS Kick-offBenefit Performance
What’s better than a greatparty? A great party with a greatprelude party, of course. SShheellbbyyRReessiiddeennttiiaall aanndd VVooccaattiioonnaall SSeerrvviicceess(SRVS) gave partygoers a taste ofits upcoming annual fund-raiserwith the SSppiirriitt ooff SSRRVVSS KKiicckk--ooffffhosted by PPllaayyhhoouussee oonn tthhee SSqquuaarree.About 100 people braved a swelter-ing late June heat wave to attendthe hour-long reception, which pre-
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ceded a matinee performance of the Broadway musical RREENNTT. SRVS executive director JJeeffffrriiee BBrruuttoonn and event co-chair
AAnnnnee WWeessbbeerrrryy welcomed arriving guests at the door. Attendees likeBBrreennnnaann TToolllliivveerr, JJaassoonn JJaaccqquueess, MMaarrlleeee HHoowwaarrdd, SSaarraa QQuuaallllss,PPaammeellaa SSmmiitthh, PPaaiiggee FFaaiirr, JJuuddyy GGrriiffffiinn, CCaarroollee MMaasssseeyy, CChhaarrllootttteeMMccKKiinnnneeyy, FFrreedd WWeessbbeerrrryy and AAnnnniiee WWeessbbeerrrryy munched on lighthors d’oeuvres and sipped wine in Playhouse’s Memphian Room, butthe real purpose of the Playhouse benefit was to kick off SRVS’
largest annual fund-raiser titledthe SSppiirriitt ooff SSRRVVSS AAuuccttiioonnAAffffaaiirr, scheduled for August 22at the Hilton Memphis. 2009marks the 11th year that theauction has been offered andthe third year for thePlayhouse benefit.
SRVS’ mission is tosupport individuals with dis-abilities in need of employ-ment and residential assis-tance. “I have two sons wholive in SRVS homes, and I amalways thankful and impressedby the way our SRVS stafftakes care of them,” said JJoohhnnBBaarrzziizzzzaa, the SRVS board chair.Half an hour before show time,
Barzizza introduced artist CCoonnnniiee LLaammppeenn and unveiled her originalposter art for this year’s auction affair. The artwork will be auctionedoff at the main event.
“I am deeply honored to be the guest artist this year,” saidLampen. “SRVS is very dear to my heart. I have seen the manyremarkable things SRVS does for individuals.”
At the stroke of three o’clock, the delighted crowd packed in
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the theatre to enjoy an afternoon of music, drama, and thankfully,air conditioning. Some of those filling the theatre seats and support-ing SRVS were EErriikk GGrruubbbbss, MMeeggaann TThhoommaass, RRiicchhaarrdd WWiilllliiaammss,JJaassoonn KKoossttrrzzeewwaa, JJaavviieerr AAppoonnttee, PPaarrkkeerr and DDoottttiiee HHaarrnneessss, CCiinnddyyGGaauutthhiieerr, MMaarrcc MMiilllleerr, CChheerryyll AAnnddeerrssoonn, WWaalltt HHeennlleeyy, MMaarrkk andDDeebbbbyy SSaallvvaattoorree, LLaarrrryy and AAnnnnee SSttaauuddeennmmyyeerr, CChhrriissttyy SShhiipppp andLLeeee FFlloowweerrss.
Story and photos by Jonathan Devin
Salvation Army Women’s AuxiliarySummer Barbecue
Beneath a canopy of towering trees, more than 100 SSaallvvaattiioonnAArrmmyy WWoommeenn’’ss AAuuxxiilliiaarryy members and their guests enjoyed an alfresco dining experience during the group’s SSuummmmeerr BBaarrbbeeccuuee.Former auxiliary president DDiiaannnnee CChhaammpplliinn and her husband, BBrraadd,opened up their backyard forthe “SSAAAA CCoorrrraall” that had par-tygoers sporting their bestWestern attire.
Playing the perfecthostess in turquoise jewelryand a zebra-print cowboy hat,Dianne said, “Isn’t this somuch fun? I really appreciateyou all coming, and pleasehelp yourself to all this foodbecause we have more thanenough.”
With Dianne’s coax-ing, guests dismissed their shy-ness and scooted up to the buffet line. CCoorrkkyy’’ss catered the affair thatfeatured grilled burgers and hot dogs, slaw and tortilla chips withsalsa. Dessert included brownies and an assortment of ice cream forguests wanting brownies a la mode. Perhaps the highlight of the din-ner hour was the musical entertainment provided by TTooooff BBrroowwnn aannddtthhee SStteeaammbbooaatt RRoolllleerrss, an extraordinary group of musicians andsingers in their 80s.
Playing to the theme, guests were handed red bandanasat the door and could participate in a photo op by sticking theirfaces in a cowboy and cowgirl wood cutout. No one left empty-hand-
ed, but some guests got morethan one party favor as redcowboy hats were awarded tothose sitting in the “winner’schair” at each table. Thoseenjoying the festivities wereLLiinnddaa MMaatthhiiss, EEsstthheerr PPrriieettoo,MMaarrtthhaa MMccGGuuiirree, FFlloorreenncceeLLeefffflleerr, MMaarrgguueerriittee PPiiaazzzzaa,SShhiirrlleeyy CCoonnddoonn, DDoorriiss HHiillll,MMaajjoorrss MMaarrkk and RRhheeaa DDaawwnnWWooooddccoocckk, JJoohhnn and MMaarrsshhaaDDuunnllaapp, CCaarrooll WWoollff, BBeecckkyyGGeeiisseewwiittee, NNeellddaa HHaammeerr,AArrlleennee SSoouutthheerrnn, HHiillddaa MMuulllleenn,TToommmmiiee PPaarrdduuee, TToomm and
BBllaanncchhee TToosshh, NNaannccyy CCrroossbbyy, JJaacckk and SShhiirrlleeyy HHeennrryy, JJooaanniiee AAllppeerriinn,AArrtthhuurr OOlliivveerr and CCllaarr and CCllaarriiccee CCooxx.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Joanie Alperin and Shirley Condon
Shirley and Jack Henry
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Michael Thannum and George Gates at Ptolemy Clubroom
Marjorie Baker and Susie Bjorklund at Ptolemy Clubroom
ONSITE Onsite
Russell McDaniel and Judy Jonesat Sphinx Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion Show
Sally Coleman and Angela Moore at Sphinx Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion Show
Sandy Frazier and Nayla Nassar at University Club Carnival Party
Ginger Poteete with Virginia and Tony Corteseat Sphinx Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion Show
Sphinx Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion ShowPtolemy Clubroom University Club Carnival Party
The GGrraanndd KKrreewwee ooff SSpphhiinnxx kicked off CCaarrnniivvaallMMeemmpphhiiss week with the SSpphhiinnxx QQuueeeenn’’ss LLuunncchheeoonn
aanndd FFaasshhiioonn SShhooww at the RRaaccqquueett CClluubb ooff MMeemmpphhiiss.
Many wore their sparkling crowns to the event, since
the occasion honored all Carnival queens, including
SSpphhiinnxx QQuueeeenn JJuuddyy JJoonneess. Guests dined at tables outfit-
ted with black and white linens, while AAllll AAbboouutt
WWeeddddiinnggss and 22 GGiirrllss aanndd AA TTrruunnkk displayed their
designs in the highly anticipated fashion show.
Throughout Carnival Memphis week, royalty of
the Grand Krewes kept busy fulfilling the CChhiillddrreenn’’ss
CChhaarriittyy IInniittiiaattiivvee of the organization, raising awareness
for the MMeemmpphhiiss OOrraall SScchhooooll ffoorr tthhee DDeeaaff, SSttrreeeettss
MMiinniissttrriieess and YYoouutthh VViillllaaggeess. To give them a break
from the hard work and pomp and pageantry, the
GGrraanndd KKrreewwee ooff PPttoolleemmyy offered an opportunity to
trade in formal attire for flip-flops, grass skirts and
Hawaiian tops at its SSuurrffiinn’’ SSaaffaarrii CClluubbrroooomm. Held at
the UUnniivveerrssiittyy CClluubb, the party brought out the theme
with Mai Tais, music, shades and surf gear, as guests
let their hair down and kicked their feet up for a fun
evening of relaxation and recreation.
The UUnniivveerrssiittyy CClluubb CCaarrnniivvaall PPaarrttyy sailed away
with a shipwrecked theme in the University Club’s ball-
room. Around 400 guests enjoyed the nautical décor,
while the groovy ‘70s band DDrr.. ZZaarrrr’’ss AAmmaazziinngg FFuunnkk
MMoonnsstteerr provided the beat. FFeessttiivvaall PPrriinncceessss LLeesslliiee
AAlliiccee CCrraaddddoocckk represented the University Club at the
event that closed out Carnival Memphis’ 2009 festivi-
ties.
Story by Maggie Squires and Lesley Young
Photos by Roy Haithcock, Maggie Squires
and Lesley Young
Grace Swaney and Gil Uhlhornat University Club Carnival Party
David and Autumn Porter with Christine Groves and Ford Wilkinson at Ptolemy Clubroom
Sue Ellen and Carl Raineyat University Club Carnival Party
Avant-Garde is a FREE party exclusively for Brooks members at the Fellow level and above. Join today for your FREE TICKETS! Call Kiley Robinette at 544.6230 or email [email protected].
Celebrating the art of Jacob Lawrence
Presented by
Brooke & Alan Balducci
Nora Boone
Ashley & Frank Clark
Mikki & Darrell Cobbins
Nelia & Jay Dempsey
Marcus Dorris
Jenni & Andy Falkof
Andre Fowlkes
Amy Greer
Christina & Paul Guibao
Genesha McCraven
Monica & Andre WhartonFor inspiration & exclusive information, visit brooksmuseum.org/avantgarde
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LIVE
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April Norris and Barry Yoakum with Beth and Stan White
Holly Collins and Gena Sipiala
Kaye Harris and Gerry Burke
Scott and Lane Franklin
Jeanie Gundlach and Steve Conley
Lawrence and Jennifer Dow
Brandee Loving and Brian Gossett
Ashley Stepter and Joi Gandy
Nick and Susye Johnson
Good ole fashioned rock ‘n’ roll never dies, and neither doesAmerica’s devotion to the sound we call our own. For example,take the recent Doobie Brothers concert, which was attended by
5,500 Memphians during the Memphis Botanic Garden’s summerconcert series, Live at the Garden. The band has been around forclose to 40 years and remains a timeless musical treasure for a loyalfanbase.
Despite the thermostat reaching 100 degrees earlier in theday, the second concert of the 2009 Live at the Garden lineupbrought out the best in talent and picnickers. Blankets and coolersin tow, guests hurried through the gates to stake out the ideal spot,but no spot was really a bad one thanks to giant screens that hadbeen strategically hung overhead. As for food, concertgoers couldbring their own or make a trip to the venue’s hot dog stand or HogWild & A Moveable Feast Catering booth, which offered a pre-orderoption for those wanting to call ahead for their orders.
Those in the Encore section, a VIP area up front, readiedtheir tables with wine buckets, fresh flowers and lanterns.Underneath a white tent to the side of this section, some 2,000Encore ticket holders could also cool off with an array of beveragesat the bar or sample hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Wade & CompanyCatering. The tent’s down-home feel resonated well with this crowd,who enjoyed cheesy garlic biscuits, mashed potatoes and countrystore grits with cast iron skillet sautéed shrimp, all served in dishesdisplayed on top of empty beer boxes and old shutters with glasstops.
The summer heat soon mellowed a bit, and the magic of theoutdoor concert began. With the band’s eagle logo draped behind thestage, the eight-member strong group gave the audience just what ithad been hoping for in a set that included “Jesus is Just Alright,”“Long Train Running,” “Black Water,” “Listen to the Music” and“China Grove.”
With only two concerts left this season, nab your tickets nowfor Heart on August 15 and the Moody Blues on September 4. Notonly will you experience great live music, but you’ll be contributingto the Memphis Botanic Garden’s general operating fund.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP
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E V E N
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Dreama Everett, Annie Givens and Dana Baggett
Kate Pera with Rudy and Honey Scheidt
Jamie and Ken AdamsMichael and Laurie Henderson
Steve West and Pamela HauberCarol and Charlie Payne
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New
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Paul and Amy Bell with Beverly Mullikin
Hal and Paula Griggs with Amy and Greg Crone
Wayne and Sharon LichliterRonnie and Michelle Morris
Bob and Anita BeachumChey and Bill Widdop
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E V E N
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Eric Trier, Kelly Klenk and Ken Fortney
Lisa Clay, Laura Leike and Kevin Speed
Emily Burnette and Beth FlanaganBeth and Jeff Allison
Jennifer Green and Jonathan HicksJulie and Odran Campbell
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Salute to Excellence Gala“Back In Full Swing”E
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Judy and Winn Stephenson Tanner Goodrich and Stephanie Comte
Barbara and Ricky Parham Charlotte and Mike Stewart
Nicole and Dr. James Eason Kevin and Kim Humphries
SALU
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Coy D. Fitch, Katie and Dr. Jaquelyn Fleckenstein and Rachel Farr FitchShan McAllister and Ashley Dorroh John and Candy Gossett
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The American Liver Foundation’s Mid-South division took a one-year hiatus from hosting the Salute to Excellence Gala, but theevent was “Back in Full Swing” in 2009 at the Hilton Memphis.
The group’s supporters truly did “swing” the night away, as they hon-ored Methodist Healthcare, Dr. Jaquelyn Fleckenstein and DaxOttinger, a four-year-old liver transplant recipient, for their contribu-tions to furthering ALF’s mission.
Zoot suits and flapper-style dresses worn with pearls and feath-er hair accessories were the preferred attire for the party that paidhomage to the Big Band Era. And some 250 guests readily embracedthe costume craze, as well as the opportunity to give back to an organ-ization that’s aiding research for better treatments and cures for liverdisease. Currently, some form of liver disease, including hepatitis,affects 30 million Americans, but the more than $84,000 attendeesraised during the event will hopefully help treatment providers reducethis number for future generations.
Attendee Jayne Whittington said, “We wouldn’t be anywhereelse tonight…my husband’s a liver cancer survivor thanks to Dr. JamesEason [the leadership council president for the ALF’s Mid-South divi-sion].”
Though the cause was serious, the occasion called for a funevening of jumpin’ and jivin’. Festivities began with a VIP receptionin the Southeast Ballroom, which had been decorated with street-lights, black and white cutouts of couples dancing and top hatsspilling forth with red and white feathers and strands of pearls, aswell as music notes hanging from white Chinese lanterns. As the VIPhour ended, other guests streamed in for the opening of the silentauction that included a “Gamblin’ Man Package” to HollywoodCasino, a “Relax and Unwind Package” to the Alluvian Hotel and Spaand a “Play Ball Package” for four box tickets to see the MemphisRedbirds. Guests could also purchase martini glasses painted withmusic notes by volunteers for $25 each, or pay $20 for a chance tounlock the key to a birdcage that held an Anne Klein necklace and ear-rings set.
For the dinner hour, guests relocated to the TennesseeBallroom for a meal of roasted asparagus and hearts of palm salad,seared salmon and spinach-stuffed chicken served with Yorkshire pud-ding and a choice of lemon Italian cream cake or white chocolatetuxedo cake for dessert. Afterward, the Memphis Doctor’s Band sup-plied the night’s spirited sound, while the Red Hot Lindy Hop DanceClub showed off some hot moves. A live auction, featuring Rebeccajewelry from Mednikow, an official NBA jersey from the 2008 All-Stargame and an MD-11 FedEx flight simulator experience, rounded outthe swingrific agenda.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry
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Top Regional Bands International Superstars Complete Event ManagementSA
LUTE
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GAL
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Ryan and Tonya Shackelford
Dr. Satheesh Nair and Yamini Menon
George and Erma Storay
Amy and Mark Smith
Kristy and Andy Reuter
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Memphis Music Foundation Birthday PartyFor the Music Resource CenterE
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Dean Deyo and Phil Trenary Ashlee Bennett and Julie Green
Lawrence Parrish and Tarcia Gilliam Paul and Vladia Gomez
Mike Tagen and Amalur Munoz Bubba and Leslie Gower
MEMP
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Jarrett King, Lori Spicer and Lauren AndersonJoey and Amy Dudek Leah and Brice Stokes
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If Memphis means music, then the Memphis Music Foundation(MMF) means celebrating the artists that make the Bluff City feellike home. And the organization did just that with the party it held
for the Music Resource Center’s first birthday during South Main’spopular Trolley Night.
Foundation supporters came out for the occasion that beganwith an invite-only reception to honor the retiring chairman, PhilTrenary. The MMF board of directors hosted this reception to recog-nize Trenary, president and CEO of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. (the offi-cial airline of the MMF), for his past eight years of service to thelocal music industry. Dean Deyo, the MMF president, also thankedthe outgoing chairman by presenting him with a Saint Blues guitar.
When asked if he played guitar, Trenary smiled, “I do a littlebit, but my 14-year-old son does, so he’ll love this guitar.”
As the reception ended, the party opened to hundreds of otherattendees, who streamed into the MMR office throughout the eveningfor music by Queens of Zion and Battle Victorious. Decorated withblue and white balloons, the MMR’s Music Resource Center, an inter-active library that offers tools that help local musicians achieve suc-cess in the music business, proved the perfect place to beat the sum-mer heat. The center recently added a benefits program for membersby partnering with businesses around town to offer musicians dis-counts on goods and services, from studio time to promotional oppor-tunities.
Outside, the action picked up with a street party, completewith grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Live music, including perform-ances by Black Rock Revival, Sore Eyes, Good Luck Dark Star andTeflon Don with special guest “Young Producer Kris,” was also on themenu that showed Memphians have good taste…musically, that is.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
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MEMP
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Abhinav Bhargava and Carmen Sandoval Sharon Gray and Kris Kourdouvelis
Kcbena and Sonia Cash Stevie Phillips and Ongeleigh Gipson
Tonya Meeks and Nera McGruder Janice Prezzato and Paul Speer
Sarah Petschonek and Eric Mathews Crystal Bergman and Heather Hunter
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Glennie Bernard, Jim Small and Beth Jennings at Above Par Classic
Jennifer and Josh Sullivan at Above Par Classic
ONSITE Onsite
Clarice Lee and Therese Lee at Polos and Pearls
Tamara Dupwe and Matt Day at Polos and Pearls
Ben Livingston and Liza Livingston at Gurus of Golf
King and Judy Selfat Polos and Pearls
Polos and Pearls Above Par ClassicGurus of Golf
Though it may not have hit the runways yet, a newfashion statement was made by those attending theNNaattiioonnaall MMuullttiippllee SScclleerroossiiss SSoocciieettyy’s MMiidd--SSoouutthh CChhaapptteerrfund-raiser held at LLee PPaavviilllliioonn. Men in polo shirtspaired with women in pearls carried out the theme ofthe first annual PPoollooss aanndd PPeeaarrllss. To help raise fundsand awareness for the National MS Society, the dressycasual guests bid on silent and live auctions, contribut-ing more than $23,000 to the local chapter that sup-ports 7,000 Mid-Southerners diagnosed with the dis-abling disease. “We will keep this name in the future inhopes that as the event grows people will become famil-iar with the name Polos and Pearls and each year lookforward to attending the party for the MS Society Mid-South Chapter,” said DDoonnnnaa NNooeellkkeerr, developmentcoordinator for the local chapter.
Between wine and beer tastings, dining optionsfrom five local food vendors, a chance to putt for$10,000 and more than 150 silent and live auctionitems, Mid-Southerners had plenty of opportunities tolend a dollar-filled hand to the PPoollyyccyyssttiicc KKiiddnneeyyDDiisseeaassee FFoouunnddaattiioonn at the AAbboovvee PPaarr CCllaassssiicc, held atWWiinnddyykkee CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb. Chilean wine and Tennesseebeer was on the menu, as well as food from BBaahhaammaaBBrreeeezzee, BBaaiilleeyy’’ss EExxeeccuuttiivvee CCaatteerriinngg, BBoonneeffiisshh GGrriillll,CCaarrrraabbbbaa’’ss IIttaalliiaann GGrriillll and FFrreesshh MMaarrkkeett. Club prosset up a temporary putt-putt course for guests, andIInnffiinniittii ooff MMeemmpphhiiss sponsored a 60-foot putting chal-lenge, offering up the opportunity for a lucky—or verytalented—putter to win $10,000, half of which would goback to the PKD Foundation.
The first GGuurruuss ooff GGoollff benefit for LLee BBoonnhheeuurrCChhiillddrreenn’’ss MMeeddiiccaall CCeenntteerr proved to be anything butsub-par at SSpprriinngg CCrreeeekk RRaanncchh.. Teams of four had theopportunity to spend the day with a teaching profes-sional from either the Top 50 of Golf Digest or the Top100 of Golf Magazine. The professional watched theteams play the first nine holes, and during lunch, thepros analyzed the players’ skills and offered tips. Theteams then played the final nine holes applying theirnew instructions. Each of the 16 teams donated$10,000 to Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center.Thanks to the teams, gurus and special guests attend-ing the after-party, a total of $172,000 was raised for LeBonheur.
Story by Maggie Squires and Lesley YoungPhotos by Joseph Martin and Lesley Young
Buzz Fly, Jonathan Fly, Rob Akins and John Strange at Gurus of Golf
Bijan Feizkhah, Kim Waxman, Will O’Bar and Jon Richards at Above Par Classic
Clifton Jordan ll and Abshir Esse at Gurus of Golf
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Chad and Tonya Johnson at Community Legal Center Fund-raiser
Janis Iansmith, Sondra Levingston and Gail Silverstein at Community Legal Center Fund-raiser
ONSITEOnsite
Dr. Emily Ruch, Dr. Bryna Bobick, Dr. Donalyn Heise and Rhonda Test at Echoes of Truth Silent Auction
Nyshari and Catheryl Bacchusat Echoes of Truth Silent Auction
Hastings and Loretta Hill at Memphis PREP Program Celebration Dinner
Julia Ormiston and Gregg Coats at Echoes of Truth Silent Auction
Memphis PREP Program Celebration DinnerEchoes of Truth Silent Auction Community Legal Center Fund-raiser
The MMeemmpphhiiss PPRREEPP PPrrooggrraamm celebrated its 40th yearwith a dinner and reunion at RRhhooddeess CCoolllleeggee. Thisprogram places MMeemmpphhiiss CCiittyy SScchhoooollss’ rising juniorsand seniors in either intense academic preparatoryschools or in programs meant to develop leadershipskills, responsibility and talents. FFrraanncceess HHooookkss and JJeeddDDrreeiiffuuss founded this initiative in the hopes of readyingstudents for the college admissions process and to helpthem become future leaders. Successful alumni, severalof whom have gone on to be lawyers, judges, writersand deans, attended the affair that showcased how wellthe program works.
Students of MMeemmpphhiiss CCiittyy SScchhoooollss also celebrat-ed their involvement with EEcchhooeess ooff TTrruutthh, a summerarts program, during a special evening at the OOrrpphheeuummTThheeaattrree. Twenty-three participants in the VViissuuaall AArrttMMoodduullee of the camp contributed 150 works to the silentauction, which served as a pre-party to the main event,an original musical called HHeeaarrttss iinn SSttaarrss performed bythe theatre, dance and music students. Another featureincluded a short film from the videography studentsthat highlighted Echoes’ 10-year reunion. By night’send, nearly 1,000 people had come out to supportEchoes, helping contribute more than $8,000 in artsales.
Dubbed a murder mystery musical, CCuurrttaaiinnsswowed some 250 attendees during the CCoommmmuunniittyyLLeeggaall CCeenntteerr (CLC) FFuunndd--rraaiisseerr at TThheeaattrree MMeemmpphhiiss.This ninth annual affair attracted a who’s who of locallawyers, who sampled hors d’oeuvres and cocktailswhile placing bids on silent auction items before theshow. All proceeds from the auction and performancebenefit the CLC, which provides legal representation incivil matters for those who do not qualify for assistancefrom Memphis Area Legal Services.
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick and Maggie SquiresPhotos by Leah Fitzpatrick and Earl Stanback
Ron Frieson, Lisa Frieson and Don Frieson at Memphis PREP Program Celebration Dinner
Meg Jones, Diane Polly, Chris Zawisza and Mary Katherine Stoutat Community Legal Center Fund-raiser
Jed Dreifus and Adrian Wallace Wilson at Memphis PREP Program Celebration Dinner
BBQ, BOU
RBON
& BEE
R TA
STIN
GE V E N
T BBQ, Bourbon & Beer Tastingat Lichterman Nature Center
Jeni Stephens, Geoff Bates and Sudhir Agrawal
Quinton Caples and Mary Fryman
Michael and Amber Bernot
Tom Huelsing and Morgan Gurkin
Allan Fisher and Gwyn Fisher
Steve and Susan Pashby
Dory Sellers and Rachel Horton
Nikki Brinkerhoff and Larry Jesson
Carol Lippman and Cindy Earle
Sweltering temperatures failed to dampen the spirits of naturelovers, who gathered at Lichterman Nature Center’s Junious andGlenda D. Davidson Pavilion to support the center’s public educa-
tional programs. The center’s touted motto, “Lively Learning forAll,” was definitely put in place this night, as guests explored theirbeautiful surroundings while sampling choice quenchers.
Wandering geese shared the winding trails with attendees,who were treated to picturesque views of the lily pad laden lake andthe butterfly and hummingbird nectar garden display of coreopsisand purple coneflowers. Sponsor The Wine Market, in conjunctionwith Star Distributors and Southwestern Beverage Distributing, pre-sented select libations for discriminating brew and bourbon enthusi-asts alike. A light, delicious repast of fresh fruit and cheeses,smoked sausage, pulled pork on rolls and coleslaw, courtesy ofRendezvous, was an appropriate accompaniment to the featured bev-erages.
Taking into account that all proceeds benefited the PinkPalace Family of Museums, folks eagerly bid on items featured in aunique silent auction. A noteworthy item included the adoption ofLichterman resident bullfrogs, turtles, chipmunks, corn snakes, east-ern grey squirrels and “Rufus,” the red-tailed squirrel. Each attendeealso received complimentary Buffalo Trace tee shirts, and theMemphis Area Teachers’ Credit Union thoughtfully provided minikoozies to keep the suds cool.
Jeni Stephens, with the Pink Palace Family of Museums, con-ceived the event as a great way to officially kick off summer with theserenity of the center as a perfect backdrop. She added that organiz-ers were pleased that the tasting attracted many new visitors toLichterman who thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
Story by Ruth CassinPhotos by Roy Haithcock
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AFTE
R HO
URS After Hours
A photo collage of the latestbusiness happenings
WINK “SHOP, ROCK & DANCE” TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
JAMES DAVIS ANNUAL FISH FRY PRIMACY HEALTHCARE & REHABSOCIAL HOUR WITH LORA JOBE
Ellen and Tom Prewitt at James Davis
Brandee Loving and Heather Edgewood at Wink
Al LaRocca, Romeo Khazen and Glynn Cyprien at James Davis
Bob Eoff and Jon Hornyak at James Davis
W. W. Herenton and U.R. Phillips at James Davis Warner Gregory, Josh Pastner and Robert Abbay at James Davis
Jennifer Davis, Lora Jobe and Donni Dubert at Primacy Healthcare & Rehab
Rebecca Riley and Linda Shropshire at Primacy Healthcare & Rehab
John Tillery and Jill Young at Primacy Healthcare & Rehab
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By Dennis PhillippiRSVP
HILL
IPPI
THIS IS IT SPORTS FANSIf you’re not a baseball fan, but are asports fan, this can be a tough time ofyear. The NBA has wrapped up, disap-
pointingly. The NFL is nothing but non-stories about off-season player movementand tragedy. College football is so closeyou can taste the charred tailgating burg-ers, but there still aren’t any games.College basketball seems as far away as thenext Swimsuit Issue. July and early Augustare a sports wasteland.
Unless, of course, you’re a fan ofAmerica’s game, so titled because it nowembraces all of the Americas. Believe me, Iunderstand the non-baseball fan. I used tobe him. There was a time when I com-plained that baseball players were guysbuilt like me who got away with smokingin the dugout and spent so much timedoing nothing it seemed like they coulduse a book, and the fact that the managerwore a uniform was just silly. I still believethat last part.
Then along came the summer of1998. Now, granted I was already a sportsbroadcaster, so I had been forced to learnabout baseball to report on it, or moreaccurately, to make fun of it, but the sum-mer of 1998 was when Mark McGwire andSammy Sosa made their seemingly miracu-lous paired quest of the home run record.If you don’t remember, during those threeor four months every time either of thesegiants stepped up to the plate the worldstopped. In bars yes, but also in airports,malls, or at home, everything was droppedfor a couple of minutes when someonesaid, “Sosa’s up,” or “McGwire’s at theplate.” For a few months, the whole worldwas focused on the summer sport, and noone can argue that it made baseball matteragain. Since then, we’ve had repeated con-firmations that Sosa was juiced, and allbut conclusive evidence that Big Mac wasprobably giving himself something thatmade his biceps as big as snow tires. Still,as sad as that is, it didn’t move those eyesback off of baseball. More people watchthe sport, and buy tickets to see it live,than ever before. Even to see the Nationals.
Once converted, I became one ofthose fans who can be perfectly happywatching any game, again, even theNationals. Like most right-thinking sportsfans, I watch most of mine on the televi-sion over bars, preferably with the sound
down, so I don’t have to think about whatsome former mediocre player now turnedmediocre color guy thinks of the goingson.
A brief sidebar; I may have men-tioned this before, but it bears repeating.The television in a bar should be on sportsat all times unless there is a major nation-al emergency, someone really, reallyfamous has died or I’m on it. The day bar-
tender should come in and put it on ESPNand no one should touch it unless SeanConnery is hit by a falling satellite. No onewants to watch the everyday news in a bar.The everyday news is as depressing aslearning on Facebook that all of your ene-mies from high school are doing well. IfESPN is showing something other thansports, say poker, then switch it to a gamesomewhere else, and if that isn’t possible,park it on whatever channel showsFunniest Videos. At least then, we’ll beguaranteed to see people falling down.And, my bartender friend, I know the TVis behind you, but that doesn’t mean ithas ceased to exist. Change it off of Foxand onto a ballgame, and I promise tokick in an extra buck or two.
As sports fans, we will watch thebest option. The other night, I’m not mak-ing this up, the best choices were guysshooting trick billiard shots, guys playingpoker and bowling. Did we watch them?Yes we did. Not only did we watch them,as fanatics, we became instant experts onthem, picked favorites and argued aboutstrategies. To be honest, what we mainlytalked about was the creep factor. Thatline-up is all creep. We as a group decidedthat the poker players were the most skincrawling. They sit, they bloviate, they wearsunglasses, they wear stupid hats andthey’re fat. At least the pool players, whowere also largely fat, have to stand up andmove around, and few of them wear sun-glasses indoors, the most annoying person-al trait on the chart. Bowlers, while defi-nitely high on the look-like-a-child-molesterindex, are doing something borderline ath-
letic, and doing it better than any of uscould. Sure, I know some women in theirsixties with bad hips who can also out-bowlme and my friends, but they’re still better.That counts for something. Not to dwelloverlong on this, but professional pokerplayers are easily the most irritating,pompous, grating, inexplicably egomania-cal quasi-sportsmen on the planet. They’rethe ice cream truck drivers of the sportsworld. They’re the guys who know thestrippers’ real names. They’re the guyswho can speak Klingon, and think thereare chicks that dig it. If you’re a profes-sional poker player and you have a hotgirlfriend I have news for you, it’s notbecause of you, it’s because of that big pileof chips.
Back to my point, it is a dark timefor you non-baseball fans, but before youknow it fall will be here, and you’ll havemore sports than you will be able to keepin your head. No more endless conversa-tions about what is going to happen in theSEC when football finally starts, it’ll behalf over before you know all the startingquarterbacks’ names. You may be chomp-ing at the bit to watch some Tigers basket-ball—we all are—but in no time at all you’llbe on or off the bandwagon and ready toyell about it with others.
Ah, that brings up another touchysubject—the yelling. I am as guilty as any-one about raising my voice during a game.That’s not true, my wife is far more ver-bose than me. But if alcohol makes youloud anyway, and you have an emotionalor fiscal stake in the outcome of a game,at least be informed before you start shout-ing. There is nothing in the world moreannoying, other than professional pokerplayers having hot girlfriends, than theuninformed informing others of their opin-ions at the top of their voice during agame. If I wanted stupid and uninformed,I’d watch Fox News.
Dennis Phillippi tries to make sense of thesummer sports drought by filling his TVtime with baseball and so-called sports likebowling, poker and pool. Since watchingthese athletic competitions, he’s hit up thelocal Sunglass Hut for a cool pair ofshades, not to ward off the blaringMemphis sun, but to show up those guysdonning the indoor shades.
TThhee ootthheerr nniigghhtt,, II’’mm nnoott mmaakkiinngg tthhiiss uupp,, tthhee
bbeesstt cchhooiicceess wweerree gguuyyss sshhoooottiinngg ttrriicckk bbiill--
lliiaarrdd sshhoottss,, gguuyyss ppllaayyiinngg ppookkeerr aanndd bboowwlliinngg..
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Family Time at the FairRSVP
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1950s
The family pictured above enjoyed a fun-filled visit to the Mid-South Fair, as many still do to this day, though the fair hassince relocated to North Mississippi. This photo, which dates back to the 1950s, is actually a postcard memento from thefair and appears in J. Whitley “Whit” Perry’s Delta Jacks and Other Cards, a humorous book about the lives of MississippiDelta characters.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WHIT PERRY
If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105or e-mail the photo and caption to [email protected]
All photos will be returned promptly.
