Christy DeSmith | Party Pictures and our Party Patrol bloggers take on the party scene in Minneapolis and St. Paul from mspmag.com

Ivey Awards Thank You Reception

By Christy DeSmith | Photos by Christy DeSmith | Event Date: Tuesday, November 3
Posted on November 4, 2009 | Categories: Arts Scene, Special Events

Who: Theater artists, Ivey Award honorees, philanthropists, lots of a photographers, and the "in" crowd
What: A seemingly innocent reception to celebrate the successes of the 2009 Ivey Awards, held on September 21 at the State Theatre.
Where: The Eitel Apartments' top floor "Sky Lounge"
When: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Why: To thank the folks who helped make the Iveys such a glamorous event, on track to become a Midwest version of the Tony Awards.

There's something so dignified about a reception posited to "thank" a group of well-intentioned people. But as it turned out, this reception was rocking, thanks to the smart, interesting, and conversational people it attracted. Also, thanks to the folks who got boozy, but I won't name names.

Ivey Awards VIP Reception

By Christy DeSmith | Photos by Christy DeSmith | Event Date: September 21, 2009
Posted on September 22, 2009 | Categories: Arts Scene, Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, VIPs

What: The Ivey Awards, VIP reception
Who: Theater artists and the folks who want to bed them (boo--they only sleep with each other), otherwise known as: board members, politicians, arts critics, and a smattering of fans.
Where: The W Hotel, downtown Minneapolis
When: Monday, September 21
Why: To tear down this wall--that is, the so-called "fourth wall" (between artist and audience), but also to fête a year's worth of achievements in local theater.

The Ivey Awards are always a big reunion. There's always the chance for theatergoers to fawn over their favorite actors from the past year, including (for me) Greta Oglesby, the sensational lead from the Guthrie's production of Caroline, or Change. But it's also an opportunity for thespians to emerge from their backstage lairs and garden-level apartments, to whoop and drink with those who love them. This year, we saw the darnedest things at the Ivey Awards VIP pre-party: Sam Kaplan enthused about the free food, talented directors mingled with lawyers and other donors, and pretty actresses twirled their hair and chatted amiably with he who's hated and feared (aka the theater critic).

Penumbra Theatre's 15th Annual Jazz Jam

By Christy DeSmith | Photos by Christy DeSmith | Event Date: June 7, 2009
Posted on June 10, 2009 | Categories: Athletes, Benefits + Fundraisers

Who: Singers, theater artists, big-time jazz heads, and philanthropists attached to some of the Twin Cities' biggest corporations
What: Penumbra Theatre's 15th Annual Jazz Jam
Where: The Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant
When: Sunday, June 7
Why: To hear the buttery vocals of Dianne Reeves, as well as to bid on silent auction items and otherwise raise funds for Penumbra Theatre

If ticket sales are the gauge, then Penumbra Theatre's recent Jazz Jam was the most successful installment in the event's 15-year history.

Red Eye Theater's All Tomorrow's Parties Gala

By Christy DeSmith | Photos by Christy DeSmith | Event Date: May 16, 2009
Posted on May 20, 2009 | Categories: Arts Scene, Benefits + Fundraisers, Galas

Who: Thespians, theatergoers, board members, and at least one fellow in a fashionable seersucker suit
What: Red Eye Theater's All Tomorrow's Parties: A 25th Anniversary Gala
Where: The well-appointed downtown Minneapolis offices of Fallon, 901 Marquette Ave., 24th floor
When: Saturday, May 16, 2009
Why: To raise a glass, to reunite, to ogle the ad agency's awesome furnishings, and to raise funds for Red Eye Theater

The Fallon advertising agency was awfully generous to lend its office for the Red Eye Theater gala on Saturday evening. These environs were, perhaps, a bit too antiseptic for the rumpled thespians who showed up: I saw glistening hardwood floors, instant coffee--and cocoa--machines, and a collection of pricey mod office furniture in a burnt-orange palette. But the conversation was stimulating, and the wine went down easy. Better yet, there was an array of dance and spoken-word performances as well as a cakewalk!

Friends of St. Jude Masquerade Ball

By Christy DeSmith | Photos by Christy DeSmith | Event Date: April 17, 2009
Posted on April 21, 2009 | Categories: Benefits + Fundraisers, Galas

Who: philanthropists, financial planners, film-lovers
What: Friends of St. Jude Masquerade Ball
Where: FIVE Event Center
When: Friday, April 17
Why: To benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The cultural references were rampant that evening: Phantom of the Opera, The Lone Range. Luckily, no one mentioned Eyes Wide Shut.