What: The Great Gatsby Gala
Where: The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis
When: January 28, 2012
Why: To raise money for cancer research
From Boardwalk Empire to art deco-inspired fashion to Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming film The Great Gatsby, the roaring ’20s are hot right now. Add in a Minnesota twist with F. Scott Fitzgerald, and you’ve got the perfect theme for a young professionals party.
As I entered The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, I was wowed by guests’ Gatsby-inspired getups. Ladies donned flapper dresses, fur, feathers, fascinators, jewels, and bright-red lipstick, while the gents looked like good old sports in jackets, hats, and bow ties. I channeled my inner Daisy Buchanan with a navy flapper dress, which seemed like a good choice until the fringe got caught on the buttons and coats of fellow partygoers. (I guess that’s one way to catch a gent’s attention at a party).
More than 400 guests packed the event. While crowded, the venue had the perfect mansion-style ambiance. There was a silent auction in the front room, dancing and dining in the main room, a poker table room, and a photo booth. First stop: The open bar, which served Trinity Oaks wine and Summit brews. (It seems like prohibition wasn’t part of the theme, which was a good call.) Guests also snacked on an array of appetizers, such as grilled veggies with aioli, goat cheese and pesto pie, and mini potato pancakes.
Midway through the evening, event co-chairs Shannon Gherty Anderson and Courtney Smallbeck paused the mixing and mingling for a brief presentation. They reminded us why we were there: to raise thousands of dollars for cancer research. They got a bit of help from Kirk DeWindt of ABC’s The Bachelorette, who served as emcee for the night. He introduced grant recipient Dr. Daniel Harki, who told us about his cancer research at the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Cancer Center. Then it was back to the bash.
The ’20s music gave way to danceable pop hits, from Selena Gomez’s “Love You Like A Love Song” to Rihanna’s “Only Girl in the World.” After some hoofing (AKA dancing), I decided it was time to fetch my car from the valet to beat on home, borne back ceaselessly into the past.
]]>Butterball, one of the best parties in the Twin Cities, only happens every other year. I was thrilled to score a ticket to this event. As I made my way into the Graves, I saw Twin Citians dressed to impress, from men in flashy jackets to women in sleek dresses and fur. The snow and ice outside didn’t stop ladies from wearing sky-high heels, either. Partygoers sipped Opulent Vodka cocktails while go-go dancers and stilt walkers paraded around the room.
]]> Who: Local celebs, music lovers, and friends of Open Arms of MinnesotaButterball, one of the best parties in the Twin Cities, only happens every other year. I was thrilled to score a ticket to this event. As I made my way into the Graves, I saw Twin Citians dressed to impress, from men in flashy jackets to women in sleek dresses and fur. The snow and ice outside didn't stop ladies from wearing sky-high heels, either. Partygoers sipped Opulent Vodka cocktails while go-go dancers and stilt walkers paraded around the room.
I ran into foodie star Andrew Zimmern and his lovely wife, Rishia. I also chatted with Kevin Winge, executive director of Open Arms. Since 1986, the organization has provided free meals to people with life-threatening diseases. In fact, Open Arms’ 1,400+ volunteers deliver more than 700 meals per week. Talking to Kevin reminded me what this fabulous party was all about.But my favorite run-in had to be actor and local heartthrob Josh Hartnett, who is a supporter of Open Arms. While my inner 16-year-old had a meltdown, my outer 27-year-old managed to stay calm. Sadly, Josh did not immediately fall in love with me the way he does in my "Pearl Harbor" fantasies. Sigh . . .
After some opening remarks from event co-chairs Dan Buettner and Varda Nauen, Minneapolis trio Semisonic took the stage. The band rocked the Graves with their '90s hits, including "F.N.T." and "Closing Time."
The night ended with a performance by Har Mar Superstar (a.k.a. Sean Tillmann of Owatonna). The crowd cheered as he stripped off his clothes and performed songs from his latest album “Dark Touches.” I admired how much confidence and charisma this balding, overweight performer had. Looking back, I can say that Butterball definitely lived up to the hype. I’ve already marked my calendar for the next party in 2013.
]]>Bullfrog Bash is one of the Twin Cities’ top fall galas, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint. Guests made their way to The Depot Minneapolis for a dazzling night of dining and dancing. The glitzy theme was in full force, from sparkly tablecloths to ladies’ sequined dresses. (Note to self: Next year, I’m ditching my black cocktail dress and sporting something glittery).
The event started with the customary cocktail hour and silent auction. Then partygoers made their way to dinner. While we dined on peanut noodle salad, boneless short rib, and cheesecake, the folks on stage reminded us what the event was all about. Senator Amy Klobuchar praised the organization for its work with local mothers and their children. But Stasia Saunders, a graduate of the Jeremiah Program, was the star of the night. She talked about the challenges of being a single mother and how impossible her dreams felt at times. But with the organization’s help, she earned her bachelor’s degree, started a career, and created a better life for her daughter.
Then it was time for the live auction. Top prizes included a trip to Germany with Jeremiah Program president Gloria Perez and John Harens, a tour of the Betty Crocker Kitchens, and Gopher hockey tickets complete with a Zamboni ride. (Only in Minnesota.) But the most buzzed-about prize was a chance to play ball with Minnesota Twin Denard Span. Span was raised by a single mother, so the Jeremiah Program’s cause hit close to home. He offered to attend a youth practice and show the players some moves. Let’s just say my little league days were never that exciting.
The night closed with music from Belladiva. The band played a variety of danceable hits, from Rose Royce’s "Car Wash" to the Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling." At this point in the night, several young professionals crashed the event. Thanks to the "Late Night Leap," 20-somethings were able to sip Prairie Vodka cocktails, graze on appetizers, and close the night–at a discounted ticket price.
]]>When it comes to art parties, the Walker knows how to draw a crowd. For some, the party was a chance to see the new exhibit Graphic Design: Now in Production. For others, it was a way to mix and mingle with Twin Cities partygoers. Either way, it was a fun place to spend a Friday night.
]]> Who: Graphic design fans, art lovers, and party peopleWhen it comes to art parties, the Walker knows how to draw a crowd. For some, the party was a chance to see the new exhibit Graphic Design: Now in Production. For others, it was a way to mix and mingle with Twin Cities partygoers. Either way, it was a fun place to spend a Friday night.
The theme of the party was CMYK vs. RGB. For those of you unfamiliar with these geeky design terms, CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key/black) and RGB (red, green, blue) are color models. By combining these three or four hues, you can create a spectrum of other colors. Guests declared their preference by making their own “Team CMYK” or “Team RGB” button. (For the record, I’m a CMYK girl.) Others got into the theme with their outfits. I saw plenty of color-blocking and head-to-to ensembles in bright hues. (I donned a purple dress and green tights, and I blended right in.)
Besides strolling through the exhibit, guests sipped ginger-flavored vodka cocktails and grazed on appetizers from D’Amico. The Cargill Lounge was the center of the action thanks to music from DJ duo Hi-Fi/Lo Fi. The most popular attraction had to be the photo booth, which was located in a freight elevator. My friends and I had a blast picking out large cutouts of Pantone colors and posing with them.
I also enjoyed the hands-on activity in the Art Lab. I sat at a table filled with stencils, markers, and colored pencils. The purpose? To create your own personalized font. I felt like a kid in art class designing curvy letters and coloring them in. Granted, art class is a lot more fun when you’ve got a cocktail by your side.
]]>Angels & Divas is my kind of event. First, I’m never one to turn down a fashion show. Second, the event supports the Angel Foundation, which helps adults with cancer and their families. This hit close to home, because several of my family members—including my dad, aunt, and grandpa—were diagnosed with cancer. The event’s theme was “making a difference with style,” and that is something I can get behind.
]]> Who: Divas, fashionistas, and friends of the Angel FoundationAngels & Divas is my kind of event. First, I’m never one to turn down a fashion show. Second, the event supports the Angel Foundation, which helps adults with cancer and their families. This hit close to home, because several of my family members—including my dad, aunt, and grandpa—were diagnosed with cancer. The event’s theme was “making a difference with style,” and that is something I can get behind.
Guests kicked off the event by sipping wine and sampling a variety of appetizers, from fine cheeses to mini-salads. I saw women of all ages in stylish duds, from tailored blazers to long-sleeved dresses. I introduced myself to Margie Sborov, founder of the Angel Foundation, and I chatted briefly with Vicki Stute, the organization’s president.After the cocktail hour, we made our way into the ballroom and to take our seats along the runway. Woody Theis from Juut Salonspa gave us an overview of fall hair and makeup trends. I learned that bangs are in, chunky highlights are out, and cherry red is the bold lip color for fall.
Then it was time for the fashion show. Models walked the runway in styles from La Rue Marche', Cynthia Rae, and Hammer-Made. There were plenty of ’60s- and ’70s-inspired fashions, including maxi dresses, faux fur, and jewel tones. The clothing was eye-catching, but the models stole the show. The guys played up the mostly-female audience by strutting, posing, and shaking their booties. In addition, a dozen cancer survivors graced the catwalk, reminding us what the event was all about.
Juut founder, author, and cancer survivor David Wagner closed the night with his personal story. He encouraged us to be “daymakers” by doing at least one thing per day to make someone else happy. I left The Saint Paul Hotel eager to spread some good karma around the Twin Cities. To say that Angels & Divas was an uplifting event would be an understatement.
]]>I heard about Hope Rocks from several of my co-workers, and I was anxious to attend this year. In the midst of so many traditional galas, this event stands out for its top-notch entertainment and rocker-chic vibe.
]]> Who: Rockers, do-gooders and party-goersI heard about Hope Rocks from several of my co-workers, and I was anxious to attend this year. In the midst of so many traditional galas, this event stands out for its top-notch entertainment and rocker-chic vibe.
My date and I walked the red carpet, snapped a photo in the VIP area, and strolled into Epic. As I looked around the room, I saw plenty of leather, denim, glitter, and glow sticks. Guests mingled with one another, sipped cocktails, and enjoyed sushi and spring rolls from CRAVE.
Then it was time for the entertainment. Lynhurst kicked off the night with a bevy of crowd-pleasing cover songs, from Sheryl Crow’s “All I Wanna Do” to The Cardigans’ “Lovefool.” Some guests soaked up the music while others got henna tattoos, hair extensions, and massages upstairs.
I bumped into event chairs Leslie and Rick Kupchella near the stage, and I chatted with Faith’s Lodge founders Susan and Mark Lacek. While Hope Rocks is always a big event, this year is particularly important, as the grounds at Faith’s Lodge were severely damaged by a storm in July. The money raised through the event’s silent and live auctions will go toward repairs.
Brian Oake of Cities 97 served as the emcee for the night. He introduced Rocket Club, who performed a moving version of “Have A Little Faith In Me” while a video played of families who had visited Faith’s Lodge. Then the party really took off with Rocket Club’s set, which included rock/country jams. The crowd favorite had to be the band’s cover of Bad Company’s “Feel Like Making Love,” which got several guests rocking out hard near the stage.Local indie pop artist Jeremy Messersmith closed out the night with a mellow set, including songs from his album The Reluctant Graveyard. After six hours of partying like a rock star, I collected my souvenir Hope Rocks poster and guitar pick and headed home.
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Who: Young professionals, artists, art lovers, and Friends of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
What: Art Perchance 2011
Where: Target Park at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA)
When: August 18th
Why: To raise funds for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in support of free lectures, MIA education programs, student transportation to MIA, and the conservation of the museum's permanent collection.
Who: Young professionals, artists, art lovers, and Friends of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
What: Art Perchance 2011
Where: Target Park at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA)
When: August 18, 2011
Why: To raise funds for the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in support of free lectures, MIA education programs, student transportation to MIA, and the conservation of the museum's permanent collection.
"Carnival barker"Jeremiah Lewis-Walker was the first to approach me after I registered at the Art Perchance volunteer tent Thursday evening. Impeccably dressed in a red and white vest, and sporting a stylish mustache, Lewis-Walker encouraged me and at least dozen other art lovers to participate in a variety of midway-style games such as the Wheel of Dada, Bowling for Brancusi, and the Scholar’s Rock Bean Bag toss. Guests even had the opportunity to match several artworks with corresponding artists at a booth entitled, "Set Your Brain on Fire."
Once inside the museum’s first floor atrium, I stopped briefly to talk with event chair Kathy Murphy and Friends' president Carolyn Dahl who were mingling among bidders at the impressive silent auction and token drop display. Featuring more than 80 works of donated works art, the silent auction highlighted acrylic paint pieces, jewelry, and abstract sculpture. By purchasing Art Perchance tokens (and/or winning them at the outdoor games), individuals increased their chances of taking home their very own piece of donated art. I placed one of my tokens in the decorated paint bucket under a work entitled, Blue No. 3, acrylic on canvas.
Artist of Blue No. 3, Drew Beson, soon joined me with fellow artists Genie Castro and Maren Kloppmann. Beson told me he was working on a multitude of large-scale acrylics, while Castro indicated her focus remained on portraying vibrancy. Castro beamed in a vintage magenta dress and horn-rimmed glasses. “In this piece,” Castro said pointing to her work Laughingly, “I tried to capture the joy and splendor of summer. Lots and lots of color!”
In addition to appreciating the bold strokes of Castro's piece, I also found myself drawn to a graph-like schematic of an anti-pollution wet suit. The work’s corresponding artist Billy X. Curmano enthusiastically explained his vision.
“My X3C Polluted Water Wear began as an idea I had during my 2,367-mile Mississippi River swim,” Curmano said. “It was sort of an environmental experiment.” Known for his passion for extended performance art, Curmano has many projects like the "millenial suit" and is not afraid to push the envelope.
Returning to the outdoor plaza, my next stop was the gourmet food table where I enjoyed half a dozen gourmet grilled sandwiches. I also had the chance to sit with designer Hajira Nazar for a henna tattoo. Nazar used a special paste made from leaves of the “lawsonia inermis” plant.
While my tattoo dried, I listened to the bluesy guitar rhythms of Trailer Trash alongside Betsey Whitbeck (co-chair of Art-in-Bloom 2012). Couples continued to converge on the makeshift dance floor, and it was nearly 8:30pm when MIA adult programs associate Alex Bortolot took the stage. Bortolot announced the names of over 60 lucky individuals. Although I was not one of them, I was happy for those who got to bring home original artworks.
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