A Patriotic Party

Photos by Benjamin Galland, h20 creative group

The 13th Annual Cabaret benefitting The Coastal Symphony of Georgia promises to be a Star Spangled Spectacular from start to finish.

The evening will begin with the signature Cabaret Cocktail Reception at 6:00 p.m. in the new 5,000 sq. ft. Mizner Ballroom at The Cloister Hotel on Sea Island. Guests will be welcomed by Honorary Chairs Brigadier General Clint Winne USAF (Ret.) and his wife, Claire. A theater in the round style setting will feature a centralized bar with complimentary cocktails surrounded by the items on which guests can bid as part of the popular Silent Auction. (continues)

CAPTAIN AMERICA AND MAESTRO LUIS HAZA

For dinner, guests will enjoy a multi-course menu of American cuisine with various regions represented by signature dishes served up with complementary music. Shrimp and grits with Andouille sausage will be brought to the table accompanied by the tune of I Wish I Was in Dixie and guests will enjoy a bit of Yankee Doodle Dandy as they are treated to lobster stuffed pastries with clam chowder shooters. Before dessert is served, attending Joint Chiefs of the Army, Marines, Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force will make a combined toast to the United States armed forces.

HONORARY CHAIRS _ BRIGADIER GENERAL CLINT WINNE USAF (RET.) AND CLAIRE WINNE.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS JOHN KILLGALLON, DANA HAZA, CAPTAIN AMERICA & SUSAN IMHOFF AT FORT FREDERICA. (opposite page)

Through the years, Cabaret has celebrated the world over: Paris, Monte Carlo and Venice. This year, join The Symphony Society in this tribute to our homeland and the Red, White & Blue, as decades-long traditions are brought to life and new traditions are created as well.

At 7:00 p.m. guests will pass through a military saber arch to enter the Cloister Ballroom. An Honor Guard from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay will present the colors and guests will join in singing our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” Military guests are invited to wear their dress uniforms to this black tie optional formal event. Ladies are encouraged to wear red, white, blue and gold to show their patriotism and Let Freedom Ring!

A floor show by The Andrews Sisters Tribute Band will begin the post-dinner entertainment. As the lights are turned down, Mason Waters and the Groove Allstars will take the stage in full uniform to turn the event up a notch. Their wide repertoire of songs ranging from 40s & 50s hits to Alternative and Rock & Roll is sure to bring the crowd to the dance floor. For those who enjoy testing their luck, casino-style gaming tables will be back again by popular demand, in a nod to our nation’s top gaming cities Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Biloxi.

The celebration of Cabaret 2017 will kick off with a Patriots Party hosted by the Cabaret Men’s Committee on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2017. The special pregala event for the Men’s Committee will be held in the Men’s Locker Room at The Lodge at Sea Island. For information on this special event, contact John Killgallon at 912.602.2340.

Captain America, a.k.a. Todd Thompson sweeps Symphony Society President Marjorie Gruber off her feet. Todd is the owner of CrossFit Grit, St Simons and a firefighter with the Glynn County Fire Department. He will be making an appearance as the Marvel superhero to delight party goers, and add his “strength” to the live auction.

Let Freedom Ring, A Star Spangled Spectacular will be an evening filled with patriotic surprises. Historical artifacts will be on display courtesy of the largest Infantry museum in the United States, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Fort Benning, Georgia. A woman who was chosen to represent our fair nation will be in attendance as well. St. Simons Island’s own Heather McCallum, Miss America 1995, will add her regal touch to the evening.

Reserve your seats now for Cabaret 2017, “Let Freedom Ring - Star Spangled Spectacular” at 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at The Cloister on February 4, 2017. Limited seating is available. Tickets are $175 per person. For additional information, contact Susan Imhoff at 912.222.5686 or visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org.