A SPRING SYMPHONY
WE CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF THE SYMPHONY FASHION SHOW, SPEAK WITH THE SWAN BALL 2025 JEWELER AND MORE
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Salute
The Symphony Fashion Show prepares to celebrate 20 years of supporting the Nashville Symphony
45 A Tip of the Hat
The journey of milliner Christine A. Moore
48 Work of Art
The 36th annual Ballet Ball was an elevated evening of fundraising
54 Simon Says
Stephanie Simon curates stylish, wearable pieces for the men of Nashville
57 The Everlasting Power of the Purse
Co-chairs are completely reimagining the event to celebrate 30 years of the Women’s Fund
61 An Eye for Design
Sidney Garber, the 2025 Swan Ball jeweler
65 Lona Takes Flight
Noelle welcomes renowned chefs
Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas
69 A Decade of Dialogue
Celebrating 10 years of Conversations at OZ
parties
73 A Joyful Refrain
How About Dinner and a Movie? uplifts Park Center’s important work
75 Two of a Kind
Nashville Wine Auction Pairings hits the jackpot ON THE COVER
Past co-chairs of the Symphony Fashion Show gathered together to celebrate 20 years of the event. Photographed on location at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center by Tausha Dickinson.
COVER PAGE 1
Third Row L-R
Sylvia Bradbury, Sissy Wilson, Dara Russell
Second Row L-R
Lake Eakin, Jana Davis, Collie Daily
First Row L-R
Vicki Horne, Laura Niewold, Laurie Seabury, Sandra Lipman, Katie Crumbo, Johnna Watson
COVER PAGE 2
Third Row L-R
Mary Morgan Ketchel, Birgitta Williamson, Suzanne Smothers
Second Row L-R
Sarah Reisner, Tracy Frist, Andrea Powell, Barbara Burns
First Row L-R
Emily Humphreys, Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek, Ashley Rosen, Lisa Manning, Lori Duke, Mary Huddleston
Behind the Mask
The armor of fashion and style
WHILE SOME ARE just born with an inherent sense of style, the rest of us have to trudge along through a string of really interesting — and sometimes awful — sartorial choices. Who hasn’t cut their own bangs at some point during their exploration of style and individuality? We learn which colors work best with our complexion, how to dress if we’re short-waisted, and when to use the South’s most beloved material — linen.
In this issue, we enter the beautiful and sometimes exotic world of style. We eagerly await the most anticipated fashion event in Nashville, the Symphony Fashion Show. And we celebrate its 20th anniversary by spending a fun afternoon with 25 of its past 40 chairs as we photograph this issue’s cover. We talk to the co-chairs of the newly reimagined Power of the Purse event benefiting The Women’s Fund. We step inside the new Wedgewood-Houston men’s clothing store Simon Says. And just in time for Steeplechase, we visit with the event’s official milliner — Christine A. Moore — and discuss her journey to becoming one of the most respected names in the trade.
This month, we also have the honor to speak with Brooke Garber Neidich of Sidney Garber — the official Swan Ball 2025 jeweler. Carrington Fox sits down with interior designer Stephanie Sabbe to talk about her new book. Chris Chamberlain tells us about his first bites at Lona, a new elevated Mexican restaurant by chef Richard Sandoval. And our team takes you inside the annual Ballet Ball, a Red Carpet Evening and Conversations at OZ — which ultimately was canceled because of the weather.
Exploring style can feel daunting. But amid all the hits and misses, one thing remains constant: Fashion is an ever-evolving form of self-expression. Whether through the elegance of a perfectly tailored gown, the statement of a hat, or the timeless sparkle of fine jewelry, what we wear tells a story. As we celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship behind Nashville’s most stylish events, we hope you find inspiration to embrace your own unique style — no matter where you are on your journey.
BY JANET KURTZ
Janet moved to Nashville 26 years ago. She is an avid reader, traveler and collector of fountain pens, and she lives in downtown Nashville with her husband, Ron, and their dog, Julep. Email her at jkurtz@nfocusmagazine.com or follow her on Instagram @musiccitytraveler
Editorial
founding editor
Herbert Fox Jr.
editor-in-chief
Janet Kurtz
contributing editors
Lindsey Lanquist, Jack Silverman
social correspondent
Gloria Houghland
editorial intern
Madeleine Bradford
contributors
Beth Alexander, Emily Bache, Abigail Breslin, Chris Chamberlain, Whitney Clay, Melissa Corbin, Carrington Fox, Paige Gawley, Hannah Herner, Margaret Littman, Hamilton Matthew Masters, Nicolle Praino, Nancy Vienneau
Art
art director
Christie Passarello
senior photographer
Eric England
staff photographer
Angelina Castillo
contributing photographers
Michael Scott Evans, Tausha Dickinson, Peyton Hoge, Hamilton Matthew Masters
graphic designers
Sandi Harrison, Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck
Advertising publisher
Olivia Moye Britton
advertising solutions consultants
Teresa Birdsong, Maddy Fraiche, Kailey Idziak, Rena Ivanov, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Allie Muirhead, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Niki Tyree, Andrea Vasquez, Alissa Wetzel
sales operations manager
Chelon Hasty
advertising solutions associates
Audry Houle, Jack Stejskal
Marketing events and marketing director
Robin Fomusa
brand partnerships & event manager
Alissa Wetzel
Circulation
circulation manager
Gary Minnis
Business
president
Mike Smith
chief financial officer
Todd Patton
IT director
John Schaeffer
Owner
FW Publishing, LLC
Behind the Scenes
With Nuhad Khoury of TIBA Boutique Spa
NUHAD KHOURY DIDN’T just open a revered Nashville spa in 1994. She introduced Nashville to an innovative beauty and wellness scene. For over 30 years, TIBA Boutique Spa has been a community staple, continually providing guests with fresh beauty regimens, highclass treatments and advanced technology that can’t be found at other local spots.
TIBA solidified its legacy in the early ’90s by pairing luxurious spa experiences with global inspiration. The spa has done everything from offering traditional Chinese medicine to hosting the Ingrid Millet Paris Institute, a leading aesthetics group. Since arriving at a brandnew Berry Hill location, TIBA’s staff unveiled their latest focus — regenerative and restorative wellness treatments.
THE BASICS
Name: Nuhad Khoury
Hometown: Damascus, Syria
After embarking on a threeyear international travel stint and visiting a biohacking convention in Miami, Nuhad added cutting-edge technology to her service menu: red light therapy, a meditation bed, lymphatic compression therapy and an infrared sauna bed. Each treatment aims to rejuvenate the body, calm the nervous system and offer participants incomparable serenity.
ZIP code: 37205
Time in Nashville: 30 years (on and off)
Number of facials the TIBA team gives in a year: About 3,000, historically
What inspired you to open TIBA? At 19, I knew I wanted to have my own beauty store. At the time, I wasn’t thinking about it becoming the spa. The first [store] was like a French perfumery, where you buy everything — accessories, perfumes, china and jewelry, with one cabinet for skin care. I literally brought European skin care to Nashville at that time.
I wanted everything to be unique. Everything had to be special. Soon after that, I was listening to customers, and that’s when I decided to [open] a spa. At the time, nobody had anything like it.
What’s your business philosophy? Everything is based on relationships before [customers] get to the facial. Our business is based on people knowing us deeply and us knowing them deeply. We know what temperature tea they want to drink. We know what their likes and dislikes are. We know about their family. At one point, we had three generations coming at the same time. That’s the kind of thing we’re known for. To me, the business — no matter how big it got or how small it was — felt like my home. And when people come in, I want them to feel at ease and enjoy themselves, and our staff are the same.
What can guests expect from TIBA’s new concept? Everything works well together, depending on how [many] results they want. Our goal is to always have results. All this new technology affects people on a level beyond what [they] can see. The result is the feeling you get, whether you no longer have pain or if it resolves anxiety. And none of it is with touch. A person can walk in and [use] the meditation bed with their clothes on, have that hour of peace and walk back out.
Which new treatment is your favorite? The Ballancer Pro, our lymphatic massage system. [It’s] the equivalent of 40 hands working at the same time, and it’s systematic. It starts with the core and then moves out to the extremities.
How do you feel you’ve built and sustained trust in Nashville for over 30 years? You can advertise all you want, but it’s an earned thing. There was that guiding force from the beginning that whatever we did had to be true. [Customers] have this feeling about us that we deliver. Our place is simple, but it has a uniqueness to it. And sometimes when people shop, they’ll drop whatever amount of money, and I’ll give them a gift. My culture plays into all this because that’s how I would be treated when shopping with my mother. When somebody is sick, we take their favorite foods to their house. To build that trust, it’s a daily thing, and you do it with pleasure.
BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND
Ndesign: Layered Looks
Stephanie Sabbe, Sabbe Interior Design and Heirloom Artifacts
SOMEWHERE AMONG THE full-color and richly designed pages of Interiors of a Storyteller (released March 2025), you might forget you’re reading about houses and feel more like you’re reading the diary of an emotionally open and quite hilarious friend — who just happens to have gorgeous taste. Because author Stephanie Sabbe’s stories, from her precocious childhood to her thriving design business, are as seamlessly layered as a well-proportioned room inviting you to step inside and enjoy the textured warmth of family and friends.
“The goal of our work is to imply it has evolved over time,” writes Stephanie, whose own design aesthetic has matured from her childhood summers in West Virginia — where she first contemplated the freedoms of designing a treehouse — to her time back in Nashville, where she lives with her husband Bryan and four children.
Along the way, she graduated from the University of Tennessee’s interior design program, worked in Memphis designing large hotels and restaurants, and taught design in Boston, where she launched Sabbe Interior Design in 2009 before returning to Tennessee in 2015.
While Interiors of a Storyteller can stand up to the glossy coffee-table books you flip through for the photos, don’t be surprised to find yourself poring over Stephanie’s words, which range from boldly confessional to riotously funny. Chapters alternate between tender personal memoir and architecture-design review, featuring nine droolworthy projects that paint a coherent picture of Stephanie’s creative aesthetic.
Projects include residences in rural Leiper’s Fork and Nashville’s urban Richland-West End neighborhood, while structures range from large rambling houses to elegantly concise outbuildings. There is no shortage of aspirational design moments in the photographs of whimsical lighting, breakfast banquettes and lofty ceilings with rustic beams — not to mention the enviable array of wallpapers throughout the gracious rooms. But perhaps the real signature of Stephanie’s “more-is-more” creativity is her willingness to offer no-nonsense advice and observations, such as the following guidelines and good ideas:
• “Create visual symmetry while avoiding contrived matchy-ness.” (Page 126)
• “I want to be buried in a casket with horizontally lined fabric.” (Page 134)
• “Three shams and a bolster: That is our absolute max when it comes to decorative pillows on a bed.” (Page 143)
• “We, as a design firm, are in a pencil-post-bed era and we’re not ashamed to use one in every single project.” (Page 166)
• “Two teens of different genders share this little bath. May God bless them and keep them, may his face shine upon them and give them peace. Amen.” (Page 168)
Such helpful humor regularly pops up on Instagram at @sabbeinteriordesign, where Stephanie shares glimpses of design projects and family life. Meanwhile, you can explore her designs in her studio at 5133 Harding Pike, where her Heirloom Artifacts home-goods boutique stocks furniture, art, lighting, linens, rugs and books — including her own lovely page-turner.
BY CARRINGTON FOX
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
LegacyLastingImpact &
CONTRIBUTINGTOAGREATERNASHVILLE
For37years,RE/MAXHomesandEstates,LipmanGroup,hasproudlybuiltitsfoundationonadeep commitmenttoMusicCity’sdiverseandgrowingcommunity.Thisdedicationgoesbeyondrealestate —it’saboutbuildingrelationshipsandcreatingapositive,lastingimpact.Inthehustleandbustleof everydaylife,LipmanGroupremainsfocusedonitslegacy,stayingintentionallyconnectedtothetrue heartofthecity—thepeople.
Throughsupportinglocalcharities,participatingincommunityevents,andembracingregular volunteeropportunities,LipmanGroupgainsatrueunderstandingofthechallengesandneedsacross thevibrantGreaterNashvillearea.Theirleadershipteamisalsoactivelyinvolvedingovernmentaffairs andpolicywork,addressingthechallengesofagrowingpopulation,includingaffordablehousing, zoning,landuse,publictransportation,environmentalconcerns,andbalancingdevelopmentwiththe needsofexistingcommunities.
Whilegrowthanddevelopmentareexciting,LipmanGroupunderstandsthatrealestateprofessionals havearesponsibilitytosupportthecommunitiestheyserve.Bycombiningbusinesswithastrong communityspirit,RE/MAXHomesandEstates,LipmanGroup,hasearnedareputationasacaring, responsibleleaderintheindustry.Theirlastingcontributionisn’tjustsellinghomes—it’saboutbuilding astronger,moreconnectedNashvilleforgenerationstocome.Theirlegacyofservice,empathy,and communityfocuswillcontinuetoinspire.
Worth the Drive: Cloudland at McLemore Resort
Set your out-of-office reply as you head to a vacation in the clouds
WHEN YOU DRIVE up the mountain road to the entrance of Cloudland at McLemore Resort — at 2,300 feet above sea level, past the golf courses and the private homes — and turn to look at the hotel where you will be tucked away for the duration of your stay, you quickly realize where the resort got its name. Being at Cloudland at McLemore on Lookout Mountain, just over the Tennessee border in Georgia, feels like you are frolicking in the clouds.
The clouds roll in and out at eye level from one of the hotel’s 245 rooms, which have large windows that afford views of the surrounding mountain ridges. The resort landscape has been designed to make it easy to get around (on foot or in a cart driven
by valet staff), but not to detract from the natural beauty. Much of the resort is dark-sky-compliant, so you can see the stars, not the light pollution, and so wildlife aren’t disturbed by artificial light.
Cloudland at McLemore opened last year, after several years in development. When you get your head out of the clouds, you’ll see all that a major resort has to offer. Today, Cloudland is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, which gives it a boutique feel with some independent features. (One of the bars, for instance, is sunken to keep the bartenders at eye level without making anyone sit at a high-top counter.) But you get the benefits, such as reward points from an international hospitality chain.
WHAT’S NEARBY
Chattanooga is a 40-minute drive from the resort, so you can pop over for dinner or a night on the town. If you’re hardcore, try hiking or mountain biking the 34-mile River to Clouds trail from nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park to Chattanooga.
WHAT TO DO
Cloudland at McLemore is home to three golf courses with cliff-edge greens, which offer great views and a reason not to overshoot your stroke. The Highlands is an awardwinning 71-par course. The Keep, which is currently open for preview play, offers views of every hole from 60 feet or more. And The Cairn is a six-hole short course.
If spending the day on the tees is not for you, Cloudland still makes a pretty compelling case for a getaway. There are hiking and walking trails throughout the property — plus, you’re just a 10-minute drive from Cloudland Canyon State Park, with its 60 miles of trails.
The lobby-level library has seating for whatever your mood is, be it curling up on the couch with a good book, challenging your friends to a game of backgammon or sipping a glass of wine. The library collection includes more than 700 adult and kids’ books, both fiction and nonfiction. Swim in the pool and soak in the hot tub, both of which have cliffside views. Unwind from any activity at Selah Spa. Live music plays at several spots — outside The Creag is the most picturesque.
THE BASICS
What: Cloudland at McLemore Resort
Where: Rising Fawn, Ga.
Distance from Nashville: 142 Miles
Why it stands out: Cloudland is the only luxury hotel resort on Lookout Mountain. (It isn’t the first luxury hotel, though. In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher are said to have honeymooned at Lookout Mountain Hotel, a former hotel nicknamed the “castle in the clouds.”)
WHERE TO EAT
You can take in impressive views (of the ridges of the Cumberland Plateau, the swimming pool and the golf courses) and not eat at the same spot twice during a weekend stay. Auld Alliance, a fine-dining restaurant, is a highlight that blends Scottish and French traditions. As you would expect, it is home to a nice selection of Scotches and wines.
Grab a happy hour cocktail at The Pocket Café before your evening activities. Spring through fall, Skyside is the poolside bar and restaurant with a jaw-dropping vantage point. The Creag has all-day dining overlooking the greens of the golf course, plus a cozy fireplace.
HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
Cloudland offers 14 different room types, so there should be one that meets your needs. Gaze at original art in each room, and of course, enjoy the view. Rooms have custom-designed desks, in case you have to combine work and play.
BY MARGARET LITTMAN
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CLOUDLAND AT MCLEMORE RESORT
Diamond Elite 2024 Award Recipients
Diamond 2024 Award Recipients
Platinum Award Recipient 2024
Lydia Armistead
Fiona King
Mary May
Shelly Bearden
Starling Davis
Megan Garrett
Richard Bryan
Julie Dretler
Donnel Milam
Jill Tidwell Trish Woolwine
Courtney Jenrath
Cheryl Macey
Margaret Davidson Ashna Tipnis
Beth Molteni
Christy Reed
Richard Courtney Lisa Peebles
Whitney Musser Shea Ghertner
Lisa Owings
Teresa Beard
Leah Crutchfield
Suzanne McMillan
Lucy Bottorff
Lise Deschenes
Elaine Reed
Nancy Brock
Ruby Elshafei
Valerie Roberts
Keri Cannon
Jennifer Stadler
Sam Coleman
Tom Fussell
Ann Marie Strickmaker
Cindy Cook
Eric Grasman
Mara Thompson
Teresa Beard
Cindy Cook
Tina Pierret
Chris Simonsen
Nancy Torrans
Mary Kocina
Cathy East Silver Silver Silver Silver Gold Diamond
TOP Carolina Herrera floral print chiffon halter top (Gus Mayer)
PANTS
Carolina Herrera floral print palazzo pants (Gus Mayer)
EARRINGS
Pearl cluster earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
BRACELET
Pearl cluster cuff (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
RING Pearl infinity ring (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
SHOES
Stuart Weitzman Nudist Block 75 heels in adobe (Nordstrom)
SP RING AHEAD
A collection of the hottest looks this season
Stylist:
Stylist Assistants: Eldar Gorak, Linnea
Hair and Makeup: Madison Dennis | MHD Beauty Model: Brittany Jenkins | AMAX Talent
Editor: Janet Kurtz
Art Director: Christie Passarello
Art Director Assistant: Sandi Harrison
Photographer: Eric England
Bruce Pittman
Tweedy
DRESS
Rosie Assoulin Tie Another Day dress (Kirna Zabête)
EARRINGS
XL Diamond Hoop Earring by Established Jewelry, 18k yellow gold and diamonds (Department)
BRACELET
Jenna Blake diamond gypsy bangle (Department)
SHOES
Manolo Blahnik Jadara raffia slide sandals in beige (Nordstrom)
DRESS Dorothee Schumacher Sense of Shine dress (Kirna Zabête)
EARRINGS
Savage earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
NECKLACE
Snake necklace (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
BRACELETS
14K gold-filled wide bangle, 14K goldfilled narrow bangle, silver skinny bangle (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
RING
Rope ring (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
SHOES Stuart Weitzman Nudist II sandals in silver (Gus Mayer)
DRESS
La DoubleJ The Angel pleated dress (Kirna Zabête)
EARRINGS
Twisted swirl wire earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
NECKLACE
Pearl ellipse necklace (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
RING
Smoky quartz and citrine ring (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
SHOES
Christian Louboutin Me Dolly mules in brownie (Nordstrom)
LU XUR YC ONSIGNMEN T
Scan For Video Footage
Nashville, Tennessee
575 +/- Acres with approximately 300 acres pasture
Mature hardwoods with horse quality trails
One mile plus of frontage on pristine Piney River
Multiple barns, rustic cabin, multiple ponds
One hour drive to the heart of downtown Nashville
O ered at $14,995,000
DRESS Zimmermann Dawning sheath dress (Gus Mayer)
EARRINGS Square round button earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
NECKLACE Heavy chain triple necklace (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
RING Row ring (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
SHOES
Stuart Weitzman Nudist II sandals in gold (Gus Mayer)
EARRINGS
Teardrop swing drop earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
NECKLACES
Small egg necklace, mixed chain pearl double chain necklace (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
BRACELET
Twisted cu (Margaret Ellis Jewelry) RING
Blue topaz trillion ring (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
SHOES
TOP
Emporio Sirenuse Jamila tunic in Indian rose print (Kirna Zabête) PANTS
Emporio Sirenuse Blair trousers in Indian rose print (Kirna Zabête)
Stuart Weitzman Nudist II sandals in adobe (Gus Mayer)
DRESS
Oscar de la Renta off-theshoulder poplin midi dress in English rose print (Gus Mayer)
EARRINGS
Pearl Joan hoop earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
BRACELET
Handle Only With Love Marjaan pearl bracelet (Department)
RING
James Banks Design Goliath butterfly ring (Department)
SHOES
Stuart Weitzman Power 75 pointed-toe pumps in adobe (Nordstrom)
SA LUTE
The Symphony Fashion Show prepares to celebrate 20 years of supporting the Nashville Symphony
LEFT PAGE
Fourth Row L-R
Sylvia Bradbury (2016 Carolina Herrera), Sissy Wilson (2015 Brunello Cucinelli), Dara Russell (2014 Christian Siriano)
Third Row L-R
Lake Eakin (2009 Monique Lhuillier), Jana Davis (2008 Oscar de la Renta), Collie Daily (2015 Brunello Cucinelli)
Second Row L-R
Laura Niewold (2012 Oscar de la Renta), Vicki Horne (2014 Christian Siriano), Johnna Watson (2011 Marchesa)
First Row L-R
Laurie Seabury (2025 Pamella Roland), Sandra Lipman (2007 Oscar de la Renta), Katie Crumbo (2025 Pamella Roland)
RIGHT PAGE
Fourth Row L-R
Mary Morgan Ketchel (2023 Brandon Maxwell), Birgitta Williamson (2018 Jason Wu), Suzanne Smothers (2016 Carolina Herrera)
Third Row L-R
Sarah Reisner (2021 Zang Toi), Tracy Frist (2024, Prabal Gurung), Andrea Powell (2022 Lela Rose)
Second Row L-R
Emily Humphreys (2024 Prabal Gurung), Ashley Rosen (2020 Zang Toi), Mary Huddleston (2022 Lela Rose), Lori Duke (2018 Jason Wu)
First Row L-R
Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek (2021 Zang Toi), Barbara Burns (2020 Zang Toi), Lisa Manning (2023 Brandon Maxwell)
For decades, Nashville struggled with a fashion issue. That is not to say Nashvillians lacked a sense of style — far from it. The well-heeled citizens often visited luxury boutiques like Gus Mayer, McClures, Jamie, and Harveys. But more often than not, for major events, many in the fashion-forward set would travel out of town to find the perfect Oscar or Chanel.
Change was in the air in 2006 when the Symphony League reimagined its daytime fashion luncheon as the evening event we now recognize as the Symphony Fashion Show. Though it looks a little different, today’s event still honors its original mission: to raise funds to support the Nashville Symphony’s many community initiatives.
In 2006, as guests arrived at Belle Meade Country Club for the newly refreshed fashion show — the new Schermerhorn Symphony Center would not open until September of that year and would host most of the following fashion shows — Beth Alexander, editor of Nfocus at the time, described a roomful of symphony mavens, adorned in designs by jeweler Chopard. The event’s co-chairs, Colleen Welch and Bonnie Perdue, planned an exquisite evening of fashion and fundraising. Designer Pamella Roland — who will return for the 2025 show — debuted pieces from her fall 2006 line.
The following year, Sandra Lipman chaired the event with Elaine Sullivan. Sandra remains active with the event in her roll as executive chair. Through the years, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center has served as the setting for runway shows featuring some of the world’s top designers, including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, Zang Toi, Prabal Gurung and more. Adding the Nashville brand to the event, co-chairs invite top entertainment to perform, making the evening truly magical.
This year’s Symphony Fashion Show will take place April 29 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, featuring entertainer Vince Gill and the aforementioned return of designer Pamella Roland. More information can be found at nashvillesymphony.org/contribute/ galas-events/symphony-fashion-show/
BY JANET KURTZ
PHOTOGRAPHS BY TAUSHA DICKINSON AND FROM THE ARCHIVES OF NFOCUS
Laurie Seabury, Sandra Lipman, Katie Crumbo
REAL ESTATE, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & INTERIOR DESIGN Therese Winnington 61 5. 545 . 8700 (ALSO LICENSED IN A BAMA)
Top Individual Leasing agent 3 Years in a Row. Top Selling Agent 3 Years in a Row.
A TIP OF THE H AT
The journey of milliner Christine A. Moore
HORSE RACING IS one of the most fashionable sports in the country — not just because of the colorful jackets worn by jockeys, but also the parade of hats displayed on the heads of fashion-forward spectators. Milliner Christine A. Moore is no stranger to the horse-racing world. She established her own brand in 1994 and has long designed racing outfits for the Kentucky Derby — four of which have been displayed in the Kentucky Derby Museum. Christine has been named a featured milliner of the Kentucky Derby five times and was the first milliner ever to be given the title.
HISTO Y
IN 1798, 12-year-old Betsey Metcalf began braiding lengths of straw to make bonnets that mimicked the expensive hats she had seen in shop windows. Soon, she employed her sisters in the enterprise. “For 2 or 3 years we had a very profitable business,” she wrote in her diary. “I could frequently make a dollar a day.”
The Industrial Revolution changed the apparel industry, as manufacturers built machines that could mass-produce clothing and hats more quickly and with cheaper materials. While a desire for fine hats and quality materials still existed, there was less demand, forcing many hatmakers to seek other forms of employment.
CH ISTINE . MOORE, MILLINE
A STUDENT OF art and costume design, Christine developed an early passion for millinery. After school, she moved to New York and worked in costume design on Broadway. She was a natural entrepreneur, and theater was her springboard. “I have a vision for what I want to put out in the world, which made entrepreneurship a natural direction [for me],” Christine says.
After starting her own millinery studio, Christine’s business really took off when an employee went home to Louisville for Thanksgiving and brought one of Christine’s designs and brochures with her. During the visit, the employee took the design to different stores and came back to New York with an order. Christine saw an opportunity and visited Louisville for a ladies’ luncheon, telling her rapt audience all the reasons they should start wearing hats to the derby. “The Southern lady is not afraid of fashion or of a big flower or a big bow,” Christine says, sharing one of her biggest takeaways from the gathering.
After that fateful luncheon, Christine was off to the races. She will tell you the early days were a bit “bowheavy.” Her logo is a bow, and many of the designs heavily featured bow motifs. Gradually, she began to move into flowers. And today, her designs
are accented with silky petals and hand-painted floral accoutrements.
In 2009, Christine partnered with Churchill Downs and Mattel to design the official Barbie derby hat. That same year, her hats were featured on the official Kentucky Derby poster. In 2018, she designed the official Belmont Stakes 150th anniversary women’s and men’s hats, which American Triple Crown winner Justify signed using his hoofprint. In 2022, Christine was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel, the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, which recognizes an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to the state.
Christine has also been named the official milliner of the Iroquois Steeplechase. Each year, ladies don her looks for the classic event.
Christine’s work can be found gracing the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair, InStyle and more. Her team of expert milliners and craftspeople are brilliantly creative, finding inspiration from the theater and nature. Christine’s designs will be featured in a trunk show at Gus Mayer April 10 and 11.
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CHRISTINE A. MOORE
Christine A. Moore
WO K OF T
e 36th annual Ballet Ball was an elevated evening of fundraising
Co-chair Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek, honorary chair Vicki Horne, Nick Mullikin, co-chair Ana Cristina Cash
ich aubergine, accented with gold, adorned the elegant Schermerhorn Symphony Center for the 36th annual Ballet Ball. Guests arrived at the beloved event to support Nashville Ballet and its mission to bring the art of dance to the greater Nashville community. The glamorous see-and-be-seen soirée raises critical funds for Nashville Ballet’s community engagement and education initiatives, which provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through virtual and in-person performances and programs. Co-chairs Ana Cristina Cash and Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek, together with honorary chair Vicki Horne, worked with distinguished event designer Amos Gott to bring the evening’s magical Italian Renaissance theme to life.
Throughout the reception, guests mingled and enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres. As the bells gently chimed for dinner, revelers entered the Laura Turner Concert Hall for food and entertainment. Striking linens accented with deep-purple and lavender sequins topped the tables, complemented by centerpieces reminiscent of Renaissance art.
As guests enjoyed dinner, Nick Mullikin, Nashville Ballet CEO and artistic director, addressed the crowd and noted the hard work the co-chairs put into the special evening. “Thank you for your time, your energy, support, talent and your generous sponsorship,” he said. “This evening’s event wouldn’t be possible without you.” Angela then expanded on the importance of the evening: “Ballet Ball is more than an elegant soirée. It’s the celebration of the arts, a gathering of friends, and most importantly, a fundamental fundraiser for Nashville Ballet’s education and engagement initiatives.” The co-chairs also thanked Vicki for her years of tireless work to support the ballet and the invaluable advice she offered while planning this year’s ball.
Then it was time for the main event — live music paired with beautifully choreographed performances by Nashville Ballet company dancers. This year, guests heard from two performers: fourtime Grammy nominee Mickey Guyton and Grammy-nominated The War and Treaty. After the captivating program, guests headed to the stage for the Ballet Ball Late Party, hosted by Mary Elizabeth Colton, Jeremy Hunziker, Sara Puryear and Ben Shankle. Guests danced the night away to the tunes of Bizz & Everyday People and enjoyed delicious late-night snacks as they celebrated another successful event.
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND MICHAEL SCOTT EVANS
Julia Eisen and Joshua Whitfield, Mary Poiley
Claudia Monja, Garritt McCabe
Amy and Owen Joyner
Owen Thorne, Jamie Kopit
Jennifer Turner, Nick Mullikin, Molly Haynes
Victor Evans and Crystal Churchwell Evans
Julie and John Schneider
Apphia Maxima, Joy Smith
Mickey Guyton Barry Stowe, Emily Humphreys
Kate Rogers
Anne Elizabeth McIntosh, Hunter and Ashley Herring
Nancy Peacock, Casey Chollet-Lipscomb and Ryan Lipscomb
Adam Sansiveri, Kendall Brown
Jason Bradshaw, Bob Deal
Cordia and Tom Harrington
Waddell Wright, LaDonna Boyd
Donnie and Kayla Counts, Mary Jo and Steve Shankle
Mary Belle Grande, Glenda Hatfield¢
The War and Treaty
Todd and Sharon Sandahl
SIMON SA YS
Stephanie Simon curates stylish, wearable pieces for the men of Nashville
ENTERING NASHVILLE’S NEW men’s clothier Simon Says is like stepping into a treasure trove of stylish, high-quality pieces. Settled in Wedgewood-Houston, the shop tastefully curates pieces from designers who intertwine their stories into their clothing.
At Simon Says, fashion and comfort are equally crucial. Customers can expect to find one-of-akind items that are also comfortable and durable. “I want people to have access to things that they haven’t heard of and that they’ve never seen before,” says Stephanie Simon, the shop’s owner and founder. “But I also want it all to be wearable.”
Drawing inspiration from cowboy culture and rock ’n’ roll, the store is geared toward the distinct style of Nashville men. “Nashville reminds me
of New York and LA,” Stephanie says, “not just because people are hustling and doing the thing, but because they want to look good while doing it.”
Simon Says was designed to reduce shopping anxiety. Every aspect of the experience flows with ease. Since the store’s November opening, its guests have been greeted with natural lighting, cozy rugs, plush couches and the friendly faces of Stephanie, chief operating officer Andy Burns and in-house hatmaker Jacob Hillenbrand.
Before entering Nashville’s fashion scene, Stephanie did design, management and brand promotion for the legendary San Francisco Western shop H Bar C Ranchwear. She also dressed musicians — including Robert Plant, Marcus King and Midland — for red carpets
and award shows. “When we met Robert, we had just remade a shirt that he had worn onstage in the ’70s all the time, and he walked into the store,” she says. “I don’t normally fangirl, but I immediately knocked over my cup of tea.”
These musicians eventually became family. “You watch them fly, and your heart is so happy for them,” says Stephanie. “And seeing them proud of me is a freaking trip.”
When Stephanie moved to Nashville, she began working at the renowned boutique Two Old Hippies. After the COVID-19 pandemic, she noticed gaps in the local fashion industry — namely, the slim selection of high-quality menswear stores. In true do-it-yourself fashion, Stephanie decided to fill that space — spearheading every part of the process, from construction to curation. “I didn’t think I could accomplish this, and I did,” she says. “It’s been probably the most joyful thing I’ve ever done.”
She took her vision for Simon Says to the next level by featuring high-quality brands and designers whose work sparks vivid memories for her. A signature John Varvatos T-shirt takes Stephanie back to when she’d just moved to Nashville, and custom embroidery by the mother-daughter duo Dixon and Jack — worn at major concerts and award shows around town — reminds her of
how much she loves working with her mom. United Rivers exemplifies the power of storytelling through clothing. The brand, owned by Colombian immigrants, visually combines Colombian cowboy culture with that of the American South.
“It does take a village to do anything, and I would have been a lot more stressed-out if I didn’t have the team that I have,” says Stephanie. “Even the contractors, my designers, all of them — everybody has a value that is indescribable.”
The store’s staff is known for being refreshingly honest with customers, and they’re the first to celebrate when guests find pieces that make them feel their best. “Some people just don’t realize how much they need that little boost of confidence,” says Stephanie. “And it’s not even me giving it to you — it’s the clothes doing it. I’m just reiterating what the clothes are doing.”
Stephanie’s adoration of every item in the shop is evident, and her passion for improving the shopping experience propels her forward. “When somebody walks out with a smile on their face, it’s like you just finished your second dirty martini, and you’re like, ‘Yeah. Now, that’s the good stuff,’” she says.
BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
Each year, 25,000 people gather at the Iroquois Steeplechase racecourse at Percy Warner Park for an unforgettable day of thrilling horse racing, vibrant celebrations, and stunning fashion. Purchase your tickets now and join us on May 10, 2025 in the Royal 615 Lounge, Hunt Club or Tailgating areas!
WHERE FASHION, STYLE AND EXCITEMENT MEET.
The Everlstin Power of the Purse
Co-chairs are completely reimagining the event to celebrate 30 years of the Women’s Fund
FEW LOCAL EVENTS pair style and philanthropy as seamlessly as Power of the Purse. The annual gathering brings women together over lunch, inviting them to uplift other women and girls by placing bids on stunning handbags to support The Women’s Fund.
But to ring in the fund’s 30th year, co-chairs are reinventing Power of the Purse — switching it from a luncheon to a nighttime reception. “For the 30th anniversary, we’d really like to shake it up,” says co-chair Arnita Ozgener. “And we’d like everybody to know what The Women’s Fund does and who we support.” Arnita and fellow co-chair Tonia Klein hope these changes will draw in a wider audience of women — and encourage more men to participate.
Ruth Ann Harnisch dreamed up Power of the Purse to gather hundreds of Nashvillians to support women’s causes and tangibly invest in their city. While Power of the Purse has long been acclaimed for its philanthropic mission, Arnita and Tonia want guests to learn more about how The Women’s Fund helps the local community.
“The Women’s Fund has three different pillars that we try to focus on,” says Arnita. “Helping support other organizations to provide economic self-sufficiency for women and girls, prevention of violence and the promotion of well-being and talent.”
The fund pours into countless grantee organizations that empower women and girls, including Rejoice School of Ballet and Girls Write Nashville. “That’s really what The Women’s Fund is,” says Arnita. “We want to support other nonprofit organizations and lift them up so that they can do their best work.”
Arnita channeled her passion for philanthropy by kickstarting OZ Arts Nashville with her family in 2013. The nonprofit performing arts center will host this year’s fresh take on Power of the Purse.
Co-chairs Arnita Ozgener, Tonia Klein
Grantee organizations will still share their initiatives at the event — this time, through pop-up experiences and performances. Arnita also wants to emphasize the benefits of supporting one of the region’s only endowed funds. “Thinking of a nonprofit as an endowment is so powerful because that nonprofit is going to be around forever,” says Arnita. “We are able to meet these organizations where they’re at, but we’re also able to change and grow with them in the future.”
One of the event’s most beloved elements will also be shaken up: fashion. While Power of the Purse will still auction off a selection of donated handbags, it’s teaming up with The Vault to introduce an artistic twist. “They’ve donated five handbags that we’ve [paired] with five local women artists,” says Arnita. “Those artists have chosen one of our nonprofits to learn about and lean into, and they are [repurposing] these handbags based on these nonprofits’ missions.”
Through this partnership, philanthropy and art will be even more intertwined. “They’re all very different visual artists, and they got to choose the nonprofits themselves — whatever spoke to them,” says Arnita. “I can’t wait to get the handbags and the stories and inspiration behind them.” In addition, Emily Holt will lead a new hands-on art experience where guests will have creative input throughout the main event.
While the Power of the Purse luncheon traditionally draws in nearly 400 guests, co-chairs expect this year’s nighttime reception to attract an even larger crowd. Since announcing these innovative changes, Arnita has received an influx of support and excitement from the Nashville community.
“This created buzz because it’s going to be very different. It’s going to be interactive,” says Arnita. “You’re going to gain a lot of knowledge about different nonprofits that are doing some tremendous work in our community that you may have never heard about, but it’s going to be fun.”
BY MADELEINE BRADFORD
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND FROM NFOCUS ARCHIVES
Patrick Pruett, Carolyn Brotherton, Ginger Holmes, + David Pruett
Deneen Murphy + Bonnie Heim
For over six decades, the Swan Ball has stood out among nonprofit events as a symbol of elegance and refinement. The ball is a stunning pageantry of high design, and the partners who support events leading up to the fashionable evening help elevate the mystique.
Each year, Swan Ball organizers invite a prestigious jeweler to join the revelry, and this year, co-chairs Melanie Baker and Laura Niewold have invited jewelry brand Sidney Garber, headed by secondgeneration jeweler Brooke Garber Neidich, to make its debut as the Swan Ball’s official jeweler.
N EYE FO DESIGN
Sidney Garber makes its debut as the 2025 Swan Ball jeweler
HISTO Y
IN 1946, after serving in World War II, a young Sidney Garber returned to his hometown of Chicago. Sidney, the son of a watchmaker, decided to remain in the family business. He initially found work piecing together watches. But because of his discerning eye for style, customers were soon asking him to find special pieces, like engagement rings or strings of pearls.
Soon, Sidney opened a boutique on Chicago’s vibrant Jewelers Row — filling the store with items from New York jewelers. He eventually moved the store to Michigan Avenue. The secret of his success was his insistence on quality: Only the best materials should be used, and only top master craftsmen should work on each piece. His daughter Brooke would accompany him on visits to the ateliers of Europe — again, with the mission to seek out the best pieces and designs.
LEG CY
IN 2008, BROOKE inherited the business, moved it to New York, and added designs with a more casual sense of style and sophistication. Her pieces are worn by celebrities on the red carpet and are staples in many customers’ everyday-wear collections.
Like her father before her, Brooke sources the best of the best, seeking out the top cutters, designers and materials to create her unique collection.
The company donates a portion of profits to charities supporting the arts and children’s mental health initiatives. “[Philantropy] is so close to my heart, and it’s pivotal to Sidney Garber’s identity,” Brooke says. “I feel very fortunate to be able to give my profits to causes that are meaningful to me: children’s mental health, the arts, racial justice, women’s reproductive rights, and ending gun violence. I also believe that this speaks to the soul of Sidney Garber, the business, and Sidney Garber, the man. ”
SW N B LL
NASHVILLE’S SWAN BALL — one of the few remaining charity white-tie galas in the Southeast — has a vibrant and luxurious history. Every year, the first Saturday in June is reserved for the glittering event. Black cars snake up the drive to the gala’s grand entrance. Inside, ladies and gentlemen enjoy an evening dedicated to supporting the Nashville community. As partygoers traverse the rooms, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in hand, many stop by the expansive jewelry display just to look, but often wind up making purchases, all for a good cause — this year’s Swan Ball will benefit Friends of Warner Parks.
Co-chairs Melanie Baker and Laura Niewold sought out Sidney Garber specifically for this year's ball. “Sidney Garber Fine Jewelry embodies the perfect blend of modern elegance and meaningful impact, making it the ideal choice as our 2025 Swan Ball jeweler,” Melanie says. “Under the leadership of owner and creative director Brooke Garber, the brand’s exquisite designs have graced celebrities around the world. Yet what truly sets Sidney Garber apart is its profound commitment to philanthropy — since 2013, Brooke has donated 100% of the company’s profits to causes that enhance communities globally. This dedication to both beauty and benevolence aligns seamlessly with the mission of Swan Ball, making Sidney Garber an inspiring partner for this year’s ball!”
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SIDNEY GARBER
LON A T A KES
FLIGHT
Noelle welcomes renowned chefs Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas
OPENING A RESTAURANT inside a downtown Nashville hotel can be a tricky proposition. As a guest amenity, the restaurant should provide an approachable menu to keep lodgers on-site for at least one meal during their stay, despite much competition among excellent restaurants in the downtown district. That also means the kitchen better offer a solid hamburger, available at all hours to satisfy on-the-go business travelers or honky-tonk revelers looking for some party fuel.
To stay afloat, a hotel restaurant also needs to attract local residents to smooth out the peaks and valleys of the tourism calendar. It’s a balancing act that not every hotel restaurant manages to navigate.
MODERN MEXICAN MEETS HISTORIC SETTING
DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE HOTEL Noelle opened with an American-tavern-inspired signature restaurant named Makeready Libations & Liberation. The name referred to a term used by printers to describe the first sheets of paper to go through the press — a throwback to the hotel’s location in historic Printer’s Alley. The restaurant eventually began to add Italian influences to the menu in an effort to broaden its appeal, but it became apparent that a hard reset was needed to put the property at the forefront of dining choices in the neighborhood.
That’s when Noelle reached out to renowned chefs Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas to bring the third outpost of their modern Mexican restaurant Lona to the street-level dining space at the hotel. Joining previous iterations in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Lona seemed destined to land in Nashville. The restaurant’s name is the Spanish word for “mockingbird,” the state bird of both Florida and Tennessee — which features prominently in a huge colorful mural by Dominicanborn artist Ruben Ubiera that runs most of the length of the dining room. In addition to the bird, the painting offers a nod to Tennessee’s state flower: A purple iris is tucked behind the ear of a woman wearing a traditional Mexican headdress.
While Lona can be accessed from Noelle’s lobby, it is best experienced from the Church Street entrance. The stairs down from the sidewalk lead into a romantically lit subterranean lair with a gritty industrial vibe from exposed ductwork and concrete columns. That backdrop is playfully juxtaposed with bold splashes of tropical colors and a centerpiece bar area where more than 100 bottles of agave spirits act as both decoration and cocktail ingredients.
TISTIC FL I
EVEN IN THE intentionally dim lighting, the space exudes an outdoor garden atmosphere, with succulent plants decorating tables and flexible seating options that would feel at home on a Mexican patio. Lean into the al fresco feel with a starter from the bar — perhaps one of Lona’s sextet of margarita options, a glass of sangria, or a smoky mezcal old-fashioned made with deeply complex mole bitters.
Ease your way into the menu with a few small dishes, including a popular tuna tostada with sun-dried chile mayo or three different versions of guacamole, ranging from traditional to a lump crab option. Smoky
queso fundido is the perfect dip for fresh tortillas, especially with the addition of spicy chorizo — which, for just two dollars extra, is pretty much a mandatory upgrade.
The artistic flair of Lona spreads beyond the dramatic artwork on the walls to the tableware decorated with hand-painted ceramic depictions of Día de Muertos iconography. The kitchen artfully plates its dishes — think a little island of cilantro and crispy tortilla strips floating on the surface of a delicious tortilla soup. Dramatic swaths of roja and verde sauces divided by a bold line of queso fresco top the Enchiladas Divorciadas, a dish named because it “divorced” itself from the choice of either a red or green sauce. It must have been an amicable separation, because both sides of the dish are equally tasty.
EL JEFE
OTHER DISHES THAT are early favorites among diners at Lona include Baja-style fish tacos made with fried mahi-mahi and chipotle slaw, skirt-steak fajitas that arrive tableside on sizzling platters, and a grilled salmon that offers lovely textural contrasts from a creamy poblano sauce and crunchy roasted peanuts.
Oh, and remember how a great hotel restaurant must have a superlative burger on offer? Lona definitely checks that box with a double-patty griddled hamburguesa served with Chihuahua cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and red onion, along with a creamy jalapeño dressing and fries. It’s remarkable when a hotel staple like a burger can stand out on a modern Mexican menu, but that’s the case at Lona.
Whether as a finishing course or part of a nightcap alongside El Jefe — Lona’s version of an espresso martini — a peek at the dessert menu is certainly worthwhile. Rotating selections of sorbets and ice cream accompany churros with rich chocolate sauce for dipping. And sweet tres leches cake or a novel sweet corn cake with hibiscus sauce are standout options to end your visit to Lona on a high note, like the whistle of a mockingbird.
BY CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LONA NASHVILLE
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A DEC A DE OF DI A LOGUE
Celebrating 10 years of Conversations at OZ
FOR THE PAST DECADE, Conversations at OZ has been a cornerstone event in Nashville’s arts and culture scene — fostering dialogue, connection and the cross-pollination of ideas across of-the-moment arts, business and political topics. What began as an experimental evening of meaningful discourse has evolved into a signature gathering that attracts some of the city’s most dynamic thinkers, artists and changemakers.
This year’s celebration — marking Conversations at OZ’s 10th anniversary — was unfortunately canceled due to a surprise snowstorm. The milestone still offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the event’s impact, its origin and the role it continues to play in shaping Nashville’s future.
THE BI R TH OF A N IDE A
THE CONCEPT FOR Conversations at OZ was inspired by a simple but powerful belief: Listen. For Tim Ozgener, co-founder and president of OZ Arts Nashville, that philosophy served as the foundation for what would become one of the city’s most anticipated cultural gatherings.
“I’m a big believer in being a good listener,” says Tim. The initial spark came from two close friends, Meera Ballal and Seenu Reddy, who had attended a similar event at a contemporary arts center in San Antonio. Their experience — small group discussions led by local leaders around topics that inspired them — struck a chord.
“The structure was to have 20 to 30 interesting local leaders host tables of 10 for a dinner around topics that were important to them,” Tim explains. “Thus, the concept was born.”
In 2015, the inaugural Conversations at OZ welcomed guests to the modern arts center for a night that blended intimacy with intellectual stimulation. Each table became its own microcosm of creativity and curiosity, where attendees could engage deeply with subjects ranging from technology and social justice to culinary innovation and fashion.
A STA GE FO R UNCONVENTION AL CONVE RSATIONS
WHAT MAKES CONVERSATIONS at OZ so distinctive is its structure: Rather than a traditional panel or lecture, the event offers an evening of intimate discussions, similar to the salons of Paris at the turn of the last century. Each table, led by a local artist, entrepreneur or cultural leader, becomes a hub for spirited conversation. This format encourages organic dialogue reflecting the collaborative spirit that defines the city’s creative community.
Tim recalls one of the early standouts. “I remember the very first year we had our Conversations event, which was in 2015,” he says. “André Churchwell had an easel board where he was talking about fashion as if he was a Parisian designer. Janet Miller’s table decided to continue the conversation on a cruise together!” It was a pinnacle moment that captured the event’s essence: ideas taking on a life of their own, forging new connections that extended far beyond a single evening.
CH A MPIONING NASHVILLE’S ARTISTIC EVOLUTION
OVER THE PAST DECADE, Conversations at OZ has provided a platform for voices that push the boundaries of Nashville’s artistic identity. The city, long recognized for its musical history and heritage, has steadily emerged as a hub for contemporary art, performance and cultural experimentation. Tim envisions a future where Nashville’s arts scene rivals that of other major cultural capitals.
“Nashville is a multifaceted arts city,” he says. “Not just around music, but other arts. Miami used to be known as art deco and now it is a mecca for contemporary arts and culture. I would love to see Nashville follow suit.”
THE NEXT 10 YE AR S
AS OZ ARTS NASHVILLE looks ahead, its commitment to leading the way in contemporary arts remains unwavering. Over the next decade, Tim hopes that Conversations will continue to be a beacon for meaningful dialogue and artistic exchange.
Tim’s aspirations for the future? “That OZ Arts continues to be the vanguard for contemporary arts and culture in the city of Nashville,” he says.
MORE TH A N JUST TA LK
ULTIMATELY, WHAT MAKES Conversations at OZ so special is the alchemy of its participants. It is not just a place for conversation — it is a place where ideas take root and relationships are forged.
“It’s all about like-minded people who care about the city getting together to lean in and talk about topics that they’re all passionate about,” Tim says. “They all feel like they can make a difference in this town, and that’s what makes it so special.”
In its 10-year run, Conversations has done more than bring people together — it has helped shape Nashville’s cultural fabric. While this year’s event may have been snowed out, the legacy of the conversations it has inspired will continue to reverberate through the city’s creative community for years to come.
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF OZ ARTS NASHVILLE AND FROM NFOCUS ARCHIVES
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S Joyful Refrin
How About Dinner and a Movie? uplifts Park Center’s important work
ingle-digit temperatures and remnants of a snowfall didn’t stop guests from coming out to support Park Center at its signature event, How About Dinner and a Movie? Bundled-up guests poured into the Belcourt Theatre for a night of good company, tasty food and drinks, and important fundraising.
Cocktail hour was underway upon check-in. Attendees imbibed wine and beer while browsing the many available items at the silent auction. With artwork, restaurant gift cards, tropical vacations and unique items on offer, there was truly something to tempt everyone.
The program got started with a blessing from the night’s honoree, Becca Stevens. Guests dined on the event’s traditional meal of chicken croquettes, squash casserole and green beans.
The night’s program celebrated Park Center’s important work. Adam Stainbrook, director of marketing and development, set the scene with a slideshow. Event chair Joanna Hall talked about how Park Center empowers people who have mental health and substance use conditions. Board chair Anne Andress and CEO Amanda Bracht hammered home Joanna’s statements, praising Park Center for meeting people where they are and helping them find the best in themselves.
Then, honorary event chair Barbara Daane took the stage to reintroduce the guest of honor. Becca, founder and president of Thistle Farms, thanked Park Center for showing people that love changes everything. She even pledged $5,000 to the cause — and encouraged all in attendance to be similarly generous.
As the program came to an end, guests watched a screening of Sing Sing, an Oscar-nominated prison drama based on New York’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Guests then headed back outside to a chilly Nashville, full of warm feelings and poignant thoughts from the annual event.
BY PAIGE GAWLEY PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Becca Stevens, Barbara Daane, Adam Stainbrook
John Bridges, Keith Simmons
Shaun Womack, Kenna and Jared Hasler
Steve and Katrina Schneider
Barbara Quinn, Evelyn Yeargin
Danielle Henry, Amanda Bracht
Felicia Case, Weaver Barksdale
Sandy Nelson, Webb Campbell, Barbara Daane
Two of Kind
Nashville Wine Auction Pairings hits the jackpot
Guests went all in for the 13th annual Nashville Wine Auction event Pairings. Loews Vanderbilt Hotel was the lucky spot for the casino-themed evening. In place of dealers and pit bosses, the ballroom showcased beautiful silent auction lots. While there were no card tables in sight, plenty of green moved through the room — all to support the Nashville Wine Auction’s mission to unite the wine community to fight cancer.
Co-chairs Amy and Brannan Atkinson and Pam and Steve Taylor planned a magical evening, complete with a tasting reception of rare, sought-after California wines. While guests mingled and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres by host chef Sean Strolle of Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, many perused — and bid on — the fantastic silent auction items. This year, the silent auction featured 200 items — everything from trips and tastings to lots of wine. Showstoppers included a “super special” lot of California cabernet, a Pairings From the Heart lot by Holly Whaley (made up of “mostly bubbles and white Burgs”) and of course, the famous Women Who Wine luncheon, as well as the Seventh Taylor Open Cellar dinner.
The excitement continued as guests took their seats for dinner. Chef Robbie Wilson, of soon-to-open spots SuperNormal and Lion’s Share, designed a menu to pair with wines from DuMOL Winery, Donelan Family Wines, Résonance Wines, The Setting Wines and L’Aventure Winery. After opening remarks, everyone got down to business as auctioneer Charles Antin opened bidding for the night.
Throughout the live auction, competition was fierce, with the crowd meeting — then exceeding — revenue milestones. Holly, former president of the Nashville Wine Auction, shared why the organization’s mission matters so much to her. “I lost my mother to breast cancer. I lost my aunt to breast cancer. I worked for 10 years to raise money to fight cancer,” she said. “Then after I retired from the Wine Auction, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.” Today, she and her sister Vicki Horne have outlived four generations of women who have fought breast cancer. Holly’s ask to the almost-silent room was simple: Please raise a paddle to fund the fight against cancer.
BY JANET KURTZ
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Co-chairs Steve and Pam Taylor
Co-chairs Brannan and Amy Atkinson
Virginia Ballard, Chase Cole
Loren Chumley and Scott Peterson
David Osborn and Lisa Maki, Megan and Mike Jacobs
Dax Langford and Jeanette Barker
Jeff and Rachel Mitchell
Vicki and Rick Horne Nancy Allen, Marc Goldstone
Rob Turner and Jay Jones, Cheryl and Tod McMillan
Dane and Annie Alexander, Danielle Breezy, Irma Harris, Stacey Rhodes
Grace Johnson, Kelly Lombardi
Carly and Marc Mariani
Dennis and Tammy Boehms, Christi and Todd Henry
SGresed
Lihtnin
The TPAC Prelude Party adds a little Grease to the celebration
upporters of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center dressed in their ’50s best to attend the Grease-themed TPAC Prelude Party. Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club — with its rich red booths and floral arrangements shaped like milkshakes — was the perfect venue to set the stage for TPAC’s upcoming gala.
As guests arrived, classic honky-tonk tunes performed by Wild Bill and the Bruisers filled the air. Co-hosts David Byerley and Jack and Beverly Polson visited with the jubilant crowd, as guests jumped into the selfie station to capture the evening and enjoyed some of the delicacies offered by Blueprint Underground.
Jack took the stage to thank everyone for their commitment to the arts. He shared that when he and his wife first started dating, she wanted to go to the theater. While he was initially hesitant, he grew to love the performing arts — and is an enthusiastic supporter to this day. He said he’s especially excited about TPAC’s growing impact in schools. The organization now brings arts programming to over 80% of Tennessee’s 95 counties.
The co-hosts then turned the mic over to Jennifer Turner, TPAC’s president and CEO. She shared her optimism for the future of the arts and her excitement to see so many new faces in the crowd. She discussed TPAC’s work to build sustainable theater programs in schools across the state, noting that, through theater, children get the opportunity to express themselves and grow into the leaders of tomorrow. “We need arts for our community to thrive,” she said.
Jennifer then introduced Laura Osnes, who won the role of Sandy in the Broadway production of Grease after competing on the show Grease: You’re the One That I Want! Laura shared that when Olivia Newton-John came to one of her performances, she inscribed a book, “From one Sandy to another, I’m hopelessly devoted to you.” Laura performed that famous ballad and the equally famous duet, “You’re the One That I Want,” before finishing with “Tale As Old As Time” — a nod to TPAC’s upcoming run of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
Co-hosts Jack and Beverly Polson, Melanie Mosso, co-host David Byerley
Claire Byerley-Plunk, Meg Davis
Sara Pomeroy, Billy Dec
Adam Sansiveri, Kendall Brown
Stephen Kulinski, Jennifer Turner
David Andrews and Matt Paco, Lance Gruner
LIVE AT THE SCHERMERHORN
LYLE LOVETT with the Nashville Symphony
Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor APR 3 TO 5 | 7:30 PM
The incomparable Lyle Lovett brings his soulful voice and impeccable guitar skills to perform alongside the Nashville Symphony. A singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gi for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues, defying convention and creating rich and eclectic works that are some of the most beloved of any artist working today.
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ollin Out the ed Crpet
A Red Carpet Evening combines fashion, fun and the Oscars for the Belcourt Theatre
Perennial event chair Amos Gott planned yet another stellar — and star-studded — Red Carpet Evening, supporting the Belcourt Theatre. The annual event is dedicated to movie buffs and local theater supporters, who dress in Oscars-worthy finery to attend a viewing of the Academy Awards. Funds raised during the evening support the Belcourt Theatre’s mission to engage, enrich and educate the community through innovative film programming. Throughout the years, the Belcourt has enlightened moviegoers and challenged mindsets through film — and served as a beloved place for friends to gather.
During the reception, many guests perused the ample silent auction offerings, with an eye on bidding. Cocktails were plentiful, and as an added bonus, guests could enjoy traditional movie fare, like hot popcorn, Junior Mints and Twizzlers. Backstage, Diamond-level guests enjoyed a VIP reception with delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres from Cater615. Think ham-and-cheese arancini, bountiful cheese and charcuterie boards, tuna tartare and more. VIPs also enjoyed a parade of fashion, as the Oscars red carpet arrivals were broadcast for all to enjoy.
Once it was time for the main event, guests quickly found their seats for the opening monologue. As with any great viewing party, attendees had the chance to discuss their thoughts on category winners throughout the night without any shushing. The crowd was not afraid to be vocal in their agreement — or disagreement — on category winners, and a great time was had by all.
BY JANET KURTZ
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO
Stephanie Silverman, Joe Hall, Jane Alvis
Elle Long, Allison Inman
Roseann Rogers, chair Amos Gott, Carol Hodge
Jon Keller
Michael and Betsy Miller
Jessica Breanne, Judy Moorehead
Renata Soto, Eric Holder
Frank and Michele Hodges, Barbara Browning and David Kazmerowski
Prisca Dorcas Mojíca Rodríguez, Brad Janke
Dan Rose, Beth Gordon
Kelly Koeppel, Kassi Kokalis
Colin and Ashby Rushing
Terrance A. Hurd, Jennifer Eberle, Karl Pulley
Eddie Wright-Rios, Elizabeth Meadows
D. Patrick Rodgers, Amanda Matsui
Kate Schaller, Jessica Lowe
ON AUG. 12, 1965, bright-faced models posed with former Nashville Mayor Beverly Briley in the War Memorial Auditorium to promote Castner-Knott’s Fashion Happening show. The event featured 60 student models from Nashville high schools and colleges showcasing designs from the beloved department store.
Locals Charles Castner and William Knott first opened Castner-Knott in 1898. It soon became a community staple, drawing in Nashvillians for over 90 years. The store garnered a legacy as a place to try new fashions and flock to during holiday seasons. Runway shows featuring local models frequently debuted new collections and gathered the community together.
Following a commercial expansion in 1906, the store relocated to a five-story building on the corner of Seventh Avenue and Church Street. After a successful long-term run, Castner-Knott closed its Nashville flagship store in 1996.
BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, METRO ARCHIVES
