December 2015
Blues Ball Art on Fire Spirits with the Spirits A Magical Night at Overton Park Memphis Masquerade Charity Ball Q&A with Kerry Hayes
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Contents
Features
December 2015
From the Editor • 8 Signature Memphis • 10 Doug Carpenter, principal at doug carpenter & associates and project lead at Explore Bike Share, took a moment to show off his team’s new “Grind Staircase” design at RiverFit Park on Riverside Drive and talk about his exciting bike share program that is in the works.
Events
StreetSeens • 20 & 22 Tylur French This local sculpture and artist is reminding Memphians to take a moment and look up with his newest work on the Broad Ave. Water Tower.
Audrey Taylor Gonzalez This ordained priest and juvenile justice advocate has released a new novel that delves into her coming of age story in 1940s Germantown, TN.
Ambassador Series • 24 Kristi and Bill Kloos: Sweetly Going “Local to Global” Emily Adams Keplinger met up with Frost Bake Shop owners, Kristi and Bill Kloos, to learn more about this sweet empire going global.
Vox Popular • 36 Q&A with Kerry Hayes, consultant for the South Main Artspace Lofts and principal at Key Public Strategies.
Memphians dug up some friends and headed to Elmwood Cemetery for their annual ghastly bash.
Towers in the Attic There comes a time in everyone’s adult life when they have to grow up and tackle the packrat nest of their early twenties that has been squirreled away in the attic. Albeit, Dennis Phillippi waited an inordinately long time to do this, but at least he found some interesting things along the way.
Logan and Mike Haase
Spirits with the Spirits • 12
RSVPhillippi • 73
Susan and Bill Stephenson
Memphis Moments • 18,
32, 34, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 56, 58, 66, 67, 68, 69 & 70
Cover Photo Ryan and Anna Grisham at Blues Ball Photo by Don Perry
Glenn and Michelle Phillips
Blues Ball • 26 Memphians said goodbye to a Memphis institution – Pat Kerr Tigrett’s annual rock ‘n’ roll ball – with music from some of Memphis’ biggest legends.
Gary Backaus and Margot McNeeley
Memphis Masquerade Eric and Tomika McNeal Charity Ball • 42 Art on Fire • 52
Memphians donned their most creative masks for Chef Phillip Ashley Rix’s annual black-tie benefit at the Pink Palace Mansion.
Fire dancers and bonfires lit up the night at this annual Dixon Gallery & Gardens fund-raiser.
Cameron and Amy Mann
A Magical Night at Overton Park • 60 Overton Park Conservancy invited locals to enjoy an enchanted night under the stars in Overton Park.
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RSVP Staff
Christmas OPEN HOUSE Dec 12 featuring metal artist Ben Caldwell of Ben and Lael
Volume XX • Number XV December 2015 publisher
Roy Haithcock Editor
Rachel Warren contributing writers
LISA
M ALLORY
Interior Design
Bill Bannister Ruth Cassin Virginia Davis Emily Adams Keplinger Dennis Phillippi Suzanne Thompson art director
Krista Geyer photographers
Chris Pugh Account Executive Chris has been exercising his talent in the advertising world since 1999. He joined the RSVP team in 2009 and brought with him a love for laughter and creativity. Originally from New Albany, Mississippi, Chris has settled in Memphis and enjoys being active in the fashion community.
Lynn Green Don Perry Steve Roberts account executives
Chris Pugh Robin Morgan accounting
Ruth Cassin RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to: Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 For advertising information contact:
Roy Haithcock
Phone: (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax: (901) 276-7785 publisher@rsvpmagazine.com
Robin Morgan Account Executive Having worked in advertising for 13 years, Robin is most passionate about magazine print. Her energy is contagious, and she counts as her hobbies running, shopping and spending time with her girlfriends. Robin’s “bright spot” is her daughter Emily Anne. Robin loves living in downtown Memphis, which affords her the opportunity to run down Riverside Drive anytime!
web
www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event.
Call: 901-276-7787, ext. 105 Fax: 901-276-7785 editor@rsvpmagazine.com Follow us on:
Krista Geyer Art Director
lisamallorydesign.com RUGS • ART • LIGHTING • GIFTS • INTERIOR DESIGN • LINENS
RSVP Memphis Magazine
3080 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38111
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Copyright 2015 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
Krista has spent most her entire life in the Mid-South area. She moved home after earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Auburn University and is thrilled to be able to work on something as “Memphis” as RSVP Magazine. When not working you can probably find Krista at Shelby Farms with her husband and her dogs or riding her horses.
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From the Editor W
ow, friends, the year has flown by. We here at RSVP have been rushing around all autumn, attending all of the end-of-the-year benefits and fund-raisers to provide you with the best coverage of nonprofits and philanthropic leaders throughout the MidSouth. It is one of our favorite times of the year! My favorite part of the holiday season is seeing the passion that Memphians have for lifting up their communities and neighborhoods. We are not a city that sits and lets things go by. We are always the first to jump in and fulfill a need or just offer an extra hand. It seems like everyone in Memphis always has a little extra to give. Holidays are a great time of year to reconnect with family and friends, eat too much and receive much. If you are looking for ways to give back within the city, Memphis has many rewarding and options for groups and individuals. MIFA’s Meal on Wheels program always needs extra hands, the Salvation Army Memphis Area Command is looking for some spirited people to ring the bell during their Red Kettle Campaign as well as spend time as mall attendants for their Angel Tree program. Get in the holiday spirit and sign-up to volunteer at the Memphis Zoo’s Zoo Lights program or Shelby Farms Park’s Orion Starry Nights. If these don’t pique your interest, take a look through the issue, we have featured many nonprofits and charitable organizations that would love to hear from you. Sometimes the smallest donation of time or money can make a huge difference. Don’t forget to tune in for the 2016 January issue, where we will be unveiling our super fun bridal issue. We have been busily sorting through all the tulle and lace to bring you the new year’s most glamorous bridal fashions, as well as featuring some stunning Mid-South weddings. Here’s wishing everyone a safe and revitalizing holiday season!
Rachel Warren editor@rsvpmagazine.com
Editor’s Correction: Felicity and Peter Letsou were incorrectly identified as Elizabeth and David Rudolph and
visa versa in the November 2015 issue coverage of the Pillars of Excellence Awards Dinner. We apologize for this error.
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Principal at Doug Carpenter
Doug Carpenter &A ,P L ssociates
roject
ead at
Explore Bike Share
Coffee or Tea: Diet Coke or Ghost River. Favorite Quiet Spot in the City: My back porch. Who Would Play You in a Movie: Sandra Bullock. Proudest Moment of Your Life: To be determined. First Car You Drove: Legally? A 1976 Chevy Caprice Classic. Hometown: Born in Huntsville, AL, but a Memphian by choice. Favorite Song: Whatever one my family is belting out at the moment. Best Advice You Ever Got: Remember who you are and what you represent. Last Dish You Cooked: I made my daughters pork chops, broccoli and couscous. Favorite Thing About Memphis: The growing recognition that our unique culture is our greatest asset.
Your Greatest Hope for Bike Share: Watching Memphis discover that we’re closer than we think, both geographically and culturally.
Your Best Quality: I have no desire to judge. I enjoy hearing ideas and perspectives from all angles whether I agree with them or not.
Favorite Southern Idiom: Not sure it counts, but my father always woke us up saying, “Up and at ‘em, tried and true. Some folks don’t but others do.”
Favorite Place to Travel: I’m blessed and cursed with being happy wherever I am, so I hate the process of leaving a place I already like in order to travel, but I always enjoy wherever I end up.
A Non-Living Celebrity/Role Model You’d Invite to Dinner: As an adult,
Photo by Steve Roberts
I never had a chance to have a conversation with my grandfather, C.C.J. Carpenter. As Bishop of the Alabama Episcopal Diocese from 1938-1968, he was in the center of the Civil Rights movement in Birmingham, with criticism on both sides for his involvement. I think it would be a fascinating dinner.
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Spi r i t s wi t h the Spi r i t s S F E C pooky
un at
lmwood
emetery
A Cy and Lana Holmes
Alexandria Lacey and Robert Dickerson
Marilyn Davis and Linda Deane
Bryan and Rachel Baddorf
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t the dead end of Dudley Street, through the darkest night, Elmwood Cemetery held its annual celebration, Spirits with the Spirits. Bringing the magic of Memphis by moonlight to life on Oct. 30, guests were invited to dig up some friends and join the party. As over 300 partygoers crossed the span bridge from Dudley Street to enter Elmwood Cemetery, their eyes beheld a fascinating scene. Skeletons of tents were laced with large light globes, illuminating areas designated for food and libations, as well as a silent auction. Several varieties of “Witches’ Brew,” including ghostly white and blood red vintages from Joe’s Wines & Liquor, were served from an open-casket bar. Shots of Pyramid Vodka were available to fortify cups of hot chocolate. Slow-cooked and deep-fried bones of beasts and fowl were plated for gnawing with delightful delicacies provided by Baby Jack’s BBQ, Fork It Over Catering, Just for Lunch, Panera Bread, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous, Sonic Drive-In and The University Club. Cookie Swain, of Ellendale Lodge, coordinated the foods. Frost Bake Shop provided a variety of sweet treats. Guests gathered around wooden slabs cut from fallen trees on Elmwood’s grounds that had been given new life as cocktail tables. Casting an eerie glow with their spider web-like patina, the tables were set with candles in mercury glass votives. In the distance, flickering lights from luminaries lined several of the pathways throughout the cemetery, inviting the brave to take a stroll. Or guests could opt for a wagon ride by moonlight, provided by Phil Burrows, of Rossville, and a pair of his mules. As the wagon made its rounds, volunteers, dressed as a cast of Elmwood “residents,” brought their spirits to life by telling their histories. Throughout the night, the Earnestine and Hazel’s House Band provided stirring sounds. Tunes like “Love Potion No. 9” and “Spooky” were right on track with the spirit of the event. Using the sloping metal roof of the cottage that serves as the cemetery’s office, a collection of classic horror movies, including “Nosferatu,” “The Mummy,” “Dracula,” “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Frankenstein” and “Bride of Frankenstein” were screened overhead. Those curious about their futures and fortunes were invited to see what was in store for them from palm and tarot card readers. “We had our largest attendance to date at this year’s event,“ Kim McCollum, executive director of Elmwood, said. “It offered another way to engage the public with Elmwood. Much like the way people use to visit with their neighbors as they spent time coming to our cemetery, with bandstands set up throughout the property to provide music, our Spirits with the Spirits event recreated that sense of community in the cemetery.” Spirits with the Spirits is a fund-raiser in support of the care and maintenance of Elmwood Cemetery, reputed to be the city’s most storied ground, and its Level II arboretum. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Lynn Green
Robin Swanson with Nora and Dan Conaway and Dan Swanson
Brad and Sherry Miller
Shelitha Anglade and Hailey Cherry
Theresa O’Kelly and Carrie Strehlau
Jillian Boreing and Alex Lanzer
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Bob Barnett and Dan Murrell
Robert Gooch and Kim McCollum
Jeri Berchard and Talana Vogel
Dr. Lucius McGehee and Don McLemore
Rich and Mary-Ellen Kelly
Richard and Pam Flynt
Doug Carpentar with Michael and Robbie Johnson Weinberg, Sissy Carpentar and Gina and Dr. Mike Smith
Jennifer Futch, Dr. Anne Rowland, Dr. Jennifer Sullivan and Dr. Reshma Brahmbhatt
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Joelle Pittman and Erin Blythe
Sabrina Fesko and Karina Powell
Gary Rowsey, Candace Britt, Chris Miller, Forrest Wiggley, Mike Gunnell and Susan Sanders
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Dr. Will Thompsan, Michael Hoots, Melinda Wood and Alan Rettig
Mona Ferrante with Melissa and Charles Jackson
Amanda Rast, Erin Hills, Elin Ovrebo and Stecey Trimble
Glen and Suzanne Johnson with Mary Jo Belak and Marilyn Duke
Katie and Eric Satterthwaite
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Christina Leatherman and Tara Taylor
Where else but
Gild the Lily for the holidays
Dena Colyar and Vivian Arendall
Andy Overton and Elizabeth Sloan
Jo Kee, Keith Lewis and Vicki Murrell
Brandi Vincent
Pam and Cindy Jones
5101 Sanderlin, Memphis 901.682.8277 Patti Swope, LeAnn Dowty and Melissa Melton
Since 1993 December 2015
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Wine on the River Memphis Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
A
Lynnanne Nguyen, Brad Villane and Sarah Villane
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s the sun set over the Mighty Mississippi, over 3,000 people came to the Mud Island River Park to participate in the inaugural Wine on the River Memphis tasting event. Attendees were given a souvenir wine glass to use for their tastings, and, following the “World Tour” theme, they also received a “passport” booklet and wound their way around the model of the river in the park. There were hundreds of varieties of wine available for sampling. In addition to the vino, area restaurants and food trucks offered Robyn Pressley and Tracy Mitchell regional cuisine. Food vendors include HoneyBaked Ham, 4 Dumplings, Runway Grille, Xquisite Catering and Phillip Ashley Chocolates. Earnestine’s and Hazel’s, Five Spot and Holenwald Social were also vendors, as well as the sites of the official “after party” on Main Street. A portion of the event’s proceeds benefited Youth Villages.
Shawntell Anderson, Felicia Jones and Shadonna Perry
Nancy Howard and David Hill
Holly Townsend and Paul McElyea
Christa Totty, Grace Norcross, Allison Castleman and Kristina Jennings
Isabel Del Rey and Donald Webb
Triscia Stiles and Chris Rodgers
Sara Clark, Matt Clark, Bryan Lawrence and Amy Lawrence
Taylor Bates and Mary Thompson
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Sonya and Maurice Merrell
Sandy Sisk, Jennifer Thomason and Tammy Parker
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Tylur French T A L U he
rt of
ooking
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ocal sculpture and artist Tylur French considers himself half engineer and half artist, and, through his public art, he is on a mission to help people “take a moment and look up.” French has certainly done that with his recent public art installation, the brightly colored Overton Park Bike Arch, as well as his studio’s, Youngblood Studio LLC, work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and he has not stopped there. This November, French alongside technical lightening mastermind Jeremy Fisher and a dedicated team of artists has unveiled another bright reminder to Memphians and visitors to take a moment and just…look up –the reconceived Broad Ave. Water Tower. Painted with bold, bright lines of yellow, red, green and blue and set off by a rising sunburst, French says that his design reflects the topography of the course of the Mississippi River and the sunburst represents the geographical location of Memphis on the river. “This design allowed us to do a couple things at once: locate Memphis regionally, make that connection to the city’s identity with the river, and show the rebirth and re-dawning of the Broad Ave. neighborhood,” French says. Built in 1947, the Broad Water Tower was already, in French’s opinion, “amazing and iconic” as it stood, and he says he was hesitant at first to put his name into the artist call for designs. “When they were looking at it and thinking about adding sculpture to it, everything I thought of felt like I was putting a big necklace on something that was already done or like sticking a big hat on something,” French notes. French relates that he was first attracted to creating an imagery that referenced a graffiti style of art “since people have being creating graffiti on that tower for a long time,” but also wanted to give it some content. French and his team at his studio started to overlay maps of the Mississippi River and Memphis geography and discovered that, when they located the city of Memphis next to the river and flipped the whole thing up, the image became a horizon and the city a sunburst. Another interesting aspect of the re-imagined Water Tower are the lights that Fisher, who is the resident lighting designer at Theatre Memphis, installed into the tower, perfectly accentuating French’s design with different nuanced colors and patterns. “Fisher’s lights can do millions of different colors, and they can do any sequence programming. They can do anything. He can set them so that, on every home Grizzlies game, it switches to Grizz colors. I told him, ‘Man, you have totally won me over,’” French says, adding that, at first, when discussing the lights, French was unsure of their necessity, but, when Fisher flipped them on for the very first time, French was sold. “What the lights do for the piece is they really make it better! And that is sometimes very hard for me to say that because I want to be like ‘I did that whole thing!’” French says, laughing, “But it really was a really collaborative experience, and Jeremy was fantastic to work with.” French says that Memphians can expect more of Fisher’s light design genius in future works to come. French and his Youngblood Studio team are not stopping with the Water Tower, and, in addition to their continued work for St. Jude, they are gearing up for their next large public art project – creating an Overton Park Old Forest Portal between Rainbow Lake and Overton Bark. French is part of a trio of artists, including Yvonne Bobo and Ben Butler, who will be creating various portals at different points of the forest. French says that the entrance will be a departure from the brightly colored pieces his team has installed in the past. “I was interested in the concept of doing an Art Nouveau design for my Old Forest Portal because the park was formed at the pinnacle of the Art Nouveau Movement,” French remarks, saying that, when considering different designs, the site was slightly intimidating of its central location next to a grand forest. “I was thinking, ‘How do you put something in here that is large but that doesn’t mess with the site’s energy?’ What made the most sense to me was to bring something in that was from the park’s genesis. That is why Art Nouveau and that sort of aesthetic make total sense.” His design will be large but, he notes, will not interrupt the grand scale of the Old Forest and, instead, will become a part of it. French’s Overton Park Old Forest Portal is slated to be complete by early 2016. Visit overtonpark.org/welcome to see his and the other artists’ Old Forest entrance designs. Check out French’s immense body of work at facebook.com/youngblood-studio and youngbloodstudiollc.com. Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts 20 •
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Rev.MAudrey Taylor Gonzalez ’R W emphis
enaissance
oman
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emphis leader, advocate, ordained priest, world traveler, art collector and author of six books, Audrey Taylor Gonzalez has just released new novel “South of Everything.” Set in 1940s Germantown, TN, the novel is inspired by Audrey’s coming of age in Memphis after World War II and is a powerful work that delves into race, religion, Southern culture and history with a hearty side of Southern folk mythology and magical realism. After having worked as fashion editor and art critic for the Commercial Appeal’s City Desk and starring in the successful TV program “Ask Audrey” on WKNO, Gonzalez moved to Montevideo, Uruguay in 1984 with her husband, a Uruguayan boxer. It was there that she wrote a small memoir “The Lolololo Tree,” an early precursor to “South of Everything.” “I started thinking about my past, I was in my 50s at that point, and I started to think about the people who had really raised me. The people who raised my brother and me were African-American men and women that my family employed. These men and women were very influential and very religious. They taught me how to love everybody and how not be judgmental. It was imbedded in us without us even knowing. I thought, ‘Well, I think I need to write down the story,” Gonzalez says. She published a semi-biographical memoir about a magic tree, “The Lolololo Tree,” and was encouraged by publishers write a more encompassing novel with the same mindset. That novel became “South of Everything” set in Germantown, TN where Gonzalez grew up in the 40s and 50s on her family’s horse and cattle farm. She calls the novel a hybrid, one-half truth and one-half invented truth, that takes the reader through a real time in the Mid-South’s history right after World War II and right before the Civil Rights Movement that divided the country. It was this “lull” period, as Gonzalez describes, that the novel focuses on, based on true setting where Gonzalez grew up but also incorporating added elements of Southern mysticism tucked into enchanted trees and various characters that are combinations of real people that influenced her life. Gonzalez notes that there has been interest in a movie being made from the book set in motion by her good friend Deanie Parker, Stax Records musician and former Soulsville CEO, but Gonzalez says, at the moment, they are working on promoting the novel first. While writing is a talent of Gonalez’s, she is a woman of many interests and talents. After spending 18 years in Uruguay, where she volunteered in prison hospitals and found her calling for the Anglican Church, Gonzalez returned to the U.S. and landed in Wyoming, where she took up rock climbing and conquered the Grand Teton. “I am the type of person that likes to go where not many people do,” she says, summing up her volunteer work and world travels. Gonzalez was also the first woman ordained as a deacon in the Southern Cone of South America in 1995. She returned to Memphis in 2004, becoming a deacon at Calvary Episcopal Church and soon found herself acting as a probation officer, a Court Appointed Advocate for Abused Children and an ambassador at Shelby County Juvenile Court, where she founded the Foster Care Board and Wing that is now named in her honor. She has received the prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Service, the Juvenile Court Judges Award for Outstanding Service and the Jessie Bishop Award for volunteer probation officer of the year. She was appointed as a Commissioner on the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth and works with organization such as the Soulsville Foundation, Stax Music Academy and Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Detention Alternative, an initiative that helps kids find a brighter future. She is also the chaplain of the South Main Precinct and trained as a Crisis Intervention Team member. If all of this isn’t enough for one lifetime, at 68, Gonzalez traveled to Greenland and Iceland to the Antarctic, then from St. Petersburg, Russia and Wimbledon to Easter Island and, finally, Galapagos and Ecuador’s jungles. She was treated for breast cancer, underwent radiation, and, two months later, hiked to the base camp of Mt. Everest on the Nepal side with guide and mentor Jim Williams. She has also been an avid practitioner of aerial yoga for several years. This year, Gonzalez accomplished one of her biggest goals in life – she was ordained as a priest at Uruguay’s Holy Trinity Cathedral in Montevideo. Gonzalez is truly a Renaissance woman who is committed to making the world a better place. “South of Everything” is available for purchase in book stores and all major retailers such as Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble in both physical and e-format. Story by Rachel Warren Photo Steve Roberts
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TheB Ambassador Seri e s E A K y
mily
dams
eplinger
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Kristi and Bill Kloos: Sweetly Going Local to Global A
s owners of Frost Bake Shop, Kristi and Bill Kloos are truly living the sweet life. The couple divides most of their time between their baking facility in Bartlett and their retail shop in East Memphis. With two years of retail experience under their belts, they were searching for a way to get their products to a wider audience, delivering their indulgent Memphis treats to the rest of the country. Shipping costs were prohibitive – until Williams-Sonoma made them an offer, which sweetened the deal and allowed Frost Bake Shop to introduce the rest of the country to a Memphis favorite. “We started talking with WilliamsSonoma representatives at the beginning of this year,” Bill says. “With all of the details that needed to be addressed, (i.e., nutrition labels, packaging, catalog entries, etc.), it seemed like the 10 months involved in all of the planning was a long-way off. But it actually rolled around very quickly. They have ordered six varieties of our cakes, and we are their exclusive provider of six varieties of cheesecakes. Plus, we’ve added two frozen, pre-scooped cookie dough assortments that go straight from freezer to oven.” Frost baked goods went live on the WilliamsSonoma website in mid-September. The strawberry cake has been a local favorite, along with the gooey butter cookies. The Klooses are watching to see if that trend continues as their sweets find their way across the country. The couple also plan to launch new products. A pumpkin cake made its debut in October and there’s a lemon variety on the horizon for next spring. When asked if they knew they were on this trajectory, Kristi says, “In hindsight, we can see how the stars were lining up for this to be our future. Bill and I attended rival high schools in St. Louis, MO., and we met after graduation in a restaurant that prided itself on desserts. I was a server and Bill was a chef at the restaurant. I went off to college and Bill started taking classes at a culinary school.” The couple maintained a 24 •
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artisan bakery in the wholesale trade. Lynn set up their two-bedroom apartment to house an extra freezer and the necessary kitchen supplies. Bill Jr. played to the strengths of his connections to get their foot in the door at area restaurants. “In the beginning of our operation, we were fortunate to be selling our cakes through Lucchesi’s and Soul Fish Café,” Bill states. “We were making two to three cakes a day and thought that was a lot. Our problem was that we didn’t have a dedicated space for baking.” For eight years, the Kloos family watched their sales double each successive year. But the real turning point for their growth came when they secured a 2,500 square foot baking facility, which has now doubled in size to 5,000 square feet. That opened the doors for a retail shop in Laurelwood Shopping Center in 2013. And that wasn’t their only growth. That same year, Kristi and Bill added little Anna to their family. Now Kristi works four days a week at their retail shop, orchestrating the staff and customer service. Bill directs operations at their baking facility. They sell hundreds of cakes each week, by the slice, through area restaurants, including eateries and cafes at businesses like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They also take custom orders for their sweets. “We’ve been doing wedding shows and local Photo by Emily Adams Keplinger charity events, serving our cakes for dessert,” Kristi notes. “We use our family recipes for the for a new interest, and the subject came up of cookies, and we revamped cake recipes until having a bakery. My parents deserve a ton of we were sure we had it right. We’ve found the credit for getting this business started. They best way to sell our products is to let people helped us work through a lot of growing taste them.” pains.” “Our goal was always to get into Bill said his childhood was filled with retail,” Bill says, “and now this opportunity great meals. His clan even made a professional with Williams-Sonoma is going to help us go looking cookbook of their favorite family from local to global.” recipes, and desserts had a prominent Frost Bake Shop is open seven days a mention. week at 394 S. Grove Park in the Shops of Bill Sr. put skills from his former proLaurelwood. For more information, call (901) fession as an engineer into motion. He started 682-4545 or visit frostbakeshop.com. organizing a business plan to launch an long-distance relationship until Kristi returned home to St. Louis. They married in 2000 and moved to Memphis a year later when Bill accepted a position as head chef for Yia Yia’s Restaurant in Saddlecreek. Kristi pursued her career in education as a music teacher, first at Mt. Pisgah Middle School in Cordova, then at Bailey Station Elementary School in Collierville. Bill continued his climb in the culinary world, becoming a regional chef for Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Their paths started to align when they talked Bill’s parents, Bill and Lynne Kloos, into moving to Memphis. “For years I had toyed with the idea of going into business with my father,” Bill recalls. “Now retired, my father was looking
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December 2015
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TheRULES BluesT Ball B B
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Jerry Phillips and Pat Kerr Tigrett
Sam and Tara Woodley
Mayor Mark and Pat Luttrell
Rudi and Honey Scheidt
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t was the end of an era as Memphis philanthropist, designer and founder and general chairman of the Memphis Charitable Foundation (MCF), Pat Kerr Tigrett, presented the last Blues Ball. For 22 years, MCF has honored scores of Memphis musicians at this annual rock ‘n’ roll bash and benefited several deserving local nonprofits. This final ball was bigger than ever, and Memphians from every corner of the city flocked downtown to the Gibson Guitar Factory to see the sun set on the party that started them all. MCF dedicated the evening to the King of Blues, B.B. King, and celebrated the 80th birthdays of Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Sam Moore. Partygoers arrived in their best rock ‘n’ roll duds and enjoyed the cocktail hour as they perused the silent auction, which included gourmet dining experiences, luxurious getaways and unique guitar art by artists such as David Simmons, Nikki Schroeder and Mike Maness, to only name a few. Hotly contested items included four Graceland VIP tour passes, $500 Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar gift certificate, a “Sweet Suite” package for The Orpheum Theatre’s performance of “Pippin,” a weekend stay at The Madison, and a Destin weekend getaway. Art and music lovers placed their bids on some spectacular guitar art such as the Gibson B.B. King Lucille Guitar, a custom-built Gibson ES-355, which has been manufactured for the “King of the Blues” since 1980. For the final ball, Tigrett included a special fashion show, given in honor of The Lansky Brothers, who received The Blues Ball Fashion Rules Music Rocks Super Rockstar Stylin’ Award. The fashion show featured men’s designer looks from Lansky Brothers and women’s couture from Tigrett’s own Pat Kerr Inc., modeled by Memphis music legends and their families including Boo Mitchell, son of Willie Mitchell and producer and owner at Royal Studios, and Jerry Phillips, son of Sam Phillips and executive producer at Muscle Shoals to Music Row Live! Radio Show & Webcast. Later in the night, Memphians were honored and awarded for their legacy in music. Honorees included: Henry Juskiewicz and Gibson Guitar Corp., the Achievement Award; William Bell, the Pyramid Award; The Commercial Appeal, the Corporate Award; Ruby Wilson; the Ultimate Gospel Award; Carla Thomas, Vaneese Thomas and Marvell Thomas; the Memphis Sound Award; John Doyle, Pam Hetsel Parham and Sandra Rutledge; Volunteers of the Year Award; Memphis Jones, the Encouragement Award; Patricia Brown, Camouflage Award for Her War Against Cancer. While guests dined on food by local eateries such as Felicia Suzanne’s, Ultimate Foods, Blind Bar, The Capital Grille and The Cupboard, they enjoyed performances by a multitude of musicians including William Bell, Southern Halo, Carla Thomas, Will Tucker, Al Kapone and Ruby Wilson. Memphians danced the night away and said goodbye to the party that celebrated and had such a huge impact on Memphis music for over two decades. It was truly a night to remember. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Don Perry
Angela and Steve Cropper with Dr. Susan Murrmann
David and Penney Williams
Dara and George Klein
Herb OMell and William Bell
David and Agnes Broyles
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Chadwick Willoughsby and Shannon Leeke
Senator Mark and Chris Norris
Neil Harkavy and Michele Petty
Heather and Luke Sherrill
Lauren Talley and Damon Nabors
Bowyer and Terri Freeman
Cristina and Paul Guibao
Rich and Pam Parham with John Doyle and Elizabeth Montgomery
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Dr. Brian Davis and Lolita K. Davis
Dr. John Rada and Llana Smith
Larry and Joy Rice with Lisa Clark and John Leite
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Terry and Shantay Wood
Jodie Vance and Mike Baber
Bill and Pat Owens
Jennifer and Richard Shaffer
Sharon Gray and Kris Kourdouvelis
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Suzi Lonergan and Eva Lynn Bishop
Alan and Sally Perry
Sam Jordan and Jessica Price
Tom and Anna Palazola
Melinda Pigors and Tricia Woodman
Terry Reeves and Carter Beard
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Advancing Hope: Women of Hope International Annual Fundraising Banquet Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
T
he 2015 Women of Hope International Annual Fundraising Banquet was held at Second Presbyterian Church. Women of Hope President and CEO Kim Kargbo made opening remarks. Women of Hope International is an organization that works to help women with disabilities in underdeveloped countries, where women are often outcast from society because of physical challenges. The invocation was given by Susan Nash. Kelsey Martin, director of development and partnerships gave the welcoming address, and introduced Christine, Christopher Christopher Duffley, a 14-year-old singer who is both blind and autistic. Duffley and his family have a Christian and Steve Duffley ministry, “Know Greater Love,” which is intended to carry the message of God through inspirational singing. After guests watched a moving video, Ken Eriksen made closing remarks and offered a benediction. Six years ago, Eriksen and his wife, Christine, along with Kargbo started Women of Hope. The organization has assisted women in Sierra Leone, Southern India and Zimbabwe. Second Presbyterian Church, KAIZEN Realty and the Dabney Nursery sponsored the event.
Brandon and Katie Marlier with Mary Ester and Steven Slater
Lynnsy Davis and Hope Marshall
Susan Nash with Nicholas and Missy Barnhart
Hayley and P.J. Moore
Josh and Mary Edwards with Mike and Roxanne Winebrenner
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Libbie Bouck, Lucy Berry, Peter Bouck and Kate Conkling
Henrietta Belcher, Linda Kee and Cornelia Bobo
Susan Cagle and Lindsey Hightower
Julie Patterson, Rebecca Hensley, Wendy Dabbous and Kathryn Miskell
Kim Kargbo, Ken Eriksen, Kelsey Martin and Christine Eriksen
December 2015
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Stomp in the Swamp Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
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here was fun for the whole family at the Stomp in the Swamp presented by the Friends of the Pink Palace to benefit The Lichterman Nature Center. Wine, water and soft drinks were served, and guests enjoyed barbecue from Germantown Commissary, while listening to the sounds of singer-songwriter Aron Shiers in the Lichterman Visitor Center. One of the highlights of the afternoon festivities was The Greater Memphis Square and Round Dance Association’s performance, as well as touring the grounds to inspect all Martha Feldmann the wonderfully creative contenders for the Scarecrow and Nancy Kresko Awards, officiated by Sister Myotis and Lichterman Nature Center Manager Andy Williams. There were plenty of exciting activities for the kids too, including a scarecrow scavenger hunt and Animal Encounters in the Backyard Wildlife Center. The silent auction included gifts from Jim’s Place, Fresh Market, Folk’s Folly, Graceland, and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Ed and Julie Perry
Brian and Nancy Kuhn
Abdul and Tiara Baker
Dorothy Bobo, Carolyn Paren and Dana Stine
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Bob and Mary Ann Moats
Andrew and Lucia Alperin
Cathy and Mike Sowell
Aaron, Rally and Amber Reagan
Debra and Wendell McAlexander
Sue Arlotta and Vicki Cohen
Flor, Daniel and Daisy Valles
December 2015
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Vox Popular Q&A K H M
erry
ayes
emphis advocate and arts champion Kerry Hayes has been strengthening communities and bringing national attention to our city with the mission to help unlock the great potential of Memphis and its residents. Presently, Hayes is completing that mission through his work as the consultant to Artspace Project Inc. that has chosen the United Warehouse in downtown Memphis as the next site for its affordable, quality South Main Artspace Lofts for artists and their families. The lofts will include home units, studio space, accommodating workspaces, an outdoors public plaza, a musical stage and much more. More importantly, it will put Memphis on the map as an innovative city, solving complex urban problems through art and community building as well as give artists of all kinds affordable housing to practice their craft in. Having gotten his start as the special assistant to Mayor A C Wharton Jr., Hayes went on to contribute his talents at doug carpenter & associates, where his clients included Crosstown Development Project, Tennessee Brewery Untapped, Livable Memphis, and Peer Power, among many. In 2015, Kerry founded Key Public Strategies that develops and executes strategic communication campaigns for clients. Hayes met up with editor Rachel Warren at the United Warehouse to discuss the positive impact the Artspace South Main Lofts will have on the city and the people that will reside there.
Photo by Steve Roberts
with
Hayes: I was lucky in the sense that both Crosstown feasibility study to test the strands of the market, and the Tennessee Brewery and just living and both in terms of financial capacity and of the working in downtown for the last six years and present arts community. They are asked by cities Hayes: The South Main Artspace Lofts will be an working on South Main since 2012 allowed me to all the time to do a project in their city. That apartment development that is being developed see, day-by-day, the way the neighborhood has by Artspace Project, Inc. It will include 58 units of process took about a year. I helped manage that. changed. Almost every week a new business or a Eventually, they came to the decision that they housing, ranging from one bedroom to three new shop opens up and these massive projects have wanted to and should build an arts loft here in bedrooms that will include the renovation of the been completed or are underway such as Central Memphis. South Main made sense for a lot of existing historic United Warehouse at 138 St. Paul Station, the Chisca Hotel, the National Civil Rights in downtown Memphis. The lofts will also include reasons as well as the building, the United Warehouse. That was all decided in late 2011, when Museum, the Halloran Center for Performing Arts & the new construction and companion building of Education, and the Harahan Bridge Project, and on Artspace really elected to move forward with the about the same size and on the same property. It and on. I was able see and feel the street transform. is going to be permanently affordable housing for project. By that point, I was very close to the That has allowed me to talk about the value of this Artspace organization and just fell in love with artists and creative professionals and their famiproject in a very clear way. When we started talking what they were doing. After I left the Mayor’s lies. It is the first project of its kind in Memphis. Office, I stayed in touch with them. When I started about doing this in the middle of an economic Artspace, a national program, has been doing recession, South Main was fine, but it was nothing these types of developments all across the country my own consulting firm, Key Public Strategies, like what it is now. The Harahan Bridge Project was this year, it was an early client. for about 30 years, but this is its first project in not on anybody’s radar back then, Tennessee and in this part of the and certainly not the Chisca Hotel. country. This project says something We never thought in a million years really strong and positive about how that the Tennessee Brewery or the seriously we take our arts commuChisca would be something more nity here in Memphis when we have than empty buildings. In terms of projects like this, especially a project what I bring, I bring a lot of underthat is so intentionally made for standing about what I think South artists and their needs. So when we Main is going through. I have tried to say artists, that will include artists stay connected to the arts community involved in visual and studio arts as here, and so I have some sense of well as sculpture and ceramics. It what is of interest to them when it also includes dance, music, perforcomes to designing units or creating mance, recording arts, digital arts, gallery space. I am not an artist, but I filmmaking and writing. Artspace was brought into the project to be projects are designed in such a way that local point of connection while that they are meant to include all Artspace continues to raise funds for types of creative endeavors and Rendering courtesy of Looney Ricks Kiss the lofts. mediums or media. The loft units will have a trumpet player next to a RSVP: Have you seen the positive impact that art RSVP: You have worked with doug carpenter & poet next to a dancer next to a painter. can have on these underutilized spaces in associates in the past, the same organization Memphis? that was part of the success of Tennessee RSVP: How did you get involved as the consultant Brewery Untapped and the Crosstown to the Artspace project here in Memphis? Hayes: Yes, absolutely. I was fortunate to be a part Development Project. As you mentioned, you of the early team of the Crosstown project. I got to Hayes: I actually got involved with Artspace when were also assistant to Mayor A C Wharton and see how they methodically thought of how to part of the Mayor’s Innovation Delivery Team. I was at the Mayor’s Office in 2009. Artspace had bring people into a disinvested corner of the city, been invited to come consider doing a project with What experiences and knowledge did you bring getting people doing things, creating experiences from your past work into this project with the the Mayor’s Office, and I was acting as the liaison and having these shared moments. That is what South Main Art Space Lofts? to them. Artspace’s process always begins with a RSVP: What are the South Main Artspace Lofts?
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really builds the community, and that is really what I am trying to do. As far as Artspace goes, between now and the end of the year, we are still very actively fund-raising. We are not at the point yet where we are ready to break ground. We are reasonably confident we will have fulfilled our fundraising goal by the end of the year, and then we will break ground in the spring. We are envisioning completion, if we stick to this timetable, in mid2017. That is really when a lot of the fun work will begin. We will start taking applications from artists that want to live in the South Main Artspace Lofts. We will, both from an economic standpoint and from a community contribution standpoint, start looking into who really wants to be a part of this project and living space. Then we want to look at how that will add to the entire South Main mosaic that is already happening. RSVP: What is your favorite part of the project? Hayes: What is actually most interesting to me is that the adjacent parking lot to the United Warehouse building will become an artscape plaza area. The units will undoubtedly be phenomenal, as shown by Artspace’s work in other cities. Their buildings are always incredibly well done and very high quality. I am thrilled for artists and people that get to live in the units, but I think, in terms as an amenity to the neighborhood, the idea that the parking lots space, which right now is messy mud hole, essentially, will be this active place where people from all over the neighborhood can come and enjoy the plaza, is fantastic. There will be a performance stage overlooking it, and there will be live music. The plaza will allow for us to do small outdoor markets, and it will have micro-park features. But, most importantly to me, the idea that this area will be an active and open space for people in the city is really exciting. It will create a nice porous relationship between what is happening in the buildings, people living and making art and practicing their craft, and the general public taking that in as well as add to the entire South Main character. RSVP: What do you think is going to be the appeal for outside artists considering living in these lofts? Hayes: Affordability is critical, and that is why Artspace exists and that is why they do these projects. The unit rent in the lofts will be extremely affordable. The majority of Artspace housing units are affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income of the city in which the project is located. For an artist who is fully engaged in improving their craft, improving what they are doing and creating a professional name for themselves, then Artspace can be that extra thing that sort of helps them create more hours in the week to do that work. The reason we selected South Main as the focus point is because you don’t have a lot of big
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buildings like the United Warehouse in other parts of town. We needed a big, blocky warehouse space, which South Main has. The fact that we are bringing an underutilized building back to life with people and activity within an affordable range is very thrilling. All those things, I think, will make it really attractive to the right people. RSVP: Are there certain qualifications that Artspace will be looking for in the art resident? Hayes: Demonstrating your earnings, showing that you fall into that income bracket that qualifies applicants to live here is first and foremost. When you apply to live in the lofts, you do have to demonstrate what your annual earnings are. If those are too much, you don’t qualify to live here. A state low-income housing tax credit law that we comply with governs that. You do not have to re-apply every year. Once you are in the lofts, you are in. The application is not juried-reviewed portfolio. You don’t have to audition or anything like that. A panel of local artists and art leaders will look at the applications, but it is not the sort of thing where we will be making subjective judgments about an applicant’s art. We want to focus more on the diversity of genres and media, ages, and family styles, and things of that nature. We want to be fair, inclusive and as diverse as we possibly can. RSVP: What kind of workspace and amenities can artists expect? Hayes: There will be a food and beverage concept. It will be a commercial establishment where people can come and hang out. There will affordable office space that we would like to be seen used by a nonprofit art organization. Then there will also be studios that will be available for rent both by people that live in the lofts and other people in the community. The units themselves will be big enough that they can accommodate everything you need to be fit to do your art. Some people have built whole recording studios in their apartments, and some people actually have them set up for painting or pottery. RSVP: What benefits do you think the Artspace South Main Lofts will bring to the entire city of Memphis? Hayes: There is the immediate economic charge. This will be a $16 million project. So that is $16 more million dollars in public and private funds coming into this parcel, which is currently terribly unutilized. The economic benefits will be great for the city. That will have ripple effects throughout South Main as well. You will have 70 plus more people living here. That will be 70 more people who can patron local businesses. That is obviously beneficial for the city. I think we are also seeing, with Crosstown and the Tennessee Brewery, these kinds of cool projects are kind of becoming Memphis’ brand for the rest of the country. Suddenly we are becoming known as the city that is figuring out these really challenging historic property real estate projects in a very cool way. We are bringing all these interesting resources to the table. That is the sort of thing is a real point of differentiating between us and other cities across Tennessee and the South. These are the type of actions that make people want to give Memphis a second thought when they are thinking about moving somewhere. The Artspace Lofts is certainly one of those projects. There is a hard economic benefit and there is also this branding of Memphis that is happening with innovative projects like these. When I travel, people in New York and places like that are really paying attention to what Memphis is doing right now. The Artspace South Main Lofts will be the first project of its kind in Tennessee. With all the other cool things happening across the state, the fact that we would be the first city chosen in Mid-South or Tennessee to have a project like this that is so specifically for artists is incredibly meaningful. RSVP: How can people donate and learn more? Hayes: They can visit the website www.artspace.org/southmainartspacelofts or email me at kerry@keypublicstrategies.com. I am happy to give tours and speak at length about how exciting this project is for the Memphis community. December 2015
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MEmphis Masquerade Chari t y Ball “V H ” C intage
Cassi Conyers and Valerie Morris
Nicole Bichelman and Ronnie Scott
ollywood
hef Phillip Ashley Rix of Phillip Ashley Chocolates threw the second annual Memphis Masquerade Charity Ball the night before Halloween. The talented chocolatier knows how to throw a sweet Halloween ball, and Rix hosted another grand affair this year with a fun “Vintage Hollywood” theme, exceptional music and signature cocktails and food. The festive affair benefited several local nonprofits that are making positive impacts on areas of health, youth and outreach. The dress code was black-tie and masks were required to enter the illustriously decorated Pink Palace Mansion. Memphians did not disappoint and, in fact, seemed to revel in the chance to show off their creative side by wearing intricate and imaginative masks along with their suits and ball gowns. Every kind of mask from gold to feathers to leather to metallic was worn in a variety of styles and shapes. Heart & Soul Catering passed out heavy hors d’oeuvres such as sundried tomato bruschetta, bacon-wrapped dates, chicken skewers and shrimp cocktail. Tables filled with veggies, a variety of cheese, hummus and pita chips were placed through out the lobby of the Mansion as well as the VIP Tent situated on the front lawn of the venue. A central table inside harkened to the bygone days of a glamorous Hollywood with a pyramid of stacked champagne flutes filled with rosé bubbly. An open bar tempted guests with golden era cocktails such as Gin Fizzes, Manhattans, Gimlets, Sparkling Phillip Collins, Beez Kneez, Cosmos and Masquritos, the night’s take on the margarita. Outside in the VIP Tent masked partygoers enjoyed hand-rolled cigars from local BeLeaf Cigar Company and danced to the eclectic tunes of DJ Swag. In the Grand Ballroom, the music didn’t stop with performers such as Artistik Approach and Candy Fox & Co. entertaining the room. Later in the evening, DJ Kalkutta, LA-based DJ, producer and songwriter, made an appearance in the Mansion’s main lobby. Rosalyn Ross, sports writer and actress, was the night’s fabulous host. Honored charities included FedExFamilyHouse, the Soulsville Foundation, West Cancer Center and the Memphis Urban League, each receiving a check for $1,500. Next year’s Memphis Masquerade Charity Ball will be held on Oct. 28, 2016 at The Columns with the theme of “Casino Royale.” See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
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Larrie Rodriguez and Michael Ingalsbe
Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Don Perry
Reid Wamble and Rebekah Barr
Carol and Tim Plunk
Lauren and Robert Young
Lydia Stoney and Michael Whaley
Daryl and Kela Lewis with Chef Philip Ashley and Courtney Rix
Millie and Jerry Allen
Camilla Curran and Alyssa Abbas
Kevin and Karen Munn
Shyam Sathanandam and Laura Evers
Mia and Jonathan McCoy
Pam Burton, Maria Hooker, Lawanda Robinson and Nicole Dobbs
Darius B. Williams and Ryan Stewart
Jeshenna and Jonathan Watkins
December 2015
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Whitney Merida and Kevin Goewey with Blake and Caroline Smart
Francesca and Robert Rozbicki
Rosalyn and Jamahl Brown
Taisha and Calvin Stovall
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Dr. Angela Moore and Carla Stotts-Hills
Tieriney Hendricks and Lester Pace
Seville and Javon McKinnon
Dr. Tim Messer and Kelly Miller
Keith and Lisa May with Audrey and Mark Paige
Natalie Lieberman and Lisa Toro
Matt Lilly and Joni Ecovich
Annette Egner and Joe Pitarro
Charles Cook and Christina Watkins
Kate Wardell and Billy Stevens
Stephanie and Jim Angotti
Cleopatra and Phil Thomas
Jeffrey White and Lindsey Luckman
Conley Ferguson and Bobbi Jones with Maryann and Troy Keeping
Brenda and Denis Hennessy
Rita Walter, Tyrone Conner and Jenny Jo Smith
December 2015
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,
ArtWorks Foundation s The Low Down Hoe-Down Story by Rachel Warren | Photos by Greg Belz
A
Dr. Charles and Carole Plesofsky
rtWorks Foundation encouraged Memphians to don their best Western and Country gear and join them for a night of ribs, cocktails and fun at the nonprofit’s Donor Appreciation Party, “The Low Down Hoe-Down.” Held at the Overton Park’s Abe Goodman Golf Club House, the event celebrated those that have helped ArtWorks Foundation continue their mission of helping artists grow in their business and their work through programs including exhibitions and education initiatives, such as scholarships for advanced study workshops at school for Fine-Craft. Beside great music from band Big Barton, the event also included live demonstraDr. Jerry and Lynn Esienstatt tions by area craft artists. The award-winning Ad-Ribbers barbecue team provided delicious barbeque, and Big Barton supplied the “classic cry-in-your-beer country and western tunes” that had everyone kicking up their boots on the dance floor.
Celeste and John Meredith
Dr. Wayne Lichliter and Bill Carrier
Kay Mc Laughlin, Mildred Schiff and Teresa Childres
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• December 2015
Gary and Sandi Hall
Lisa Hudson
Celia Swann and Linda Gatllin
Gail Dobbins, Fletcher Golden and Jeanne Seagle
NOW WE’RE TALKIN’ FACTS! J UST
THE FACTS !
SCARBOROUGH READER RESEARCH
Readers
82,285
29,302
87,376
15,011
14,664
19,322
18.2%
50.0%
22.1%
23,006
3,966
24,856
28.0%
13.5%
28.4%
61.6%
74.4%
56.7%
47,260
12,528
30,128
57.4%
42.8%
34.5%
57.5%
26.8%
53.9%
50,710
5,511
45,662
% readers
61.6%
18.8%
52.3%
College Graduates
29,413
8,551
29,259
Income Less than $35k % readers $100k+ % readers Female Age 25-54 % readers Married Employed Full Time
Nielson Scarborough Release #1, 2015 Memphis
RiverArtsFest Invitational Exhibit Story Submitted | Photos by Natalie Schuh
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iverArtsFest (RAF) is celebrating their 9th year as the Mid-South’s largest urban-juried fine-arts festival in Downtown Memphis’ Historic Arts District. The RAF Invitational Exhibit was held over two successive evenings at ANF Architects and is held as a lead-up to the festival itself that showcases the work of our Fine Arts Poster artist, in addition to presenting fine art from area artists selected to be represented in the show. As part of their continuing arts education and outreach, RAF, Inc. presented five merit-based scholarships to visual arts undergraduate and graduate students from Memphis College of Art and Rhodes College. The RAF’s Rich Wilson Award was handed out to Paul Morris of the Downtown Memphis Commission. Lydia Faiers and Rich Wilson was one of the founders of Arts in the Park, a forerunner of RAF, Inc. Trisha Baggett RAF also announced the first ever recipients of grants from their newly establish RiverArtsFest Special Resources Fund, providing small grants and support for special opportunities for visual arts programs in Shelby County. RAF is committed to cultivating, promoting and developing public appreciation and support of visual, performing, literary and culinary arts for the benefit, education and enjoyment of Memphians and their surrounding communities in the Mid-South.
Susan Jabbour with Lee and Annette Askew and Stephen White
Patt Primrose, Ellen Hornyak, Jo Kee and Ruth Poston
Mike and Dottie Coulson with Jay Etkin
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Gil Ngole and Heather Coleman
Mollie Riggs, Mary Long and Mark Nowell
Jeff Sanford, Paul Morris, Barbara Wilson and Leslie Gower
Joe Golden, Jeanne Seagle, Gina Golden Epperson, Rosalind Golden Saline and Rita Golden West with Pam and E.W. Golden
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Memphis Symphony League Garden Party
Tiara Tea Society s Grande Dame High Tea
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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he fall weather cooperated fully for the Memphis Symphony League’s annual Garden Party, held at the Four Seasons Garden in Memphis Botanic Garden. Isabelle Welch, Memphis Symphony League president, greeted attendees, who chatted amiably as a woodwind quartet played in the background. The event was a chance for members and guests to catch up during lunch, which consisted of finger sandwiches, Rhonda Causie, Mary Lawrence salmon mousse dip, fresh fruit skewers, veggie wraps and crudités. Miniature lemon Flinn and Jean de Frank squares and brownies finished out the light buffet. Tables were scattered throughout the garden for the al fresco meal, though some opted to settle on benches to eat beneath arbors and enjoy the fine autumn day.
Lauren Shelley, Lacey Hudman, Isabelle Welch, Lura Turner and Darlene Winters
Barbara Migliara and Cristina Ward
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embers of the Tiara Tea Society and their guests gathered at The University Club to induct community leader and philanthropist Honey Scheidt as their 12th Grande Dame. The society’s mission is to help young girls in dire need or circumstances. Tiara Tea Society co-founder Eva Lynn Bishop introduced Fox13 News anchor Mearl Purvis as the Mistress of Ceremonies. A proclamation from Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell Jr. was read Renee Utley and Ashley Walker that recognized Mrs. Scheidt’s many accomplishments and contributions. Rev. Audrey Taylor Gonzalez led the invocation. Patricia Brown, community leader and former executive director of Make-A-Wish® Mid-South Foundation, was the keynote speaker. Laura Vaughn, executive director of American Red Cross of the Mid-South, presented an 8-piece silver tea service to the Tiara Tea Society. Memphis’ own opera singer Marie-Stéphane Bernard and acclaimed pianist Angelo Rapan entertained the crowd.
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Susan Arney, Honey Scheidt and Helen Gronauer
Memphis Premiere of Living in the Age of Airplanes
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Patricia Brown and Pat Kerr Tigrett
Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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uests gathered at The Pink Palace Museum for the private premiere of “Living in the Age of Airplanes.” Steve Pike, director of the Pink Palace Family of Museums, led guests to the Crew Training International 3D Giant Theater. “Produced and directed by Brian J. Terwilliger of ‘One Six Right,’ ‘Living in the Age of Airplanes’ features an original score by Academy Award®-winning composer and pilot James Horner of ‘Avatar’ and ‘Titanic,’ cinematography by Denise and Paul Tronsor Andrew Waruszewski and narration by actor and pilot Harrison Ford,” Ronda Cloud, Pink Palace marketing and PR manager, said. Film sponsors included FedEx, among many. Fred Smith, president and CEO of FedEx, was among the attendees and said, “FedEx became involved in this project approximately five years ago. The film tells the story of how aviation connects people around the world, which is what our team members strive to do every day at FedEx. We were honored to play a part in the making of this movie.”
Jenny and Drew Johnson with Steve Franklin
Richard and Dawn Pugh
Eric Anderson, Janet Hooks, Ruby Wharton, Steve Pike and Mayor A C Wharton
Mark and Dee Anne Blair
David and Julie Dufour December 2015
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Memphis College of Art Art of Darkness Beale Street Caravan Open House Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
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alloween night there were plenty of spooky sites to be seen at the Memphis College of Art (MCA) masquerade ball, Art of Darkness. Students and other party guests showed up in elaborate costumes that ranged the gamut from Medusa to Mad Max. An exhibition,
“Invisible Girls,” by Chicago artist Anne Harris, was displayed in the main gallery.
Vintage film footage of masquerade balls that dated back to the 1940s played on a screen in a VIP Tim Andrews and Remy Miller lounge area and light refreshments were served along with a signature cocktail, Toxic Tonic. Holly Cole and The Memphis Dawls provided musical entertainment, and funds raised benefitted the MCA Scholarship Fund.
Peyton Byrd, Caylee Steele, Esme Perkins and Hannah Johnson
Cheryl Crawford, Don Martin and Elnora Chappell
Madison Miller and Maritza Davila
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Mary Linder and Nevada Presley
Nikka Valken and Richie Ryan
Story Submitted | Photos by Elizabeth Cawein
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eale Street Caravan hosted an open house at its new Union Avenue studio space to kick off and celebrate its 20th anniversary season. Beale Street Caravan is an internationally syndicated radio program celebrating 20 years of broadcasting the sounds of Memphis and the Delta region. The program has an audience of more than three million and uses the vast amount of local musical and production resources to create one of the most loved and best sounding programs on the public Jimmy Crosthwaite, Calvin Turley and Kate Hackett airwaves. Live music at the open house was provided by Steve Selvidge, Jimmy Crosthwaite and Ben Baker.
Kevin Cubbins, Joe Boone and Robby Grant
Jonathan Lyons, Cynthia Ham and Ward Archer
Jon Hornyak and Jay Sieleman
Addison Hare, Priscilla Hernandez, Elizabeth Montgomery Brown and Natalie Garber
Memphis Pink Palace Boo! Ball Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
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artygoers were treated to a night of frightful fun at the fourth annual Boo! Ball, held at the Pink Palace Mansion. The mansion came alive with ghouls, pirates, witches and other Halloween specters, including Popeye an Olive Oyle and even a pair of human hot dogs. Tricks were hard to find, but there were plenty of treats on hand. Tickets included access to a full bar, which featured the event’s signature “Witches Katelin and Lee Walker Brew.” Guests danced the night away to the music of Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster and feasted on a bountiful buffet of prime rib sandwiches, penne pasta with sausage, bruschetta, and chicken wraps. Also featured on the tempting spread were fresh fruits and cheeses, mini chocolate cakes, scrumptious chocolate chip cookies and fresh strawberries all spread out on black tablecloths under a backdrop of skulls, pumpkins and cobwebs. Proceeds from this annual bash benefit the Pink Palace Family of Museums.
Bob and Donna Buckner
Kevin and Jennifer Frye
Tina Scoggins and Ellen Ginn
Sheronda Nelson and Marian Joyce
Jason and Kendall Maykowski
Chad Riggs and Sarah Cate
Leigh Ann and Jeff Wills
Robert and Jessica Huber with Sarah and Brett Hutcherson
Reese Hodges and Meg West
Damon and Laura Bell
Tom and Jana Cleves with Steve Pike December 2015
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Art onA FireM
Firing up the
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Sander Snowden and Holly Crump
Christy Day and Cynthia Smit
rt on Fire, an annual fall fund-raiser for Dixon Gallery & Gardens, delivered just what the title promised. After passing through a green roofed arbor, guests walked down a brick pathway, both sides of which were lined with decor designed to give the appearance of walls of fire, and into a tent where art and other items included in a silent auction were on display. The auction was conducted through 501 Auctions, an online bidding service. After registering, partygoers placed their bids from their phones, which altered them when they had been outbid. A photo encaustic entitled “Cloud Ring,” by local photographer Catherine Erb, a $1,000 shopping spree at Babcock Gifts and box seats for six at the horse races at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, AR. were some of the items auctioned-off. The tent led to the lawn of the Dixon, where a car-sized caldron that held a blazing bonfire sat in the center and was tended by the Germantown Fire Department. The event provided non-stop entertainment, including a fire dancer and The Mighty Souls Brass Band. High Expectations Aerial Arts, an aerial acrobatics troupe, performed and Kindred Spirit, a group of traditional African Djembe drummers, helped set the night on fire with their beats. Southern Avenue, a bluesy rock band, took the stage toward the end of the evening. For those who couldn’t get enough entertainment at eye level, a sax player stood on the roof wailing out some tunes. In a special VIP seating area, Interim Restaurant & Bar, Restaurant Iris, and Cookie Couture offered guests select items. Candles were scattered about the tables, and rough-hewn four-by-fours that ran nearly the length of them were inset with flowers and served as centerpieces. Athens Distributing Company provided samples of Jack Daniels Tennessee Fire, a cinnamon liqueur, offered on trays by servers and at a cart. Serving stations from a host of Memphis eateries lined the lawn, where they offered guests tasting portions. Café Society served bacon-wrapped shrimp, while Mosa Asian Bistro doled out Korean beef sliders. The Grove Grill offered bruschetta topped with fig and Gorgonzola or pimiento cheese with bacon marmalade, and Sweet Grass handed out homemade bratwursts, fresh off the grill. Many other vendors, including Humdingers, Bangkok Alley, Acre Restaurant and Ecco on Overton Park, participated. Frost Bake Shop treated the crowd with a sweet autumnal treat: pumpkin cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting. All proceeds benefited Dixon Gallery & Gardens. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com
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Elle Parker and Tyler Rist
Story by Suzanne Thompson Photos by Don Perry
Steven and Alisha Gaboriault
Brienne Jackson and Linda Steine
Brandon Bell and Sarah Rossi
Mary Kathryn and Conner Davis
Jessy Harrison and Rachel Ehemann
Katherine Ray and Natalie Francis
Christina Berry, Nick Campbell and Meg Walker
Laura Duncan and Will Langston
Marc and Wendy Mihalko
Chris and Kim Nunn with Nikki and Johnny Aaron
Megan Key and Kimbery Marston
Brooke Feldman and Cris Moore
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Mary and Orin Davidson
Ashley Bryant and Selena Wilson
Suzanne Feinstone and Paige Proctor
Rob and Janet Molinet
Samuel O’Reilley and Claire Shaw
Jessica Simpson, Micki Martin and Stacey Weidower
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Chad and Morgan Carver
Sarah Schiavoni and John Catmur
Austin Speck and Andi Simonsen
Walt and Jennifer Powell
Stephanie and Paul Novarese with Alida Gage
Austin and Page Baker with Catelin and Dan Springer
Luke Jensen, Sam Stringfellow and Alex Stringfellow
Jamison and Lauren Callins
Josh and Kristen Canfield
Kip and Nancy Klepper
Jared and Caroline Stanfield
Lee and Eddie Sellers with Charlotte Bray and Jana and Andy Lamanna
AmyBeth and Greg Hastings
Kelly Erb, Ale Peterman, Eleanor Jacobs and Bari Metz
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Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Story and Photos by Rachel Warren
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ome of the most successful musicians in the history of music as well as guests from all over the country gathered at The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts to watch the 2015 Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Special guests included “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon, Memphis Grizzlies Mike Conley and Three Six Mafia founder DJ Paul, who all presented good friend and inductee Justin Timberlake. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards also made an appearance to induct Scotty Moore, guitarist and recording engineer who is best known for his influential work with Elvis Presley. Other inductees included Alberta Hunter, Al Jackson Jr., Memphis Slim, Charlie Rich and duo Sam & Dave. Sam Moore performed a trio of Sam & Dave hits, including “Soul Man,” which Myah Swanson and Maggie Green he sang with Timberlake. Cropper and William Bell joined the two, and all four performed a version of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Hi Rhythm, led by Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, served as the house band. One of the youngest people ever inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, Timberlake emotionally accepted the award and said, “It is truly an honor to stand on the shoulders of the great legends that inspired me and stand along beside them.”
Tiffany Webb and Kara Kane
Annie Ross, Brittany Stephens, Becca Barkley and Sara Cadden
Aisling Maki and Gabe Houston
Adrienne and David Graham
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Jay Sieleman and Priscilla Hernandez
Elizabeth Cameron and Rachel Groshart
Lelia Green and Mace Gearhardt
Karley Horton and Taylor Burchum
William and Mariam Button
Bethany Stooksberry and Rebecca Thomason
Josh Lewis and Naseera Mays
December 2015
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Memphis Child Advocacy Center Chefs Celebrity Gala Story and Photos by Rachel Warren
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Lauren Stimac with Becky and Allan Bridgmon
JoAnn and Don Herring
Brett and Dana Prentiss with Madison Westbrook
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emphis Child Advocacy Center (CAC) held its annual Chefs’ Celebrity Gala at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis. One of its oldest fund-raisers, the CAC’s Chefs’ Celebrity Gala features a gourmet dinner for 560 guests and over 100 celebrity servers, who are some of the Mid-South’s most philanthropic and community-spirited volunteers. Carol W. Prentiss, committee chair, along with co-chairs Almida Smith and Georgia Smith, led a team of committed volunteers and, together, they presented an event that filled stomachs and hearts. This year’s gala also included Linda Schieber and Kay Shaw music by American country singer-songwriter Andy Childs and his band. Celebrity guests included Mayor Mark and Pat Luttrell, Leigh Shockey, Brooke Twedell, and Kacky Walton. Memphis Tigers Coach Josh Pastner even made an appearance to show his support for the Memphis CAC. Leading chefs from the event sponsor, American Culinary Foundation, created a delicious multi-course meal that included an entrée of Beef Forestière topped with bleu cheese accented mushrooms and a dessert trio of flourless chocolate tart, mini key lime tart and Gianduja chocolate lady fingers. One of the most popular aspects of the gala, the Teddy Bear Surprise, garnered lots of attention as guests purchased Teddy Bears for $250, $500 or $1,000. Each bear corresponded with a surprise package of gifts, the specifics of which are revealed in an envelope tied around the bear’s neck. The event raised $347,000 for the important work Memphis CAC does on a daily-basis.
June Webb and Kelly Brinkley
Cody Prentiss, Carol Prentiss and Tara Crocker
Eldra White and Rosie Phillips Bingham
Sophie Parker and Amelia Bailey
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A BMagical ONight inP Overton Park C enefiting
verton
ark
onservancy
T Melanie and Frank White
Rich and Mary-Ellen Kelly
he third weekend in October was a beautiful one, weather-wise, and jam packed with sports events and community festivals that had many Memphians out and about. Overton Park was full of young ones and their folks getting spooky with the wildlife at the Memphis Zoo, but the park’s formal gardens on that Saturday night were illuminated by multitudes of string lights beckoning 400 park supporters to join in the camaraderie at Overton Park Conservancy’s fourth annual A Magical Night at Overton Park event. Two large tents with transparent ceilings were anchored in the middle of the garden space, allowing for an impressive view of the starlit sky. Chairs and tables, draped in autumn colors and decorated with centerpieces of floral arrangements in burlap-covered containers, provided comfortable gathering spots for the crowd. Jimmy Gentry and his crew at Paradox Catering laid an enticing, savory buffet spread which included lasagna tacos, falafel with Tzatziki puree, twice baked Yukon potato “samosas,” curried peas, anti-pasta, traditional Italian chicken skewers, marinated Mozzarella balls with tomatoes, herbs and a Balsamic reduction, sushi with pipettes of soy sauce and an assortment of finger desserts. As guests partook of the tasty fare and sipped libations, they were able to contemplate their bids for an array of silent auction items such as a Memphis Grizzlies Experience, a Memphis Redbirds Experience, an Overton Park Experience, a Hattiloo Theatre Experience and a Memphis in May Experience. Other goodies to be had for a high bid were a hot air balloon ride, a getaway to Lake Catherine, an Overton Park block print by Martha Kelly and Overton Park pottery by Melissa Bridgman. The Marcella Simien Trio, with its one-of-a-kind “Swamp Soul” sound, provided cool tunes for the evening’s entertainment. Belinda Anderson reprised her role as event chairperson. Sponsors for this year’s festivities included Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee, Woodland Tree Service, SunTrust Bank, Breakaway Running, Hyde Family Foundations, West Cancer Centers, Regional One Health, Mahaffey Tent and Rentals, Hollywood Feeds, Moonshine Lighting West Tennessee Crown Distributing Company and Rachel’s Flower Shop. Funds raised from the ticket sales and silent auction, as well as monetary donations for a gift tree (constructed by Memphis College of Art students) will help to ensure that park operations continue smoothly. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
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Stinson and Patty Liles
Story by Ruth Cassin Photos by Don Perry
Crinna and Dr. Luis Campos
Brooke Tweddell and Leigh Shockey
Mary Allison and Andy Cates
Laura and Dr. James Eason
Ekundayo and Nicole Bandele with Barry Yoakum
Michelle and Glen Phillips with Karen Lebovitz
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Karl and Gail Schledwitz
Peggy and LaVerne Lowell
Julie and Miles Phillips
Dani Smith and Emily Cerrito
Shante Avant and Desiree Lyles Wallace
Tina Sullivan, Susan Green and Melissa McMasters
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Ruth Samuels and Richard Wurzburg
David and Liz Royer
Casey Lawhead and Elin Irvin
Steve and Tracy Rone
Will Murray, April Holm and Taryn Spake
George Cates and Belinda Anderson with Paul and Mary Morris
Randy Cox and Angie Grant
Kristina Woo and Judge Mark Ward
Tony Sharp, Eboni Sharp and Jackie Sharp
Paige and Scott Walkup with Tom Midgley
Kim and Erin Jenkins
Calley Anderson and Steven Fox
Lori Spicer Robertson and Marguerite Spicer
Jim Strickland and Calvin Anderson
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Keith and Katie Plourde
Geoff and Stasia Pearson
Teresa and Bill Bullock
David and Karen Edwards
Elizabeth Hinckley with Terry and Cathy Lynch
Hagan Warner and Nicole Imbrogno
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Will and Gigi McGown
Debbie and Paul Richter
Mike Miller and Elizabeth Hawkins
Baleigh Fox, J.T. Wilbanks and Blayne Kuhar
Jesse and Caroline Conrad
Jennifer and Glennbruce Campbell
Nate Nowak and Anna Bess Sorin
Lee Forbes-Belue and Ashley Coffield
December 2015
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Central Garden Home & Garden Tour After Party A
Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Tim Deck and Kevin Barnard
Sheila Noone, Kay Price and Ted Davis
Cathy and Ted Morton and Sara Savell
group of approximately 100 friends and neighbors in Central Gardens gathered to celebrate the success of their 39th annual Home & Garden Tour. Party hosts Cathy and Ted Morton set the scene for a delightful evening soirée with draped cocktail tables and a bar lining the path up their driveway. The Central Gardens Home Tour committee coordinated the party. The dining room table was centered by a floral arrangement by B & D (Barnard and Deck). Caterer Ann Barnes of Just for Lunch assembled a menu that included cucumber gazpacho soup Elise and Mike Frick shots and a trio of baby burgers. Homeowners of the eight houses featured on this year’s tour were recognized and presented with framed pen and ink drawings of their houses. The presentations were made by home tour chairman Charlie Lawing and co-chairman Kathy Edmundson Ferguson.
Jean Marie Burks, Rebecca Tuttle and Shelly Rainwater
Margo Metz, Leigh Martin and Meg Synk
Germantown Arts Alliance Arts and Humanities Gala T
Story Submitted | Photos by Joseph Martin and Snookie Newman
he Germantown Arts Alliance held its 23rd and final Arts and Humanities Gala honoring Memphis artist George Hunt; Stephanie Shine, actor and director at Tennessee Shakespeare Company; and Pat Halloran, CEO of the Orpheum Theater. Board President Carole Hinely introduced the three medalists who were recognized for outstanding contributions to the Mid-South in their chosen fields. She related a history of the Arts Alliance and the $3.3 million in grants it has given to Germantown schools and performing arts organizations since its inception. Dr. Michael Miles, executive director of the Germantown Community Theatre, served as emcee. Abby Albert Markle and Stehle and Parker Dinwiddie presented excerpts from the next Lillie Kay Mitchell Germantown Community Theatre production.
Ross McDaniel and Lauren Steinkamp with Pat and Anne Halloran, Shelby Davis and Clayton Trice
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Snookie Newman with Velva and Brian Pecon and Chuck Newman
Dana McKelvy, Dan McCleary and Stephanie Shine
Dr. Michael Miles, Ruby Fenton and George Hunt
Latino Memphis Day of the Dead Fiesta Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
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Mandy Possel and Leann Grabski
David and Haycha Salazar
Dawn Kevin and Casey Chiles
atino Memphis teamed up with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, New Ballet Ensemble and Opera Memphis to present this year’s “El Dia De Los Muertos,” the Day of the Dead Fiesta downtown at The Cadre. Arriving guests were serenaded at the door by a live Mariachi band and entered a colorful wonderland of music, dancing and fun, completed by food from some of Memphis’ most popular eateries like Las Delicias, Charles’ Vergos Rendezvous, Chris and Liz Sullivan Memphis Pizza Café, El Mezcal, Golden India and Lucchesi’s. The crowd danced the night away to music provided by Latin singer Marcela Pinilla and her amazing band. Guests lined up for sugar skull makeup and were surrounded by “Catrinas,” opulently dressed skeleton figures based on José Luis Posada’s icon of death, presented by Cazateatro Bilingual Theater Group. Attendees were invited to contribute to the Tree of Life by bringing a photograph of a deceased loved one or writing down a joyful memory honoring their love one’s life.
Tiffany Futch, Lindsey Osbourne, Surayyah Hasan and Carla Foster
David Rofe and Chantis Mantilla
Jeri Pennell, Ericka Morton and Emily Via
Esfand and Caroline Mazhari
Naira and Gulam Umarov
Claudia Towell and Lucero Cardenas
Gabriela Gonzales, Gabriela Catalina and Sergio Gonzales December 2015
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Project Green Fork Loving Local Story and Photos by Rachel Warren
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Chelsea Bugg and Monique McQuary
Adam Guerrero and Dr. Mel Jackson
Stacey Greenburg and Lisa Toro
Thomas Hall and Stephanie Staszko
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roject Green Fork threw its annual fall fundraiser, Loving Local, at the Pyramid Vodka Distillery. Founded by Margot McNeeley, Project Green Fork is committed to maintaining a sustainable Mid-South by helping to reduce environmental impacts, with a focus on strengthening homegrown restaurants by giving them the means to recycle food waste, plastic, glass, aluminum, cardboard and paper. At this event, the organization showed its love for all Lee Vichathep and Lynn Davis things local and Memphis by inviting Memphians to enjoy delicious treats from local eateries, a silent auction and raffle full of unique Memphis offerings, music by local band the Dead Soldiers, and tours through the distillery. Beauty Shop, Cooper Street 20/20, Fork It Over Catering, Felicia Suzanne’s, Fuel Café and Huey’s Restaurant provided scrumptious bites, with Central BBQ’s owner Craig Blondis serving up a whole hog. Memphis Made Brewing Co. was there with Gonerbraü, a specialty craft beer brewed for the annual Gonerfest. Wiseacre Brewing served glasses of Ananda IPA, Tiny Bomb and their seasonal Oktoberfest.
Serafina Wooten and Caitlin Bobal
Jennifer Chandler with Sally and Ashley Pace and Paul Chandler
Katie McCoid and Rebecca Dailey
Andy Ashby
Sophia Runer and Kristina Thomas
Brittany and Ed Cabigao
Rena Chiozza and Sabine Bachmann
Memphis Zoo James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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Phillip Ashley and Courtney Rix
Young and Christy Kim
uests came to dine at the Teton Trek Lodge as the Memphis Zoo hosted a James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner. Guests had the opportunity to interact with the participating chefs throughout the evening and savor specially designed tasting menus complete with wine and cocktail pairings mixed by Nick Talarico from Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen. Two James Beard award-winning chefs, Chef John Currence and Chef Michael Ginor, prepared a five-course feast. Five other featured chefs helped prepared the meal and were spotlighted during the event: from Memphis’ Chef Kelly English of Restaurant Iris and Greg and Elizabeth Smithers The Second Line; Chefs Michael Hudman and Andrew Ticer of Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen; Chef Phillip Ashley Rix from Phillip Ashley Chocolates; and, from Atlanta, Chef Steven Satterfield of Miller Union. All proceeds benefit the James Beard Foundation, which celebrates, nurtures and honors America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire.
Rebekah Shappley, Lauren Mutter, Angela Corr and Emily Hutton
Lake and Morrow Bailey
Wine at the Wall Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson
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ine at the Wall, benefiting the Greater Memphis Greenline (GMG), was held outdoors at a floodwall, which begins at the corner of Chelsea Ave. and Evergreen St. Each of the 72-panels comprising the quarter-mile wall has been painted by a different local artist, an effort coordinated by Karen Golightly. “This will be the longest art gallery in Memphis,” Syd Lerner, executive director of GMG, said. Central BBQ donated grilled sausage, hot wings, and homemade potato chips. Alexander Folk, owner of Pyramid Vodka, was John Pitman and Syd Lerner on hand offering Moscow Mules. Others sipped wine or sodas while checking out items in the silent auction.
Yo Herve and Karen Golightly
Aaron Butcher, Teresa White and Ryan Zulkiewicz
Joshua Black and Lindsey Doby
Tameka Greer and Dory Lerner
Dave Mayhall with Irvin and Pat Tankersley December 2015
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National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Awards Story and Photos by Virginia Davis
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Bishop Milton R. Hawkins, Ava DuVernay, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, Ruby Bridges-Hall and Rev. Clark Olsen
Dana and Cassandra Leake
Nia Glen-Lopez
Stacey Reynolds and Angela Shipp
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hree lives, fully separate in experiences but equal in the constancy of the message they send forth to thousands, were honored with the 2015 National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Awards. The awards annually recognize individuals for their significant contributions in civil rights. Ruby Bridges-Hall teaches schoolchildren about the values of tolerance and respect. As a six-year-old black child integrating into a New Orleans elementary school in 1960, she was ostracized and threatened. “I feel the need to somehow make them understand what I didn’t understand,” Bridges-Hall said. Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Mary Pruitt helped organize non-violent protest demonstrations in the South, joining thousands of other college students during the early 60s to aid the Civil Rights Movement. “You don’t have to be on the front lines, but you do have to do something to make the world better,” she said. Ava DuVernay is the writer and director of “Selma,” an award-winning film that relates the story of the historic 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery. The awards ceremony was held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.
Sheila A. Jeffries, Pamela Tunstall, Mary Parker-Kincaide and Beverly N. Alexander
Mary Washington
Caleb Sturkey
Montanez Shepherd, Israel Del Rosario, Brandon Person and Yamille Del Rosario
Demetra and Chauncey Walton
Ron Gephart
Rheannan Watson and William D. Young
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i t ’ s cl a ssy it’s smooth For underwriting information, call 901-678-2560 Visit us online at wumr.memphis.edu
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1 Warhorse 2 S. Pacfic island nation 3 Zeal 4 Affirmative 5 Burnt fragrance 6 Fizzy drink 7 Egg-shaped 8 Taboo 9 Clip 10 Drug doers 11 Sandwich fish 12 Old Russian ruler (var.) 13 Christmas time 21 Baked pasta dish 22 Bar charge 25 Black poisonous spider 27 Container 29 Creole stew 30 Great work of music or writing 31 Push 32 Famous cookie maker 33 Timothy O'Leary's drug of choice 34 Tropical edible root 35 Press 36 Stool 38 Held the deed 39 Rate of speed, in Europe 43 Limited (abbr.)
45 Coronated 46 Belongs to us 49 Lode yield 51 Deeds 53 Do penitence 54 Type of column 55 Under, poetically 56 Bank no. 57 Blacken 58 List of meals 60 Capital of Peru 61 Born and ____ 62 Profanity 65 Little one 67 Although
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71 Faith 72 Certain behavioral disorder, for short 73 High ___
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1 Wait 5 Computer screen image 9 Crazy 14 Ripped up 15 De ___ (from the beginning) 16 Japanese car maker
17 Tails 18 Tribe 19 Punitive 20 Self 21 Fanatic 23 Scarce 24 "Origin of the Species" author 26 Crunch targets 28 ___ A Small World... 10 11 12 13 29 Mongolian Desert 31 Crony 34 Neatens (2 wds) 37 Averages 39 Corn syrup brand 23 40 Flightless bird 41 Lumber 42 Skulk 44 Departs secretly 31 32 33 47 Term for affection, for 38 short 48 Dorothy's dog 41 50 Regret 51 32nd President US, briefly 52 Invest 62 Apogee 59 Nudges 53 54 55 63 Foot digit 63 64 Scam 66 Bagdad's locale 67 67 ____ fide 68 Long poem division 70 69 Dole out 73 70 Troop division
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PHILLI P I RSV B D P y
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Towers in the attic M
y wife and I bought our house in beautiful crime-free Cooper-Young in 1993 because I had turned thirty and my wife was already in her thirties, and by her math that meant we had to buy a house. I’m not going to lie to you; I was reluctant. In our apartment if something broke, like the dryer whose lint trap we didn’t realize was supposed to be cleaned occasionally, all we had to do was call our landlord who would call the guy. This was, to me, an ideal arrangement, since I didn’t know how to fix anything. There was also the debt thing. At thirty, I was very freaked out by even the modest amount of money we had to borrow to purchase our house. The most I had ever owed anyone up to that point was the money for my one year of state college from my parents that I had never intended to repay. Before moving into our house, we had lived in a one-bedroom apartment in a house for a little over six years. When we found the place, it seemed like plenty of room, but, when you’re in your twenties, you don’t get rid of anything, you’re only interested in accumulating things. Over the course of those six years, we did some serious accumulating. Our apartment had become a maze of small corridors that had to be navigated with great care. In order to play something on the VCR, a perilous course around a superfluous coffee table that sat inches from the love seat, the couch and the entertainment center had to be mounted. It was like trying to get to the base camp at Everest. After looking at more houses than I could count over nearly a year, we finally settled on our little house in Midtown. One of the best parts about the new place was that we had an attic. Granted, it was an attic that could only be reached by a dangerous set of pull down stairs in our laundry room, but, still, we had an attic. Boy oh boy, did we take advantage of that attic. Over the last twenty-three years, we stowed everything we could in that attic. Unfortunately, this meant storing a lot of things that would’ve been more properly thrown away or given to charity. Or set on fire. Anything other than just stuffing it in the attic.
Recently, after having bought rolls and rolls of insulation back when we could get a tax credit for doing so, which you probably realize was at the beginning of the Obama Administration, we decided we should get up there and put it to good use. We put this decision off for so many years because our attic had taken on a disturbing resemblance to the warehouse at the end of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Stacks of plastic bins filled with tax records
We put this decision off for so many years because our attic had taken on a disturbing resemblance to the warehouse at the end of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Stacks of plastic bins filled with tax records going back decades towered over mysterious garbage bags filled with God knows what. going back decades towered over mysterious garbage bags filled with God knows what. All of this was balanced either on piecemeal flooring made up of scrap lumber and a surprising number of old doors left by previous owners, or just simply teetering on the joists of the house. It was daunting, and, to be honest, more than a little embarrassing. Still. We bought paperbreathing masks, buttoned our sleeves at the wrists, put on work gloves and went to work.
The work itself, while hot and difficult, proved to be satisfying, and we enjoyed putting in the effort together. It’s not the physical labor that was so challenging. It was the discovery of what bizarre packrats we are. There was a broken bent wood rocker up there. No one repairs a broken bent wood rocker. That would be like repairing a papa san chair or a futon. These are things you only acquire in your twenties, and they are expected to have a brief shelf life. There were multiple garbage bags full of old bed and throw pillows. There was a salad spinner. We have a salad spinner, so, at some point, we bought a new one and felt compelled to save the old one, presumably as a living tribute to the early days of salad spinners. There were a number of cooking devices my friend Jeff refers to as “unitaskers.” There was a bread machine that had been used exactly once because it dawned on me that there was no way I was going to make bread better than that made by people who make bread for a living. There was a deep fryer, something that only seems like a good idea to use after too many cocktails, when its use is at it’s most lethal. There was a pressure cooker, which we found entirely too much pressure to use. There were clothes we were never going to wear again, yet felt the need to save, even though they had become so out of style the homeless might be offended by being offered them. I was feeling a little self-conscious about this so I went on the social media and asked people what they have inexplicably saved. Here is a short list of what I received: never used car wash products, a bedside toilet, Star Trek toys, a giant red plastic R, a pile of unopened gifts intended to be regifted but whose provenance is lost and might be given to the original giver, an African spear, 150 old Playboy magazines, all of the Yo quiero Chihuahuas from Taco Bell, a 1976 12” Sony television that doesn’t work, a shrunken head, 1000’s of VHS tapes, one dead, mummified squirrel on a hobby horse, a person’s mother’s grass hula skirt from when she was a child, a 1984 IBM personal computer, a jawbone of a cow, a can of WWII rations, a straw barbershop quartet and a chamber pot, and, finally, unpacked boxes from when someone moved into their house in 1994. I have to be honest, I feel better about us. December 2015
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PAST RSV G T raduation
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ictured here are young ladies from St. Patrick’s Catholic School in about 1910. St. Patrick’s School was established by Father Martin Riordan in 1865 at the corner of Linden Avenue and DeSoto Street (now Fourth Street). For many decades, the parish school and church, which was founded in 1866, served the Irish Catholic population of Memphis. The school closed in 1950 because of declining enrollment, as many of its families moved further east. St. Patrick Church has remained vibrant and committed to serving the neighborhood. In 2003, through the generosity of a group of anonymous donors, Saint Patrick’s School was re-opened by the Catholic Diocese of as one of nine Jubilee Schools. Front row, left to right: Bertha Carrligan, Helen Fisher Reilly, Margaret Moylan, Olivia Longinetti, Katherine Tansey Back row: Katherine Saint Falladori, Eugenia Sullivan McShane, Evelyn Light Linderman
Photo courtesy of John D. McKinnon If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Rachel Warren at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.
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