RSVP Magazine July 2011 by RSVP Magazine

July 2011

Gift of Life Gala Brooks Grand Auction Theatre Memphis Gala Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball Q&A with Dr. Ron Jones

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CONTENTS

Contents July 201 1

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Artist Paul Edelstein invites RSVP into his home studio.

RSVP Watch List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Pick up one of these purses, and you’ll be set for your summer soirees.

Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

10 SIGNATURE MEMPHIS Paul Edelstein

Carnival royalty were out in full force at the 80th coronation ceremony, held at Hilton Memphis.

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 & 24

34 BROOKS GRAND AUCTION Kristy Street and Stephen Gipson

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He’s a former Marine who continues to show his gratitude for this country’s troops through Tickets for Troops. She’s a CEO and administrator with a passion for providing quality and more convenient health care for women. StreetSeens highlight Tony Benedetti and Anita Vaughn.

Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Q&A with the president of Memphis College of Art, Dr. Ron Jones.

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32, 45, 46 & 47

4 RSVP

Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

16 CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL Dennis and Martha Drexler

Brooks Grand Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 The first “Memphis Wine & Food Series” came to a close with a fine finale at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

Gift of Life Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

38 GIFT OF LIFE GALA Erika and Dr. Jason Vanatta

The National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee hosted an evening of thanks at The Peabody.

Theatre Memphis Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Theatre Memphis supporters were wowed at the institution’s “Variety: A Mega Mix and Mingle” fund-raiser.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Supernerd Oh Dennis Phillippi’s joy this month at all his comic book superheroes coming to life in the movies!

STREETSEEN Tony Benedetti

THEATRE MEMPHIS GALA John Hiltonsmith and Kell Christie Cover Photo Rick Fogelman and MacKenzie Paul at Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball Photo by Don Perry

Volume XVI

Number X

July 201 1 PUBLISHER

Roy Haithcock EDITOR

Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ruth Cassin Jonathan Devin Dennis Phillippi Suzanne Thompson Lesley Young ART DIRECTOR

Patrick Aker s PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nathan Berry Roy Haithcock Don Perry Steve Roberts SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

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Libby Huff ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Chris Pugh ACCOUNTING

Ruth Cassin

6 RSVP

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June 17-19 June 24-26 July 2-4 Fri-Sat 10am-6pm Sunday 1pm-6pm Benefiting the

From the Editor

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Photo by Steve Roberts

hile watching the recent U.S. Open (a tradition for my husband’s family every Father’s Day), I could not help but be drawn to first-time winner Rory McIlroy. I’m not quite sure what precisely has made me a McIlory fan, but maybe it’s his Irish roots, his ability to come back after a more-than-disappointing showing at the Masters or the way he strikes a golf ball with such precision that even a non-golfer can appreciate. What I think impresses me most though is McIlroy’s sportsmanship-like conduct, which Jack Nicklaus pegged when he said (via phone interview at the Open), “He’s humble when he needs to be humble, and he’s confident when he needs to be confident.” My hat goes off to anyone who can achieve that balance of humility and confidence, especially in times of extreme pressure. Watching the Open on TV also reminded me that I attended my first golf tournament this year, which was the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind. While I only made it out for the Seersucker Sunday portion, I can still say, “Man, what an experience!” From seeing the competitors up close to walking the beautiful course and witnessing a sudden death play-off, the event excelled at delivering a fine dose of fun for all ages, while raising money for a good cause to boot…seeing the homemade “We love St. Jude” sign hanging from a house’s balcony on the 18th hole brought it all home! I guess all this golf watching goes to show that I’m up for trying new things, which just so happens to be the case for all of this month’s interviewees. First, you’ll read about Tony Benedetti (page 22), a former Marine who decided to go out on a limb and start a nonprofit that honors deployed troops for their service, all while maintaining his day job. Next, you’ll learn about Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women’s CEO and administrator, Anita Vaughn (page 24), who took a big chance when she decided to move from nursing into administration. Once you move past the StreetSeens to the Vox Popular, you will be introduced to the Memphis College of Art’s newly appointed president, Dr. Ron Jones (page 28), who not only accepted this job at an age when most have given up career challenges, but moved to a city previously foreign to him. Readers, I challenge each of you to take on something different this month, whether that be actually visiting a place you’ve always talked about visiting, until now that is, or something as simple as challenging yourself to sample a new culinary dish. Oh yeah, happy summer!

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Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com

Artist/Director at Paul Edelstein Studio and Gallery

HOBBY: Foreign languages. PERSONAL HERO: King George VI. FAVORITE MEMPHIS MUSICIAN: Elvis. IDEAL VACATION SPOT: Hotel Bel-Air in L.A. WORDS OR PHRASES YOU OVERUSE: “Oh wow.” FIRST JOB: A clerk at A. Schwab on Beale (1978). YOUR MANTRA: The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 100. FAVORITE ALBUM: “Music for Airports” by Brian Eno. GUILTY PLEASURE: Häagen-Dazs chocolate ice cream. WHERE YOU TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS: Graceland. FAVORITE AUTHOR: Eudora Welty (a 30-year friendship). FIRST CONCERT: The Beatles at the Mid-South Coliseum (1965). LAST BOOK YOU’VE READ: Prayer Changes Things by Charles L. Allen. HISTORICAL FIGURE YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH: Queen Elizabeth II. MOVIE YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN: The Wizard of Oz. YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: Shady Grove Presbyterian Church mural. BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU’VE OVERCOME: Agoraphobia and Asperger’s syndrome. ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I want to go back to live in Louisville, where I was born. Photo by Steve Roberts

SIGNATURE MEMPHIS J U L Y 2 0 11 RSVP

Paul Edelstein

THE SEASON FOR GARDEN PARTIES IS HERE, SO FLAUNT A PURSE THAT WILL MAKE YOU BLOOM.

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RSVP WATCH LIST

PURSE PURSUIT

Top Row (from left to right): Blue and White Chevron Striped Clutch by Melie Bianco-$53 at More Therapy (901-682-2013); Honey/Yellow Bonaire Handbag by Yul Taylor-$325 at James Davis (901-767-4640); Hotty Pink Dress to Impress Bag by Lilly Pulitzer-$98 at The Pink Door (901-682-2107); Bottom Row (from left to right): Pink Layla Purse by Big Buddha$70 at Southern Couture (901-682-1128); Ivory Tote by Melie Bianco-$69 at Paisley (901853-4911); Coral Dylan Cross Body Carryall by Linea Pelle Collection-$270 at Indigo

Photo by Na than Berry Nathan Berr y

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CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL

EVENT

Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball 80 Years Strong

Y Mary and Charles Davis

Holman Moores and Meredith Moreland

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oung ladies wearing stunning white gowns swirled around the reception area outside the ballroom at Hilton Memphis prior to their presentation at Carnival Memphis’ 80th anniversary Crown & Sceptre Coronation Ball. This kick-off event marked the beginning of Carnival Week and was held with all the pomp and circumstance befitting royalty. After the cocktail hour, the crowd of nearly 600 took their seats around tables covered with black cloths and adorned with burgundy runners, which accentuated the colors bursting from the petals of the fragrant Stargazer lilies that made up the centerpieces. Sparkles were strewn around the table, and a special anniversary program was at the place of each guest. Carnival President Jess Wesberry, in his opening remarks, announced that the “party with a purpose” has raised $1.3 million for the Carnival Memphis Children’s Charity Initiative since its creation in 1999. This year, the initiative included Hope House, Memphis Athletic Ministries and Shelby Residential Vocational Services. The evening began with the presentation of King John Hull Dobbs Jr. and Queen Kate Orgill Smith, whose long velvet train was carefully carried by her pages. Then, the 36 princesses were presented, most of whom were accompanied by their fathers, with their escorts following close behind. After the royal court was assembled, the princesses and their escorts processed out of the room, and the next phase of the program began. Carnival kings and queens from years past were introduced and paid homage to the 2011 king and queen, after which the kings and queens of each of the Grand Krewes, along with their dukes and duchesses, were presented. The Secret Order of the Boll Weevils was the last group to enter, and each member brought a segment of what was constructed into a huge Boll Weevil, behind which appeared a similar visage of King John and Queen Kate. Once the royalty took their seats, a three-course dinner was in order. A Bibb lettuce salad with avocado and crumbled feta cheese served with French dressing was followed by a tenderloin medallion with a mushroom reduction, roasted creamed potatoes and asparagus spears. Dessert plates, each containing a variety of miniature sweets, finished off the dinner. After the tables were cleared, guests headed off to the dance floor, where they continued to party well into the night. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Joe and Virginia Lopresti

Story by Suzanne Thompson Photos by Don Perry

Pam Cain and Steve Nix

Richard Mallory and Mary Catherine Hughes

Robert Tipton and Molly Martin

Don Chenault and Mary Rea

King John Hull Dobbs Jr. and Queen Kate Orgill Smith

Mary Lee and Jess Wesberry

EVENT CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL

Mike Honeycutt and Cathy Welsh

Lisa and Ken Roberts

Audsley Dunavant and Bessie Bucholz

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John Sill and Sharon Fewell

Janette and Bobby Krauch

Jim and Amy Whittington

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Cecil and Summer Godman

Ruthie Layman and Philip Cruzen

Karen Davis, Teresa Starnes and Mace Gearhardt

Amy and David Turner

Christian Braunfisch and Maty Tipton

Dee Stephens and Jim Woods

Claudia and Hayley Efird

THE 2011 COLLECTION. A CLASS ABOVE.

Land Rover Bluff City 6335 Wheel Cove, Memphis, TN 38119

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THE RANGE ROVER • RANGE ROVER SPORT LAND ROVER LR2 • LAND ROVER LR4

EVENT

David Tate, Holly Tate and John Hunt

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CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL

Jim and Janie Henderson with Meade Musgrave and Jay Wilson

Martha and Dick Stobbs

Mike and Dr. Shelley Thannum

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Vaughan and Joe Stewart

Elizabeth Gibson, Matt Burland, David Clarke and Florie Crump

Deborah Tipton and Jay Cox

Palmer Whittington and a Boll Weevil

Hooper Jones, Suzanne Shelton and Robert Hummel

EVENT Grayson Kisner, Hailey Jordan, Chandler Ince and Kaiden Kisner

CROWN & SCEPTRE CORONATION BALL

Kim and Andy MacQueen

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Drs. Charles and Melanie Woodall

Caroline Terry, Cory Yandell and Marilyn Kelley

Tara Bodansky and Ed Galfsky with Debbie and Barry Marshall

Blake Anderson, Anne Buttarazzi and Joe Orgill

21 RSVP

Al Perry, Caroline Webb and Sally Perry

Weetie Whittemore with Jim and Mimi Taylor

Bud Cowgill and Marta Vinzant

Michah Layman and Beth Bomarito

STREETSEEN

Tony Benedetti Reigniting Family Bonds for Troops

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U.S. Marine for seven years, Tony Benedetti has since traded his uniform and active duty for business attire and an IT recruiting job, but he hasn’t abandoned his sense of commitment to fellow servicemen. Rather, Benedetti devotes much of his free time to Tickets for Troops, a nonprofit he started with his wife Suzy three years ago after one eventful football game. “I was at a UT game in Kentucky in ’06 when they asked military families to stand,” he recalls. “I went home thinking how cool it would be if we could find a unique way to say ‘thanks’ to troops.” The resulting idea entailed providing welcome home celebrations for families of Mid-South service members returning from deployment, and so came the birth of Tickets for Troops. To keep overhead minimal, the couple based the organization at their house and went full speed ahead with accruing donations and sponsorships for family outings, complete with tickets to activities like sporting events, dining vouchers and hotel stays. The celebrations cost on average between $100-$300, depending on the size of the family, and usually take place in a day, however the biggest celebration to date spanned a weekend. Benedetti shares, “There was a Marine who had a son with an inoperable brain tumor and was only given six months to live, so Tickets for Troops provided a motorcycle escort from Millington to Memphis for the family to have lunch at the Hard Rock Café, stay at The Peabody, go to a Grizzlies game and get a behind the scenes tour at the Memphis Zoo to feed the giraffes.” Tickets for Troops has given welcome home celebrations to some 500 more families, each of whom has been referred by family readiness coordinators from five different military bases and units around Memphis and from another in Paragould, Arkansas. These coordinators are military trained and take care of families left behind. Currently, there are 75 families from the Millington area alone that are dealing with the struggles of separation due to deployment overseas, so Tickets for Troops is already planning a large group celebration for these individuals who left in December of last year. “At the height last year, 15,000 troops were deployed from Tennessee,” notes Benedetti. For several families to enjoy an outing together, Tickets for Troops has hosted events such as a Collierville Veterans Celebration and a U of M Football Military Appreciation Game, but Benedetti’s goal is to add additional Military Appreciation Games at other venues and gain access to a suite at FedExForum for all events. He points out, “To see families that are going through some of the toughest times of their lives be able to relax and not worry about the expenses associated with an event is priceless.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

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STREETSEEN

Anita Vaughn A Proponent of Women’s Health Care

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riends can often prove a great resource when faced with life choices, and for Anita Vaughn, a Baptist Memorial Health Care employee for 38 years, that observation couldn’t ring truer, especially when it came to time to choose a career. As Vaughn remembers, she was unsure about what job to pursue postgraduation from Central High School, and then a girlfriend announced plans to attend Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Vaughn responded with “That sounds good,” and her own career in health care ensued. Since graduating from nursing school, Vaughn has become that special friend for many patients who have come through the doors of the various Baptist Hospital outposts where she has worked since 1973, beginning with her stint as an ICU nurse. By 1985, Vaughn transitioned into more administrative roles, though she felt reluctant to do so at first knowing how happy she was taking care of patients. Vaughn managed to take on each of her newfound roles with gusto, from director of Practice Management for Baptist Memorial Health Care to administrator of Managed Health and Wellness, to name a few, and found she fit well in the administrative environment. Never did Vaughn dream she would be asked in 1998 to lead the planning and development team for Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, ultimately becoming its CEO and administrator. “It was very intimidating to be part of the planning stage, and I wanted to be back in the hospital so bad,” she tells. Vaughn emphasizes that the planning process centered on teamwork and that Baptist employees had lots of input into the design. She also proudly mentions that the first person she hired was a female engineer, as incorporating feminine touches, such as a fountain in the lobby and lots of sunlit, gracious spaces, into the facility was crucial. A quality project from the beginning, the only design features needed in 10 years (May marked the hospital’s 10th anniversary) have been extra walls, installed due to HIPAA privacy and security rules. “The biggest compliment is when the physicians here call it their hospital,” Vaughn divulges. Proud of leading a hospital solely devoted to women from maternity care to gynecological surgery, Vaughn has been instrumental in making services more accessible by offering a satellite location at Macy’s Oak Court and a mobile mammography unit. A Breast Risk Management Center has also been incorporated for those at high risk for breast cancer, as well as a weekly Multi-Disciplinary Conference, where doctors from competing practices discuss breast cancer cases and arrive at the best treatment plan, giving women second and third opinions that are of no cost to insurance companies. The list of achievements could go on, and Vaughn would probably say she has more to accomplish, but one thing she’s already mastered is making people feel like they matter. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts

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JULY 22 Family Fun Night featuring Wild Willy | 6 PM

JULY 29 Screen on the Green Outdoor Movie | 8:05 PM

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THRU OCT 28

VOX POPULAR

Vox Popular Q&A with Dr. Ron Jones

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RSVP: What peaked your interest about the president job at MCA?

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Jones: I was ready for a change, but I wasn’t thinking so much about a private art school. I was thinking more about another deanship because I enjoyed being dean; I’ve done it for a lot of years, and I’ve always found satisfaction in it. A search firm, which I’d worked with for a long time, called me and told me about MCA, and I told them I wasn’t really interested. They waited about 10 days and called me back, and they said things they didn’t say the first time. I think the second time they figured out what would sell me on MCA, and I’m glad they did. RSVP: What did the search firm say that sold you on MCA? Jones: What they said that sold me was it was small, the school gets along and is almost there, but it just needs help getting to where it wants to go. I thought that that was where I wanted to go for my next opportunity. I had never been to Memphis before and certainly didn’t know what to expect, so it’s been a learning experience from the first moment I got here. And then, the first day, I went to the National Civil Rights Museum, and that was the equivalent of the most powerful thing I’ve ever experienced in a setting like that, which was at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington. RSVP: Why take on a new city and a new job at 68 years old? Jones: I wanted another experience. It was time for me to do something different—a new challenge. You can create your own challenges, and we all do that in our jobs, but there is something kind of exciting that’s different when there’s a new opportunity you set for yourself, where you don’t know anyone and start at ground zero. It causes juices to flow that you don’t normally experience.

Photos by Don Perry

t seems like school just let out for summer, but Memphis College of Art’s new president, Dr. Ron Jones, already has student move-in day (August 17) on his mind. Having relocated from Tampa to Memphis in the middle of May, Dr. Jones missed meeting much of the current student body, so the desire to connect with students remains ever-present. The Class of 2015 will be particularly special for the MCA president because he says its members are the ones starting with him, in addition to several new faculty members. RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick caught up with Dr. Jones at MCA as he adapts to his new surroundings, which seem to suit the bow-tie wearing administrator just fine considering his evolving need for a professional challenge in the art world. When asked how he fell in favor with the arts in the first place, he said, “At an early age, I started making marks on paper that looked like something and became the class artist by the first grade. By the 12th grade, it was inevitable I would do something art-related—fate had spoken.” Now is his moment to recognize and propel the talents of others who share his love of the creative process.

RSVP: How would you compare the student body at MCA to that at the College of Arts at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where you most recently served as dean? Jones: There’s not one size that fits all for students going to college. I think the majority of students really don’t pick the school to match what they want—it’s just the school someone sends them to, it’s the closest one or the one their friends went to. The University of South Florida is a gigantic 50,000-student university/research institution. Everything that’s done there is done with an emphasis on research and scholarship, and the pressures are not only immense on the faculty, but on the students to engage in new kinds of things, etc. If the institution has a focus on research, it’s very difficult for it to be about individual students, who they are and what moves them forward. So, the MCA job is such an exciting opportunity for me and is kind of a full cycle for me because I started out as a student in a small art department with a small faculty, with closeness and concern and attention to me as an individual who was unique and different from others. Now, I’m back in that same kind of institution, and the students who are here—you’ve got to remember I haven’t met them in an extended way because when I got here they were leaving, but I met them at other times in the interview process—are different. It’s clear they’re different in several ways. They picked to come here, which shows much more intentionality, and what they know they’re getting here kind of redefines them as students—they are passionate about and consumed by the discipline, and the faculty are too. It’s a community of people who are absolutely engaged in that experience that each of those individual students has, with the faculty thinking about how to nourish it and move it forward and the student thinking about how to take the next step. In a research institution, those things happen, but with only the top 10 percent of undergraduates.

My story almost ended before it was time. Like most people who experience heart attacks, I’d heard all the warnings. I just never did anything to change. But when the chest pains started that morning in 2008, I knew there was no more ignoring it. My wife drove me to the ER at Baptist Memphis. Within minutes, I was being rushed Looking back, their immediate response literally saved my life. Of course, I’m grateful for the kind and compassionate care I received, but it didn’t end there. Today, through the Baptist Cardiac Rehab program, I’ve redirected my entire life. I’m exercising, eating better, minimizing stress, and most important, listening to my doctor.

29 Thanks to the Baptist Heart Institute team’s incredible response time,

RSVP: How does an art institution like MCA benefit the community? Jones: The answer that comes to mind is actually not arts related. The budget here is around $13 million, which cycles through the community in several ways with every dollar going through the hands of two or three people and all of our faculty who live in this area. I think we are a significant part of the economy. Any $13 million corporation would be considered important enough to take notice of, but that’s not really our value. Our value is more intangible, but it’s extremely important. We’re part of a higher education community that enriches Memphis and the Memphis area, and then our specific interest in art means that we generate an unusual number of people in this community focused on artistic kinds of qualities and aesthetic qualities. That’s important because you can’t

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to the cardiac care unit, where a cardiac specialist inserted a stent. It all happened so fast.

I was given a second chance. Thanks to their cardiac rehab program, I’m making the most of it.

SHARE YOUR STORY.

MyStoryM yB ap tist.co m

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Jones: Probably three things. One is internal, and that is to help the faculty and staff have a greater voice and understanding of what we’re trying to do. In my judgment, it needs to be fine-tuned a little bit, that’s all. Then, there needs to be a crisper vision for the college— crisper so that we can all understand what we’re doing and the direction we’re going, and crisper so that the board can subscribe to and support it and that the public and students can better understand what the next year and the next year will be like. The third thing has to do with what people know about MCA and our reputation. It seems like with each step away from Midtown, there’s less understanding about MCA. I’m exaggerating, but the truth is MCA is very regional in terms of its reputation, and it has no reason to be regional. It’s a great, great school, but we’re small, so it’s a lot harder to get nationally noticed.

VOX POPULAR

RSVP: What is the most immediate item on your agenda going into next semester?

VOX POPULAR

find any great city where the arts aren’t a great part of that city. We are contributing in a unique way because every city doesn’t have a college of art, so Memphis is one up on many communities. RSVP: What kinds of programs does MCA offer to the general public? Jones: We have a children’s program and an adult continuing education program. We also have a program downtown that’s interesting. It’s a program to help train teachers that are out in the county and city schools to get professional development experience, to learn new things about art and to train them for classroom management.

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Jones: I just ended a two-year presidency in the International Council of Fine Arts Deans. I’m in my first year of co-chairing the Arts Education Council of Americans for the Arts, which is like the lobbying organization for all of the arts in America. A couple of weeks ago there was legislation in Congress to do away with the National Endowment for the Arts budget. Americans for the Arts mobilized everyone in America to put pressure on members of Congress to reverse and not support 30 that bill that was put forth. Because of those two organizations, I have been to the White House a couple of times, and I’ve worked with the National Endowment for the Arts people and later on did things with the Department of Education and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. I am one week away from a national art blog post for the Americans for the Arts Blog [blog.artsusa.org] about Mayor Wharton because I was so impressed with him when I met him. This post will really be about mayors who give lip service to the arts, but I will be using Mayor Wharton as a good example of a mayor who has demonstrated over and over that he’s really dedicated to the arts in a way that’s unique and for the long term. RSVP

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RSVP: Currently, are you a member of any arts organizations?

RSVP: Will you be writing any more about the arts in the future? Jones: I probably will. What I really want to do, but I have to spend some time testing it here, relates to something I’ve been doing for two years, which is working with people across the country about what the outcomes should be of an arts education. For example, I want to be able to tell students who come to MCA for four years what they’ll be able to do with their degree and be specific about it. What happens in studios and classrooms will be guided and formed by what is expected professionally, whether it’s a desire to be a painter, a designer or a videographer. Art schools have been a little lax in how carefully they examine what happens post-graduation, so through a long extended process where I’ve utilized deans across the country to review my ideas, I’ve come up with about a dozen different outcomes. The info would make up about 12 chapters in a book, and I keep thinking that this is inevitably where this info will be. For right now, I’m going to see if I can get MCA to move from where they are to really addressing these 12 things in such

VOX POPULAR

a way that we can really demonstrate to everyone that this is legitimate, logical and reasonable. I’m still in the experiment part of it though, so I’m obviously not going to write a book yet. RSVP: Can you share one of your 12 outcomes of an arts education?

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Jones: One of them is that by the time a student graduates, we should be confident that they can step into and utilize the networks that exist regionally and nationally that put them in positions to have successful opportunities. Those don’t come from want ads in the paper or from making a cold call to someone after graduation. They come from us putting together experiences over a four-year period where students get to know people in networks that are right for them, so by the time they graduate, they should have business cards, cell phone numbers, know people who are part of networks closely related to what their style is and what their temperament is. Right now, this happens, but in a very disorganized way. If you say, “Now, what do I do?” after you graduate, that’s terrible. If a student is in that situation, then it’s a fault of the educational system. Students should know before they graduate what they’ll be doing. You see, being an artist is not like a lot of professions where there are job advertisements or job fairs.

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RSVP: What would you like your mark to be on the art world? Jones: I’m not interested in making a mark on the art world, but I would be very proud if I make a mark on each of the students who graduate at MCA. A group of faculty and staff are also working incredibly hard—they’re very talented and committed people—to move this group of students through a set of experiences that will make a real difference in their lives, in their future and in their families.

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Steak n’ Burger Dinner Arts in the Garden Party JDRF Promise Ball Taste of Jubilee Racquet Club of Memphis was packed to the Tal herafters with guests who turned out for the 40th annuSteak n’ Burger Dinner, benefiting the Boys & Girls

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Denise and Mitch Omar with Paige and Mike Omar at Arts in the Garden Party

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John and Becky Iosue with Vanessa and Jim Hawkins at Arts in the Garden Party

Fred and Lynn Smith at Steak n’ Burger Dinner

Club of Greater Memphis. During a VIP reception, Nick Saban, University of Alabama Head Football Coach, posed for pictures and signed footballs. Saban was the host and speaker at the event, which honored the citywide Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Shannon Wright. The weather was almost as beautiful as the surroundings at the Arts in the Garden Party held at Morgreen Nursery in Collierville. The event, which benefited the Paige Robbins Adult Day Care Center, was filled with art lovers who strolled through the lush gardens as they perused artwork. Guests sipped on wine and Champagne as they enjoyed the canapés being offered on silver trays by servers moving throughout the crowd. Chefs Sam Long and Brian Harwell donated their services preparing epicurean delights such as salmon with herbed Boursin cheese on pita triangles topped with pistachios, smoked turkey meatballs, sausage quesadillas and spinach-artichoke topped crostini. At the entrance to the 11th annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Promise Ball at Agricenter International, guests walked through an Oshaped archway, part of a huge, black wooden OO7 display complete with a gun hitch pointing out the theme, “License to Cure.”BMWs lined the hall to the silent auction area, where cocktail tables were topped with giant martini glasses and the bars were serving up OO7’s signature drink—martinis shaken, not stirred. Partygoers were then ushered into an area transformed into a ballroom, Casino Royale-style. A spirited live auction was conducted during dinner, which was catered by Erling Jensen. Attorney David Wade, who has two daughters with juvenile diabetes, was the night’s honoree. More than 500 supporters of the Diocese of Memphis’ Jubilee Schools gathered at the Pink Palace Museum to celebrate the success of the program, now marking its 12th year. Entitled “Taste of Jubilee,” the party that benefits the Blue Streak Scholarship Fund kicked off with entertainment by the delightful Resurrection Catholic School Choir, followed by Christian Brothers High School’s Brother Joel McGraw tinkling the ivories. Meanwhile, many guests participated in a silent auction or enjoyed tastings from 20-plus area restaurants, including Thyme Bistro’s Cuban bruschetta, Jim’s Place Grille’s Souflima, Rendezvous’ popular sausage and cheeses and Erling Jensen’s blackened flank steak with Andouille bread pudding. MidSouth favorite Gerry Finney and his band rounded out the night with a superb performance. Story by Ruth Cassin and Suzanne Thompson Photos by Roy Haithcock and Suzanne Thompson

Ryne Clark, Nick Saban and Bill Clark at Steak n’ Burger Dinner

Matt and Evlyn Vander Vliet, David and Benlyn Wade and Drs. Julie Kate and Chad Webster at JDRF Promise Ball

Beth Watts and Anna Harris at Taste of Jubilee

Greg and Amy Crone at Taste of Jubilee

Jenna and Austin Lowry at Taste of Jubilee

Wesley and Matt Wade at JDRF Promise Ball

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Brooks Grand Auction

BROOKS GRAND AUCTION

A Fine Finale

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Denise and Don Carpenter

Jodi and Carter Kirk

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t’s not uncommon to see elegance, art and great wine collide at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, but when it happens on a warm spring evening with celebration already in the air, it’s simply grand. The Brooks Grand Auction seemed aptly named. About 300 museum supporters opened the event by strolling the rotunda, which was stocked with regal displays of wine and hot hors d’oeuvres. Guests arrived in a bright array of cocktail attire, with bold-striped blazers and casual slacks for gents and short summery dresses and sandals for the ladies. A handful or two came sporting their “Believe Memphis” shirts in honor of the Grizzlies’ latest victory over Oklahoma City earlier in the day. In fact, the entire event was specifically postponed by two hours so that guests could enjoy the game, resulting in an added measure of energy during the auction. Partygoers nibbled on noshes of bruschetta, pork tenderloin, fried green tomatoes and other tasty treats offered by fine local restaurants like Cortona, Napa Café, Felicia Suzanne’s, Grove Grill and Interim. Twomey Cellars offered a variety of wines from cabernet to pinot grigio for sipping while the crowd took in a silent auction featuring original works of art and more wine by the bottle. Brooks staff, including director Cameron Kitchin and chief curator Marina Pacini, mingled with attendees, who eagerly awaited their turn to bid on the treasures to come. Outside on the museum’s front terrace, a massive white tent had been decorated with plush black carpeting and towering floral centerpieces of hydrangea buds and, of course, more art, to welcome guests into the main event—the grand auction. For this portion, guests found that most of the auctioned paintings were appropriately wine-themed, and one piece of art was even created right before viewers’ eyes. The wine theme was carried out at dining tables, with each place setting set with a myriad of wine glasses for the many courses to come. And once the cork was popped, there was no stopping the excitement of the bidding as piece after piece found its way into new homes.

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Story by Jonathan Devin Photos by Don Perry See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Sarah and Ryan Strain

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EVENT BROOKS GRAND AUCTION Tina Bradley, Pamela Smith and Robin Chandler

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Mark Hatgas and Donna Lillard

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Gift of Life Gala

GIFT OF LIFE GALA

A Night of Thanks

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Bryan Eskew and Britnee Peters

Claire and Dr. James Eason

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hen the average person thinks of a gift, he or she probably conjures up an image of a special item wrapped in a box. However, for those who have received a new kidney or other type of organ transplant, the word “gift” holds a much deeper meaning—that of a second chance at life. One can imagine then the nature of the stories told by both recipients and donors at the 2011 Gift of Life Gala, hosted by the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee for 230 supporters at The Peabody. This year, the foundation fittingly selected the Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute (in partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center) as its Gift of Life Award honoree for the institute’s success with kidney, liver, kidneypancreas and pancreas transplants. Dr. James Eason, the institute’s program director since 2006, accepted the award on behalf of Methodist, which holds one of the highest post-transplant patient survival rates of any hospital in the country. While accepting the accolade, Dr. Eason, said, “I’m grateful this is a team honor,” and it was indeed, as half of the Grand Ballroom accommodated members of the hospital’s transplant surgical and medical team, as well as their families. The program also highlighted several amazing individuals who shared their stories about giving and receiving the gift of life. First up was Thomas Neblett, a 20-year-old man who talked about his diagnosis with FSGS (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) at age 11. Neblett said the disease eventually affected his kidney’s ability to function enough so that he needed a transplant. As it turned out, Matthew Dunn, another speaker at the gala, heard about Neblett’s need for a kidney and ended up donating his. Of his graciousness to his donor and his doctors, Neblett said, “Before surgery, I heard that Memphis was the best place to have this transplant, and I can’t thank you enough.” Christine Tashie took to the podium as the third speaker and packed a punch with the crowd as she relayed her son Ryan’s battle with kidney disease. Tashie’s husband Dino turned out to be the donor Ryan needed, so he donated a kidney to his son. A short slide show aired detailing the family’s experience. The message was brought even closer to home, as attendees viewed other organ recipients’ pictures and stories in frames placed in the center of each table. For added emphasis, two quilt panels were on display in the lobby from the national Patches of Love campaign, which the foundation president, Susan Smith, encouraged guests to view when she said, “These panels are an ever-growing memorial of those who donated tissues or organs after death.” See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Dino and Christine Tashie

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry

Courtney and Daniel Stanton

Corinna and Dr. Luis Campos

Charles and Tonya Holmes

Stacey Payton and Robin Williams

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Michael and Teresa Loving

Gail King and Dr. Pamela Sylvestre

Amos and Chevida Raymond

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EVENT

Theatre Memphis Gala

THEATRE MEMPHIS GALA

“Variety: A Mega Mix and Mingle”

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Christie Fair and Lindsay Mitchell

Thad and Lydia Gaillard RSVP

ccented by regal turquoise tablecloths and other décor, variety was the chosen palette of the evening for the annual Theatre Memphis Gala. Titled “Variety: A Mega Mix and Mingle at Theatre Memphis,” the fund-raiser kept folks dazzled until time to turn into a pumpkin at the theater located on Perkins Extended in East Memphis. From the spread of lamb chops and beef tenderloin to the silent and live auctions that included a mink coat and a cruiser bicycle, variety was unmistakably served to fans and supporters of the stage. But where the troupe really shone was in the entertainment arena. Acts for the evening included comedian Larry Clark, chanteuse Susan Marshall, aerial artist Val Russell and men’s a cappella group RSVP. “We tried to keep everything for our performances locally based,” said the theater’s director of marketing and communications, Randall Hartzog. “Everything we’re going to see tonight are local Memphis people who have created their own niche in the entertainment world. And there’s so much–variety.” After everyone had visited the cocktail buffet, filled their bidding cards and had been fully entertained, the evening culminated in desserts and dancing on the big stage to the tunes of the Susan Marshall Band. “The night passed quickly and everyone seemed to be having great fun, so I’d say it was a huge success,” Hartzog said. “We could not have done this without the help of many, many volunteers, so I thank them for their devotion to Theatre Memphis.” “There was something for everyone and it was all to benefit a great cause, our artistic product, and we’re the oldest and most recognized theater in the city,” added executive producer Debbie Litch.

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

Bob and Cheryl Bowen

Story by Lesley Young Photos by Don Perry

Eric and Emily Pettet

Evelyn Hadley and Jim Frommel

Kristin and Angelo Rapan

Anne Piper and Carroll White

Kelly Phillips, Ann Marie Hall and Erin Shelton

Donn and Faye Southern

EVENT Melissa and John Moore

Travis Bradley and Jordan Nichols

THEATRE MEMPHIS GALA

Christi, Carly and Austin Hall

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Jack Kendall, Andre Ward, Debbie Litch, Gary Beard and Joe Lackie

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Harold and Susan Edwards

Ed Hanna, Dion Murray and Ken Cummins

Teresa and Mac Bailey

John and Whitney Koski

Kyle Schorman with Hallie and Dan Conaway

Congratulations to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital’s

2011 Miracle Maker Family of the Year! The Eggers Family - Hamilton, Ashley, Lilli and Hamilton, Jr. of Rossville, TN

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raised $29,000 for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., treats more than 130,000 children each year in a 255-bed hospital that features state-of-the-art technology and familyfriendly resources. Among the nation’s best, Le Bonheur is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Children’s Hospital.

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Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast CMOM Flashback Party United Housing Evening at the Theater Duration Fine Arts Spring Luncheon uests were urged to “Step Right Up!” at the Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast for a circus-themed Gaffair that was all about family. The annual event took

Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick Jan and Dick Tillman at CMOM Flashback Party

Abigail Smith and Laura Harris at United Housing Evening at the Theater

Bob Coleman, Melinda Rutland and Laura and Tim Bolding at United Housing Evening at the Theater

Nancy Chamblin and Betty Lou Jones at Duration Fine Arts Club Spring Luncheon

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Tom and Liz Baker with Denise and Harold Ware at CMOM Flashback Party

Gerry Thomas and Hilda Mullen at Duration Fine Arts Club Spring Luncheon

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Bill Widdop, Ruthie Samana, Judy Blythe and Randy McKeel at CMOM Flashback Party

place this spring at the Pink Palace Museum and served as a celebratory occasion for families who competed throughout the year to raise the most money for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in the hopes of being named the Miracle Maker Family of the Year. This year, the competitors included the Aylor family (Paul, Jennifer and Sydni), the Banks family (Christopher, Kimberly, Nicole and Christopher Jr.), the Eggers family (Hamilton, Ashley, Lilli and Hamilton Jr.), the Joyce family (Jeff, Kathryn, Katie and Lillie) and the Underwood family (John, Kari, Anna Kathryn, Stephen and William). The Children’s Museum of Memphis debuted its party for the young at heart, appropriately dubbed the Flashback Party. The Avenue Carriage Crossing served as the title sponsor for the gathering that registered high on the fun factor scale, with a wine pull, lots of groovy ‘60s tunes, door prizes and tasty nibbles by Central BBQ, Café Society, the Uptown Grocer and Boscos. All proceeds, which came in at $14,000, benefited CMOM, which is already gearing up for its biggest fund-raiser, Cirque du CMOM, scheduled for February 2012. A year after combining the Duration Club and Dur-Arts into the Duration Fine Arts Club, the organization remains steadfast to its mission of bringing high quality arts-related experiences to its members, like it did at the recent Duration Fine Arts Spring Luncheon. Held at the University Club, the luncheon program featured vocalist Terri Theil, who belted out a vast repertoire of Broadway tunes, and pianist Mary Lawrence Flinn. Afterward, outgoing president Hilda Mullen presented a check from the group to Theil to go toward the Second Conservatory of Music (at Second Presbyterian Church), with the installation of officers ´ rounding out the agenda. “We’ve had an absolutely wonderful year, which has been a year of change,” Mullen said, as she handed over the reins to Gerry Thomas, the new Duration Fine Arts president. Friends of United Housing sponsored the annual United Housing Evening at the Theater, which showcased a special dress rehearsal performance by the cast of The 39 Steps at Circuit Playhouse. Prior to curtain call, patrons mingled in the lobby with cocktails in hand and eyes tempted by “chance auction” goodies. Board members and United Housing executive director Tim Bolding greeted attendees and thanked them for coming out for an event that helps the nonprofit continue its efforts as an affordable housing agency.

Jennifer, Sydni and Paul Aylor at Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast

Kari, John, Anna Kathryn, William and Stephen Underwood at Le Bonheur Miracle Maker Blast

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Pegasus Spring Luncheon Connections: Earth and Sky Spring into Green COMEC Dance Party oods inside the Racquet Club of Memphis were as Mandbright as the day of the Pegasus Spring Luncheon Fashion Show. The queen and princesses of the

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Jessica Fredericks, Selena Silvestro and Michelle Robinson at COMEC Dance Party

Linda Blankenship and Taylor Bunch at COMEC Dance Party

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Ann and Mason Hawkins with Dorothy Gunther Pugh at Connections: Earth and Sky

Doug and Melanie Schrank with Susan and Bryan Larry at Connections: Earth and Sky

Germantown Charity Horse Show first were presented wearing their white gowns. Then, they all donned clothes from the Shops of Saddle Creek and draped themselves in Mednikow jewelry to strut their stuff on the runway. The silent auction, which featured items including a garden starter kit arranged in a bird cage, a Himalayan Salt Lamp and, of course, a stunning oil painting of a horse, closed at the end of the fashion show. Although the weather felt more like early winter than spring as temperatures dipped into the 50s, Ballet Memphis dancers, who performed outside, didn’t let it slow them down. Drawing the Ballet Memphis 24th season to a close, Connections: Earth and Sky, held at the Memphis Zoo, began in the lodge at Teton Trek with cocktails and appetizers. A sumptuous meal provided by Karen Blockman Carrier followed, however ballet fans who did not attend the dinner gathered with picnics on blankets to watch the show, which featured three separate segments each by different choreographers about earth, water and sky. Spring into Green, a juried art show that was a collaborative effort between First Unity Church of Memphis and the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, was a booming success, with planners intending to make it an annual event. “We want to feature local Memphis artists and support the Greenline,” said Ronna Zinn, one of the volunteers. In addition to a silent auction, a delicious buffet was available, and the goal of the event was definitely realized because hot pink “SOLD” signs were going up everywhere. Kids and parents alike hit the dance floor at the Owings Life Enrichment Center in Germantown for a good cause: to raise funds for the Commission on Missing and Exploited Children. Dance hits were in ready supply thanks to DJ Kerry Rogers of Memphis DJs, which was just fine with Michelle Robinson, who got the “Best Dancer” honors, and for Linda Blankenship and niece Taylor Bunch, a duo that picked up the “Best Dance Team” award. Other activities included a silent auction and entertainment by Studio B Dance, teen singing sensation Brittany Russell, the Renegades of Rhythm Drum Line, Desert Rose Dance Company and the Mid-South Buccaneers. Sweet and Sassy also provided complimentary updos, with Angela and Rick Webster, along with daughters Rayna and Rayven, winning the “Best Hair Contest” with their retro look.

Lynn Rivalto Long, Katharine Taylor and Betsy Arthur at Pegasus Spring Luncheon

Lisa Moffat, Sandra Harcrow, Dianne Green and Dorothy Clayton at Pegasus Spring Luncheon

Lisa Bertagna, Seth Green and Kerry Peeples at Spring into Green

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick and Suzanne Thompson Photos by Tran Bui, Selena Silvestro and Suzanne Thompson

Bobby and Elizabeth Rouse, Jan and Ron Coleman and Katie Maxwell at Connections: Earth and Sky

Jim and Christina Hall at Spring into Green

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An Evening of Classic Soul Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival Memphis Brewfest St. Jude Gala ith 14 soul legends hitting the stage and more than W 700 guests strutting it on The Peabody dance floor, R&B singer Peabo Bryson knows how to throw a birth-

John and Kim Brewer at An Evening of Classic Soul

Ham and Julia Smythe at An Evening of Classic Soul

Debbie Simmons, Phil Cannon and Rachel Plant at St. Jude Gala

Kevin Barbee, Ashley James and Richard Holden at Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival

Story and photos by Lesley Young

Dave and Judy Sypkens, Darlene Pruett and Mike Whitfield at An Evening of Classic Soul

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Tim and Pat Corrigan at St. Jude Gala

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day party. Actually, Bryson’s 60th birthday fell in line with The MED Foundation’s special benefit, so they joined forces to create An Evening of Classic Soul. Singers such as Percy Sledge, Dee Dee Sharp and The New Temptations Review, featuring Dennis Edwards, delighted the crowd with classic hits in an effort to raise close to $150,000 for the hospital’s advanced medJoy Simon, Ellen Douglas, Nicole Fox and Karen Vincent ical technology, training and improvements. David Gest emceed the event, and other highlights included silent at Memphis Brewfest and live auctions and a seated dinner. Nothing lets Mid-Southerners know spring is here quite like eating mudbugs at the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival. Held at Wagner Place, the free festival benefits the Porter-Leath Children’s Center, offering buckets of crawfish for $15 and a gumbo-cooking contest for a small entry fee. For those who had a low tolerance for the sun and a big appetite for the crustaceans, Harrah’s provided VIP tickets, which gave access to a covered tent with tables, all-you-can eat crawfish, gumbo and drinks. Lafayette’s Bayou Boys and Webb Dalton supplied the entertainment. From brewing to tasting to pouring, beer can be as much about art as it can be about fun—the Memphis Brewfest managed to be about both. The festival offered 100-plus beers at AutoZone Park to benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy and the Memphis Redbirds Foundation. Upon entering, “hops heads” were given a small glass and had the opportunity to hit two dozen stations where they could notice the appearance, aroma, taste and texture of ales, lagers, stouts and Belgian brews. Food from various vendors was offered John Flanagan, Lisa Bouchier-Hayes, Shelly Burr and Melissa Pourpak to maintain sampling stamina, and taxis were wisely nearby afterward. at Memphis Brewfest St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital operates on a $1.6 million budget daily, with more than 70 percent of that cost covered by public contributions. Its annual fund-raising gala, now called the Memphis St. Jude Gala, is a key player in those operating costs so that no child has to be denied treatment. The event takes place at The Peabody with live and silent auctions, and this year proved to be as grand as ever. The dinner, which included speared petit filet of beef with cabernet jus and herb crusted salmon with basil merlot glaze, had that Peabody verve, and guests were wowed by the playful piano renderings of Jason D. Williams and the Party Planet band. Phil Cannon, tournament director of the FedEx St. Jude Classic, took home the Marguerite Piazza Healing Rose Award, joining the ranks of Danny Thomas, Marilyn and Jack Belz and Richard Shadyac.

Jesse and Michell Jenkins with Brian and Jennifer Kliman at Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival

RSV PHILLIPPI

By Dennis Phillippi

SUPERNERD

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ere’s a confession that will come as a surprise to almost no one: As a kid, I was a huge comic book nerd. At one point, I had hundreds of comics in my treasure trove. Now, I didn’t keep the comics in those special little plastic sleeves or insist that anyone touching them use the kind of care reserved for infants and baby birds. I wasn’t that kind of nerd. I was the kind of nerd who reread comics over and over, obsessing over every detail and plot development. My friends and I would dissect each issue, searching for portents and hints, and then we’d discuss the potential impact of these developments on the lives of the superheroes involved. I was that kind of nerd. Eventually, real books came along and then girls, and that was that for me and Daredevil and his gang. In fact, I can point to the exact moment when I made the transition from comic nerdom to chasing-girls-unsuccessfully nerdom. It was when I gave my entire collection, hundreds of comics, to Molly Wharton’s little brother because I wanted to come over to his house and watch his older sister walk around in a swimsuit. This was an extensive collection, with some issues that would probably be valuable to other nerds now, but I was aging out of the interest and Molly looked really, really good in a bikini. I mention all of this because it seems like every movie that opens number one this summer is based on a comic book, and more to the point, they all seem to be based on comics that were popular when I was reading them, in the mid-70s. Think about it, when was the last time you saw a kid reading a comic book? The only person I ever see flipping through a comic book is me, at a drug store waiting for a prescription to be filled, reading a comic because I don’t want to be caught looking through Cosmo. And even now, the comics are still populated by the same heroes they were back then, Super and Spider men, X groups and other various irradiated or mutated people in tights. That’s right, unlike in the movies, these guys still sit around during their downtime in tights. And masks. In films, that was never going to fly. Ever since Tim Burton re-imagined

Batman as Michael Keaton in rubber muscles, the Spandex thing has been out the window, and rightly so. Except for Scarlett Johansson in Iron Man 2. She should’ve been in tights. Wait, there is one, the Green Lantern sort of wears tights in the new film, but that’s going to be such a weird movie that I don’t think most people are going to dwell on the tights. There are characters with giant purple heads in that movie. Some superheroes wear more ludicrous get-ups than others. Take, for instance, Thor. If you saw the movie Thor, you may have noticed that he is in his Thor suit for very little of the movie, and

Ever since Tim Burton re-imagined Batman as Michael Keaton in rubber muscles, the Spandex thing has been out the window, and rightly so. he almost never wears his helmet with the gigantic white wings on the sides. Wings on heads have been pretty much stricken from the movies. In Captain America, the tiny wings on the sides of his head have been changed to little patriotic decals on his helmet. That was a good call. Many people complain that the film industry has lost all creativity and is just picking at the remaining bones of originality from earlier times. That’s a pretty fair accusation. For every Inception, there is a Hangover II. For every Bridesmaids, there is a Pirates of the Caribbean 6 (How much money does Johnny Depp need?). But as a comic nerd, this works out great. See, I was a Superman and Spiderman fan, but I loved all kinds of heroes, and Hollywood’s desperation has them ransacking the closet and making movies about those guys. The Green Lanterns and the Thors are great, and I get to see them in movies now. That’s excellent. Sometimes, it really is all about me. This brings us to the big gigantic

superhero movie on the horizon: The Avengers. If you didn’t read comics, or you’re, you know, a girl, you may not know the deal with this movie. The Avengers is like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, or yes, they’re a supergroup, but in this instance a really super group. You got your Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Hawkeye and Black Widow, all in the same movie. This worries me because a room can only house so many people wearing outrageously goofy outfits. If you don’t believe me, rewatch The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert sometime. In The Avengers, you’re going to have some scenes where they’re just talking, and they’ll all be wearing these trippy costumes and masks. The fighting will be awesome, with the flying and the superpowers and all that, but the drama is going to be very difficult to take seriously when someone is emoting inside a metal head to a gigantic, angry green guy. When someone storms out of a room in protest, they’ll very possibly be wearing purple, skin-tight leather, and unless it’s Scarlett Johansson, people might just snicker a little. My wife has never read a comic book, and, in fact, she claims that she is incapable of reading one. She can’t figure out which direction she’s supposed to go, and who is saying what. Nonetheless, she is grateful to comics for one thing: They helped her get me out of the habit of biting my fingernails. Honest. This is a true story. We’d been together for just five or six weeks, and we were driving to North Carolina so she could meet, and be judged by, my family. I sat there reading a Thor comic book, biting my nails. My wife said to me, “Do you think Thor bites his fingernails?” And, as the God of Thunder is my witness, I never bit them again. I told you. I am a nerd.

Dennis Phillippi, thanks for sharing your comics obsession, which fortunately for you didn’t end at childhood or otherwise you’d still have gnarly nails. And you’re right about Hollywood recycling all the comic stories of yesteryear into silver screen productions…we just wish you’d get a chance to show off your acting chops in one of them. Wham! Zap! Kaboom!

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his picture, taken in 1929 by Goodman Commercial Photographer, shows Memphian Robert B. Snowden Jr. with investors (mainly friends) in his company, CommandAire, standing in front of the prototype airplane The Little Rocket. The stock market crash later that year would crush their dreams for the fledgling company, based in Little Rock. From left to right are Sidney Farnsworth, Robert B. Snowden Jr., Sam and Marietta Rembert, Unknown, Unknown, George Alexander and Harriet and McKay Van Vleet. Farnsworth happened to be Snowden’s best friend, and Alexander later married Snowden’s sister-in-law, Elaine Patteson Snowden, after John Bayard Snowden was killed in WWII. PHOTO COURTESY OF SW FARNSWORTH III AND KATIE HUTTON, SNOWDEN’S GRANDDAUGHTER If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick 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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A cold day in hell is an average day in Sweden. Go ahead. Tell us it can’t be done. They said a car company founded by aircraft engineers would never fly. We didn't have the sense to listen. In 1947, we put a wing on wheels and never looked back. In the 60's, if you wanted to compete in rally racing, they said you needed a larger, high powered car. We won back-to-back World Championships with nothing more than a little family car. In the 70's, they said turbo power wouldn't work in a mainstream production car. We not only tamed the turbo, we changed the industry forever. In the 80's, they said four-seater convertibles were a thing of the past. We built a cult classic. Fast forward to last year, they said our best days were done. But once again, our ears must not have been working. Because today, Saab is back. We're an independent company flying higher than ever. Case in point, the all-new 9-5 Sport Sedan. The most advanced Saab ever built. To be followed this spring by the capable 9-4X Sport Crossover. Soon after that, an entirely reinvented line up. And we have a lot more coming out of Sweden after that. Just don't expect any of it to follow convention.

For over 54 years, and through a variety of award winning dealerships, the Gwatney family has sold - and serviced - over 250,000 automobiles to happy customers all across the region. We're proud to further our heritage of excellence as your exclusive Saab dealership in the MidSouth! Gwatney Saab of Memphis offers the complete line of world class Saab automobiles backed with total vehicle service as well as the customer satisfaction that made our name famous. Are you ready to move up to Scandinavian design and technology? We're ready for you!

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