August
Theatre Memphis Gala Live at the Garden Salute to Excellence Gala Memphis Music Foundation Birthday BBQ, Bourbon & Beer Tasting Q&A with Mar yanne Lessley
2009
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CONTENTS
Contents August 2009
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Jimi Jamison Best known for his days fronting the band Survivor, who recorded “Eye of the Tiger,” this rock vocalist opens up about his guilty pleasures and biggest obstacles.
Theatre Memphis Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 The Rockin’ Hallelujah Happening provided energetic entertainment with a comedian and jazz music for its guests in order to raise money for Theatre Memphis.
12 THEATRE MEMPHIS GALA Barry Fuller and Ann Sharp
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 & 20 He worked his way to the top of the radio industry and became the announcer who doesn’t sound like one. This man created guitars for legendary rock stars like Elvis Presley and Jimmy Page. StreetSeens spotlight Carter Davis and Tom Keckler.
42 MEMPHIS MUSIC FOUNDATION BIRTHDAY PARTY Kristee Bell and Jill Turner
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22, 34, 44 & 45 AUGUST 2009
Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Q&A with Maryanne Lessley, the Memphis Farmers Market market manager.
RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
4 RSVP
A trek across the city’s party landscape.
Live at the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
36 LIVE AT THE GARDEN Jennifer Kettler and David Pool
The Doobie Brothers brought some classic rock to Memphis at the Memphis Botanic Garden’s summer concert series, Live at the Garden.
Salute to Excellence Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 The American Liver Foundation’s gala was “Back in Full Swing” at the Hilton Memphis, raising more than $84,000.
46 BBQ, BOURBON & BEER TASTING Sabrina and John Wheeler
Memphis Music Foundation Birthday Party . . . .42 The MMF celebrated the Music Resource Center’s first birthday and honored retiring chairman Phil Trenary with a Saint Blues guitar.
BBQ, Bourbon & Beer Tasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 The Lichterman Nature Center held a tasty affair to raise money for the center’s public educational programs.
After Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 A photo collage of the latest business happenings.
40 SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE GALA Jayne and Jimmy Whittington
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 This is It Sports Fans Phillipi offers ways to cope with the summer season’s sports drought for those less inclined to watch baseball. Cover Photo Griff Israel and Jennifer McCullough at University Club Carnival Party Photo by Roy Haithcock
47 AFTER HOURS Josh Pastner and Bo Abbay
Volume XIV
Number XI
August 2009 PUBLISHER
Roy Haithcock EDITOR
Leah Fitzpatrick CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ruth Cassin Kelly Cox Jonathan Devin Dennis Phillippi Lesley Young EDITORIAL INTERN
Maggie Squires ART DIRECTOR
AUGUST 2009
Patrick Aker s
Nathan Berry Roy Haithcock Don Perry Steve Roberts
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SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Toni Ander son ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Libby Huff Chris Pugh ACCOUNTING
Ruth Cassin RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $75.00 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 e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com
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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 or fax to 901-276-7785. e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com Copyright 2009 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
From the Editor
W
AUGUST 2009
Photo by Steve Roberts
hat a wonderful masterpiece I saw a few weeks ago while driving along Big Creek Church Road in Millington. For miles, all that’s visible is a landscape dotted by picture-perfect peach trees in an orchard reminiscent of a Monet painting. The magical place I’m referring to is Jones Orchard, and I was more than overjoyed to have this hidden gem of a setting be the backdrop for the August Vox Popular photo shoot. As soon as I put my car in park, my feet took off! I couldn’t wait to explore the terrain and snag a few peaches during my interview with Maryanne Lessley of the Memphis Farmers Market (MFM), featured on page 24. Not only did I learn from Lessley that the MFM has experienced tremendous growth in its number of patrons and vendors during the last four seasons, but a significant amount of its vendors has been with the market since day one, proving there’s been a consistent desire for fresh produce in the community. To me, it’s great news to hear that consumers are opting to buy locally grown products, thereby making savvy nutritional choices that will hopefully increase their longevity. So, for those of you still questioning whether to visit the MFM or any of its vendors, don’t delay a beneficial experience any longer. Now, onto other notable features: the StreetSeens. The first StreetSeen interviewee you’ll come across on page 18 is Carter Davis, a man of many voices, literally. Davis had a dream of being a radio talent since he was a teen, and he never let anyone tell him he was too young to audition, though he remembers often being laughed at in the beginning. Soon enough, he found himself on the air at a “cornfield station” in Collierville and followed his passion all across the country, until he decided to open up a home studio. Who’s laughing now? For my second StreetSeen, I met with Tom Keckler, or “T.K.” as he’s known amongst his peers, for a lesson on everything guitars at the Saint Blues Guitar Workshop. Keckler has a lot of experience under his belt restoring and customizing guitars for all the greats and even helped co-found Saint Blues, a guitar manufacturer located right here in Memphis. According to Keckler, the whole music business started at Sun Studio and slowly worked its way around the world. How about that for some hometown love? You see, there’s greatness everywhere…you just have to drive off the beaten path every now and then to find it.
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Leah Fitzpatrick editor@rsvpmagazine.com
Singer/Songwriter/Board Member for Rock-N-Jock Charities/U of M Tigers Fan
Hobby: Golf. Ideal vacation spot: My couch. Favorite author: John Grisham. Personal hero: My mom, Dorothy. Guilty pleasure: Chocolate ice cream. One thing you can’t live without: Black stage clothes. Favorite Memphis musician(s): Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. Your mantr a: Treat everybody like you want to be treated. Movie you could watch over and over again: Groundhog Day. Historical figure you most identify with: Elvis, but I wasn’t quite as big as him. First concert: I was playing at it with my band, The Debuts, and we played with Roy Orbison, The Buckinghams and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. Biggest obstacle you’ve overcome: Not being shy on stage because the first time I sang in front of a group, I stood behind the drummer. Your greatest achievement: Winning a People’s Choice Award and being a part of Memphis music.
photo by Steve Roberts
SIGNATURE MEMPHIS AUGUST 2009 RSVP
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Jimi Jamison
EVENT
Theatre Memphis Gala
THEATRE MEMPHIS GALA
heatre Memphis once again put on a dazzling show for 300 guests with its Rockin' Hallelujah Happening Gala, an event that raised money to support the theatre’s artistic endeavors. The humorous invitation matched the wit of the evening's performer Sister Myotis, a comedic character from the Voices of the South Theatre Company, which will be going on tour this coming year. The décor provided a luxurious atmosphere to match guests’ extravagant attire. Ornamentation also echoed the Hallelujah theme with red rose vines elegantly twirled around a church window frame placed on the buffet table. Birdhouses built to resemble churches surrounded the church window frame and were adorned with red roses as well. Party Tenders catered the buffet and served Southern food, such as fried chicken, green beans, boiled shrimp, beef tenderloin, ham and biscuits, casseroles, salads and a dessert bar. Joyce Cobb, a former Theatre Memphis board member, opened the night by playing blues and jazz as background music for the silent auction that was available throughout the night. Choice items up for bids included an NJ Woods painting, Mednikow jewelry, a popular margarita machine and wine. Sister Myotis continued the night by entertaining guests on the Lohrey Stage. The character emphasized the importance and benefits of the performing arts and then conducted a live auction. Theatre Memphis also gave guests a sneak peak showing of Curtains, a light-hearted murder mystery musical. The evening ended with elegantly dressed guests dancing the night away as the rock band Solid Gold played upbeat music in the lower lobby. Debbie Litch, executive producer of Theatre Memphis, was pleased with the event’s success and said, “When Theatre Memphis throws a party it is going to be entertaining. This year we hit a home run!” In addition, gala chair Susan Labovitz and auction chairs Robert and Jennifer Hanusovsky are owed a big thanks for rockin’ the theatre.
Rockin’ Hallelujah Happening
T
AUGUST 2009
Ellen and Tom Prewitt
Nichole Soulé and Steven Hoover
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Bob and Betty Mednikow
Marques Brown and Ashley Bugg Brown
Story by Maggie Squires Photos by Nathan Berry See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Jonathan and Ann Page
Joe Gardner and Valerie Sherman
Melissa and John Moore
Joe Lackie, Gary Beard, Debbie Litch and André Bruce Ward
Josh and Shea Lackie
EVENT THEATRE MEMPHIS GALA
Gregory and Laurie Boller
Martha Roper and Romelle West
AUGUST 2009
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Jenna Newland and Michael Manning
Shane McElveen and Charlotte McElveen
Kelly Phillips, Julia Hinson, Jerre Dye and Scott Duff
EVENT THEATRE MEMPHIS GALA
A FINER TOUCH IN REAL ESTATE.
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AUGUST 2009
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Bill and Becky Maury 751-4311
Kristy Street and Stephen Gipson
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Evergreen Historic District
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Bill Maury
EVENT THEATRE MEMPHIS GALA
Todd Stricklin and Marianne Minton
Sarah and Dennis Norton
AUGUST 2009
Nancy Willis and Ed Adwell
David and Pearl Pollow
Paul and Cristina Guibao
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Ed Hanna and Mary Anna Williamson
Ron and Vicki Olson
Cory Prewitt and Emily Sharpe
Mila McFaden and Steve Good
Jacob Galecki and Davanna Jared
Joan and Arnold Weiss
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STREETSEEN
Carter Davis
AUGUST 2009
The Voice
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S
urrounded by a microphone, throw carpets, CDs, scripts and his regular piping hot cup of coffee, Carter Davis prepares for his daily shout-out to the masses from his private, home recording studio. Specializing in radio and television imaging in the U.S. and abroad, Davis is the guy clients hire when they want an announcer who doesn’t sound like one. He says, “I’ve been told I have a voice that cuts through. What I think people are saying is that my voice has certain frequencies that cut through the static.” At age 15, Davis had already developed ambitions of being on the airwaves and sent several demos to local radio stations, only to be ridiculed. Eventually, WPIP out of Collierville hired him to be a deejay. Davis remembers doing block programming for three hours a week at the station in a spot that was dedicated to teenagers. He jokes that he probably only had two listeners, but he did-
n’t care. What he was more worried about was the transmitter. “I was scared of the transmitter because I thought I had to shut down at sunset due to FCC regulations, so I would often speed up my program’s final song, the national anthem, to get off in time,” he says. The gig at WPIP lasted two months, but the experience helped Davis land a job at FM 100 when he was 19. He ended up doing the morning show at the station for two years, before heading to WHBQ, where he became “David Clark in the Dark.” So, from 7 p.m. to midnight, Davis deejayed, during the time period (1969-1972) he refers to as the best musical years. Working alongside radio icons like George Klein and Rick Dees didn’t hurt either. “The personality format was just a scream,” he says. “It was so much fun because we really put on a show, and my voice
started to change and do great things.” After 1979, Davis left Memphis to pursue programming manager jobs for stations in Houston, Mobile, Birmingham and St. Louis, all the while lending his voice for station imaging, or branding. By 1990, he’d returned to his Memphis roots to set up a home studio with all used equipment and has since never gone “off the air.” Seventy percent of his business remains TV and radio imaging, but he also does business promotions, movie trailers and narrations. However, comedic commercials are his forté. He smiles, “I get a little embarrassed sometimes if I sound too confident, so I’ve learned to never take myself too seriously.” Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
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AUGUST 2009
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STREETSEEN
Tom “T.K.” Keckler The Go-To Guy for Guitars
AUGUST 2009
D
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own the street from Sun Studio stands the Saint Blues (St. Blues) Guitar Workshop, a lesser-known Memphis must-see, but a place any musician should venture to meet Tom “T.K.” Keckler, if for nothing else. A cofounder of St. Blues back in the early ‘80s, Keckler rents a space at the front of the building where he repairs guitars, a trade he first learned at Mike Ladd’s Guitar City. From the beginning, he lucked out with an impressive clientele. “When Mike and I started taking guitars and souping them up, Jimmy Page with Led Zeppelin came in the store, and we also did a custom guitar for Elvis for his birthday, and he loved it,” Keckler says. Following his stint with Ladd, Keckler became the chief guitar engineer for Schecter Guitar Research in California, but eventually found himself back in Memphis designing a custom line of guitars for Strings and Things. The original prototype he built for the line was called a tele-paul, but later became known as a Bluesmaster. The brand, which began as S&T Customs Workshop Guitars, also evolved into the name St. Blues. Well-known musicians soon took note of the Bluesmaster’s high quality craftsmanship and sound, and the brand’s fanbase grew to include Jeff Beck, Bono, Eric Clapton, Billy Squier and Billy Gibbons, to name a few. He adds, “Oddly enough, getting a star to be seen with your instrument is still a major weapon.” Though St. Blues achieved impressive success, the line was put to a halt in 1989, giving Keckler the chance to upstart T.K.’s Guitar Services. Twenty years later, he still restores and builds guitars for his loyal clients at T.K.’s, but he has also rejoined the St. Blues family, after Bryan Eagle revived the company three years ago by purchasing the trademark. So, from the wee hours of the morning until noon, Keckler goes into work mode at T.K.’s and ventures downtown to St. Blues after lunch to meet with new clients and show visitors what makes the boutique guitar manufacturer unique. “Guitar trends are constantly changing, but our guitars have traditional lines that endure, and a wood guitar still has something that can’t be duplicated by one made with composites,” he says. Keckler acknowledges that survival has been his biggest accomplishment in the business, but the recent opening of the St. Blues 25th anniversary exhibit at the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is an honor as well. The first part of the exhibit highlights the early years of the company and its founders, and the second part features the St. Blues story, complete with memorabilia from 1984 to 1989. He’s gotten a warm response from his friends about the exhibit, which will move into a permanent spot in the museum next year, and smiles when he thinks how much joy working on guitars has given him through the years. “I decided a long time ago that if I couldn’t be an astronaut, then working on guitars is the next best thing,” he says. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photo by Steve Roberts
ONSITE
Onsite
Baddour Center Gala Brooks Patrons Dinner Ennead Clubroom
M
ore than 600 people celebrated the Baddour Center’s 30th anniversary at the Hilton Memphis.
Celebrate the Legacy: 30 Years The gala, which had a “C of Hope” theme, spotlighted the Baddour Center and its members, boasted performances by The Miracles and the Baddour Center Choir and concluded with a dance. FedEx, Lipscomb & Pitts Insurance and two Don and Sue Davis with Mary Phelps at Baddour Center Gala
anonymous donors sponsored the occasion to support the center’s continued assistance to adults with intel-
Carol Chumney and Don Tillilie at Ennead Clubroom
lectual disabilities. The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art gave 120 guests a memorable black-tie dining experience at the Brooks Patrons Dinner. Chef Wally Joe of the Brushmark Restaurant and other renowned chefs prepared the delicious five-course dinner that they paired with wines from California’s Spring Mountain region for W ine Co. also auctioned off vacation excursions, artwork, jewelry and rare wines to benefit the Brooks’ outreach and programming efforts. Barbara, Anne Marie and Phil Swift at Baddour Center Gala
Musical The Grand Krewe of Ennead hosted a “M
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Celebration of Carnival Memphis” during its annual
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AUGUST 2009
museum supporters and vintners. Hart Davis Hart
Ennead Clubroom. The party unfolded at the U of M
Robie Hoffman and Billy Britton at Ennead Clubroom
Holiday Inn, where Queen McK ay Clark and King James Driscoll were presented before their fellow Enneadians, who danced the night away to music by the Legends of Rock. Robie Hoffman served as krewe chairman, and William Raiford assumed the flagman duties for the festivities. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick and Maggie Squires Photos Submitted and by Leah Fizpatrick Cory Coffman and Rainey Rogers at Baddour Center Gala Rick Seal and Debra Beard at Ennead Clubroom
Chris and Christina Millard at Brooks Patrons Dinner
Robin Cooper, Carrie Hanlon and Fiona Barnett at Brooks Patrons Dinner
Norma Upshur and Katie Kitchin at Brooks Patrons Dinner
AUGUST 2009 RSVP
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9 NOTTING CREEK COVE
VOX POPULAR
Vox Popular Q&A with Maryanne Lessley
A
RSVP: Did any of your childhood experiences shape your love for fresh produce?
AUGUST 2009
Lessley: I think they did. I grew up on a farm in Bartlett, but it wasn’t a working farm. It was just my dad’s hobby. I have three older brothers, and they were the ones who really had to do the work. [Laughs] I think I really developed a love for the farm because I wasn’t doing the work. I have now started a garden at home with five tomato plants from Keith Forrester at Whitton Farms. He grows these little cherry tomatoes, and they’re like candy. There’s purple, yellow, green and red, and he mixes them all together. They were my addiction last year. I also have herbs.
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RSVP: What are some goals you hope to accomplish through your market manager job at the MFM? Lessley: Our mission and goal is to bring healthy options to people, and really, for me, that’s the key to turning our entire health issues around. It’s not just about having foods coming from a close distance, but it’s also about the taste. If children are eating tasteless produce from a grocery store, they’re not going to grow up wanting to eat vegetables. It’s about having kids that enjoy and appreciate dinner that’s full of nonprocessed foods. Hopefully, being in downtown, it opens up some opportunities for folks who don’t have access to grocery stores. I hope it becomes so popular that people are taking the bus down and really making use of what’s available to them. RSVP: What’s been the most rewarding part of your job so far? Lessley: The most rewarding part has been to see the farmers benefit and have a sustainable business opportunity within the market and to do well. I’ve visited farms and seen how the farmers do what they do, and it is hard work. To see that work paid off with people buying produce from the farmers and being excited about the market is a feel-good thing. People are happy with the product they’re getting, and the farmers are thrilled because they’re getting to sell a
Photos by Don Perry
s Americans grow increasingly health conscious, our choices in healthful fare are becoming more abundant thanks to grassroots efforts from groups like the Memphis Farmers Market (MFM). Now in its fourth season, the downtown marketplace for fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers, as well as innovative arts and crafts, boasts 63 vendors and is attracting record numbers on market days, which occur every Saturday from April to October at the pavilion behind Central Station. With peaches expected to be one of August’s biggest sellers, it seemed fitting that RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick meet with Maryanne Lessley, the MFM market manager, at one of the market’s original vendors, Jones Orchard, to discover why buying local never tasted so good or felt so rewarding. product for a fair dollar, instead of selling it to a grocery store for a quarter of what they could get at the market. I’m not anti-grocery store by any stretch, but when something is in season, there’s just not a replacement at a grocery store to get the real thing. Hopefully, people will develop that taste, so they seek it out. RSVP: What’s the most unusual item you’ve seen for sale at the market? Lessley: I heard that someone had a green eggplant, which I had never heard of, but there’s also been Asian melon, which looks like a big honeydew melon. The Vus—Ly Vu, who was probably there the first year—grow a lot of different Asian items. We’ve had someone with lemongrass come. Shiitake mushrooms have been new this year. RSVP: What are some of the arts and crafts that are sold at the market? Lessley: The arts and crafts are made from natural materials, and they’re for use in the kitchen or garden. So, we have potters, who throw their own pottery. We have a couple of guys who are woodworkers that make wooden salad bowls that are phenomenal. We also have the goat milk and herbal soap vendors. RSVP: What’s the farthest a vendor can be located from the MFM to participate? Lessley: Our farthest vendor is in East Tennessee, West Wind Farms. We kind of have an unwritten policy about allowing vendors from all of Tennessee, north Mississippi and eastern Arkansas. It’s kind of neat being located where we are because we have what Kelly English [of Restaurant Iris] calls “terroir.” Terroir has to do with the soil, the terrain and the climate being different in each place, so even though you have the same product, it’s still going to taste a little bit different. So, we try really hard to keep that mix of vendors. RSVP: Are items at the market certified organic?
Continued on page 28
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Lessley: West Wind Farms is our only certified organic grower, and they bring primarily meat products. Many of our growers grow without chemicals or pesticides, but just aren’t certified organic. The great thing about the market is you can talk to the farmers and ask them about their products. You build a certain amount of trust with the vendors to know what you’re comfortable with purchasing. RSVP: What other activities occur during market days? Lessley: We always try to have at least one thing a week, whether we have a themed event, like the Honey Week, or children’s events, like on Mother’s or Father’s Day where we have a card-making section. We try to build our themes around what’s going on or what’s coming in, like it’s Red, White and Blueberry Week this week. We also have a dogsitter available, since the Downtown Animal Hospital comes every week. Dogs can’t be in the pavilion around the food due to health codes, so we don’t want people to be discouraged and not come just because they have dogs. RSVP: On an average Saturday, how many people visit the MFM?
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AUGUST 2009
Lessley: This year, we’ve averaged about 2,000 people per market, which is considerably higher than last year, and we do counts every hour on the half hour. We keep track of the number of visitors, so we can mark where we are now and where we’re planning to go. Last year, we had about 50,000 visitors, and we’re on track to do close to 60,000 this year. I think as the word gets out, the market will continue to grow. It’s been great because our vendors have changed the 28 amount they grow to accommodate for the increase in the number of visitors. RSVP: For visitors to the market in August, what kinds of produce can they expect to find? Lessley: There will still be tomatoes, watermelons, peaches, blueberries, squash and peppers. There will also be lots of fresh flowers, like zinnias, sunflowers and gladiolas. National Farmers Market Week is also in August, and we will be doing some special events to honor farmers nationwide. RSVP: What is your favorite market memory? Lessley: Right now, the one that stands out entails two volunteers who met last season at the market and are getting married this year. We wanted them to have a market-themed wedding, but they didn’t go for that [laughs]. After it was all said and done, we decided we’re going to throw a party for them. RSVP: Is there a cookbook people can purchase with some of the MFM recipes? Lessley: The cookbook came out the middle of July, and people can buy it at the market. Chefs, volunteers, vendors and shoppers have all submitted recipes for the book. We also sell tee shirts, with all proceeds going back to the market, which is important because we’re a nonprofit. All the sales the vendors have go back with them, so they only have to pay us a small vendor fee to be there. I do want to mention that American Farmland Trust and Local Harvest have Web
sites [farmland.org and localharvest.org] that are doing a “vote for your favorite farmers market program,” so be sure to vote. RSVP: Does the MFM currently have enough volunteers or does it need more? Lessley: We always need more volunteers and help. There are about 30 volunteers during market day, and we have two shifts. There are also people who volunteer for committees, like the marketing committee, community relations, vendor committee, fund-raising and grants, so any of those things you have a special interest in would be great to get involved in. RSVP: What are some of the MFM’s fund-raisers? Lessley: The Memphis Farmers Market Dinner Tour is big for us. The participating restaurants buy local produce, and when the market’s open, they buy from the market and make dinner from those ingredients. A percentage of the money made at those dinners comes back to the market. The Harvest Celebration is another big fund-raiser that usually has 16 participating restaurants that come in and offer tastings, and we have an auction at that event. Our auction is great because we get vendors to donate items. Jones Orchard, for example, donated a tree, so that tree is roped off and the highest bidder gets all the peaches from that tree. We’ve had a beekeeper who’s offered bidders a chance to bring their kids out to learn about honey and see a real working hive. We have farm dinners, where a chef will come cook at your home, and some of the vendors donate a basket of produce every week, so you can come pick up your basket every Saturday at the market. These are things you can’t get at every auction. RSVP: How do you think the market has evolved since it started in 2006? Lessley: I think when it started, it was more about just having fresh food downtown. Now, it’s really made a metamorphosis into being real for these farmers. This is the farmers’ livelihood. This is bringing back the farmland in our area and community. It’s become a bigger picture than just having fruits and vegetables downtown. Building this network and seeing how real it is for these farmers and giving them an opportunity to sell to the public is what it’s morphed into. Hopefully the kids that are coming to the market will decide to grow their own vegetables some day because we don’t want family farms dying out. RSVP: How will the MFM continue to benefit the Memphis community? Lessley: It’s a place where people can get together in a safe and fun environment downtown, and I think it has brought a good vibe or reputation there. When you’re getting more people downtown, they’re going to see that there are more things to do. Hopefully, the health aspects will take off—that’s certainly something that would impact the community and show that there’s viability for other markets in the area and spread the same type of spirit. As the circle grows, I hope more farmers will be encouraged to farm and more land converted to useful, productive farmland.
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A Trek Across the City’s Party L andscape Carnival Memphis Fashion Extravaganza “Rags to Riches”
AUGUST 2009
The theme of the Carnival Memphis Fashion Extravaganza may have been “R Rags to Riches,” but no rags were in sight at this event. The regal queens of the Grand Krewes of Carnival and stylish designers made the luncheon feel like an escape to New York City, while at the same time drawing awareness to the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, Streets Ministries and
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30 Youth Villages. Hundreds of guests gathered at the Hilton Memphis for the affair that began with an hour of conversation and drinks. A luncheon followed at noon and offered a grilled chicken and fruit salad with a tangy lemon cake for dessert. Carnival Memphis President Johnny Pitts thanked all for coming and opened with a prayer, while Carnival King Keith Barton and Carnival Queen Paige Phillips awarded medals to those who had truly helped them and people who made the event possible. Then the Secret Order of the Boll Weevils made a surprise appearance at the beginning of the
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show, showering guests with Mardi Gras beads and pouring foam on the Carnival king and queen. After the Boll Weevil chaos ended, the fashion show commenced as the each of the queens of the Grand Krewes paraded down the runway in gorgeous, intricately designed ball gowns. Next came a showcase from local designers. For this segment of the show, flashing lights and loud music were used to set the high fashion tone. Recycled Inspirations by Emmanuelle C. Jones featured items that most people throw away such as newspaper and caution tape as cleverly created ensembles. Crazy Beautiful’s clothes had an edgy urban look, with models sporting matching black bobs with oversized sunglasses. The designer also used many animal prints, neon colors and big funky belts that gave the clothes a city slicker edge. Gloria’s models strutted down the runway wearing floor-length glittering gowns and retro cocktail dresses. The show concluded with designs by Wylder Flett, whose models looked like fashion-forward villains sporting the colors black and red, corsets, fishnets and studded leather. The fashion show felt like a very
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vogue event and a special thanks goes to Sheila W ilson and Llana Smith Rada for producing and directing it. Other guests that came dressed to the nines included Lanetta Lanier, Judy Jones, Dr. Greta Coger, Martha Thweatt, DeAnne Gammon, Kevin and Barbara Bentley, Vernon Smith, Billie Jean Graham, Kim Pitts, Lisa Guyton, Jana Davis Lamanna, Teresa Searcy, Kate Orgill Smith, Eve Gammon, Charity Arnold, McK ay Docker y Clark, Ed Galfsky,V Vicki McCullogh, K athy Smith, Lisa Grayson, K athy Christiansen, Jennifer Hobson, Ellen Patrick and Cathy Welsh. Story and photos by Maggie Squires
“Cigars Under the Stars” benefiting Tickets for Troops
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Tickets for Troops held its inauguCigars Under the Stars“ at ral fund-raiser “C the Memphis Zoo. Founders Tony and Suzy Benedetti conceived the idea to start the organization after attending a sporting
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Spirit of SRVS Kick-off Benefit Performance What’s better than a great party? A great party with a great prelude party, of course. Shelby Residential and Vocational Ser vices (SRVS) gave partygoers a taste of its upcoming annual fund-raiser with the Spirit of SRVS Kick-off hosted by Playhouse on the Square. About 100 people braved a sweltering late June heat wave to attend the hour-long reception, which pre-
AUGUST 2009
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event one gorgeous afternoon at which veterans were invited to stand and be recognized. Tony, a former Marine, had an a-ha moment. Wouldn’t it be great if more Mid-South servicemen and women could enjoy this? Partnering with local corporations, Tickets for Troops has taken 40 military families to events like Grizzlies games and Live At The Garden concerts. This particular fundraising event began with the presentation of colors by U.S. Susan and Mike Swain Naval Sea Cadets, followed by the Jeremy Schrader Band, who set the mood with some swinging jazz standards. Meanwhile, men and women alike enthusiastically partook of cigars provided by The Tinder Box. Thanks to Victor L. Robilio Co., W illiam Grant and Sons USA, United Liquors and Forest Hill Wine Merchants, there were many libations to choose from, including tastings of four premium scotches. Guests also enjoyed a casual supper courtesy of Cindy Krag Catering. “Getting out to a family-friendly event gives returning troops a fun opportunity to reconnect with their families and the community,” said Suzy. “It’s a welcome-home experience. They’re not looking for a thank you, but this is a way to show our gratitude.” Tony and Suzy Benedetti Some families have been separated for up to 18 months, and although Tickets for Troops only got its start in 2008, several recipients have already been re-deployed overseas. The organization hopes to serve 120 military families in 2009. Those supporting the cause included Zeke and Lori Logan, Sam and Sara Goff, Mike and Susan Swain, Jerr y Easley, Michelle Batts, John Ez zell, Ben Reader, Debbie Barksdale, Adam Couch, Latham Oates, Heather Hight, John Arnold, Daniel DeHaan and Ceci Nordeman.
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ceded a matinee performance of the Broadway musical RENT. SRVS executive director Jeffrie Bruton and event co-chair Anne Wesberr y welcomed arriving guests at the door. Attendees like Brennan Tolliver, Jason Jacques, Marlee Howard, Sara Qualls, Pamela Smith, Paige Fair, Judy Griffin, Carole Massey, Charlotte McKinney, Fred Wesberr y and Annie Wesberr y munched on light hors d’oeuvres and sipped wine in Playhouse’s Memphian Room, but the real purpose of the Playhouse benefit was to kick off SRVS’ largest annual fund-raiser titled the Spirit of SRVS Auction Affair, scheduled for August 22 at the Hilton Memphis. 2009 marks the 11th year that the auction has been offered and the third year for the Playhouse benefit. SRVS’ mission is to support individuals with disabilities in need of employment and residential assistance. “I have two sons who live in SRVS homes, and I am always thankful and impressed by the way our SRVS staff Jeffrie Bruton and Anne Wesberry takes care of them,� said John Barzizza, the SRVS board chair. Half an hour before show time, Barzizza introduced artist Connie Lampen and unveiled her original poster art for this year’s auction affair. The artwork will be auctioned off at the main event. “I am deeply honored to be the guest artist this year,� said Lampen. “SRVS is very dear to my heart. I have seen the many remarkable things SRVS does for individuals.� At the stroke of three o’clock, the delighted crowd packed in
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the theatre to enjoy an afternoon of music, drama, and thankfully, air conditioning. Some of those filling the theatre seats and supporting SRVS were Erik Grubbs, Megan Thomas, Richard W illiams, Jason Kostrzewa, Javier Aponte, Parker and Dottie Harness, Cindy Gauthier, Marc Miller, Cher yl Anderson, Walt Henley, Mark and Debby Salvatore, Larr y and Anne Staudenmyer, Christy Shipp and Lee Flowers.
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Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
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Beneath a canopy of towering trees, more than 100 Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliar y members and their guests enjoyed an al fresco dining experience during the group’s Summer Barbecue. Former auxiliary president Dianne Champlin and her husband, Brad, opened up their backyard for SA A Corral” that had parthe “S tygoers sporting their best Western attire. Playing the perfect hostess in turquoise jewelry and a zebra-print cowboy hat, Dianne said, “Isn’t this so much fun? I really appreciate you all coming, and please help yourself to all this food because we have more than Joanie Alperin and Shirley Condon enough.” With Dianne’s coaxing, guests dismissed their shyness and scooted up to the buffet line. Corky’s catered the affair that featured grilled burgers and hot dogs, slaw and tortilla chips with salsa. Dessert included brownies and an assortment of ice cream for guests wanting brownies a la mode. Perhaps the highlight of the dinner hour was the musical entertainment provided by Toof Brown and the Steamboat Rollers, an extraordinary group of musicians and singers in their 80s. Playing to the theme, guests were handed red bandanas at the door and could participate in a photo op by sticking their faces in a cowboy and cowgirl wood cutout. No one left empty-handed, but some guests got more than one party favor as red cowboy hats were awarded to those sitting in the “winner’s chair” at each table. Those enjoying the festivities were Linda Mathis, Esther Prieto, Martha McGuire, Florence Leffler, Marguerite Piaz za, Shirley Condon, Doris Hill, Majors Mark and Rhea Dawn Woodcock, John and Marsha Dunlap, Carol Wolf, Becky Geisewite, Nelda Hamer, Shirley and Jack Henry Arlene Southern, Hilda Mullen, Tommie Pardue, Tom and Blanche Tosh, Nancy Crosby, Jack and Shirley Henr y, Joanie Alperin, Arthur Oliver and Clar and Clarice Cox.
AUGUST 2009
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Sphinx Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion Show Ptolemy Clubroom University Club Carnival Party
T
he Grand Krewe of Sphinx kicked off Carnival Memphis week with the Sphinx Queen’s Luncheon
and Fashion Show at the Racquet Club of Memphis. Many wore their sparkling crowns to the event, since the occasion honored all Carnival queens, including Sphinx Queen Judy Jones. Guests dined at tables outfitted with black and white linens, while All About Ginger Poteete with Virginia and Tony Cortese at Sphinx Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion Show
Weddings and 2 Girls and A Trunk displayed their designs in the highly anticipated fashion show.
Sandy Frazier and Nayla Nassar at University Club Carnival Party
Throughout Carnival Memphis week, royalty of the Grand Krewes kept busy fulfilling the Children’s Charity Initiative of the organization, raising awareness for the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, Streets Ministries and Youth Villages. To give them a break from the hard work and pomp and pageantry, the Grand Krewe of Ptolemy offered an opportunity to
let their hair down and kicked their feet up for a fun
34
evening of relaxation and recreation.
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trade in formal attire for flip-flops, grass skirts and Hawaiian tops at its Surfin’ Safari Clubroom. Held at the University Club, the party brought out the theme with Mai Tais, music, shades and surf gear, as guests
Sally Coleman and Angela Moore at Sphinx Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion Show
Grace Swaney and Gil Uhlhorn at University Club Carnival Party
The University Club Carnival Party sailed away with a shipwrecked theme in the University Club’s ballroom. Around 400 guests enjoyed the nautical décor, while the groovy ‘70s band Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster provided the beat. Festival Princess Leslie Alice Craddock represented the University Club at the event that closed out Carnival Memphis’ 2009 festivities. Story by Maggie Squires and Lesley Young Photos by Roy Haithcock, Maggie Squires and Lesley Young Sue Ellen and Carl Rainey at University Club Carnival Party
Russell McDaniel and Judy Jones at Sphinx Queen’s Luncheon and Fashion Show
Marjorie Baker and Susie Bjorklund at Ptolemy Clubroom
David and Autumn Porter with Christine Groves and Ford Wilkinson at Ptolemy Clubroom
Michael Thannum and George Gates at Ptolemy Clubroom
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ood ole fashioned rock ‘n’ roll never dies, and neither does America’s devotion to the sound we call our own. For example, take the recent Doobie Brothers concert, which was attended by 5,500 Memphians during the Memphis Botanic Garden’s summer concert series, Live at the Garden. The band has been around for close to 40 years and remains a timeless musical treasure for a loyal fanbase. Despite the thermostat reaching 100 degrees earlier in the day, the second concert of the 2009 Live at the Garden lineup brought out the best in talent and picnickers. Blankets and coolers in tow, guests hurried through the gates to stake out the ideal spot, but no spot was really a bad one thanks to giant screens that had been strategically hung overhead. As for food, concertgoers could bring their own or make a trip to the venue’s hot dog stand or Hog Wild & A Moveable Feast Catering booth, which offered a pre-order option for those wanting to call ahead for their orders. Those in the Encore section, a VIP area up front, readied their tables with wine buckets, fresh flowers and lanterns. Underneath a white tent to the side of this section, some 2,000 Encore ticket holders could also cool off with an array of beverages at the bar or sample hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Wade & Company Catering. The tent’s down-home feel resonated well with this crowd, who enjoyed cheesy garlic biscuits, mashed potatoes and country store grits with cast iron skillet sautéed shrimp, all served in dishes displayed on top of empty beer boxes and old shutters with glass tops. The summer heat soon mellowed a bit, and the magic of the outdoor concert began. With the band’s eagle logo draped behind the stage, the eight-member strong group gave the audience just what it had been hoping for in a set that included “Jesus is Just Alright,” “Long Train Running,” “Black Water,” “Listen to the Music” and “China Grove.” With only two concerts left this season, nab your tickets now for Heart on August 15 and the Moody Blues on September 4. Not only will you experience great live music, but you’ll be contributing to the Memphis Botanic Garden’s general operating fund.
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Average Household Income. . . . . . . . . . .$147,000 per year. 58.16% have HH incomes greater than . $75,000 per year. Female Readers . . . 59.2% Male Readers . . 40.8% Marital Status . . . . . . . . . 62.2% married Home Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81.3% Education: Attended/Graduated College plus . . . . . .83.0% Have Post graduate degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21.6% 88.6% . . . . Purchased a Product or Visited a Store due to Advertising in RSVP. 42.6% . . . .Traveled Abroad during the past year. 52.% . . . .Eat out at least 3 times per week. 30,000 copies delivered monthly throughout
Hal and Paula Griggs with Amy and Greg Crone
the Affluent Shopping Areas of Greater Memphis From Harbor Town to Collierville.
www.ArborsRiverOaks.com riveroaks@fogelman-properties.com
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Chey and Bill Widdop
Bob and Anita Beachum
EVENT LIVE AT THE GARDEN Emily Burnette and Beth Flanagan
AUGUST 2009
Beth and Jeff Allison
Eric Trier, Kelly Klenk and Ken Fortney RSVP
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Julie and Odran Campbell
Jennifer Green and Jonathan Hicks
Lisa Clay, Laura Leike and Kevin Speed
EVENT SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE GALA
he American Liver Foundation’s Mid-South division took a oneyear hiatus from hosting the Salute to Excellence Gala, but the event was “Back in Full Swing” in 2009 at the Hilton Memphis. The group’s supporters truly did “swing” the night away, as they honored Methodist Healthcare, Dr. Jaquelyn Fleckenstein and Dax Ottinger, a four-year-old liver transplant recipient, for their contributions to furthering ALF’s mission. Zoot suits and flapper-style dresses worn with pearls and feather hair accessories were the preferred attire for the party that paid homage to the Big Band Era. And some 250 guests readily embraced the costume craze, as well as the opportunity to give back to an organization that’s aiding research for better treatments and cures for liver disease. Currently, some form of liver disease, including hepatitis, affects 30 million Americans, but the more than $84,000 attendees raised during the event will hopefully help treatment providers reduce this number for future generations. Attendee Jayne Whittington said, “We wouldn’t be anywhere else tonight…my husband’s a liver cancer survivor thanks to Dr. James Eason [the leadership council president for the ALF’s Mid-South division].” Though the cause was serious, the occasion called for a fun evening of jumpin’ and jivin’. Festivities began with a VIP reception in the Southeast Ballroom, which had been decorated with streetlights, black and white cutouts of couples dancing and top hats spilling forth with red and white feathers and strands of pearls, as well as music notes hanging from white Chinese lanterns. As the VIP hour ended, other guests streamed in for the opening of the silent auction that included a “Gamblin’ Man Package” to Hollywood Casino, a “Relax and Unwind Package” to the Alluvian Hotel and Spa and a “Play Ball Package” for four box tickets to see the Memphis Redbirds. Guests could also purchase martini glasses painted with music notes by volunteers for $25 each, or pay $20 for a chance to unlock the key to a birdcage that held an Anne Klein necklace and earrings set. For the dinner hour, guests relocated to the Tennessee Ballroom for a meal of roasted asparagus and hearts of palm salad, seared salmon and spinach-stuffed chicken served with Yorkshire pudding and a choice of lemon Italian cream cake or white chocolate tuxedo cake for dessert. Afterward, the Memphis Doctor’s Band supplied the night’s spirited sound, while the Red Hot Lindy Hop Dance Club showed off some hot moves. A live auction, featuring Rebecca jewelry from Mednikow, an official NBA jersey from the 2008 All-Star game and an MD-11 FedEx flight simulator experience, rounded out the swingrific agenda. Story by Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Don Perry See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
AUGUST 2009
Salute to Excellence Gala “Back In Full Swing”
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Judy and Winn Stephenson
Barbara and Ricky Parham
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Nicole and Dr. James Eason
Shan McAllister and Ashley Dorroh
Coy D. Fitch, Katie and Dr. Jaquelyn Fleckenstein and Rachel Farr Fitch
Tanner Goodrich and Stephanie Comte
Charlotte and Mike Stewart
Kevin and Kim Humphries
John and Candy Gossett
EVENT Kristy and Andy Reuter
Ryan and Tonya Shackelford
George and Erma Storay
SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE GALA
Amy and Mark Smith
AUGUST 2009
Dr. Satheesh Nair and Yamini Menon
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EVENT MEMPHIS MUSIC FOUNDATION BIRTHDAY PARTY
f Memphis means music, then the Memphis Music Foundation (MMF) means celebrating the artists that make the Bluff City feel like home. And the organization did just that with the party it held for the Music Resource Center’s first birthday during South Main’s popular Trolley Night. Foundation supporters came out for the occasion that began with an invite-only reception to honor the retiring chairman, Phil Trenary. The MMF board of directors hosted this reception to recognize Trenary, president and CEO of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. (the official airline of the MMF), for his past eight years of service to the local music industry. Dean Deyo, the MMF president, also thanked the outgoing chairman by presenting him with a Saint Blues guitar. When asked if he played guitar, Trenary smiled, “I do a little bit, but my 14-year-old son does, so he’ll love this guitar.” As the reception ended, the party opened to hundreds of other attendees, who streamed into the MMR office throughout the evening for music by Queens of Zion and Battle Victorious. Decorated with blue and white balloons, the MMR’s Music Resource Center, an interactive library that offers tools that help local musicians achieve success in the music business, proved the perfect place to beat the summer heat. The center recently added a benefits program for members by partnering with businesses around town to offer musicians discounts on goods and services, from studio time to promotional opportunities. Outside, the action picked up with a street party, complete with grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Live music, including performances by Black Rock Revival, Sore Eyes, Good Luck Dark Star and Teflon Don with special guest “Young Producer Kris,” was also on the menu that showed Memphians have good taste…musically, that is.
AUGUST 2009
Memphis Music Foundation Birthday Party For the Music Resource Center
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Dean Deyo and Phil Trenary
Lawrence Parrish and Tarcia Gilliam
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Ashlee Bennett and Julie Green
Paul and Vladia Gomez
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Mike Tagen and Amalur Munoz
Joey and Amy Dudek
Bubba and Leslie Gower
Jarrett King, Lori Spicer and Lauren Anderson
Leah and Brice Stokes
EVENT Abhinav Bhargava and Carmen Sandoval
Sharon Gray and Kris Kourdouvelis
AUGUST 2009
Janice Prezzato and Paul Speer
MEMPHIS MUSIC FOUNDATION BIRTHDAY PARTY
Tonya Meeks and Nera McGruder
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Kcbena and Sonia Cash
Stevie Phillips and Ongeleigh Gipson
Sarah Petschonek and Eric Mathews
Crystal Bergman and Heather Hunter
ONSITE
Onsite
Polos and Pearls Above Par Classic Gurus of Golf
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AUGUST 2009
King and Judy Self at Polos and Pearls
Tamara Dupwe and Matt Day at Polos and Pearls
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Clarice Lee and Therese Lee at Polos and Pearls
hough it may not have hit the runways yet, a new fashion statement was made by those attending the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Mid-South Chapter fund-raiser held at Le Pavillion. Men in polo shirts paired with women in pearls carried out the theme of the first annual Polos and Pearls. To help raise funds and awareness for the National MS Society, the dressy casual guests bid on silent and live auctions, contributing more than $23,000 to the local chapter that supports 7,000 Mid-Southerners diagnosed with the disabling disease. “We will keep this name in the future in hopes that as the event grows people will become familiar with the name Polos and Pearls and each year look forward to attending the party for the MS Society MidSouth Chapter,” said Donna Noelker, development coordinator for the local chapter. Between wine and beer tastings, dining options from five local food vendors, a chance to putt for $10,000 and more than 150 silent and live auction items, Mid-Southerners had plenty of opportunities to lend a dollar-filled hand to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation at the Above Par Classic, held at W indyke Countr y Club. Chilean wine and Tennessee beer was on the menu, as well as food from Bahama Breeze, Bailey’s Executive Catering, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Fresh Market. Club pros set up a temporary putt-putt course for guests, and Infiniti of Memphis sponsored a 60-foot putting challenge, offering up the opportunity for a lucky—or very talented—putter to win $10,000, half of which would go back to the PKD Foundation. The first Gurus of Golf benefit for Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center proved to be anything but sub-par at Spring Creek Ranch. Teams of four had the opportunity to spend the day with a teaching professional from either the Top 50 of Golf Digest or the Top 100 of Golf Magazine. The professional watched the teams play the first nine holes, and during lunch, the pros analyzed the players’ skills and offered tips. The teams then played the final nine holes applying their new instructions. Each of the 16 teams donated $10,000 to Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center. Thanks to the teams, gurus and special guests attending the after-party, a total of $172,000 was raised for Le Bonheur. Story by Maggie Squires and Lesley Young Photos by Joseph Martin and Lesley Young
Jennifer and Josh Sullivan at Above Par Classic
Bijan Feizkhah, Kim Waxman, Will O’Bar and Jon Richards at Above Par Classic
Ben Livingston and Liza Livingston at Gurus of Golf
Buzz Fly, Jonathan Fly, Rob Akins and John Strange at Gurus of Golf
Clifton Jordan ll and Abshir Esse at Gurus of Golf
Glennie Bernard, Jim Small and Beth Jennings at Above Par Classic
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Onsite
Memphis PREP Program Celebration Dinner Echoes of Truth Silent Auction Community Legal Center Fund-raiser
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Nyshari and Catheryl Bacchus at Echoes of Truth Silent Auction
Ron Frieson, Lisa Frieson and Don Frieson at Memphis PREP Program Celebration Dinner
Story by Leah Fitzpatrick and Maggie Squires Photos by Leah Fitzpatrick and Earl Stanback
Jed Dreifus and Adrian Wallace Wilson at Memphis PREP Program Celebration Dinner
Dr. Emily Ruch, Dr. Bryna Bobick, Dr. Donalyn Heise and Rhonda Test at Echoes of Truth Silent Auction
Janis Iansmith, Sondra Levingston and Gail Silverstein at Community Legal Center Fund-raiser
Meg Jones, Diane Polly, Chris Zawisza and Mary Katherine Stout at Community Legal Center Fund-raiser
AUGUST 2009
Hastings and Loretta Hill at Memphis PREP Program Celebration Dinner
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Julia Ormiston and Gregg Coats at Echoes of Truth Silent Auction
he Memphis PREP Program celebrated its 40th year with a dinner and reunion at Rhodes College. This program places Memphis City Schools’ rising juniors and seniors in either intense academic preparatory schools or in programs meant to develop leadership skills, responsibility and talents. Frances Hooks and Jed Dreifus founded this initiative in the hopes of readying students for the college admissions process and to help them become future leaders. Successful alumni, several of whom have gone on to be lawyers, judges, writers and deans, attended the affair that showcased how well the program works. Students of Memphis City Schools also celebrated their involvement with Echoes of Truth, a summer arts program, during a special evening at the Orpheum Theatre. Twenty-three participants in the Visual Art Module of the camp contributed 150 works to the silent auction, which served as a pre-party to the main event, an original musical called Hearts in Stars performed by the theatre, dance and music students. Another feature included a short film from the videography students that highlighted Echoes’ 10-year reunion. By night’s end, nearly 1,000 people had come out to support Echoes, helping contribute more than $8,000 in art sales. Dubbed a murder mystery musical, Curtains wowed some 250 attendees during the Community Legal Center (CLC) Fund-raiser at Theatre Memphis. This ninth annual affair attracted a who’s who of local lawyers, who sampled hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while placing bids on silent auction items before the show. All proceeds from the auction and performance benefit the CLC, which provides legal representation in civil matters for those who do not qualify for assistance from Memphis Area Legal Services.
Chad and Tonya Johnson at Community Legal Center Fund-raiser
NOVEMBER 2005
BBQ, BOURBON & BEER TASTING
EVENT
BBQ, Bourbon & Beer Tasting at Lichterman Nature Center
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Quinton Caples and Mary Fryman
Michael and Amber Bernot
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weltering temperatures failed to dampen the spirits of nature lovers, who gathered at Lichterman Nature Center’s Junious and Glenda D. Davidson Pavilion to support the center’s public educational programs. The center’s touted motto, “Lively Learning for All,” was definitely put in place this night, as guests explored their beautiful surroundings while sampling choice quenchers. Wandering geese shared the winding trails with attendees, who were treated to picturesque views of the lily pad laden lake and the butterfly and hummingbird nectar garden display of coreopsis and purple coneflowers. Sponsor The Wine Market, in conjunction with Star Distributors and Southwestern Beverage Distributing, presented select libations for discriminating brew and bourbon enthusiasts alike. A light, delicious repast of fresh fruit and cheeses, smoked sausage, pulled pork on rolls and coleslaw, courtesy of Rendezvous, was an appropriate accompaniment to the featured beverages. Taking into account that all proceeds benefited the Pink Palace Family of Museums, folks eagerly bid on items featured in a unique silent auction. A noteworthy item included the adoption of Lichterman resident bullfrogs, turtles, chipmunks, corn snakes, eastern grey squirrels and “Rufus,” the red-tailed squirrel. Each attendee also received complimentary Buffalo Trace tee shirts, and the Memphis Area Teachers’ Credit Union thoughtfully provided mini koozies to keep the suds cool. Jeni Stephens, with the Pink Palace Family of Museums, conceived the event as a great way to officially kick off summer with the serenity of the center as a perfect backdrop. She added that organizers were pleased that the tasting attracted many new visitors to Lichterman who thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Story by Ruth Cassin Photos by Roy Haithcock
Steve and Susan Pashby
Dory Sellers and Rachel Horton
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP Nikki Brinkerhoff and Larry Jesson
Tom Huelsing and Morgan Gurkin
Allan Fisher and Gwyn Fisher
Jeni Stephens, Geoff Bates and Sudhir Agrawal
Carol Lippman and Cindy Earle
After Hours A photo collage of the latest business happenings
PRIMACY HEALTHCARE & REHAB SOCIAL HOUR WITH LORA JOBE
AFTER HOURS
JAMES DAVIS ANNUAL FISH FRY
WINK “SHOP, ROCK & DANCE” TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Jennifer Davis, Lora Jobe and Donni Dubert at Primacy Healthcare & Rehab
Ellen and Tom Prewitt at James Davis
AUGUST 2009
Brandee Loving and Heather Edgewood at Wink
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Bob Eoff and Jon Hornyak at James Davis Rebecca Riley and Linda Shropshire at Primacy Healthcare & Rehab Al LaRocca, Romeo Khazen and Glynn Cyprien at James Davis
W. W. Herenton and U.R. Phillips at James Davis
Warner Gregory, Josh Pastner and Robert Abbay at James Davis
John Tillery and Jill Young at Primacy Healthcare & Rehab
RSV PHILLIPPI
By Dennis Phillippi
THIS IS IT SPORTS FANS
AUGUST 2009
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f you’re not a baseball fan, but are a sports fan, this can be a tough time of year. The NBA has wrapped up, disappointingly. The NFL is nothing but nonstories about off-season player movement and tragedy. College football is so close you can taste the charred tailgating burgers, but there still aren’t any games. College basketball seems as far away as the next Swimsuit Issue. July and early August are a sports wasteland. Unless, of course, you’re a fan of America’s game, so titled because it now embraces all of the Americas. Believe me, I understand the non-baseball fan. I used to be him. There was a time when I complained that baseball players were guys built like me who got away with smoking in the dugout and spent so much time doing nothing it seemed like they could use a book, and the fact that the manager wore a uniform was just silly. I still believe that last part. Then along came the summer of 1998. Now, granted I was already a sports broadcaster, so I had been forced to learn about baseball to report on it, or more accurately, to make fun of it, but the summer of 1998 was when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa made their seemingly miraculous paired quest of the home run record. If you don’t remember, during those three or four months every time either of these giants stepped up to the plate the world stopped. In bars yes, but also in airports, malls, or at home, everything was dropped for a couple of minutes when someone said, “Sosa’s up,” or “McGwire’s at the plate.” For a few months, the whole world was focused on the summer sport, and no one can argue that it made baseball matter again. Since then, we’ve had repeated confirmations that Sosa was juiced, and all but conclusive evidence that Big Mac was probably giving himself something that made his biceps as big as snow tires. Still, as sad as that is, it didn’t move those eyes back off of baseball. More people watch the sport, and buy tickets to see it live, than ever before. Even to see the Nationals. Once converted, I became one of those fans who can be perfectly happy watching any game, again, even the Nationals. Like most right-thinking sports fans, I watch most of mine on the television over bars, preferably with the sound
down, so I don’t have to think about what some former mediocre player now turned mediocre color guy thinks of the goings on. A brief sidebar; I may have mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. The television in a bar should be on sports at all times unless there is a major national emergency, someone really, really famous has died or I’m on it. The day bar-
The other night, I’m not making this up, the best choices were guys shooting trick billiard shots, guys playing poker and bowling. tender should come in and put it on ESPN and no one should touch it unless Sean Connery is hit by a falling satellite. No one wants to watch the everyday news in a bar. The everyday news is as depressing as learning on Facebook that all of your enemies from high school are doing well. If ESPN is showing something other than sports, say poker, then switch it to a game somewhere else, and if that isn’t possible, park it on whatever channel shows Funniest Videos. At least then, we’ll be guaranteed to see people falling down. And, my bartender friend, I know the TV is behind you, but that doesn’t mean it has ceased to exist. Change it off of Fox and onto a ballgame, and I promise to kick in an extra buck or two. As sports fans, we will watch the best option. The other night, I’m not making this up, the best choices were guys shooting trick billiard shots, guys playing poker and bowling. Did we watch them? Yes we did. Not only did we watch them, as fanatics, we became instant experts on them, picked favorites and argued about strategies. To be honest, what we mainly talked about was the creep factor. That line-up is all creep. We as a group decided that the poker players were the most skin crawling. They sit, they bloviate, they wear sunglasses, they wear stupid hats and they’re fat. At least the pool players, who were also largely fat, have to stand up and move around, and few of them wear sunglasses indoors, the most annoying personal trait on the chart. Bowlers, while definitely high on the look-like-a-child-molester index, are doing something borderline ath-
letic, and doing it better than any of us could. Sure, I know some women in their sixties with bad hips who can also out-bowl me and my friends, but they’re still better. That counts for something. Not to dwell overlong on this, but professional poker players are easily the most irritating, pompous, grating, inexplicably egomaniacal quasi-sportsmen on the planet. They’re the ice cream truck drivers of the sports world. They’re the guys who know the strippers’ real names. They’re the guys who can speak Klingon, and think there are chicks that dig it. If you’re a professional poker player and you have a hot girlfriend I have news for you, it’s not because of you, it’s because of that big pile of chips. Back to my point, it is a dark time for you non-baseball fans, but before you know it fall will be here, and you’ll have more sports than you will be able to keep in your head. No more endless conversations about what is going to happen in the SEC when football finally starts, it’ll be half over before you know all the starting quarterbacks’ names. You may be chomping at the bit to watch some Tigers basketball—we all are—but in no time at all you’ll be on or off the bandwagon and ready to yell about it with others. Ah, that brings up another touchy subject—the yelling. I am as guilty as anyone about raising my voice during a game. That’s not true, my wife is far more verbose than me. But if alcohol makes you loud anyway, and you have an emotional or fiscal stake in the outcome of a game, at least be informed before you start shouting. There is nothing in the world more annoying, other than professional poker players having hot girlfriends, than the uninformed informing others of their opinions at the top of their voice during a game. If I wanted stupid and uninformed, I’d watch Fox News.
Dennis Phillippi tries to make sense of the summer sports drought by filling his TV time with baseball and so-called sports like bowling, poker and pool. Since watching these athletic competitions, he’s hit up the local Sunglass Hut for a cool pair of shades, not to ward off the blaring Memphis sun, but to show up those guys donning the indoor shades.
RSVPAST
Family Time at the Fair
AUGUST 2009
1950s
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he family pictured above enjoyed a fun-filled visit to the Mid-South Fair, as many still do to this day, though the fair has since relocated to North Mississippi. This photo, which dates back to the 1950s, is actually a postcard memento from the fair and appears in J. Whitley “Whit” Perry’s Delta Jacks and Other Cards, a humorous book about the lives of Mississippi Delta characters. PHOTO COURTESY OF WHIT PERRY 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.