SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

As we welcome spring, we’ll see a variety of hybrid society events evolving into outdoor galas that could soon become more like the VIP engagements we remember and cherish. While virtual galas and trivia events are still the most requested forms of fundraising, event planners continue to reinvent safe and socially distanced affairs.

Share your celebrations with us by tagging your pictures with @sophisticatedlivingmag. And let us know which charity you want to see featured among our society pages. The calendar of events may still be thin, but the list of organizations needing support remains endless.

MATHEWS-DICKEY GALA

Photos courtesy of Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club

The Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club celebrated its 60th anniversary with the annual Jerseys and Jewels gala, although this year it was a virtual “gathering.” Nearly $400,000 was raised to help underwrite the organization’s comprehensive year-round programming for 2,000 children.

Former NFL star and Mathews-Dickey alumnus Brandon Williams (pictured) emceed the evening, and Sterling K. Brown made a special guest appearance. Also pictured are Keith Willliamson, representing the generous Centene sponsorship, Nina Caldwell, representing the Maryville University sponsorship, and Brandon Williams with Tom Sullivan, Interim President and CEO of the Club, President of the Board LaVicki Hart, and Immediate Past President Jack Raymond.

GRAND CENTER EVENTS

Photos provided by Kranzberg Arts Foundation

The Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s “Open Air” concert series features a variety of performers singing live to a physicallydistanced crowd. The concerts are held under a heated and well-ventilated tent just outside The Grandel in Grand Center. Pictured here is ROBERTNELSON, a jazz musician, educator, entertainer, and leader of jazz workshops. The concert series runs through the end of March.

LOVE AND BALLET

Photos courtesy of Saint Louis Ballet by Kelly Pratt

Saint Louis Ballet streamed LOVE (and ballet) in the Time of Corona, last month for Valentine’s weekend. The presentation featured solos and small ensembles set to Bach’s French Suite No. 5 and English Suite No 3. Under the direction of Executive and Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi, the entire company performed to a collection of music from the early 18th century. Company members performed solos and pas de deux from favorite story ballets in the company’s classical repertoire including The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Coppelia.

MERCH POP UP

Photos courtesy of MERCH

Tania Beasley-Jolly, Nicole Gibson, and Susan Sherman brought another pop-up experience to the area with MERCH, this time presenting an antique jewelry show featuring Moss Antiques from New Orleans. Keil Moss curated a selection from his family’s renowned Royal Street store. The two-day event was held at Cool Stuff Period on Manchester Rd.