Our host, John Trotter, and Phyllis Nichols, CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League and a big jazz fan.
It was a perfect night for an inside-outside party. In March, it was one of the first evenings that was truly comfortable to be outside. And what a great outside it was!
“An Evening of Jazz” — a fundraiser for the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra — was held at the historic home of John Trotter — formerly the Dulin Gallery of Art — at 3106 Kingston Pike. The original house was built in 1899. John has done an excellent job of updating it. And he is so generous to use it to benefit non-profit organizations.
This night, the Keith Brown Trio (KB3) played and Nancy Kendrick catered and the evening was mellow and relaxing. The views of the Tennessee River were stunning and the camaraderie was warm. At a ticket price of just $65 per person, this was one of the best bargains of the year. A number of us enjoyed the great hospitality at John’s house and then went to the nearby Red Piano Lounge at 4620 Kingston Pike to hear a friend of ours playing with the band Swingbooty. Come along!
What a beautiful view of the Tennessee River looking west.
Here’s the view to the east. That’s singer Kelle Jolly, who would perform later.
Vance Thompson, center, the director of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, with his parents, Janet and Don Thompson.
The band. From left, Keith Brown, Jon Hamar, Will Boyd and Ken Brown.
Booze and hydrangeas — a happy sign of spring.
Tom Shaw, left, with Susan and Al Yanno.
Food was offered not just on the buffet, but throughout the part of the house where the party was held. Good idea.
R.J. Hinde, left, and John Winemiller. (Whenever you see these two, you know you are in for a fun time Just saying.)
Don Hough and Dian Nabors.
Caterer Nancy Kendrick is famous for her chicken salad. These chicken salad bites featured dried cranberries and were delish.
Cindy Hassil greets her friend Barbara Crist. Both are on the Jazz Orchestra Board, and Barbara was a key leader in making this event happen.
Alan Carmichael and Sheena McCall.
Delicious spinach puffs were passed.
From left, Glo Klarich, Ellen Robinson, Alan Carmichael, Melinda Grimac, John Winemiller and R.J. Hinde.
Jim Nichols, left, and Peter Acly.
Deborah Sams, left, and Melinda Derrick.
Bob Lederer, left, with John Trotter.
Thomas Dillon, left, with Rob Collignon.
Judy and Michael Morman.
From left, Andrew and Alice Basler with Allison Legler and David Gallegos.
From left, Gary Teper, Cindy Nelson, Edie Volk, Gil Volk and Evelyn Shaw.
From left, Sara Rose, Barbara Crist and K-Kin Fairbanks.
Thomas Dillon, left, and John Winemiller welcome our friend Melinda Meador, back for a visit from her new home in West Tennessee.
From left, Tom Shaw, Milton McNally and John Winemiller. Milton, married to Melinda, also is a long-lost friend from West Tennessee.
I think the house looks beautiful in the evening light.
Cindy Hassil, center, with Jane and Kenneth Creed.
From left, Phyllis Nichols, Sara Rose and Dawn Ford.
Glo Klarich and Randy Kerns.
Wow. Buffet was beautiful.
Loved the idea of using beets and their tops as centerpiece for this platter of asparagus wrapped in prosciutto.
My favorite things: tiny crab cakes.
Yum. Don’t these ham biscuits make your mouth water?
Good looking desserts.
Cookies, anyone?
Red velvet cupcakes. Wow.
Mickey Mallonee made some excellent choices.
Richard and Dawn Ford found great seats in the kitchen.
From left, Cindy Hassil, Kimberly Davis and Barbara Crist.
Elisabeth and Bill Rukeyser.
When folks started to drift away and head home, some of us went just a little ways away to the Red Piano Lounge.
The piano is actually white, so not sure why they call it the Red Piano Lounge. Here’s our friend Marcus Shirley.
Other friends stopping by to enjoy the music: from left, Kim Henry, Deborah Franklin and Sheena McCall.
Here’s a little Swingbooty:
It was a very special evening with great music from the Keith Brown group in support of the KJO. Jazz musicians are so supportive of each other!
And, Cynthia, you really captured the evening with your great pictures. Thanks
What a fabulous event for a hard working group of musicians. Melinda and I enjoyed meeting you and Alan. Also, we enjoyed talking with Vance Thompson’s parents and their special charity. We especially enjoyed talking to Barbara Crist and many more that evening. Many thanks to the Trotter family for their extraordinary hospitality!
Sheena: Thanks. We had so much fun! Loved going to the Red Piano, as well.
Deborah: Great meeting you in person!
My husband and I drove up from Chattanooga to support this wonderful orchestra! The venue was beautiful and the company and music fantastic! I really need to know who made those Rosemary shortbread cookies though! A huge thanks to Mr. Trotter for sharing his abode.
Thanks for the memories, Cynthia. It was so great to see everyone!
What wonderful coverage of our fun event at John Trotter’s house! We really had a great turnout with scrumptious food and beverage and awesome music from Keith Brown’s group. This was a very special fundraising event for the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra and we so appreciate John’s generous hospitality. Thanks for the great photos and article, Cynthia.
I’m still pinching myself. Knoxville has such a vibrant arts community, all because there are so many people who value it and support it. Thanks to everyone who made it possible, and thanks to Cynthia for documenting the evening and helping us spread the word about the KJO!
Kim: So glad to see you there!
Melinda: We miss you guys. But love hearing about your new West Tennessee adventures!
Jan: Thanks so much for reading and commenting. We love the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, as well. Great night.
Vance: Congrats to you all for the great group you have and all you do. Only thing missing? A woman member!
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