Ann Furrow and Johnny Majors were dinner partners.
Alan and I attended Jazz Under the Stars for the third year in a row last week. It’s a fundraiser for the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra and it is always great fun. We love the fact that the event actually features the artists it benefits, whereas some other fundraisers for cultural groups oddly do not feature the very performers for whom they are raising money.
Folks arrived at Sherri Lee’s stunning west Knoxville estate in a party mood. The weather was perfect this year. And, believe me, these people deserve it! Two years ago a torrential downpour drove the party into the garage — and the musicians into a covered breezeway connecting the house to the garage. It was still fun, of course, but tremendously crowded. And last year, the rain held off, but the temperature was near 100. Again, folks managed to have fun — and even dance a little — but it was HOT! This year, the temperature was much more moderate. The few clouds were not terribly threatening and served to keep the conditions comfortable. It was a near-perfect evening for an outdoor party.
Isn't this a lovely setting?
The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra plays all night long!
Goat cheese and tomato jam tartlets were among the elegant passed appetizers.
Bill Regas samples the grapes wrapped in blue cheese and pecans.
Tim Williams, left, with Bernie and Barbara Bernstein
Our hostess, Sherri Lee, left, with Peter Acly and Ellen Robinson
Cousins Lloyd Adams, left, and Dick Ince
Natalie Haslam and John Quinn
Sarah Stowers, left, and Bobbie Congleton
From left, Jim and Mary Ellen Mattavi and Judy and Gordon Gibson
Randy Burleson, left, and Bill Rukeyser. Burleson provided the wine for the dinner. Thanks, Randy!
Jim Haslam and Anne Sprouse
Alan Carmichael, left, and Dr. Larry Kilgore
Carl and Laura Eshbaugh
Dr. Jan Henley with Michael McCabbin, left, and John Porter
Sheena McCall, chairman of the board of the KJO, and Ken Levine
Amy Williams, fundraising chair of the KJO, with Michael Foltz, left, and Eric Botts
Pat and Norman Majors
Hash and Nazzy Hashemian
Soon, it was time to sit down to a filet and crab cake dinner catered by Nancy Kendrick of Creative Catering.
Everything was good, but the crab cake was outstanding.
Todd and Sherri Johnson were among our tablemates.
Barbara Apking, center, dropped by to visit with Annette and Scott Brun
Jim and Kay Clayton between courses
Sylvia and Dr. John Lacey
Dessert was killer!
And then it was time for dancing!
Lloyd and Betty Rose Adams were the first on the floor -- and, I think, the ones who enjoyed it the most!
Jim and Kay Clayton tore up the floor!
See what I mean?
The floor got crowded!
Judy and Gordon Gibson
Doctors Bruce and Shirley Avery
Janet Testerman Crossley and Bill Regas
Vance Thompson is the leader of the KJO.
Jo Blalock, right, gives a congratulatory hug to caterer Nancy Kendrick at the end of the evening.
Bravo, everybody!
To read about last year’s event, click here. To read about the one in 2009, click here.
While I continue to be overexposed on this blog, everyone else looked great. Bruce Avery has to win best jacket award.
Cynthia,
Thanks for your wonderful coverage of this event. It is big fun and we hope it continues for many more. It’s so kind of Sherri Lee to allow us the use of her beautiful home!
Hahaha! Alan, you are right about Dr. Avery’s jacket! Amy, you are right about Sherri’s generosity. You did a fantastic job putting the party together.
Once again–an outstanding event. Too bad the Blue Streak doesn’t have audio clips with this one.
Best party in town!
I agree, Sheena! Good point, Gay.
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