A friendly waiter heaps sour cream onto the roasted potatoes served family style at our table. (We talked him into extra sour cream!)
From the “If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It” Department, we go now to the near-perfect end-of-summer fundraiser, Symphony in the Park.
The event is held at Ijams Nature Center, which it benefits, and features the music of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra in a lush outdoor setting. In its 27th rain-free year (knock wood!), Symphony in the Park is a delight for all the senses. The nature center provides the backdrop for a picnic supper served family style, an interesting silent auction of art and experiences, and, of course, Maestro Lucas Richman conducting the KSO in some of the greatest music in the history of western civilization. Not bad for a Sunday evening.
This event was revamped several years ago to eliminate the overly long live auction and to do away with an intermission, thus ensuring that the audience is headed to its cars by 8:30. With these tweaks, I think Symphony in the Park has got everything just right. Others must think so, too. Nearly 500 folks attended this year and the evening raised $60,000!
Here’s a look at this year’s awesome event.
First order of business: cocktails and a silent auction under a huge tent.
Ben Pinnell of Hickory Construction, applies himself to the task at hand.
From left, Anita Lane, Terry Ford, David Butler and Rachel Ford. Rachel is executive director of the Knoxville Symphony.
April Harris, who with husband, Stephen, was a presenting sponsor, left, with Melissa and Doug White.
Jamie and Bill Woodson
News Sentinel Publisher Patrick Birmingham, left, with Sharon and Joe Pryse
Alan Carmichael and Sarah Stowers
Former Mayor Dan and Cathy Brown with Former Mayor Victor Ashe, right.
Sherri Lee and Eddie Mannis. These folks own two of the best gardens in Knoxville.
Mary and Scott Bogert
Pam Reeves and her husband, Knoxville Law Director Charles Swanson
State Sen. Becky Duncan Massey and Alan Carmichael
John and Carol Sheridan with their daughter, Amy, center.
Nathan Hunter of Pinnacle Bank and Scripps Networks' John Lansing
Knox Heritage's Kim Trent and Paul James, executive director of Ijams
Dan Holbrook and Ellen Blasius
City Councilman Marshall Stair with his date, Julie Etter, center, and Mary Lynn Majors
Tom and Anna Ford
I wanted to mention how Ijams just keeps growing and getting better. Inside what used to be a big mostly empty education building, now interesting displays are starting to emerge.
This is a cross-section of a 353-year-old tree from Unicoi County.
Inside this big model of a tree is a demonstration on how to determine a tree's age. Peggy Kerper posed for me to demonstrate the tree's size.
And then there was this huge (77-inch-long!) snake skin. I think I would just die if I ever saw a snake that size!
On that note, I scurried outside and found it was almost time to sit down.
The centerpieces at this event are always so creative.
Isn't this display adorable?
At the Moxley Carmichael table, Marshall was helping himself to veggies.
City Councilman Mark Campen and his wife, Emily, were passing dishes.
Councilman Dan and Cathy Brown were in a good mood.
As were Councilman George and Stephanie Wallace. We had a very fun table.
Julie Etter and Marshall Stair, again. Cute couple.
The main course was chicken. Another great dinner by caterer Nancy Kendrick.
Server Somer Harmon bringing out the most amazing dessert.
Deep, deep dark chocolate filled these little pies!
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett was on hand to support Doug Bataille, the county's director of parks and recreation, who was honored with a Spirit Award that night.
Arthur Seymour and Sherri Lee, at Victor and Joan Ashe's table, were settling in for the program.
Here are Ted Smith and David Butler
John and Jean Lansing
Mary Thom Adams displays the beautiful blue heron topping the Spirit Award. The herons were made by Marble City Glassworks.
Joe Walsh, the city of Knoxville's director of parks and recreation, received a Spirit Award, as well.
And then it was time for the music.
The Aaron Copland piece seemed very appropriate. It was called "Down a Country Lane."
It was a lovely setting.
It was very romantic, as you can see by Sandy and David Martin's hand-holding!
Special guest artists were Kelle Jolly and the Soul Sax Trio.
Server Eric Glasgow grabbed a woman from the audience and hit the dance floor!
Here are Ijams Executive Director Paul James, left, presenting sponsors April and Stephen Harris, center, with Maestro Lucas Richman after the concert.
Alan posed with Concertmaster Gabriel Lefkowitz. A violin virtuoso, he had performed a beautiful piece of his own called "First Flight."
George and Ellen Kern
Joan and Victor Ashe with Rita Cochran of Ijams Nature Center, right
Here is Rita again, with Martha Kern.
Martha's husband, John Niceley, with Kelle Jolly
Russ Watkins and his pretty date, Holly Brown
There always comes a time to pay the piper. Here is Alan in line to pay for our auction items.
Cynthia,
Always appreciate when you take our photo! This was the BEST Symphony in the Park ever!
Keep up the good vibes around town.
Ellen & George Kern
I am so sad we were out of town this year. Symphony in the Park is always one of my favorite events — especially since they have tweaked the program and got it “all right.” Thanks, Cynthia, for helping me feel like I was there.
Ellen: I agree. It gets better each year. Tami: We missed you and Bruce but hope you can make it next year.
Very nice article Cynthia – I always look forward to your “take” on how the evening went. I agree with your assessment – I thought it was the best ever.
Congratulations to the fine staff and volunteers at Ijams for another wonderful effort!
Thanks for all of the great pictures – really illustrated the event perfectly.
Stephen: Thanks to you and April for sponsoring. Truly a signature event for our community.
Great event as always–and Kelle Jolly was amazing.
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