Lucas and Debbie Richman with the maestro's Grammy Award
What better way to spend Grammy Awards night than with someone who actually won a Grammy?
That’s what Alan and I figured when we signed up to go to the “Elegant Dining” event sponsored by the Knoxville Symphony League on the Sunday of the Grammys earlier this month. The local Grammy winner? Lucas Richman, the music director and conductor of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, of course. He won it last year in the category of Best Classical Crossover Album for having conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Christopher Tin’s classical/world fusion album, Calling All Dawns. All of us at the Knoxville Symphony (I serve on the board) are very proud of him for this accomplishment.
So we braved the rain and ventured into south Knoxville to the lovely Topside Road home of Janet Bower.
There really was a red carpet on the driveway, although it was drenched. And, of course, the paparazzi were waiting for us. One of the hosts, Jane Venable, was armed with a microphone and asked everyone the inevitable question, “Who are you wearing?” (In my case, the answer was “Nordstrom Catalog!”)
Jane Venable was holding court on the red carpet.
Another host, Mike Crowder, had a camera -- and press credentials!
Here's our hostess, Janet Bower, greeting the guests of honor.
Look at the awesome table settings!
But first, cocktails in the living room with the stunning view of the river.
Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts were just one of several passed hors d'oeuvres.
Dr. Molly Peeler, left, with Stewart and Renee Anderson
In the kitchen, we caught up with Chef Rex Bradford Jones of Abner's Attic. He is one of the Symphony League's favorite caterers.
Chef Rex was putting the finishing touches on our desserts -- little chocolate pianos! Aren't they wonderful?
Evelyn and Tom Shaw
After a delicious salad, I think Chef Rex outdid himself with this beef Wellington.
Sid and Jo Blalock with Carol Parnell, on right
Maestro liked his chocolate piano!
Everyone got a very cool Grammy cookie to take home.
From left, Suzanne Carriere, Jane Nerison, Jackie Wilson and Martha and Robert Breazeale
And then, Maestro Richman took to the piano and played Grammy-winning songs from throughout the years.
It was a relaxing delight.
Debbie Richman has a beautiful voice and she performed a number of songs with her husband. The two met when he was casting a play and she auditioned.
My husband, Alan Carmichael, enjoyed the show.
One of my favorite songs that Debbie performs is the George Gershwin tune, "Vodka." She uses a glass of water (I think!) as a prop and always draws big laughs.
We found a bunch of the hosts in the kitchen as we were leaving. From left: Sandra Butler, Carol Parnell, Elizabeth Koester, Edie Volk and Loretta Crowder. Thanks, folks!
Hosts for this event, in addition to Janet Bower, were Bette and Richard Bryan, Sandra and John Butler, Loretta and Mike Crowder, Elizabeth Koester, Hannah and Walter McDaniel, Carol and Don Parnell, Angela Pugh, Julia and George Shiflett, Jane and Frank Venable and Edie and Gil Volk.
There are still a limited number of tickets left to some of the remaining Elegant Dining events. Click here for a listing of events and number of seats available.
Who can name the Grammy Award winning Best Song from 1959?
The Chipmunk Song by ALVIIIIIIIIN and the Chipmunks. Oh wait, that was the grammy winner for Best Children’s Song. Wasn’t that what we were listening to in 1959?
You are so right, Sherri! At least that’s what you and I were listening to. (Can’t speak for my much older husband!)
Wow what a beautiful setting for a party Fay
Looks like a very fun party!
Fay and Gay: I think you both would have loved it!
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