Who needs Hollywood? We had our own Grammy performance here in Knoxville

Lucas and Debbie Richman with the maestro's Grammy Award

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.

Jane Venable was holding court on the red carpet.

Another host, Mike Crowder, had a camera.

Another host, Mike Crowder, had a camera -- and press credentials!

Here's our hostess, Janet Bower, greeting the guests of honor.

Here's our hostess, Janet Bower, greeting the guests of honor.

Look at the awesome table settings!

Look at the awesome table settings!

But first, cocktails in the living room with the stunning view of the river.

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.

Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts were just one of several passed hors d'oeuvres.

Dr. Molly Peeler, left, with Stewart and Renee Anderson

Dr. Molly Peeler, left, with Stewart and Renee Anderson

In the kitchen, we caught up with Chef Rex Bradford Ogle of Abner's Attic. He is one of the Symphony League's favorite caterers.

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?

Chef Rex was putting the finishing touches on our desserts -- little chocolate pianos! Aren't they wonderful?

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Shaw

Evelyn and Tom Shaw

After a delicious salad, I think Chef Rex outdid himself with this beef Wellington.

After a delicious salad, I think Chef Rex outdid himself with this beef Wellington.

Sid and Jo Blalock with Carol Parnell, on right

Sid and Jo Blalock with Carol Parnell, on right

Maestro liked his chocolate piano!

Maestro liked his chocolate piano!

Everyone got a very cool Grammy cookie to take home.

Everyone got a very cool Grammy cookie to take home.

From left, Suzanne Carriere, Jane Nerison, Jackie Wilson and Martha and Robert Breazeale

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.

And then, Maestro Richman took to the piano and played Grammy-winning songs from throughout the years.

It was a relaxing delight.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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6 Responses to Who needs Hollywood? We had our own Grammy performance here in Knoxville

  1. AlanCarmichael, on February 22nd, 2013 at 5:37 pm said:

    Who can name the Grammy Award winning Best Song from 1959?

  2. Sherri Gardner Howell, on February 24th, 2013 at 6:59 am said:

    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?

  3. Cynthia Moxley, on February 24th, 2013 at 8:19 am said:

    You are so right, Sherri! At least that’s what you and I were listening to. (Can’t speak for my much older husband!)

  4. Fay Bailey, on February 25th, 2013 at 2:19 pm said:

    Wow what a beautiful setting for a party Fay

  5. Gay Lyons, on February 25th, 2013 at 2:28 pm said:

    Looks like a very fun party!

  6. Cynthia Moxley, on February 26th, 2013 at 12:34 am said:

    Fay and Gay: I think you both would have loved it!

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