Sherri Lee, right, here with her friend Sarah Stowers, generously hosts “Evening Under the Stars” every year.
Sometimes you just want to go to a great gathering that has swinging music, convivial friends and delicious food in a breathtaking setting. No silent auction. No live auction. No awards or long speeches.
That’s why we go every year to an event called “Evening Under the Stars,” a benefit for the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, at Sherri Lee’s stunning home on a quiet cove of the Tennessee River.
This year was one of the best ever. (If only they had had pinot grigio, the evening would have been perfect!)
Founded in 1999 by trumpeter, arranger and composer Vance Thompson, the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra is one of our city’s treasures. Since that time, the band has appeared at jazz festivals in the United States and Europe, released four critically acclaimed CD recordings and presented scores of concerts, many featuring world-renowned guest artists.
The Jazz Orchestra is, in short, just fun, fun, fun. Try to catch one of their shows this season. Alan and I have made “A Swingin’ Christmas” one of our holiday traditions. This year it will be at the Tennessee Theatre on Dec. 10. Join us!
Singer Kayley Farmer performed with the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra at “Evening Under the Stars” this year.
Here’s a view of the cove.
Former University of Tennessee Head Football Coach Johnny Majors, left, with Elisabeth and Bill Rukeyser.
Goat cheese and red grape tartlets were passed.
Nancy Kendrick catered the event and the food was fantastic.
Wild mushrooms in puff pastry.
From left, Janet Testerman Crossley, Caroline Smith and Betsey Bush.
Art and Cammie Cate with Bill Regas, right.
Barbara and Bernie Bernstein.
All the appetizers were delicious, but these crab cakes were my favorite.
Alan Carmichael and Ellen Robinson.
Melinda Meador and Milton McNally.
The centerpieces were lovely.
David Butler and Phyllis Nichols.
Peter Acly and Betsey Bush.
Sheena McCall, the chair of the Jazz Orchestra’s board, made very brief remarks.
The salad with blueberries and toasted almonds was light and refreshing on the warm evening.
John Winemiller and RJ Hinde.
Dawn and Richard Ford.
Phyllis and Jim Nichols.
Wow, look at this entree!
Hei and Stanley Soung-ho Park.
Dick and Ann Ince.
Cathy Ackermann and Tommy Walker.
Bill and Barbara Arant.
Bud Albers and Sarah Stowers.
Chris Cox and Vee Panagakos.
Yes, Alan was a happy man.
Charles Fels and Susan Sgarlat getting ready to hit the dance floor.
Michell Witt and Jim Clayton decided to cut a rug.
So did Cammie and Art Cate.
And a bunch of others.
Lloyd and Betty Rose Adams are among the best dancers wherever they go!
Jay and Marga McBride with Jim Clayton.
I’m telling you, this was a good one!
Oh, Happy Day. No Auction. Just good friends and fun. I have missed this for the last couple of years. Must next year.
Cynthia, remind me about that Pinot Grigio next year!
Mickey: You must come! Right up your alley.
Sheena: Will do. But everything else was excellent! Great job!
The jazz night at Sherri’s is always one of my favorites.
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