Guest of honor, Mary Costa, with Doug McKamey, obviously a fan.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Those folks at the Knoxville Opera know how to throw a great party! Case in point? This year’s Prima Donna Ball, honoring Knoxville’s own Mary Costa, who helped launch the Knoxville Opera in 1978 when she played the ravishing Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata.
This year’s ball, held at the Knoxville Museum of Art rather than the traditional Cherokee Country Club, also saluted Maestro Brian Salesky’s 10th year as executive director and conductor.
The entertainment was over the top. Russian soprano Julia Lima made a return appearance following a show-stopping 2013 performance, and Soulful Sounds Revue and the K-Town Rhythm Section featuring Lee Willis brought some funk to the dance floor.Cocktails and appetizers were in the third floor gallery of the Knoxville Museum of Art.
Maestro Brian Salesky with Kay Clayton, left, and Mary Costa.
David Butler, executive director of the Knoxville Museum of Art, with Jackie Wilson, a Knoxville Opera board member.
Betsey Bush, left, with Knoxville Opera board member Dr. Woody Besozzi and Carol Beilharz.
Maestro Brian Salesky and his wife, Diana.
From left, Knoxville Opera board member Dr. Shirley Avery, Susan Becker, Opera Board Chair Jerrold Becker and Dr. Bruce Avery.
Alan Carmichael, left, with Sibylle and Jeff Mansour.
Mini beef Wellingtons were one of the passed appetizers.
Alex Kleto, left, and Samantha Edwards.
B. Ray and Juanne Thompson.
Bacon-wrapped scallops. Yum.
Downstairs, the museum’s Great Hall was set for dinner and dancing. The centerpieces were appropriate for a Prima Donna affair.
We were set to party beneath Richard Jolley’s stunning installation.
Opera board member Kim Henry with Hutch Schultz.
Rose Moseley, left, and Willene Chalmers.
Dr. Jan Henley and John Diasmore.
Phyllis and Ely Driver.
Sandra and John Butler.
From left, Paul Kedrow, Ken Parent of Pilot Flying J, which was the presenting sponsor of the event, and Maestro Salesky.
Soon to be married, Knoxville City Councilman Marshall Stair and Natalie Robinson.
Stephanie and David Northington.
The band was fabulous and fun.
Peter Acly and Ellen Robinson.
The Hill family: from left, Sheila and Chris Hill with Cathy and Mark Hill.
It wasn’t long before Mark and Cathy hit the dance floor.
So did Marshall and Natalie.
Over at the Pilot Flying J table we found Amy and Mark Romano.
Also, Cindy and Mark Rowan.
The entree was beef osso buco by All Occasions. My husband, Alan, not a big red meat eater, loved this.
Of course he REALLY loved this!
Singer Takesha Kizart was a beautiful vocalist.
I would think it takes a lot of nerve to perform in front of Mary Costa and a roomful of opera buffs!
Maestro Brain Salesky reflected on his 10 years at the helm of the Knoxville Opera and introduced Mary Costa.
Mary Costa acknowledging the applause.
She is a gracious and charming superstar, and Knoxville is lucky to call her one of our own.
Aww.
Caesar and Dorothy Stair.
And then it was time for Julia Lima’s floor show. (The ones who were really floored were the men in the audience!)
Costume change.
Then, dancing.
And more dancing.
From left, Cathy Whitten, Cassandra Spann and Rosina Guerra were looking good at a “women only” table.
Gay Lyons and Leon Duquella.
Bravo, Knoxville Opera. Another fantastic evening, thanks to you.
Great party & great dresses–love all the photos. Need to up my game next year.
What a great lead photo of Doug McKamey with Mary Costa!
Gay: I loved your outfit! Those pearls!
Melinda: I agree about that photo! Such fun!
Cynthia, I can’t begin to tell you what your support of Knoxville Opera means to the Salesky family! Thank you for this wonderful blog! It was a truly great evening and we were delighted that you and Alan were a part of it. The photos of Mary are particularly spectacular… though she’s a pretty spectacular model! What a beauty.
Diana: I was blown away by what an awesome job you all did! And, of course, having an honoree like Mary was the icing on the cake!
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