From left, Rick and Jenny Blackburn, Margaret and David Butler, and David Arning, who is a member of the Bijou Theatre’s board of directors.
Empanadas, plantains, salsa music, jugglers, and rum.
A buffet and open bar at the Bistro at the Bijou, a street party on Cumberland Avenue outside the historic Bijou Theatre, and, finally, a fantastic sold-out concert by The Mavericks.
What a fun way earlier this month to raise $70,000 to preserve the downtown treasure, a pitch-perfect entertainment venue that was built into an old hotel constructed in 1801.
In addition to the concert at the Bijou, the Bistro also hosted swing jazz musician Kukuly and their Candela group playing before and during the concert. It was a lot to take in! But, what a winning formula!
Alan Carmichael poses with Becky Mayer, an usher at the Bijou, prior to the “Jubilee” fundraiser. There were a LOT of balloons! Love the flamingo.
Christi Kirk, left, and Nina Reineri greeting guests. They both served on the committee that planned the successful event.
Courtney and D.L. Bergmeier. She’s executive director of the Bijou Theatre. He’s general manager of Downtown Wine + Spirits, another important downtown staple!
Becky Fuller and Jack Singleton. He’s treasurer of the Bijou’s board.
Kukuly and the band Candela playing during the pre-concert party at the Bistro.
Angie and Kevin Wilson after a trip to the buffet.
Speaking of which, here’s a small sampling of the offerings. Clockwise from top left, fried plantains, Cuban sandwiches, chips with pico de gallo, and empanadas.
Todd and Fanita Overstreet, left, with Christopher and Kari Ford. Fanita is a member of the Bijou’s board.
Kukuly.
Alan Carmichael and Martha Boggs, proprietor of the Bistro at the Bijou.
The fun scene inside the Bistro at the Bijou.
Meanwhile, outside on Cumberland Avenue, a street party with a DJ playing tunes was in full swing. Here are our friends Laura and T.G. Horn, popular ushers at the Bijou, and a hula hoop artist.
Here’s the festive setup.
This guy was great!
A scarf dancer.
Regular dancers.
Newlyweds Michael and Leah Grider. Don’t they look happy?
Shanna and Bart Browning. She’s on the Bijou board.
Rachel Dellinger Stallings was serving non-alcoholic drinks at the outdoor bar.
Pretty soon, it was time to go in for The Mavericks. We ran into Hilary and Jim Burgin in the theater’s lobby.
Nina Reineri with Tony Lawson, a co-founder of WDVX radio station.
We saw our friends Daryl and Polly Johnson waiting for the show to start.
The Mavericks knocked ’em dead!
Despite the best efforts of the security folks, people were dancing in the aisles!
Eddie Perez, left, and Raul Malo.
The crowd responded enthusiastically to the non-stop fast-paced music.
Band leader Raul Malo is a son of Cuban exiles who was born and raised in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, giving the evening’s party its fun, fun theme!
It was great!
Wow – guess we need to get on the Bijou email list and/or become members – sounds like a great party! What kinds of music did the Mavericks play – rock and roll or other? We love to dance!
Marsha: Definitely! They play kind of country rock. Very danceable!
Wish I’d been there!
The Mavs can play almost any genre of music. They are beyond phenomenal—-one of the best show bands performing anywhere. (And, I say that despite being close friends with Raul & Betty.) They bring the house down everywhere they go. Que ellos vivan mucho tiempo!
What Leigh said!
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