Jazz pianist Wendel Werner and his wife, Alison. He performed on Thursday at a delightful fundraiser for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
Delicious food and drink, brilliant and celebratory music, and warm camaraderie on a Thursday night. What a great excuse to drop a few bucks in support of the Knoxville. Symphony League which, in turn, supports the Knoxville Symphony.
Noted local jazz pianist Wendel Werner was the headliner at a lovely private dinner in the Montgomery Cove neighborhood at the beautiful home of Lisha and Frank Venable this past Thursday. The event, attended by about 20 guests and a number of volunteers, was part of the popular “Elegant Dining” series of special dinners put together by the Symphony League. The League covers the hard costs of the events so that all proceeds go directly to the Knoxville Symphony.
The standout at dinner was the moistest and most flavorful beef tenderloin I’ve had in a long time — as well as mouthwatering grilled shrimp — both prepared by Frank Venable, a retired financial adviser who, we discovered, started his career as a bartender and cook at a number of famous old Knoxville restaurants. Most notable was the extremely popular Half Shell in Bearden, where Venable cooked and tended bar — before he was even 18 years old! (I think I can say that because the statute of limitations has long run out!)
Anyway, all this to say that dinner was a memorable treat and so was the music. Wendel Werner, though known as a jazz musician, actually is one of the most versatile piano players around. He can play everything from show tunes to pop and country and, of course, jazz. And he does it with a devilish sense of fun that lures his audiences in.
I hope you enjoy a peek into the warm gathering — on one of the coldest nights of the year. Although many of the scheduled Elegant Dining events are sold out, you still can get in on a few good ones or you can join a waiting list if any that you want to attend are sold out. Here’s a link to the remaining affairs. One we are going to and love — and that still has available seats (at least as of right now) — is called Symphony Soiree. It’s an entertaining evening in downtown Knoxville during which KSO musicians bring dishes to the buffet and then entertain with music of their choice.
Lisha and Frank Venable in the kitchen. I’m telling you, the guy can cook!
I’m not saying he was roped into this, but his mother is Jane Venable, left, a venerable Symphony League member and current co-chair of the Elegant Dining series! Ha. She’s pictured here with a new League member, TJ Cardwell. Lisha and Frank have been generously supporting the Symphony League for more than 20 years through convivial events at their home.
League members Cathy Briscoe, left, and Jenny Kitts. On this evening, Cathy was a guest and Jenny was a volunteer.
Alan Carmichael and Gayle Burnett.
Joyce Ouimet, left, and Andrea Johnson.
Joan Dorsey and Bob Nelson.
From left, Gayle Burnett, Maggie and Charles Gordon, and Amanda Dotson.
Donna and Ken Brown. They both are retired priests!
Nancy Crabtree, left, and Peggy Lanning.
Meanwhile, at the bar, I found my friend Kim Cunningham with a bottle of Pinot Grigio! Kim is co-chair with Jane Venable of the Elegant Dining series. She’s also president-elect of the League.
Ha. Loved these “wine signs” in the bar!
Mingling is one of the best parts of events like these.
And, more mingling.
The temperature outside was in the mid-’20s, but it sure was cozy in the fireplace room!
Stephanie and Scott Brown.
The set tables were lovely. And inviting!
We were at this cozy little spot near the kitchen.
Jane Venable, with hosts, Lisha and Frank, explained the League’s mission. “We need every penny we can wring out of you!” she quipped.
Jane made the pretty and delicious salads.
I did a little table-hopping.
From left, Stephanie and Scott Brown, Joyce Ouimet, and Andrea Johnson.
From left, Alison Werner, Bob Nelson, and Joan Dorsey.
From left, Cathy Briscoe, Peggy Lanning, Nancy Crabree, Ken and Donna Brown.
When I got back to my table, Connie Graham came bearing the main course.
Wow!
And then, dessert! One of my husband, Alan’s, favorites: apple pie a la mode! The “League Ladies,” as they are called, wouldn’t give us the recipe, but they did give credit to someone named “Mrs. Smith!”
Wendel Werner dropped by our table for a chat. That’s Amanda Dotson, left, and Maggie Gordon.
Gayle Burnett stopped by, too.
When we moved to the piano room, Kim Cunningham shared some key facts. Music education is the primary philanthropy of the Knoxville Symphony League, she said. Through fundraising efforts, the League raises more than $200,000 in support of education each season. Another interesting point: ticket sales cover only 40 percent of the KSO’s costs.
And then, Wendel took to the keys!
Some of the many faces of Wendel!
Nancy Crabree, sitting, and TJ Cardwell enjoying the performance.
He’s a great storyteller. In this photo, he was talking while playing with his left hand!
Great job, everybody! Wendel posed with Lisha and Frank as we said goodbye.
Here’s a snippet of Wendel playing “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” He plays frequently around town. Catch him if you can. Also check out those remaining Elegant Dining opportunities!
Looks like fun. I’m waiting on results from a doodle poll. If I end up meeting-free on March 11 (fingers crossed), I’m going to buy one of the tickets to Symphony Soiree, which I have enjoyed in the past.
Gay: I hope it works out! You know how much fun that one is!