“Evening Under the Stars” lived up to its name this year!
The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra’s signature fundraiser each year is called “Evening Under the Stars.” What made this year’s event different was that it actually was under the stars! They got rid of the big tent that usually is pitched on supporter Sherri Lee’s garage apron to accommodate the scores of attendees.
This year, the Jazz Orchestra played and people danced and dined al fresco and it was delightful! Rain plan was to move the whole shebang to Bistro by the Tracks in Bearden. Glad that wasn’t necessary because the night truly was magical.
You can’t beat music by this 17-piece big band which is comprised of some of East Tennessee’s top professional musicians and performs a wide range of music from the American jazz tradition. Combine that with a stunningly beautiful landscape and delicious food by By the Tracks Catering, and you have a sublime Sunday night out.
Vance Thompson, center, is the founder and leader of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra. He’s here with Don and Liz Batchelor.
From left, Mimi Turner, Kenneth Stark, Mollie Turner, and Alan Carmichael. Mollie and Mimi were co-chairs of the event.
Natalie and Jared Dowling.
From left, Bennie Underwood, Kevin and Melinda Grimac, and Nicole Underwood. Kevin is chair of the KJO’s board of directors.
Lou Browning and Angelina Whited took a stroll around the property prior to dinner.
Wow, what a night.
Some folks ventured all the way down to the river.
Barbara Bernstein, left, with Sherri Lee, our generous hostess.
Teresa Hutchison, left, and Janice Cole.
From left, Taylor and Simone Wortham, Bennett and Julie Kizer.
Susan and Allen Tate with Marcy Sanford, right, of “VIP Knoxville” magazine.
Sherri Lee with John Trotter.
The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra played some before-dinner tunes.
And these two — Mary and Bill Thorpe — who never miss a chance to cut a rug, hit the dance floor!
A shout-out to caterer Nancy Kendrick who did a wonderful job with the evening’s repast!
From left, Brett and Laura Moye with Susan and David Long.
Jan Bechtel, left, with Jay and Marga McBride.
Lead alto saxophonist Mark Tucker also plays clarinet with the Knoxville Symphony.
The music was fantastic.
Vocalist Kelly Jolly came in from Asheville to appear at this event.
Emily Thompson, left, and Lisa Rukeyser Burn.
Jack Singleton and Becky Fuller.
Look! Young people at the soiree! From left, Ian Rukeyser, Christine Rukeyser, and Steve Labalme.
And more! Frannie Mason, left, and Georgiana Gallegos.
Leslie and Ken Parent.
Aaron White, left, and Mark Hill.
Lynda and Ken Hamilton.
When we sat down for dinner, I noticed the sweet posies on the tables.
Dinner was a green salad with compressed apple, marinated goat cheese, toasted hazelnut, and pomegranate vinaigrette; a choice of seared salmon with farro verde, squash, parsnips, and preserved lemon salsa verde; or Wagyu with celery root puree, charred cabbage, and red wine mushroom jus. Dessert was buttermilk panna cotta, honey pear compote, and a pecan tuile. Delish.
Liz Batchelor, left, and Elisabeth Rukeyser after dinner.
Andrew and Lynn Listes.
And then it was time to strike up the band again!
And the dance floor heated up!
This crowd knows what to do when the music starts!
Barbara Bernstein and Jay McBride.
Three of the featured musicians were Summit Hetman on keys, Taylor Coker on bass, and Keith Brown on drums.
I think you can see what a festive evening it turned out to be.
Karen Kendrick, left, and Jan Bechtel as the evening drew to a close.
From left, Kevin Grimac, Rose Steele, and Rich Coda.
My friend Eric Smith helped document everything! He’s at all the fun places!
It was such a treat this year for me to co-chair KJO’s Evening Under The Stars with my uber talented daughter Mollie Turner. Thank you Cynthia for this incredible story and wonderful pictures of a truly magical night at Sherri Lee’s beautiful West Knoxville estate!
Mimi: You and Mollie did a wonderful job! I can’t think of a thing that would have improved upon it. It was a fantastic night. Thank you so much!