Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy a fancy fundraiser at a swanky country club as much as the next person. But sometimes, let’s be honest, they can get a little stale. That’s why I thought it was refreshing last year when the Knoxville Symphony moved its annual ball from the traditional country club location to a new venue called The Quarry Venue. It turned out to be a blast!
This year, under the direction of Adrian Jay, who was the mastermind behind the event last year as well, the ball was held at the Mill and Mine in Knoxville’s Old City. Again, it was charming — and different.
The theme, “Symphony of Spies: License to Trill,” led to a great series of tunes from James Bond movies played by the Knoxville Symphony, which had a stage and plenty of room to set up. Guest vocalist Morgan James, who flew in from New York for the performance, was fantastic. The weather cooperated for a comfortable outdoor cocktail hour and the decor by All Occasions Party Rentals made for a stunning visual display inside. And, best of all, there was plenty of room to spread the tables out a little more than usual. Continue reading