rsvp magazine october 2009
DESCRIPTION
Photo magazine covering the Greater Memphis Market.TRANSCRIPT
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CONT
ENTS
12ZOO RENDEZVOUS
Sam and Sheetal Patel
44 PAW PRINTS AUCTION GALA
David Pollow and Marshall Gordon
26BROOKS AVANT GARDE PARTY
Michael Schreiber and Amy Downing
48 PHOENIX CLUB LUAU
Price Phillips and Shawn Massey
60GARAGE BAND REUNION
Barbara Sax and Connie Maxey
52SPORTSBALL
Valerie Morris and Ron Wong
Cover Photo Joel and Emily Halpern
atBrooks Avant Garde Party
Photo by Don Perry
ContentsOctober 2009
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Debbie LitchAs executive producer of Theatre Memphis she has access to the best seats in the house, butshe often can be found on stage showcasing her singing talent during benefits for area non-profits.
Zoo Rendezvous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Thousands of attendees flocked to the Memphis Zoo to “Run with the Pack” for the organiza-tion’s largest annual fund-raiser.
StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 22 & 24The musician channeled his talents into founding a music and arts worship college that’sheaded for an exciting move into the city. He’s making it known that trains’ presence inMemphis is about to get bigger. She’s a rockin’ mom who decided to take back her weekendsby starting family-friendly concerts. StreetSeens highlight Ken Steorts, Hugh Teaford andStacey Greenberg.
Brooks Avant Garde Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26“The Beautiful and Damned” transported guests back to the Roaring 20s at the MemphisBrooks Museum.
Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30Q&A with the Memphis Music Foundation’s new chairman, Al Bell.
RSVPeople . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36A trek across the city’s party landscape.
Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42, 56 & 62Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.
Paw Prints Auction Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County threw a party in honor of its four-leggedfriends at Temple Israel.
Phoenix Club Luau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48This tropical-themed affair drew the beach-loving crowd to Minglewood Hall to raise funds forthe Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.
SportsBall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52Big Brothers Big Sisters of Memphis let adults get a taste of its famed game night fund-raiserat Minglewood Hall.
Zoo Brew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58Zoo supporters sampled beers from around the world at the fall tasting extravaganza.
Garage Band Reunion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60Garage Band groupies rocked out at the New Daisy for an evening made courtesy ofAlzheimer’s Day Services of Memphis, Inc.
RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Would You Be Mayan?Dennis Phillippi gets us all to consider the source behind the Mayan calendar.
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Volume XV Number I
October 2009
P U B L I S H E R
Roy Haithcock
E D I T O R
Leah Fitzpatrick
C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S
Ruth CassinKelly Cox
Dennis Phillippi Lesley Young
A R T D I R E C T O R
Patrick Akers
P H O T O G R A P H E R S
Nathan BerryRoy HaithcockJohn HammerDon Perry
Steve Roberts
S E N I O R A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E
Libby Huff
A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E
Chris Pugh
A C C O U N T I N G
Ruth Cassin
RSVP Memphis is published monthly byHaithcock Communications, Inc. First class
subscriptions are available for $75.00 per year.Send name and address with a check to:
Haithcock Communications, Inc.2282 Central AvenueMemphis, TN 38104
For advertising information contactRoy Haithcock
Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101Fax (901) 276-7785
e-mail [email protected]
W E B
www.rsvpmagazine.comFor editorial information or to request
coverage of an event, pleasecontact RSVP Magazine
one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785.
e-mail [email protected]
Copyright 2009 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
With our community’s future in mind, the $124 million construction of our Women’s and Children’s Pavilion will be designed to meet environmental standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. With room for 100 additional patients, 600 more parking spaces, and 24 private NICU rooms for parents and their newborns, it’s all part of our promise to provide exceptional healthcare for generations to come – a commitment we will never outgrow.
To learn more about our expansion, and our efforts to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, log on to www.methodisthealth.org.
©2009 Methodist Healthcare
We’re growing. The way nature intended.
Embracing the Miracle of Life.
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As I approach the secondanniversary of becominga Memphian, I can’t help
but reminisce about the peo-ple who first made me feelwelcome. New amongst a seaof faces I’d never seen,many of you went out ofyour way for introductions,informing me about yourcharities of choice, favoritehotspots and various activi-ties of interest. Thesethoughtful exchanges, rang-ing from a few seconds tofull-out conversations, madea world of difference andhelped this newcomer com-fortably transform into a local.
I realize however that other transplants to the areamight not have such a big pool of resources at their fingertips.In that vein, I hope that RSVP sheds a positive light on thecity and all of its best offerings. You just might be surprised toknow that several people contemplating a move to the cityhave requested a magazine for insight about volunteer oppor-tunities, people of interest and fab charity parties. One of myfavorite responses from an out-of-towner placing one suchmagazine request was, “I never knew there was so much goingon in Memphis!”
Well, my friends, that comment couldn’t be more trueas the fall party season is in full swing here at RSVP. A few ofthe bigger events this month include MIFA’s “Feed the Soul”Party on October 1, Ballet Memphis’ Connections: Food Eventon October 3, the Orpheum’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Brews & Q onOctober 9, the Chefs’ Celebrity Gala on October 15 and theMerry Marketplace Gala on October 29. These events are onlythe tip of the iceberg, so check out our online events blog fora more inclusive list.
Something else in full swing is the Memphis musicscene. After reading the Vox Popular on Al Bell (page 30) andthe StreetSeens on Ken Steorts (page 20) and StaceyGreenberg (page 24), you’ll see that our city’s unique com-modity keeps breaking new ground. On that note, you’ll alsolearn about another Memphis-related industry that will behighlighted in a museum at Central Station by checking outthe StreetSeen on Hugh Teaford (page 22).
Here I am on my final paragraph for the column, andironically enough, today is the last day of summer. I reallycould cry at how fast the season of sunshine has gone by, butfall weather has always been my favorite. I can already hearthe great outdoors calling my name, ready to impress its localcolor upon me. Haha!
Leah [email protected]
From the Editor
Photo by Steve Roberts
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New
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COMMUNITY AMENITIES
Arbors of River Oaks225 Arbor Common Circle
Memphis, TN 38120
901.747.2011www.ArborsRiverOaks.com
Life Made Simple©
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Debbie LitchEExxeeccuuttiivvee PPrroodduucceerr ooff TThheeaattrree MMeemmpphhiiss
FFiirrsstt jjoobb:: Lifeguard.
FFaavvoorriittee MMeemmpphhiiss mmuussiicciiaann:: Gary Beard.
SSttrreessss oouuttlleett:: Exercise and learning a new song.
IIddeeaall vvaaccaattiioonn ssppoott:: Cruising in the Mediterranean.
OOnnee tthhiinngg yyoouu ccaann’’tt lliivvee wwiitthhoouutt:: My family and friends.
HHiissttoorriiccaall ffiigguurree yyoouu mmoosstt iiddeennttiiffyy wwiitthh:: Eleanor
Roosevelt.
MMoovviiee yyoouu ccoouulldd wwaattcchh oovveerr aanndd oovveerr aaggaaiinn:: Singin’ in
the Rain.
LLaasstt bbooookk yyoouu’’vvee rreeaadd:: Alex Cross’s Trial by James Patterson and
Richard DiLallo.
FFiirrsstt ccoonncceerrtt:: The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conducted by Henry
Mancini when I was 10 years old.
OOnnee tthhiinngg mmoosstt ppeeooppllee ddoonn’’tt kknnooww aabboouutt yyoouu:: That my
energy supply can be depleted and that I do need some sleep to
recharge my batteries.
BBiiggggeesstt oobbssttaaccllee yyoouu’’vvee oovveerrccoommee:: Most recently, it has been
balancing annual budgets at Theatre Memphis.
GGuuiillttyy pplleeaassuurree:: Wearing sequined and elegant gowns designed
by TM’s costume designer, André Bruce Ward.
WWoorrddss oorr pphhrraasseess yyoouu oovveerruussee:: “I love it!” Also, “Thank you,”
which I feel cannot be overused.
YYoouurr ggrreeaatteesstt aacchhiieevveemmeenntt:: I would hope that it is surrounding
myself with the brightest, most talented, dedicated and hard-working
people and motivating them to be the best they can be for themselves
and for Theatre Memphis.
YYoouurr mmaannttrraa:: Do more than is expected, accentuate the positive
and always treat and respect people the way you would like to be treated
and respected.
SIGN
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c h i c k a s a w o a k s v i l l a g e • 3 0 9 2 p o p l a r a v e . • 9 0 1 . 4 5 2 . 2 3 2 3
f a s h i o n a c c e s s o r i e s s t y l e
Meet the designer
Fal l and Hol iday
T R U N K S H O W
Saturday
October 17th
11a - 4p
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ZOO RE
NDEZ
VOUS
E V E N T Zoo Rendezvous
“RUN WITH THE PACK”
Scott Elliott with Kelly and Rick Leggett
Lorelei Scatamacchia and Anna Pechak
John Chelsey and Brenda Berry
Mike and Beth O’Neill
T.J. and Nishel Patel
Jade Manning and Lela Bryant
Sally and Clay Isom
Drs. Dharmesh and Purvisha Patel
Alison Bauman and Sara Motes
Everyone who has attended Zoo Rendezvous in the past can attestthat it is one of the biggest and best parties in town, and the3,500 guests who turned out to “Run With the Pack” at the 26th
annual event would be hard-pressed to disagree. Although inclementweather threatened, the raindrops held off, allowing the celebrationto come off without a hitch.
More than 70 restaurants and catering establishments scat-tered throughout the zoo grounds contributed to a splendid tastingexperience. Among the standout dishes were Overton Pizza Stonewith a unique macaroni cheese and crawfish dish, Owen Brennan’sauthentic shrimp and grits, Earnestine & Hazel’s signature soulburgers and Encore Restaurant/Entourage Catering’s delectablearray of desserts. Thirsty partygoers also had their choice of 20 barlocations, including those staffed by distributors SouthwesternBeverage, D. Canale, Athens and A.S. Barbaro, as well as Murphy’sPub, Patrick’s and Automatic Slim’s. Popular gathering spots werethe Monkeyville Saloon, Dr. Joe’s Jungle Lounge and BK’s ChinaGrove, where die-hard sports fans converged to watch three live col-lege football games on large screen televisions.
However, the evening was not all about the food and drink,as five favorite local bands, The Doc Shots Quartet, Gary Goin andG3, Randy Moore and The Fabulous Suedes, The Living Daylightsand Kathryn Stallins, regaled the crowds from the AutoZone spon-sored stages. As always, the booth décor competition was hotly con-tested with the following emerging as winners: Courtyard—B.B.King’s/Itta Bena-first place, Bluefin-second place; China/ChinaRoad—Encore/Entourage Catering-first place, Zinnie’s East-secondplace; and Primate Pavilion/Canyon—Sunset Atop the Madison/Grill83-first place, Dixie Café-second. Best In Show Restaurant honorswent to Harrah’s Sheraton Casino–The Steakhouse, and Huey’s tookBest In Show Bar.
Tim Dalfiume, the zoo’s director of events, said, “We cannotexpress how thrilled we are to see another successful Zoo Rendez-vous. After 26 years, this continues to be the zoo’s biggest party ofthe year due largely to the support we receive from the Memphiscommunity. With this kind of outpouring of support from Memphis’own backyard, the zoo is able to produce a party that can’t betopped. We look forward to many years of Zoo Rendezvous tocome!”
Story by Ruth CassinPhotos by Don PerrySee all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com
Password: RSVP
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ZOO RE
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E V E N T
Jill Smith and Stuart Mash
Connie and Ed Kjellin
Denise Shearin and Bick Hall
Bob and Dianne LasterLisa Taylor, Jeff Goggans and Melissa Taylor
Greg Lackey and Kelli Hobbs
Steve and Paula Beussink
Dr. Jeremy Draper and Jessica Lambert
Kevin Johnson and Cyndi Sowell
Ashley and Kevin Demsky
Jill Freeman and Ryan McElroy
PETER D. POOLEFine Jewelers
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ZOO RE
NDEZ
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E V E N T
Sonya and Erik Riggin
Juli and John Hurdle
Catie Amsden and Gary Burcl
Lynn Roll and Tammy BrookesKasey and Rebecca Wyatt
Ashley Fairey and Reeves Fairey
Bee Matthews and Elizabeth Sullivan
Jennifer Mathis, Josh Smith and Robyn Sayle
Elizabeth Riseling and Luke Leatherwood
Geraldine and Willie Richardson
Shawn and Lana Danko
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balletmemphis.org 901.737.7322Tickets start at just $5
The OrpheumNov 7–8
The OrpheumDec 11–13
Wizard of Oz
Nutcracker
ARTHUR F. & ALICE E. ADAMS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
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E V E N T
ZOO RE
NDEZ
VOUS
Dawn Jones, Mary Boaz, Gina Bryant and Kellie Deckard
Jenna and Jamie Cox, Christy Bingham and Babe Leary
Chris Thomas and Melinda AldisonTommy and Raquel Carls
Jill Runnels and Johnny PritchardCourdria Pointer and Chassity Pointer
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E V E N T
ZOO RE
NDEZ
VOUS
Cathy Ackermann, Cathy Dalfiume and Mary Ann Harding
Brisa Samudio, Marcus Grandberry and Weatherly Tanner
David and Laura ClarkJames Hutto and Aaron Kerr
Sonal and Sujit MehrLara and Edward Charbonnet
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Ken SteortsRedefining Academia for Musicians
With shoulder-length hair and a wardrobe thatscreams comfort, Ken Steorts looks more like theaverage college student than a college president.
That’s not to say Steorts doesn’t take his position atVisible School, a music and arts worship college hefounded in 2000, seriously. In fact, he’s been workingfor three years now to get Visible School fromLakeland to Downtown Memphis.
Out of frustration with the city’s lack of knowl-edge about the institution, Steorts knew a move intothe metropolitan area was inevitable. The challenge layin acquiring funding for the “Into the City” campaign.However, no action transpired more than a year afterinternal talks about the plan began, until an anony-mous donor gave $3 million for the school to match.This act of kindness forced relocation proponents tocarry out initial intentions.
“We’d already made the move into the citythrough our volunteer work and students’ internships,but it was time Visible School move from obscurity tovisibility,” Steorts says.
The Memphis Area Chamber of Commercesoon came calling to propose the former C & I Bankbuilding, located at 200 Madison, as a possible site.Steorts jumped at the idea of the school occupying hisfavorite Memphis building, and the square footage did-n’t hurt either. Archimania then committed to helpingwith the architectural vision for an indoor urban parkwhere students can study, eight teaching studios, 10personal practice rooms, five band rehearsal spaces, 10classrooms, an auditorium, library and undergroundrecording studios. Other plans include campus housingat the nearby Madison 19 Condominiums, possiblepart-time classes for the community, special eventsand concerts.
If all goes as planned and the school raises$325,000 by October 31 to close on the property,Steorts estimates that the doors will open May 2010for the first graduation ceremony in the new location,with a backup of starting classes in August of nextyear. In order to achieve this goal, the school hasbegun offering small student concerts inside people’sliving rooms at no charge. Afterward, participantsinform the audience about the school’s goals, in hopesof receiving donations for the capital campaign.
Begun as a place for those seeking an alterna-tive college music experience within a Christian set-ting, Visible School’s approach to its campaign andclassroom setting seem fitting. Bachelor’s degrees areoffered in modern music, music business and audioproduction, all of which Steorts has a strong grasp ofdue to his days with the popular Christian rock bandSkillet and heading up Visible Media Group, a musicproduction and artist development company.
“Visible School and I are in a unique positionto be excited about the church and music industry,and we believe the new location will help maximizestudent growth and show that we’re an engine forMemphis music,” he says.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
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Hugh TeafordAll Aboard for Train Culture
“Memphis is as much a railroad town as itis a river town,” Hugh Teaford saysbefore an impromptu tour at Central
Station. The president of the Memphis Societyof Model Railroaders justifies his comment byadding that five of the major Class 1 railroads:CSX Transportation, Canada National Railway,Norfolk Southern Railway, Union PacificRailroad and BNSF Railway, each makes routesthrough the city. What the tour group didn’thear is that MATA and the Memphis Society ofModel Railroaders are in negotiations to con-struct the Memphis Railroad and TrolleyMuseum.
“The museum will be a draw for bothtourists and city residents,” Teaford says.“More specifically, MATA wants South Main tobecome a destination spot.”
The tunnel underneath Central Stationwill be converted into museum headquarters.At present, one would be hard-pressed to imag-ine this space, filled with dust-covered railroaditems from a bygone era, containing pristineexhibits. Blind to the mess, Teaford envisionsthe museum clearly and grows excited as hespeaks of plans for a 500 to 600-foot-longmodel railroad. This feature alone will serve asa major attraction for museumgoers.
Current projections call for the muse-um to open in two years. Depending on howwell the public receives the addition toMemphis’ must-see list, plans are to expandthe facility upstairs and outside of the trainstation.
Teaford adds, “Once the museum getsestablished, we want to encourage young peo-ple to be model railroaders because it’s a verycreative hobby, and you get to learn a little his-tory as well.”
A model railroader himself, Teafordalso enjoys being in the company of others whoshare his passion. The Memphis Society ofModel Railroaders, of which he’s been activelyinvolved for 15 years, allows him to do this ona monthly basis. Society projects focus on tak-ing small modulars to nursing homes, schools,St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and tothe local Boy Scouts. In addition, members cre-ate an annual exhibit each fall at the PinkPalace Museum. Called On Track in Memphis,the exhibit will feature five or six layouts and a“Thomas and Friends” layout, and will runfrom October 10 through 25.
The upcoming exhibit is only one ofmany stops for Teaford, as he hopes to increaseclub awareness in the community. Working onforming Friends of the Museum comes next,and there are no plans to slow down for anybumps along the way.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
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Stacey GreenbergPromoting Parental Rockin’
For most parents, the late nights of venturing out tolive music venues have been replaced with morefamily-friendly activities, but Rock-n-Romp is
changing all that. A series of daytime concerts usuallyheld in Midtown backyards, Rock-n-Romp offers anenvironment where adults and kids can watch a rockshow in unison, albeit with volume control, toned-down lyrics and a no-smoking policy.
As founder of the Memphis Rock-n-Romp chap-ter, Stacey Greenberg puts it, “Rock-n-Romp has madelive music meaningful not only for me, but also for mykids. I’ve also gotten to hear a lot of bands I neverknew about.”
Begun locally four years ago, Rock-n-Romp con-certs first took hold in Washington, D.C. and soonspread to cities like Austin, Baltimore, Boston andPhiladelphia. Though Greenberg has never attendedRock-n-Romp in another city, the nonprofit’s originalfounder, Debbie Lee, ventured to the Memphis chap-ter’s biggest gathering to date at the Levitt Shell inJuly. With more than 600 people in attendance, thisparticular show proved that the group could garnersuccessful public response (most performances areonly open to those who sign up for Rock-n-Romp’sonline newsletter), and Greenberg says the originatoralso gave it her stamp of approval.
“Debbie seems to think we’ve got Rock-n-Rompdown,” Greenberg smiles.
The low-cost fun factor remains key. Since peo-ple take turns allowing free reign of their backyardsfor the Saturday-afternoon affairs, the overhead is non-existent. However, the group requires that adults havea child with them for admission and suggests thatattendees chip in a $5 donation to cover beer andband costs. “We don’t want anyone to feel like theycan’t come because they can’t afford Rock-n-Romp,”Greenberg adds. Parents are also encouraged to bringsnacks that the chapter serves potluck style. While themusic caters to adults, bands of all genres will oftenhave an instrument demo or special song for children,and rarely does a child turn down an opportunity todance or meet up with friends.
Four to six outdoor shows a season has beenthe target, but this year, organizers planned more con-certs to reach a larger audience. If you happened tomiss an opportunity to attend Rock-n-Romp, the sea-son finale, scheduled for November 7 at the NationalOrnamental Metal Museum, will feature MouseRocket, Sector Zero, Useless Eaters and the Hot PinkPaperclips. This winter, Rock-n-Romp will try some-thing new as it plans to host indoor shows onDecember 5 at Jay Etkin with Snowglobe and onJanuary 16 at the Center for Southern Folklore withGustafer Yellowgold.
Greenberg says, “It’s definitely reaffirmingwhen parents say, ‘We love what you’re doing, domore.’”
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts
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BROO
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NT GAR
DE PAR
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E V E N T Brooks Avant Garde Party
“The Beautiful and Damned”
Jim and Jennifer German with Sharon and Craig Dickey
Alan and Brooke Balducci
Fontaine Moore and Kathy Jacobs
David and Cheryl Schlitt
Melanie Towery and Julien Prevost
Brian and Nannette Branigan
Nora Boone and Sherry Misner
Jada Thompson and Maggie Louie
Mary Burns and Jessica Puckett
Hundreds of art supporters channeled Anthony and Gloria Patchof the famed F. Scott Fitzgerald novel The Beautiful andDamned at the Memphis Brooks Museum’s soiree of the same
name. Staying true to the creativity that comes with a Brooks AvantGarde Party, the host committee pulled out all the stops for a nightreminiscent of Café Society culture.
Though costumes were optional, attendees willingly con-cealed their identities in 1920s fashions. Long gloves, feather head-dresses, shiny jewels, strands of pearls, cigarette holders, pin curls,top hats, tuxes and vests all appeared in numerous costumes. GuestJim German took his ensemble a step further by dressing in vintageaviator’s attire. Charles Lindbergh would have been pleased!
Host committee member Ashley Clark gushed, “I’m so gladeveryone dressed up.”
The decadence carried on with “The Beautiful” and “TheDamned” activities. Qualifying as “The Beautiful” were The Printsof Jacob Lawrence (on view downstairs), dance lessons courtesy ofFred Astaire Dance Studio, live jazz by the Hot Memphis 4, carica-ture sketches by James Caldwell, “Love ‘em and Leave ‘em” on thedance floor with DJ Cody Rodgers and getting shot in a dark corner,otherwise known as having your picture taken. “The Damned” listincluded channeling your inner Billie Holiday for karaoke, a cigarbar provided by the Tinder Box, fortune telling, street games, Mr.Nick’s black magic and a Belles Burlesque show. Even the party’smenu evoked a flamboyant flair, with delectables like smoked troutdeviled eggs, crawfish succotash, buttermilk potato croquettes andtiramisu.
The 1920s experience roared to a halt around midnight, as“flappers” and their escorts left the premise with gift bags providedby Andre Fowlkes and AJW Clothier and Day Spa. Acura of Memphisalso had a part in the action as the presenting sponsor.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP
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Andre Fowlkes, Teresa Davis and Daniel Weickenand
Chris and Autumn Chastain with Jordan and Kevin Barré
Jason and Mandy JohnsCindy Wilson, Ken Hall and Jeni Stephens
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Ashley and Frank Clark
Thayne and Anne Muller
Kent and Dana Farmer
Paul and Cristina Guibao
Randy Vasofsky and Valerie Hathcock
Jerry and Linda Phillips
Brian and Elizabeth Walker
Sherri and Charley Tipton
Mike and Kathleen Edelmuth
Alan Nathanson and Sarah Nickell
Tracy and Chris Houston
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Laschunn Garrett with Amy and Karmin Greer
Kelsey and April Panitz, Jessica Polk and Terri Panitz
Becky and Ken MuskaLarry Hardy and Linda Farmer
Teri Dow and Vanessa ByersSuzana and Michael Lightman Jr.
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Vox PopularQ&A with Al BellVO
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RRSSVVPP:: Was your first experience in the music business as a deejay?
BBeellll:: Yes, I was a deejay in Little Rock at KOKY. I learned on thejob, but it was much more difficult then. The guys today are giftedto a certain extent and they have their computers and engineers,but back then, we had to get our FCC license because we had towork the board. I came to Memphis after that to WLOK and wasthere for maybe a year-and-a-half, and then went to Washington,D.C. to WUST.
RRSSVVPP:: Who were some stars you met during your deejay days?
BBeellll:: When I was at KOKY in Little Rock, I met Jackie Wilson, SamCooke, James Brown, the Staple Singers, the Swanee Quintet, JesseBelvin, Big Joe Turner,Bobby “Blue” Bland andLittle Jimmy Parker. I wasalso a concert promoterthere, and that’s anotherreason I got a chance tomeet these people. As amatter of fact, I promoted aconcert called the Rock ‘n’Roll Revue, and on thatconcert was Jesse Belvin,who was killed in an auto-mobile accident after that.That just kind of stayedwith me because I had builta rapport with him, and hewas a gracious man.
RRSSVVPP:: What propelled youto get involved with StaxRecords?
BBeellll:: Well, I first learned ofStax when I was at WLOKhere in Memphis. I got achance to visit the studio,and that was a moment of shock. I had been playing Booker T. andthe MG’s records, and when I got a chance to walk in the studio,they were in. I opened the door and looked back in Studio A, andhere’s Steve Cropper, a white guy—and this is back in the 1960s—Donald “Duck” Dunn, a white guy, Booker T. Jones, a black guy,and then on drums there’s Al Jackson Jr., a black guy. And thesetwo white guys, and these two black guys were making all this funkymusic. I said, “Oh my God, I don’t believe it.” That was my firstreal impression of Stax. I see that image in my head as we sit hereand talk. It had that kind of effect on me. Of course, I played theirmusic here, and then I left and went to Washington, D.C. with an
armload of records thanks to DavidPorter, who took me by Stax at thattime and would visit me at the radiostation. When I went to D.C. andstarted playing Stax music, nobodywas playing it there, so I had musicno one was playing in the marketplace, which gave me an edge andstarted giving Stax and its artists exposure to the extent that OtisRedding got an opportunity to start coming in and playing at theHoward Theatre and Carla Thomas got to come play at HowardUniversity. Jim Stewart [co-founder of Stax] would call me to talk tome about music I was playing and tell me what they’d recorded atStax the previous day. When they would record something Jim wasexcited about, he would go and have a dub made, which was done to
vinyl back then. Then, he’dsend me a dub and ask myopinion. I got so close andrespected by him until helet me come into Memphisand bring my artists—atthat time Eddie Floydrecorded for me and was onmy record label, which wasdistributed by Atlantic, justlike Stax. It got up to apoint where AtlanticRecords, based on what Jimwas telling me, was notpromoting the product theway he felt they shouldhave been promoting it.Once I started playing Staxin Washington, D.C., inJim’s mind he thought wedidn’t have to be confinedto these small areas, but wecould be playing Stax inother markets, it’s just thatthey’re not promoting Staxthere. So, he said, “You
know, Al, you are respected by all of these disc jockeys out there,and we’re about to go under, I wish you would consider cominghere and helping us turn this around.” After thinking about it, Isaid, “Jim, OK, but what can you pay me?” He told me he couldgive me $100 a week, and Jerry Wexler at Atlantic could give me$100 a week. Heck, I was making five and sometimes six figures inWashington, so $200 a week? But, I knew there was something dif-ferent at Stax, and I had one of my close associates tell me that Ineeded to take advantage of that opportunity because the guys atStax had a bottom sound that was unlike and different from any-thing else in the industry. He was talking about that bass and the
Though he resides in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Al Bell’s presence in the Memphis music scene has neverbeen stronger. Once a considerable force behind Stax Records and Motown, the entrepreneur of all thingsmusic marked his return to the Bluff City in July, when he became the chairman of the Memphis Music
Foundation. Bell now makes the trip across the Mississippi about four times a month for his commitment tofurther local artists’ presence at home and abroad. And, if anybody can sell an artist, it’s Bell, who’s respectedfor his work with Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding and Prince, to name a few. RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrick met withthe legendary songwriter, producer and record executive just as the foundation began preparations forMemphis Means Music Week, a community celebration of music scheduled for October 24 through 31.
Photos by Don Perry
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Helen Akin
Steve Bearman
Beth Blumenfeld
Phoebe Burks
Bill Butler
Sheryl Cassibry
Robin Fauser
Gwen Flaniken
Jimmie Harder Fowler
Jan Gordon
Lynn Hammond
Lauren Harkins
Walker Hays
Carolyn Hooker
WendyRylee
CrissySmith
SusieSneed
TriciaSnider
CarolStout
JeffSullivan
LynnWalker
Sandra Charlton
Tom Iverson
Tom Kimbrough Broker
Mike Mills
CooperTurner
MichaelVarner
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VivianWatson
MelissaWilbanks
MigWilliams
JudsonWilliford
AmyWoods
MandyWright
Sylvia Joure
Joy Kimbrough
Ali Benson Koch
Janet Lee
Nan Lee
Elizabeth Marchisio
Toni Martello
Christine McBee
George Merrifield
Jim Pascover
Claire Perkins
Nancy Perrine
Alice Newton
Our East Memphis f amily
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LAR drum sound. That got my attention! And, I was able to come here
and go into the vault of music that they had already recorded, buthadn’t released because they hadn’t thought it was good enough orwhatever, and pick out the music and release it. To make a longstory short, within less than nine months, we had turned the compa-ny around, and it was off to the races.
RRSSVVPP:: At Stax, you were the director of promotions, a songwriter, aproducer, vice president of sales and eventually a co-owner, so justwondering which role you enjoyed the most?
BBeellll:: The role that I enjoyed the most is producing. I love finding aunique artist and studying that artist until I understand and appreci-ate the gift and talent that God’s given them. Finding great qualitysongs that the artist can perform in abelievable manner and working with themusicians to make sure that we have anarrangement that enhances and comple-ments the performance of the artist…Ilove doing that. I’ve been blessedbecause I’ve always been able to do thatwith talented people. Even though Ican’t sing, dance or play a musicalinstrument, I can feel and hear. What Iwill always try to do is come up with apiece of music that will make peoplefeel good. That’s a mission.
RRSSVVPP:: Who was your favorite Staxartist?
BBeellll:: Mavis Staples. In the late 1950s, Ihad booked a gospel concert for fourdates, and on that package was the Rev.C.L. Franklin, his daughter ArethaFranklin, the Swanee Quintet, LittleSammy Bryant and the Staple Singers.At the last gig, which was in Pine Bluff,Arkansas at a high school, I was in theaudience watching the Staple Singersperform, and Mavis started singing asong called “On My Way to HeavenAnyhow” by herself, which was rare atthe time. She started singing that songwith that concerto voice of hers and moving up and down her range,and then she started crying. By that time, I’m captured, and I’minto this song and into Mavis Staples. Whatever I felt that nightwatching Mavis Staples, I feel it today, and I have felt it in all of herrecording sessions and productions.
RRSSVVPP:: What did the Stax experience mean to you?
BBeellll:: Back then, when we lived in a country and society permeatedwith segregation and racism, there was a place and oasis for me andothers called Stax, where you had European Americans and AfricanAmericans who could come together in absolute harmony, be of oneaccord and influenced by music and each other in positive spirits.Working and living with the people who were there was fun and thebest moment of my life, and I miss it.
RRSSVVPP:: How did working for Motown Records come about?
BBeellll:: When I left North Little Rock and went to Los Angeles in 1986,we’d just come out of the disco era. Disco had sort of pushed meaway from the business because disco was an art form that de-emphasized the importance of the artist, and that turned me off andI moved away from the business. Then, I heard Double Dutch Bus,
and I started hearing these rappers telling stories. That was when Ithought changes were taking place, and I kept hearing that groupand thought I needed to get back into the business. I started talkingto a friend of mine at Cash Box Magazine who introduced me toGeorge Albert, who owned Cash Box, and George convinced me toleave Arkansas and come to California. I went there and got involvedwith Rick Frio in a management company, and Rick at that point intime was managing Mavis Staples. Rick and I then started a recordlabel, and I met a gentleman one day named Kerry Gordy, who wasBerry Gordy’s son. Kerry and I got to know each other, and finallyhe said, “Will you teach me the record business?” He would come byat 6 o’clock every day, and I started teaching him what I knew aboutthe business. Later on, he told me that the chairman, meaningBerry, wanted to see me. Next thing I know, I’m at a lunch that last-
ed several hours, and we had manymore that lasted that long. On one occa-sion, Berry told me he wanted me tocome to Motown and take over as presi-dent and aid him in structuring thecompany and moving it forward, whileat the same time preparing it for thesale to MCA Boston Ventures.
RRSSVVPP:: What were some changes younoticed in the music business fromyour time at Stax until your job atMotown?
BBeellll:: The way the industry approachedartists had changed. In the disco era,the leaders in the record companies,which were dominated by the majorpublicly held companies, dealt withartists more as commodities, asopposed to artistic talent. That discothing helped perpetuate their thinkingbecause there was very little emphasison the artist at all. In doing that, itbegan to reduce the art form to whatwas necessary for them, which was tohave a product they could mass mer-chandise.
RRSSVVPP:: What are some of your responsi-bilities in your newest endeavor as the Memphis Music Foundationchairman?
BBeellll:: To pursue continually the mission of this foundation and tobring my experiences, relationships and vision to this foundationand music industry in Memphis, and of utmost importance to thebusiness community. I’m about economic empowerment and devel-opment. That’s what I was doing with Stax. To take an asset thatMemphis has called music, and work with that music and the musicindustry here to aid in the economic development of the city is anopportunity I never dreamed in life I would have.
RRSSVVPP:: Do you feel the musical talent in Memphis is as strong as itwas during the time of Stax?
BBeellll:: No question about it. It’s in the soil here. You can go to somecities like Philadelphia or Chicago, and they have their music, butit’s a certain influence that’s with respect to a specific genre. InMemphis, whether it’s country, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, operaor bluegrass, it’s all here indigenous in Memphis. There are all theseunique people here who are creative. It’s not like that any otherplace in the country. You go to Los Angeles, and it’s a joke com-pared to the talent base that’s here in Memphis.
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Jeanne�ixon
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9333 Riveredge Drive�EW LISTI�G $795,000
Mark ThomasA lasting impression... The epitome of understated elegance and
grandeur. Quality and craftsmanship not seen today. A perfect blendof Old World elegance and ultra modern sophistication. �o city taxes!
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Mark ThomasTHE 3 L’s! LOCATIO�, LIVABILITY & LUXURY!
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600 S. Shady Grove Road$ 4,950,000Jenny Grehan
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OPENING DOORS SINCE 1951651 Oakleaf Office Lane Memphis, TN 38117 (Phone) 901-767-4100 (Fax) 901-680-7793
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368 Tara Lane$ 785,000
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254 Gardenia Drive$ 465,000
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4006 Baronne Way$479,000
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1685 - 1687 Tutwiler Avenue$ 217,995
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Mark Thomas
4130 Long Leaf Drive$ 242,000
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4859 Gwynne Road�EW LISTI�G!Clay Templeton
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EOPL
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Spirit of SRVSAuction Affair
Always a popular event, the 11thannual SSppiirriitt ooff SSRRVVSS AAuuccttiioonn AAffffaaiirr drewnearly 700 people to the HHiillttoonn MMeemmpphhiissballroom for an evening of tasting, toast-ing, bidding and camaraderie.
“We were pleasantly surprised andgratified by the huge turn-out this year,”said DDiiaannaa FFeeddiinneecc. “It just goes to showthat, even in an economic downturn, peo-
ple still have it in their hearts to give insupport of causes like SRVS.”
With a variety of fine wines avail-able for tasting, as well as tantalizing bitesfrom Memphis restaurants like BBuucckklleeyy’’ss,BBhhaann TThhaaii, HHoogg WWiilldd BBBBQQ and RRaaiinn, guestshad plenty to nourish and inspire them asthey perused the wide range of items in thesilent auction. The mascots of the eveningwere again two lovely ladies costumed asbunches of grapes—SOS Industries Sales andMarketing representative CChhrriissttiiee LLaadddd andreturning volunteer DDeenniiccee GGoorree.
“I’m a late-harvest riesling thisyear,” joked Gore, “which means I’m very
sweet.”FFrreedd and PPaamm MMoonntteessii were this
year’s honorary co-chairs, and DDrr.. FFrreedd andAAnnnnee WWeessbbeerrrryy were event co-chairs. As forentertainment, music was provided bypianist EEddddiiee HHaarrrriissoonn and saxophonist BBiillll
HHuurrdd. The well-known and well-lovedCCoommppaannyy dd DDaanncceerrss, a performance troupefrom the DDoowwnn SSyynnddrroommee AAssssoocciiaattiioonn oofftthhee MMiidd--SSoouutthh, were again a highlight ofthe evening. And SRVS service recipientKKaattiiee RRuusssseellll had the crowd enthusiastically
clapping along when she took the stage tosing “Rocky Top.”
JJooee BBiirrcchh acted as emcee and auction-eer during the live auction, which includedsuch items as an Epiphone guitar auto-graphed by Willie Nelson and a Gulf Shoresgetaway. Actress and featured guest HHaaiilleeyyAAnnnnee NNeellssoonn modeled a 5-carat Chameleonstone necklace donated by DDoorroonnDDiiaammoonnddss. Mid-South artist CCoonnnniieeLLaammppeenn’s original painting “Wine, Music
and Happiness”—this year’s Spirit of SRVScommemorative artwork—was also up forbid.
SRVS (Shelby Residential andVocational Services) is the largest compre-hensive service provider for people with dis-abilities in West Tennessee, helping morethan 850 people with disabilities live fullerlives.
Among those contributing to thisorganization at the auction were MMaayyoorr AA CCWWhhaarrttoonn, TToodddd and KKaarreenn PPeerrrriinn, SStteevveeCCoonnlleeyy, EEmmmmaa JJeeaann PPiieerroottttii, BBiillll BBooyydd,JJeessssee MMaannuuss, JJeeaanniiee GGuunnddllaacchh, CCaarrtteerrBBeeaarrdd, MMaarryy BBoollttoonn, EElliizzaabbeetthh BBoollttoonn,ZZaacchhaarryy BBuurrttoonn, JJaammeess and AAmmyy HHeerrbbeerrss,MMiikkee and CCeelleessttee LLoonnggoo, KKeellllyy and LLaacceeyy
A Trek Across the City’s Party Landscape
Denice Gore, Emma Jean Pierotti and Christie Ladd
T.C. Johnson and Kay Shelton
Reginald Sanders and Cheryl Eakins
James Curry and Mayor A C Wharton
The Sign You Wantin Your YardHobsonRealtors.com
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DDoouugghheerr, DDaannnnyy and KKiimm PPaayynnee, CChheerryyllEEaakkiinnss, RReeggiinnaalldd SSaannddeerrss, KKaarreenn OOwweenn,MMaannddyy OOllddhhaamm, JJaammeess CCuurrrryy, LLaacceeyy WWiinntteerrss,
EErriiccaa HHooppkkiinnss, RRiicchhaarrdd SSmmiitthh, RRaannddyyTTiimmbbeerrllaakkee, CChheellsseeyy HHoollmmeess, CCaarrllyy PPrraatttt,JJeennnniiffeerr WWrriigghhtt, JJuuddyy BBrroowwnn, BBrruuccee NNiilleess,LLaauurraa PPrriiccee, KKaatthhyy BBaacchheerriigg and AAllllaann FFiisshheerr.
Story and photos by Kelly Cox
“Adapt-A-Door”Design Competition Auction
Throughout the year, MMeemmpphhiissHHeerriittaaggee fights an ongoing battle of preserv-ing historic buildings in the Memphis area.Sometimes the nonprofit wins. Sometimes itloses, but it always takes something awayfrom a historic site if it’s about to be demol-ished. The list of salvaged items includes cor-nices, columns, eaves, brackets and doors,lots and lots of doors.
This year, the organization decided torecycle its numinous collection of portals andraise funds at the same time by hosting, inconjunction with the local chapter of theAAmmeerriiccaann IInnssttiittuuttee ooff AArrcchhiitteeccttss, the first““AAddaapptt--AA--DDoooorr” DDeessiiggnn CCoommppeettiittiioonn AAuuccttiioonn.More than 90 artists entered the contest to
transform a door into artwork, furniture orhome décor items throughout the course ofthree months. After meeting the deadline,they had the opportunity to display their cre-ations, while bidders battled over the quirkyconcoctions.
“I’m guarding my sheet; I got oneminute left,” said SSyyllvviiaa DDrraakkee, who had hereye on a “painting” titled “The Cross ofBeauty and Grace.” “I just love the colors.I’m already envisioning the corner I’m going
to put it in.”Other works included a chaise, a rock-
ing chair, a mantel, picture frames, bedframes and a desk, all made from doors sal-vaged from historic buildings, older Memphishomes and even a former Piggly Wiggly. The
auction raised more than $10,000 thanks to300 people who chose to maneuver aroundthe pieces in Memphis Heritage’s HHoowwaarrddHHaallll on Madison Avenue to find their perfectitem.
“We never dreamed we’d get as manypeople to work on that many doors,” saidMemphis Heritage executive director JJuunneeWWeesstt. “This was kind of the first dress
rehearsal for what’s going to be an annualevent.”
Those supporting the doors recycledinto art included VViirrggiinniiaa SShheeaarreerr, HHoonnoouurrBBaatteeyy, PPaattrriicckk RRoooonneeyy, LLeeaahh RRoobbeerrttss, DDaarrllaaLLiinneerrooddee--HHeennssoonn, BBeettssyy WWiiddddoopp, MMaarrtthhaaNNaasshh, MMiicchhaaeell and CCaarroollyynn FFiisshheerr, NNaannccyy
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David McCaslin, Kevin Dean, Jack Lehr and Leo Coria
Heather Koury and June West
Jamie Youngblood with Griffin and Alison Elkington
Nancy Knight, Brantley Ellzey and Robin Rodriguez
Jesse Manus and Bill Boyd
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Millstone Market, Inc.901.503.4711
Vador’s Garden Center901.753.0714
Peaceful Settings901.465.5553
Cash Iron Works901.948.6004
BuzzOff Presents CoolOff901.685.0900
Something Fishy901.371.2223
Gurley’s Azalea Garden901.794.7370
Granite Dealer901.774.8074
Standard Construction Co.901.843.6442
Baltz & Sons Concrete Services, INC.901.465.4337
Millstone Market, Inc.901.503.4711
Vador’s Garden Center901.753.0714
Peaceful Settings901.465.5553
Cash Iron Works901.948.6004
BuzzOff Presents CoolOff901.685.0900
Something Fishy901.371.2223
Gurley’s Azalea Garden901.794.7370
Granite Dealer901.774.8074
Standard Construction Co.901.843.6442
Baltz & Sons Concrete Services, INC.901.465.4337
Phentermine, Adipex, Ambien,and Other PrescriptionMedications Available
30-day supply of phentermineavailable in clinic for only $25
Cordova MedicalClinic
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Walk-Ins WelcomeNo Appointment Necessary
Monday-Saturdaywww.cordovamedical.com
Free VIT B12 Shotfor new patients
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KKnniigghhtt, BBrraannttlleeyyEEllllzzeeyy, RRoobbiinnRRooddrriigguueezz, DDyynniisshhaaWWooooddss, WWiillll MMccGGoowwnn,KKeevviinn WWooooddss, DDaavviiddMMccCCaasslliinn, KKeevviinn DDeeaann,JJaacckk LLeehhrr, LLeeoo CCoorriiaa,JJaammiiee YYoouunnggbblloooodd,GGrriiffffiinn and AAlliissoonnEEllkkiinnggttoonn, SStteevveeMMuullrrooyy, KKeenn NNeeiillll,RRiittaa PPffeeiiffeerr, MMiikkeeMMccCCaaffffrreeyy and HHeeaatthheerrKKoouurryy.
Story and photos by Lesley Young
Salvation Army Women’s AuxiliaryFall Fund-raiser
With the eighth anniversary of 9/11 just two days away,members of the SSaallvvaattiioonn AArrmmyy WWoommeenn’’ss AAuuxxiilliiaarryy chose a patrioticcelebration for its FFaallll FFuunndd--rraaiisseerr. Just shy of 400 attendees, the“GGoodd BBlleessss AAmmeerriiccaa” luncheon attracted Salvation Army supportersand those eager to hear a speech by DDeeeennaa BBuurrnneetttt, co-author ofFighting Back: LivingBeyond Ourselves.
The event, co-chaired by GGaaiill MMiittcchheelllland PPaamm SSeexxttoonn, kickedoff at 10 a.m. inside theUU ooff MM HHoolliiddaayy IInnnnwith a silent auction.Guests were encouragedto “think gifts” as theychecked out items froma dozen tables, includ-ing “star spangled”items, art, food gift cer-tificates, sports and golfitems, entertainmentand memberships, children’s stuff, home décor, fashion and land-scape/exterior packages. During this time, Burnett, the keynotespeaker, was also available for a meet and greet.
As the noon hour drew near, attendees found their assignedtables, which boasted centerpieces of pink and red gerbera daisiessurrounded by slices of raspberry-filled cake. SSccootttt CCrroossbbyy, co-chairof the Kroc campaign with MMeegg CCrroossbbyy, took the stage to lead the
invocation, but firsttold the crowd thatplans were to breakground on the SalvationArmy’s new KrocCenter by late October.Scott added that morethan $23 million hadbeen raised to date forthe center, but that $25million needed to bereached to start build-ing. “Memphis is one of
only 25 cities across the
Steve Mulroy and Ken Neill
Deena Burnett and Carol Wolf
Pat Massengill and Pat Post
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Shannon McGee2465 Whitten Rd.
Suite 108Memphis, TN 38133
6025 Primacy ParkwayMemphis, TN 38119
901.767.1040
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U.S. that has beenawarded a matchinggrant from the Ray andJoan Kroc Trust for theKroc Center,” Crosbytold as an added incen-tive for attendees todonate to the cause.
JJaammiiee PPaarrkkeerr thengave a patriotic musicperformance, followedby a welcome messagefrom CCaarrooll WWoollff, theauxiliary president. Wolfinformed everyone that
Burnett had donated and signed 390 of her books for the luncheon,with the request that attendees make donations to the auxiliary.
“Any money given today will also go to support theEEmmeerrggeennccyy FFaammiillyy CCeenntteerr and the LLeeaagguuee ooff MMeerrccyy,” Wolf said.“Our goal with these missions is to rescue the downtrodden andtransform lives.”
The agenda then called for Burnett, who said she wouldshare her story of 9/11, how it impacted her family and what shelearned from the experience, to speak. She elaborated by telling thecrowd about the fourconversations she hadwith her late husbandbefore Flight 93 crashedand his attempt to leadthe passengers in aneffort to take back theplane from terrorists.Though the flight endedin catastrophe when itcrashed in aPennsylvania field,killing all on board,Tom Burnett has beenhailed as a hero.
She ended her message by saying, “You can be a hero a littleat a time or all at once, but try to do a little something each day toimpact someone’s life.”
After the crowd gave Burnett a standing ovation for herheartfelt speech, NYPD employee JJiimm SShheepphheerrdd also told his first-hand account of 9/11. He thanked the Salvation Army for coming inquietly to help clean up areas affected by the disaster and applaudedthe organization for being one of the first groups of volunteers onthe scene.
The day ended on a high note with MMaajjoorr RRiicchh MMccCCoonnnniieellsinging “God Bless America” before supporters that included PPaattMMaasssseennggiillll, PPaatt PPoosstt, KKaarreenn BBrryyaanntt, KKaarreenn CClleemmeenntt, AAnnnnaabbeellWWooooddaallll, CCaarroollee PPrruueetttt, VViirrggiinniiaa TToopppp, SSuuee DDrraakkee, SSyyllvviiaa BBaaiioonnii,MMaarrtthhaa GGaarrddiinneerr, DDoonnnnaa MMccMMaannuuss, HHiillddaa MMuulllleenn, AAnnnnee WWeesstt,AArrlleennee SSoouutthheerrnn, NNeellddaa HHaammeerr, JJaayynnee WWhhiittttiinnggttoonn, DDoorriiss HHiillll andMMaarrtthhaa MMccGGuuiirree.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
“Memphis’ Most Wanted”MDA Red Carpet Event
More than 100 Memphians turned themselves into “jail-birds” for the sake of helping fight muscular dystrophy at the
Annabel Woodall and Carole Pruett
Karen Bryant and Karen Clement
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Tout le MondeBoutique“In All The World”
9067 Poplar Avenue, Ste 101 Germantown, TN 38138
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“MMeemmpphhiiss MMoossttWWaanntteedd” RReedd CCaarrppeettEEvveenntt. The BBrrooaaddwwaayyRRoooomm at the OOrrpphheeuummfunctioned as themakeshift jail for theoccasion, which raised$104,000 for theMMuussccuullaarr DDyyssttrroopphhyyAAssssoocciiaattiioonn (MDA).The criminal roundup
began in the morning,when local law enforce-ment officers visited par-ticipants’ places of workand began handcuffing
the MDA prisoners, all in good fun. JJooyyccee SSttuuddaarrdd of the SShheellbbyyCCoouunnttyy SShheerriiffff’’ss DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff SSppeecciiaall SSeerrvviicceess joked, “Some peo-ple’s bosses were giving us donations to frisk the participants…youhave no idea how much fun this is, and we don’t crack a smile.” Asprisoners entered their new home for a day, they placed calls tofriends and family to help meet their bail, set at $2,600 for eachprisoner, or enough money to fund 30 minutes of muscular dystro-phy research.
LLiinnddaa BBeecckkwwiitthh, another employee with the Sheriff’sDepartment of SpecialServices said, “We lovegiving back.”
GGaavviinn GGrruubbbbss,who is the Mid-SouthMDA Junior GoodwillAmbassador, also attend-ed the event to motivateparticipants to makebail. This third grader iscurrently fighting a rareform of muscular dystro-phy and is confined to awheelchair, but is not let-ting the disease get thebest of his spirit. Hequickly befriended many of those donating their time to the eventand gladly posed for pics with new friends.
Between raising funds, those in lockdown were allowedlunch, courtesy of RRoommaannoo’’ss MMaaccaarroonnii GGrriillll and SSoouutthh PPhhiillllyy, and achance to receive a raffle ticket for every $100 raised. RRaacchhaaeellSSccaarrbbrroouugghh, dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, and MMiicchhaaeellJJ.. VVaaiillss, outfitted in a white jumpsuit as Elvis, presented the luckywinners with everything from U of M season football tickets to pass-
es for the Memphis Zoo,Graceland and the DixonGallery and Gardens. CChhrriissttyy PPrreewwiitttt, EEmmiillyy
GGaarrrreetttt and DDaanniieelllleeCChhaappmmaann shared the co-chair duties, along withthe help of SherryBramucci, TamekaFossett and Jean Bethge,who weren’t in atten-dance. Jailbirds makingbail were CCaarrmmeennPPaattttoonn, DDaannaa DDoocckkeerryy,SSccootttt AAllffoorrdd, BBiilllliieeWWoorrlleeyy, BBrroonnzzee WWeebbsstteerr,
TThheellmmaa AAiillsswwoorrtthh, CChheerreellllee DDaayyss, TTaannyyaa HHoollmmeess, KKaarreenn BBuurrkkss andSStteerrlliinngg OOwweennss, to name a few.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Karen Burks and Sterling Owens
Dana Dockery, Carmen Patton, Scott Alford, Billie Worleyand Bronze Webster
Michael J. Vails, Lt. Mark Miller and Rachael Scarbrough
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Lisa Discenza and Laura Terry at Orpheum Art Auction
Pat and Anne Halloran at Orpheum Art Auction
ONSITE Onsite
Emily Stuart, Anna Rozier and Crissy Smith at Beale Street Caravan BLOW OUT
Margot McNeeley, Cynthia Ham and Martha Hample at Beale Street Caravan BLOW OUT
Chris Heimann and Gloria Doddsat Theatre for HopePat Mitchell Worley and Sid Selvidge
at Beale Street Caravan BLOW OUT
Theatre for Hope Orpheum Art AuctionBeale Street Caravan BLOW OUT
Thheeaattrree ffoorr HHooppee brought Broadway to Memphis with
a benefit performance of RREENNTT at PPllaayyhhoouussee oonn tthhee
SSqquuaarree. HHooppee HHoouussee, a facility that provides services to
HIV-affected children, hosted the one-night-only affair
emceed by special guest AAnnnnaa MMaarriiee HHaarrttmmaann of WMC-
TV 5. When not indulging in an appetizer bar, wine
tasting and dessert bar, guests raised funds for Hope
House by biding on more than 80 silent auction items.
The OOrrpphheeuumm TThheeaattrree opened its doors to more
than 100 art lovers during the 33rd annual OOrrpphheeuumm
AArrtt AAuuccttiioonn. Festivities began with a silent auction in
the parlor and Broadway Club, where attendees could
be found munching on hors d’oeuvres courtesy of
AAuuttoommaattiicc SSlliimm’’ss TToonnggaa CClluubb, CCiirrccaa, IIttttaa BBeeeennaa and
TThhee MMaajjeessttiicc GGrriillllee. The evening ended with a live auc-
tion filled with art of various mediums, including a
black and white photograph by PPaatt HHaalllloorraann’s grand-
son, WWeesslleeyy HHaalllloorraann.
The blues were alive and well at the second
annual BBeeaallee SSttrreeeett CCaarraavvaann BBLLOOWW OOUUTT. This fund-
raiser for the internationally syndicated blues radio
show, hosted by PPaatt MMiittcchheellll WWoorrlleeyy, drew a who’s who
of music fans to the RReedd RRoooosstteerr BBaarr && MMuussiicc HHaallll. By
the last call, guests were playing their free harmonicas,
thanks to lessons given by headliner BBiillllyy GGiibbssoonn, and
staking out the silent auction tables to see if they’d
won goodies like free recording time at Music+Arts
Studios or an evening with the Earnestine & Hazel’s
house band.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Abby Elzemeyer and Claire Frisbyat Theatre for Hope
Priscilla and Jay Sieleman at Orpheum Art Auction
Tom Latkovic, Tracy Speake and Scott Dawsonat Theatre for Hope
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(large manufacturer of children's clothing)
ALL ITEMS $45.00 OR LESS October 19th • 9am - 5pmOctober 20th • 9am - 5pmOctober 21st • 9am - 12pm
Spring & Fall hand smocked clothing, separates, sweaters, bibs,blankets, garment bags, totes & pillows.
Located at Carrefour Center @ Kirby Woods 6641 Poplar Ave, Suite 106 (Between FedEx & Swanky's Taco)
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Paw Prints Auction Gala“Temple a go-go”E
V E N T
Heidi Coppola and Doug Danzinger L.J. Cates and Tara Henderson
Paulina Reilly and Monica Rejaei Dr. Jim and Claire Murphy
Jeff and Valerie Morris James Hutto and Aaron Kerr
PAW PRI
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Butch Lulloff with Carol and Al LaRoccaRobert and Ashley Clark Denise, Mitch and Ashley Omar
See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
The ballroom at Temple Israel was transformed into a swinging hotjoint as the setting for the Humane Society of Memphis andShelby County’s annual Paw Prints Auction Gala. Hosted by Carol
LaRocca, Dr. Susan Murrmann and Valerie Morris, the event drewnearly 350 avid animal lovers who joined in “celebrating animals, con-fronting cruelty.”
Guests were met at the door by volunteers costumed as felineand canine “quadrupeds” and were given mini animal beanie babiesas party favors. During the cocktail hour, determined bidders madetheir way around the ballroom to browse tempting items like a foot-ball and mini helmet autographed by legendary Penn State coach JoePaterno and gift certificates donated by Jack Kenner Pet Photography,Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Hal Jaffe Photography, Young Avenue Deliand Stonebridge Golf Club. For dinner, attendees headed to an entic-ing Grand Feast Buffet catered by Harrah’s Entertainment that fea-tured a huge Paw Print ice carving as the centerpiece. An assortmentof options, including a tri-colored tortellini salad with plum tomatoes,garlic infused sirloin with basil bread pudding and Pommery cham-pagne demi-glace, grilled Atlantic salmon with chervil creak and can-died leeks and a chocolate decadence dessert, had pet owners wantingto take home doggie bags, minus the chocolate, of course.
The evening really livened up as partygoers “raised theirpaws” to participate in the live auction. Hopes ran high as bids wereoffered for a black diamond necklace by Mednikow, the 75th anniver-sary “Buddy Dog” ceramic life-sized Elvis dog and U of M fan dog byBrian Mooney, a Gibson Guitar autographed by Keith Urban, a U ofM basketball experience with Coach Josh Pastner, a wheelbarrow ofwines and spirits by Star Distributors, a six course dinner preparedand served at home by Chef Jimmy Gentry of Magnolia: A Delta Grillefrom Horseshoe Casino and an O’s Custom Painting limited editionframed artwork of Elvis Presley’s 1969 Las Vegas concert. Afterward,guests cut loose to the big band sound of Swingtime.
Harrah’s Entertainment, Star Distributors and The AdamsFoundation participated as event sponsors for a gala that raised$81,000 for the Humane Society. The party also served as a terrificopportunity for supporters to meet Carol Carlson, the group’s newexecutive director, who was elated at the turnout. Andrew Israel, direc-tor of development for the local Humane Society, added that he wasvery impressed with the great support shown for the animal communi-ty in slow economic times and the demonstration of commitment toanimal welfare.
Story by Ruth CassinPhotos by Roy Haithcock
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Located in Piperton
60 Ridge Wood$721,875
Bill and Becky Maury751-4311
Sally Isom219-8882
655 Riverside # 605B$239,500
Jason Gaia751-4357
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The Bluffs of RiveredgeNo city taxes-minutes to Briarcrest/St. Georges
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stainless, scored concrete on patio! www.sallyisom.com for more photos!
Call Sally to see today! Sally Isom, CRS,GRI,ABR
Elaborate and distinguished 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home located in Ridgewood Grove. Get the peace and quiet of Fayette County while living only 6 minutes from Historic Downtown Collierville. Custom
built home in 2007 on estate lot. Professional kitchen includes granite, custom cabinetry and state-of-the-art appliances. This
captivating floor plan also includes a formal dining room, engaging living room, breakfast room, breakfast bar, hearth room, and a private
study. A lavish luxury master suite completes the design. Smooth vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and tile can also be found inside
this stunning home. Take a virtual tour at www.JasonGaiaTeam.com
One of the best downtown views! Enjoy your favorite beverage overlooking the river and skyline from your 6th floor, 1 bedroom in River Tower Condo. 24 hour
concierge/security, elegant entry into building, professionally decorated party/gathering room overlooking river, well equipped workout room, pool, tennis,
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Germantown1352 Cordova Cv.901-753-0700
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A FINER TOUCH IN REAL ESTATE.
An independently owned and operatedmember of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc
E V E N T
PAW PRI
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Jo Croner and Pat Bitner
Gary Parr, Nathan and Susan Pinkerston and Dorothy Grigsby
Liz Gunter and Chris Quten
Mark and Donna Bettison
Sandra Wright, Lynne Maples and Larry Wright
Tonia and Tim Hanson
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E V E N T
PAW PRI
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Rick Rudstrom and Pat Swederske
Casey and Christopher Speltz Dr. Edwin and Sharon Thorp with Dr. Bob Egerman Tammy and Byron Leeth
Chuck and Kris O’Kelly April and Gary Gorham Mike Wilson and Lori Turner
Paige and Mike Omar
Kinzie and Betsy Bird
John Adams and Mary Cashiola
Stephen Russell and Rachel Whitaker
Jim and Maria Garrett
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PAW PRI
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LAE V E N T
Jerry Howard and Cathy Clemons
Jane Robbins, Carolyn Mitchell and Earle Augustus
Jeannie and Dale Sommer
Amie Cunningham and Lisa Donnelly
Beaty, Doug and Cindy McKnight
Allen and Kay Iskiwitz
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PHOE
NIX CL
UB LUA
UE V E N T Phoenix Club Luau
BENEFITING THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER MEMPHIS
Elizabeth Sullivan, Natalie Mullins and Melissa Moore
Lance Richardson and Mac Taylor
Brittan Webb and Ward Robinson
John Pontius and Jeff Harris
Jonathan Rudner and Alexandra Wolfe
David Turner and Melissa Dixon
Ali Pardue and Amanda White
Matt Young and Rachel Tyler
Amy Balthrop and George Gates
In an ode to the last days of summer, the Phoenix Club reprisedits annual luau for a third year, this time at Minglewood Hall.While the theme still centered on tropical attire and décor, event
organizers turned up the heat by adding a Jimmy Buffet tribute bandto the mix. The word must have spread because some 400 happy-go-lucky guests arrived in resort wear ready to raise some funds for theBoys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.
“Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” certainly rangtrue this night, beginning with the colorful leis guests eagerlyaccepted from two grass-skirt wearing ladies upon arrival. Pineappleand palm tree ice sculptures, created by David “Ice Man” Winker,also flanked the entrance. Inside the main room, lime green lightsshone on curtained walls, and inflatable palm trees and fish adornedpink and green table linens. As Conch Republic delivered a playlistthat included “Shake Señora” and “Margaritaville,” ladies clad infloral sundresses and gentleman in Hawaiian shirts and shorts foundthemselves swaying to the beat long after sunset.
Food and beverages catered to the beach vibe as well, withOwen Brennan’s serving Caribbean shrimp and rice and CelticCrossing offering Blue Hawaiian coconut shrimp, kabobs and its sig-nature Irish stew. Bardog servers were also on hand with slider burg-ers. Margaritas and mojitos were a few drinks that shook up thecocktail selection, supplied by Itta Beena, Newby’s and OwenBrennan’s. D. Canale Beverages, Inc. and Boscos donated refreshingsuds for beer lovers, and Celtic Crossing sponsored a full bar of pre-mium liquors, wine and beer in the VIP area.
Though guests didn’t leave with sand between their toes,they left knowing that a great cause had motivated the fun-filledevening. Bentley Pembroke and Ward Robinson are to thank for serv-ing as the co-chairs for the Phoenix Club Luau, which brought in$16,000 for the local Boys & Girls Clubs.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Nathan Berry
See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP
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1661 International Place Dr., Suite 350 • Memphis, TN 38120 • v. 901.683.1890 • f. 901.682.9747
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E V E N T
PHOE
NIX CL
UB LUA
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Hallie Hogan, Nancy Chamoun, Julia Gagliano and Whitney Cole
Katie Savage, David Winker and Lisa Heros
John and Kate HendrixStefani and Jimmy Franklin
Patrick and May WalkerSarah Gray and Caroline Williams
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PHOE
NIX CL
UB LUA
UE V E N T
Karl and April Bauchmoyer
Crystal Brown and Amanda Schottenstein
Linda Pyron and Krystal Lepeard
Jennifer Hicks and Morgan MaloneMary Maddox and Staci Thomas
Jennifer Adams and Libby Caldwell
Susan Hall and Paul Blake
Jake McRea, Forrest Aven and Zac McRea
Angie Keller, Chris Morrison and Christan Inderbitzen
Michael McLaughlin and Jessica Sarno
Mary and Patrick Halloran
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Just Like The Ones You Used to Know…Escape from the hustle and bustle of the season and rediscover the magic of the holidays at The Alluvian.
A cosmopolitan boutique hotel deep in the Deltathealluvian.com 866.600.5201 318 Howard Street Greenwood, MS
Enjoy the best Christmas parade in the Delta, a sing-
ing Christmas tree, gingerbread decorating classes,
hot chocolate and story time, our annual Christmas
concerts, and so much more. Also, forget traffic and
find something for everyone on your list in the bou-
tiques on Howard Street. Visit thealluvian.com for
our complete holiday calendar of events.
Ho Ho Ho Holiday SpecialDecember 13- 26, 2009
Ho Ho Ho from Howard Street. Celebrate the season
with one-night accommodations, hot chocolate in
the lobby, and a special treat at turndown. Starting
at $199 plus tax
E V E N T
PHOE
NIX CL
UB LUA
U
Justin Barden, Andrew and Maggie Phillips and Rena Frulla
Megan Christie, Ryan Sadler and Joanna Zugno
David and Sarah Thompson with Kate and Lynn Shaw
Alicia Dean, Jessica Sappenfield and Meredith Frazer
FeaturingEyelash/Hair Extensions • Color Specialist
Manicure/Pedicure • Lace Front WigsMake Up Artist • Bridal Parties
Full Makeovers
Justina’s
1789 Kirby Parkway, Suite 10 • Germantown, TN 38138901.624.8808
A Full Service Salon
RSVP
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SportsBall“Games for Grown-ups, Futures for Kids”E
V E N T
Amy Whiteside and Jan Hartelust Jessica Olson and Jessica Davis
Adrienne Bailey and Rudy Gay Bill Freeman and Krista Brewer
Elliot and Amy Hughes Melonie Johnson and Mark Gorman
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Jackie and Angie Hollins with Ecko WrayJason and Jeanine Rittenberry Charlie Nelson and Walter Kimbrough
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Ready, set, play! That’s the mindset adults and kids alike adoptedat the all-out game fest, otherwise known as SportsBall, BigBrothers Big Sisters of Greater Memphis has been putting on for
12 years now. Hosted by Memphis Grizzlies star Rudy Gay, the affairattracted 700 partygoers eager to forgo dress shoes for sneakers andformalities for fun times.
Friendly competition abounded inside Minglewood Hall, asguests took stabs at playing billiards, casino games, riding a mechani-cal bull, video games and foosball. With “We Will Rock You” blaringin the background, more adventurous attendees headed to the mainstage for human jousting. Perhaps the highlight came when Gay tookto the inflatable ring to joust against a young fan, albeit a competitor,who seemed overjoyed to get a hit in during his match with the NBAplayer. The Memphis Redbirds RedHots dancers and the MississippiRiverKings mascot, Sheldon the Turtle, also helped pump up thecrowd. However, bleachers were available for those wanting a breakfrom all the activity.
Game day munchies, including nachos, chicken fingers, corndogs, cotton candy and popcorn, further complemented the festivities,as did a silent auction chock full of sports memorabilia. From asigned copy of Danica Patrick’s Crossing the Line autobiography to aHank Aaron autographed baseball and a Peyton Manning signedSuper Bowl XLI football, the auction appealed to a wide range ofsports enthusiasts. For those in search of a little bling, bidders couldchip in $25 for a chance to win the “Mednikow Fantasy,” which was a1.36-carat diamond ring set in platinum.
The impending “Game Over” soon came, but the enthusiasmsurrounding Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission to pair adult mentorswith disadvantaged children will be felt long after the party. SteveMulroy and Linda Frost, who were respectively honored as the BigBrother and Big Sister of the Year, can vouch that this programchanges lives, and so can the SportsBall patrons who helped raisemore than $100,000 for the cause. Go team!
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Don Perry
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swatchesfine fabrics • furniture • baby
2132 West Street • Germantown, TN 38138(901) 759-0971 • (901) 624-3339 Fax
Located on West Street between Poplar and Poplar Pike - South of Saddle Creek
E V E N T
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Sloan Taylor and Gigi Phillips
Savannah Craig with Sarah, Anna and Alli Shephard
Julie and Brandt Maddox
Olivia Campo and Tiffany Collins
Kirk and Jordyn Matthews with Scott Elliott
Bob and Jane Adams
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E V E N T
SPOR
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Chris Shelton and Angela Martinez
Kim Williams and Jonathan Kelly Kirsten and Bryan Watson Chris Thomas and Melinda Aldison
Jim and Heather Crowder Lisa and Marcus Richardson Lauren McGee and Tiffany Brimhall
Meghan and Sean Kirby
Nikki Jimenez and John Pugliese
Korea Shelton and Dr. Keith Morris
Patrick Healy and Chase Ellis
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4704 POPLAR AVENUE , MEMPHIS , TENNESSEE • (901) 682 -1621 • 9–5 MON–SAT
November 2009E n h a n c e Y o u r L i f e
Join usfor the unveiling of the
exquisite artthat will be featured in
The Art of Fine Living auction
FridayOctober 23, 20095 PM — 8 PM
WKNO Digital Media Center7151 Cherry Farms Road
Cordova, TN
901.458.2521
wkno.org
SPOR
TSBA
LLE V E N T
Rebecca and Brett Hirsch
Ginger Waddell, Blake Graves and Holli Haynie
Beth Williamson and Justin Martin
Dr. Nathan and Althea Lucas
Tanaka Shipp, Lindsay Reynolds and Terril Orton
Kathleen Platten and Jason Caswell
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Pam and Ray Mattingly at The River Inside Exhibit
Heloisa Alves, Bret Rodriguez and Julianne Silvaat “Faces of the World USA”
ONSITE Onsite
Fernanda Pinheiro and Chuck Amafule at “Faces of the World USA”
Molly Warren with Melanie, Taegan and Cooper Allen at COMEC Kiddie Disco Ball
Charles Cox and Karen Craig at USA Dance Charity Ballroom Gala
Vince, Vincent, Brevin and Brenda Robinsonat COMEC Kiddie Disco Ball
COMEC Kiddie Disco Ball USA Dance Charity Ballroom GalaThe River Inside Exhibit “Faces of the World USA”
Dance fever reigned at the third annual CCoommmmiissssiioonnoonn MMiissssiinngg aanndd EExxppllooiitteedd CChhiillddrreenn’s (COMEC)KKiiddddiiee DDiissccoo BBaallll held inside CCuummbbeerrllaanndd PPrreessbbyytteerriiaannCChhuurrcchh. More than 200 adults and children, whoreceived free party looks by SSwweeeett && SSaassssyy, packed thedance floor as DDJJ VViinnccee RRoobbiinnssoonn of PPoowweerrssttoorrmmPPrroodduuccttiioonnss spun disco hits. Eleven-year-old BBrriittttaannyyRRuusssseellll also took the stage to perform her originalsongs, as well as “Hannah Montana” and Taylor Swiftcovers, and SSttuuddiioo BB of Germantown rounded out theentertainment with a special dance.
The UUSSAA DDaannccee GGrreeaatteerr MMeemmpphhiiss CChhaapptteerroffered philanthropists another opportunity to breakout their dancing shoes at its second CChhaarriittyy BBaallllrroooommGGaallaa. Held in memory of past president MMaavviiss SSttaannlleeyy,this event took place at the AAll CChhyymmiiaa SShhrriinnee TTeemmppllee,raising more than $2,000 for the SShhrriinnee CChhiillddrreenn’’ssTTrraannss--ppoorrttaattiioonn FFuunndd. Highlights included music by theJJiimm MMaahhaannnnaahh BBaanndd, a showcase of the waltz, tango,fox trot and Viennese waltz by professional dancersRRoobbbbiiee GGrreeeennwwoooodd and SStteepphhaanniiee BBeettttss of TThhee DDaanncceeSSttuuddiioo in Tupelo and youth amateur dancer KKaayylleeiigghhRRiicchhaarrddssoonn’s West Coast swing performance withGreenwood.
A sunset view of the Mighty Mississippi could-n’t have been a more fitting backdrop for the openingreception of renowned Tennessee photographer JJoohhnnGGuuiiddeerr’s TThhee RRiivveerr IInnssiiddee EExxhhiibbiitt at RRiivveerr TTeerrrraaccee.Presented by the MMiissssiissssiippppii RRiivveerr CCoorrrriiddoorr––TTeennnneesssseeee,,IInncc.. (MRCT), the exhibit features platinum prints thatportray Guider’s sojourn by canoe through the multiplewaterways that constitute the Mississippi River Corridor.MRCT executive director DDiiaannaa TThhrreeaaddggiillll said, “Theshow visually highlights several of our focus areasinvolving education, conservation and recreation onour awesome river. We hope regional citizens will plana visit to the Mississippi River Museum to experiencethe mighty Mississippi through the eyes of acclaimedartist/author John Guider.”
“FFaacceess ooff tthhee WWoorrlldd UUSSAA,” a beauty pageantand fashion show organized by FFeerrnnaannddaa PPiinnhheeiirroo,brought some South American flavor to MMiinngglleewwooooddHHaallll for the benefit of the IInntteerrnnaattiioonnaall CChhiillddrreenn’’ssHHeeaarrtt FFoouunnddaattiioonn (ICHF). DDaavvee CCeerraa served as themaster of ceremonies, along with former Miss BrazilsHHeellooiissaa AAllvveess and JJuulliiaannnnee SSiillvvaa, for an evening thathad contestants competing in evening wear, Carnivalcostumes and interviews for a chance to become anICHF spokesperson. DDrr.. WWiilllliiaamm NNoovviicckk, the ICHFdirector, further enlightened many about the causewhen he delivered the keynote speech.
Story by Ruth Cassin and Leah Fitzpatrick Photos by Tran Bui, Gary Campbell, Roy Haithcock,
Dena Richardson and Sylvia Rose
Eric and Tami Howard with Gail Mays and Barry Stanley at USA Dance Charity Ballroom Gala
Diana Threadgill, John Guider and Ed Carter at The River Inside Exhibit
Regina Whitley and Representative Steve Cohen at The River Inside Exhibit
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MEMPHIS WOMEN’SCONSULTANTS PLLC7655 POPLAR AVE., #130GERMANTOWN, TN 38138BLDG. A
Phone: (901) 757-0229Same Day Appointments
Making Women Count ... in the relentless pursuit of excellent healthcare
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Providing over 20 years ofcompassionate care and service to the women of
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Top Regional Bands International Superstars Complete Event Management
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Zoo BrewBeers from around the worldE
V E N T
Thomas Whitehead and Amy Harris Colleen Hitch and Lisa Schiffman
Holly Cassin and Joey Reinagel Michael Whaley and Megan Stitzinger
Kristen Caliendo and Kim Herrmann Cary McAlexander and Jason Price
ZOO BR
EW
Carly Pratt, Heidi Yates and Whitney BaileyDr. Cindy and Tom Nettle Steve and Kelley Hutton
See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
The Free Dictionary defines craft beer as a distinctively flavored
beer that is brewed and distributed regionally; also called craft
brew, microbrew. Whichever term one chooses to use, 1,800
“Beer Buffs” were in suds heaven as they turned out in force to kick
off Labor Day celebrations as the Memphis Zoo held its fourth Zoo
Brew event.
Southwestern Beverage and Distributing, catering to the craft
beer culture at large, provided selections of more than 100 domestic
and imported ales, stouts, fruit beers, ambers and lagers for guests to
savor the various flavors. Memphis microbrewery Ghost River Brewing
Company, once again a huge favorite, served four varieties of ales to
appreciative tasters. Bluff City Brewers and Connoisseurs presented a
selection of home brews, while Cozymel’s and Corky’s proffered
Mexican treats and Memphis barbecue. The Doc Shots Trio Great
added great summertime tunes to the mix.
This very popular event sold out yet again, well in advance of
the party, prompting zoo employees to increase the allocation of tick-
ets for future events. Tim Dalfiume, director of events for the
Memphis Zoo, pointed out that the first Zoo Brew had approximately
300 available tickets and that plans are to have 2,500 available for the
spring 2010 event. And with $6,000 raised for the zoo’s animal care
and general education programs and the new Teton Trek exhibit set to
open October 10, there’s still lots to be excited about for those who
enjoy taking a walk on the wild side.
Story by Ruth Cassin
Photos by Roy Haithcock
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A world of color...Traditional andAbstract ART...
Sandee Sander
Sheryl Hibbs
Artreach Gallery2095 Exeter, Suite 15Germantown, TN 38138759-9119 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5
With a Touchof whimsy!
WRCSThe First and Last Name in Quality Services Provision
WR Community Services LLC.2600 Poplar Avenue, Suite #405, Memphis, TN 38112
Founded in 2007
WR Community Services provides Homemaker, In-Home Respite,Personal Care Attendant and Assistance Services.
Email: [email protected]: 901-325-7997
Fax: 901-325-7998 or 877-322-7998
Providing Quality Care forthe Elderly and Disabled
throughout Tennessee.
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Garage Band ReunionRockin’ the New DaisyE
V E N T
Margaret Burke and Ken Goodwin Joe Norman and Elizabeth Brandon
Melissa Huddleston Totty and Lisa Huddleston Skinner Bill and Anne Russell
Kerri and Brady Buffaloe Kerri Mahoney and Scott Bomar
GARA
GE BAN
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UNIO
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Danny Umfrees, Richard Nicholas, Sonny Hanks, Tracy Logan, David Haynes and John FieldsJamie Allen and Brant Matseas Son and Bonnie McCarty
See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
They have moved on from playing in garages, but Interstate 55,Reflections, Eddie Harrison & the Shortkuts, The GrayHoundsand Faces with Shoes still know how to play that signature sound
from the ‘60s and ‘70s, as evidenced at the Garage Band Reunion.Fans, some outfitted in tie-dye shirts, came out to the New DaisyTheatre on Beale for a special opportunity to reminisce about thegood ole days and throw support to Alzheimer’s Day Services (ADS) ofMemphis, Inc.
A popcorn stand stood out front, but once inside the NewDaisy, it was clear from the stage setup that the 300 guests in atten-dance were about to witness an evening of music magic, rather than amovie. Joe Norman kicked off the show with an acoustic set, and theremainder of the lineup included musicians who got their beginningsin local garage bands, some of whom were featured in posters, photo-graphs and articles displayed at the event. Collaboration was the nameof the game this night, and special guests David Fleischman, JimiJamison and Larry Raspberry, who also served as the emcee, didn’tdisappoint. When Jamison joined Eddie Harrison & the Shortkuts fora rendition of “634-5789,” he joked, “This is Memphis, so I knowthere are some singers out in the crowd. Don’t make me come outthere.” The already dance-happy fans needed no more prompting andbegan chanting the lyrics.
Between sets, concertgoers headed to Just Catering’s appetizerbuffet, enjoyed a tribute to Tommy Burk and the Counts and perusedsilent auction items. A live auction followed, offering one music lovera dream item—a guitar signed by all of the evening’s performers. Thewinning bid garnered $1,100 for the Ricky Huddleston ScholarshipFund at ADS, but the entire evening brought in donations to the tuneof $14,000.
Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by John Hammer
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Purchase Your Tickets TodayGeneral Admission $10
A Season for Giving
Join us October 29–31 A festive weekend of shopping and fun!
Agricenter International
We thank the following sponsors
Your support as a Merry Marketplace shopper promotes the efforts of the Junior League of Memphis to improve our community
through the service, action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Cre
ative Aging Mid-South
Artists’Showcase
Sponsored by: H. W. Durham Foundation�anks to Corky’s BBQ, Bosco’s Beer,
and the Morris Auction Group
Creative Aging Mid-South works to improve quality of life for Mid-South elders by providing access to experiences in the arts.
Saturday,
Lichterman Nature Center
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Shelitha Harris, Joy Wilk and Lisa Jackson at Hope House Girls Night Out
Debra Bartelli and Sarah Lebovitz at Hope House Girls Night Out
ONSITE Onsite
Molly Fitzpatrick, Lindsey Cross and Tiffany Brimhall at Bravo Season Kick-off
Lenora Morrow, Logan Abrahams, Nic Chimenti and Missy Flinnat Bravo Season Kick-off
Laura Hajar and Richard Ford at Rock for Love 3 BBQ
Lauren McGee with Pooja and Kush Shahat Bravo Season Kick-off
Hope House Girls Night Out Rock for Love 3 BBQBravo Memphis Season Kick-off
Pampering and shopping went hand in hand at theHHooppee HHoouussee GGiirrllss NNiigghhtt OOuutt. The nonprofit, locatedon South Idlewild, opened its doors so that 75 support-ers could browse the fall and holiday clothing line ofEEttcceetteerraa, indulge in spa treatments/manicures by RRaayyeeOOssbboorrnnee of BBeeaauuttyy CCoonnttrrooll and get makeovers byHHeeaatthheerr RRyynniieecc with TTrriisshh MMccEEvvooyy CCoossmmeettiiccss. A por-tion of proceeds from the sale of the clothes and beautyservices benefits Hope House, which will continue toreceive contributions from those who spend moneywith the featured vendors throughout the year.
The CChhuurrcchh HHeeaalltthh CCeenntteerr rocked out with 17bands during two days at the organization’s RRoocckkffoorr LLoovvee 33 fund-raiser. But before concertgoersmade their way to the HHii TToonnee for the Friday andSaturday-night shows, they descended upon AArrddeennttSSttuuddiiooss for barbecue and brews. By the end of theweekend, more than 500 people had shown love tothe Church Health Center beneficiaries by raising$20,000 in ticket sales and silent auction bids.
The local arts scene shared the limelight withtalented musical acts and performers at the BBrraavvooMMeemmpphhiiss SSeeaassoonn KKiicckk--ooffff. Held on HHuulliinngg RRooww down-town, the block party also offered the record-breakingcrowd of arts supporters, aged 21 to 45, free beer cour-tesy of DD.. CCaannaallee BBeevveerraaggeess IInncc.., hors d’oeuvres byWWhhoollee FFooooddss MMaarrkkeett and discounted Bravo member-ships. As guests discussed the eight upcoming seasonevents, BBiilllliiee WWoorrlleeyy, RRaayy PPeeeell aanndd tthhee BBllaazziinnggTTaannggeerriinneess, BBaannttaabbaa DDaannccee CCoommppaannyy, ZZooeeyy (a hulahoop performer) and NNaaddiiaa SSoopphhiiaa (a fire blower) heat-ed up the action. Huling Row businesses participatingin the festivities included AArrtt FFuunnccttiioonn bbyy EEdd VViinniinngg,HHaannnnaahh DDaavviiss GGaalllleerryy, HHoowweellll MMaarrkkeettiinngg SSttrraatteeggiieess,JJooyyssmmiitthh GGaalllleerryy, SShhaannnnoonn LLaazzeekk PPeerrssoonnaall TTrraaiinniinngg andJJaacckk RRoobbiinnssoonn GGaalllleerryy.
Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick
Jeff Hulett and J.D. Reager at Rock for Love 3 BBQ
Stephanie Comte, Madeleine Ryan and Raye Osborne at Hope House Girls Night Out
Amanda Kohr, Blake Biggs and Carrie Burke at Rock for Love 3 BBQ
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AFTE
R HO
URS After Hours
A photo collage of the latestbusiness happenings
SPORTSBALL KICK-OFF AT KOOKY CANUCK (BENEFITINGBIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GREATER MEMPHIS)
ARABELLA’S OF GERMANTOWNGRAND OPENING
ASTRONOMICAL WINES AND FIREFLY SWEET TEAVODKA TASTING AT PINK PALACE MUSEUM
STOMP IN THE SWAMP AT LICHTERMANNATURE CENTER
Steve and Gina Hardenat Astronomical Wines and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka Tasting
Alan and Donna Mullen at Astronomical Wines and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka Tasting
George Bryant and Stephanie Allbritten at Astronomical Wines and Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka Tasting
Jane and David Carpenter at Arabella’s Grand Opening
Charles and Pat Ricketts at Stomp in the Swamp
Carol and Richard Holley at Stomp in the Swamp
Jim and Judy Hays with Miss Birdie at Stomp in the Swamp
Michael and Pam Wells at Arabella’s Grand Opening
Annette Jordan, Lindsey Signaigo and Pat Scroggs at Arabella’s Grand Opening
Sam Overbey and Chelsea Fraine at SportsBall Kick-off
Alex Matlock, Harold Byrd and Markova Reed at SportsBall Kick-off
Lana, Alexis and Shawn Danko at SportsBall Kick-off
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By Dennis PhillippiRSVP
HILL
IPPI
WOULD YOU BE MAYAN?So the wife and I went to see the newmovie starring Meryl Streep as JuliaChild, mainly because I wanted to see
how an average height, pretty blond wasgoing to play a towering giantess with anenormous head, and not surprisingly, shewas great. Honestly, Streep could probablypull off playing Wilt Chamberlain. Whilewe enjoyed the movie, we were first forcedto sit through a half dozen commercials, apersonal bête noire of mine, then a batchof movie trailers that seemed oddly chosento precede a blue ribbon chick flick.
The most surprising was the pre-view for 2012, a movie from the samegenius that brought down the house, bywhich I mean the White House, withIndependence Day, and then turnedGodzilla into a girl, Roland Emmerich.This is another disaster epic with all kindsof mayhem and destruction, only this timeit’s all based on the Mayan calendar andits contention that the world will end inthe title year. Again, this was shown beforea film about cooking. You figure that oneout.
This 2012 thing is real, in so muchas the Mayans had a calendar, and itcomes to an abrupt end a few years fromnow. Now, I don’t want to start criticizingan entire culture, even an all-but-extinctone, but why would anyone put stock in aprediction made by people who were bigon piercing their faces and wearing sillythings on their heads? If we did that, we’dbe letting the guy who gave my niece herankle tattoo make the decisions. He hadall kinds of face piercings and was wearinga fedora.
Yes, the Mayan civilization waswhiz bang for its time. They had big stonecities, figured out astronomy better thanthey should have and played some prettyadvanced team sports. On the other hand,they were also crazy about human sacri-fice. Often those sacrifices would takeplace at the end of athletic competitions,and the sacrifices were likely to be theaforementioned athletes. I’m not necessari-ly averse to the idea of human sacrifice atthe end of a sporting event; there were afew heads I would’ve liked to see literallyroll after my Saints lost the NFCChampionship to the Bears, and RexGrossman, but the Mayans would oftensend the winning team to the afterlife.
Something about honoring the gods, orthe athletes, or some hooha. That justdoesn’t make sense. Killing losers, that Ican see. If you kill the winners you’re de-evolving. That’s how you end up with thecross-eyed guy driving the bus.
This isn’t something that I didsome lazy research on either. I got this
straight from the Toucan’s mouth. My wifeand I have been to a Mayan ruin. We’velistened to a Belizean guy run his rapabout the whole thing. And we saw aMayan calendar. Know what it looked like?A rock someone a very long time ago hadspent time hitting with a hammer. Believ-ing that the world is going to end by some-thing sent down from a guy who didn’teven have a pen is awfully shaky reason-ing.
And I know people who do buyinto it. Sure, these are people who aremainly using it as an excuse to not quitsmoking or get straight with the IRS, butstill, they believe.
Personally, I blame MikhailGorbachev for the explosion of this wholeend of the world genre. Seriously, hear meout. While the Soviet Union was intact, wedidn’t have a lot of people spending mil-lions making movies about killer asteroidsor aliens. We knew how the world wasgoing to end. Some loony, lonely guy withthe wrong key was going to have a coupleof snorts and fire one off. Then the guy onthe other end would respond, and beforeyou could say, “Karen Valentine isdreamy,” we would all have been pomme
frites. It was all my generation used to talkabout. If you’re older than about 40, youprobably remember the endless conversa-tions that started with, “What would youdo if you found out the missiles had beenlaunched, and you only have 30 minutesbefore ‘ka’, and then, ‘boom?”
After the initial, and obvious, jokeswere made, people would get all philosoph-ical about how they wanted to spend theirlast few minutes. This was the 70s for themost part, and as you can imagine, therewere a lot of people with blood shot eyesdreaming of making their peace andmaybe having some brownies. We weresecure in the knowledge that we were allgoing to be vaporized, so why sweat UFOs?
Once that threat more or less dis-appeared, we seem to have found a voidthat needed filling, and the solution was tostart looking for other things that wouldring down the curtain in one climacticcrescendo. One reason, I think, that cli-mate change has had so much trouble get-ting traction in the public imagination isthat it is so slow. Yes, weird things seem tobe happening, but it’s hard to make a ter-rifying action film when you’re talkingabout the oceans rising several inchesthroughout the next few decades. Bad? Yes.Cool? No.
I’m not complaining. It’s all infun. Those books and movies are goodescapist fun. I’m a guy. I like things blow-ing up as much as anybody. But one thing,how about leaving New York alone? Sure,New York has all of the most identifiablelandmarks to obliterate, but enough isenough. Aside from the fact that it’s theone city something like this has actuallyhappened to, I’m just ready to see a newplace wiped out. Maybe some place inTexas. I won’t lie. I’d shell out my 10bucks to see Dallas turned to dust. Maybethat’s just me.
To answer Dennis Phillippi’s question fair-ly, the staffers here at RSVP propose thatour most talented humor specialist sendus on an all-expenses-paid trip to Belize,or any other destination relevant to Mayanculture. Then, maybe we could get a tourguide who will show us a real Mayan calen-dar, and not some faux rock calendarPhillippi probably saw during his vacationhangover.
PPeerrssoonnaallllyy,, II bbllaammeeMMiikkhhaaiill GGoorrbbaacchheevvffoorr tthhee eexxpplloossiioonn oofftthhiiss wwhhoollee eenndd oofftthhee wwoorrlldd ggeennrree..
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i t ’ s j a z z !
Visit us online at wumr.memphis.eduFor underwriting information, call 901-678-2560
or underwriting information, call 90or underwriting information, call 90isit us online at
Fisit us online at V
c l a s s y
or underwriting information, call 90
c l a s s yor underwriting information, call 90
c l a s s y.memphis.edu
c l a s s y.memphis.edu
c l a s s yisit us online at wumrwumr.memphis.eduisit us online at
c l a s s y
.memphis.edu
c l a s s y j a z z !c l a s s y j a z z !c l a s s y j a z z !c l a s s y j a z z !j a z z !j a z z !c l a s s yor underwriting information, call 90
c l a s s y1 6058-27-6
c l a s s yor underwriting information, call 90
c l a s s y.memphis.edu
c l a s s y.memphis.edu.memphis.edu
c l a s s yc l a s s y
60
2011 Exeter Road, Germantown, TN 38138
901. 757.9797
Children’s Clothing, Gifts, Accessories
& Monogramming
retexE1102
lCs’nerdliilhhiC
M&
183NT,nwoowtnntaanmreG,daoR
7979.757.109
eccAAc,stfftiifG,gnihhitol
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Centennial CelebrationRSVP
AST
1956
Wallace Whitmer, the president of the Mid-South Fair in 1956, and “Fairest of the Fair” Bobbye Harris lower a time capsuleinto the fair grounds. The time capsule celebrates the Mid-South Fair’s centennial in 1956 and contains documents that
depict life then, as well as minutes from the 1856 Shelby County Agricultural Society Meeting. President Dwight D. Eisenhowersent a telegram to Whitmer to congratulate the fair for lasting 100 years. The time capsule is marked with a granite monumentnear the former fair grounds entrance at East Parkway. This year’s fair will be held September 25 to October 4 at the DeSotoCivic Center.
COURTESY OF THE MID-SOUTH FAIR
If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105or e-mail the photo and caption to [email protected]
All photos will be returned promptly.
Be Seen!Attract an Affluentclientele to your
business!
Advertise in RSVPMagazine
For informationcall 276-7787
