April 2016
Cirque du CMOM Memphis Heart Ball Les Passees Cabaret Ball Q&A with Jeff Kollath
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Contents
Features
April 2016
From the Editor • 8 Signature Memphis • 10
New SVP and CFO of St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Pat Keel, met up with RSVP on the St. Jude campus.
StreetSeens • 20 & 22
She is providing the tools for Memphis entrepreneurship. He has returned Memphis’ favorite college bar to its deserved glory. StreetSeens highlight LaKeisha Harrison and Larry Thompson.
Vox Popular • 26
Q&A with Jeff Kollath, executive director of Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
RSVPhillippi • 61
Dog Gone It Gone Dog
Dennis Phillippi doesn’t really care for dogs. Especially when they watch him eat. But he recently had an OK experience with a rescued dog. Does this mean he is ready to except a canine friend into his life? Not so fast!
Events
Bobbi Jones and Conley Ferguson
Memphis Heart Ball • 12
The illustrious Peabody Hotel was the setting for the American Heart Association’s annual benefit.
Blair and Jo Gilbert
Memphis Moments • 18, 24, 30, 40, 41, 42, 48, 50, 54, 55, 56, 58 & 59
Cover Photo Eric and Shannon Benink at Memphis Heart Ball Photo by Don Perry
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Karen and Kirk Johnston
Cirque du CMOM • 26
Children’s Museum of Memphis celebrated the country’s renewed openness with Cuba and raised funds with a colorful Havana-themed party.
Annie Taylor and Susan Beaird
Les Passees Cabaret Ball • 44
It was “5 O’clock Somewhere” at this annual tradition that introduced a new generation of “Living Ads.”
Kent and Dana Farmer
After Hours • 53
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Volume XXI • Number IV April 2016 publisher
Roy Haithcock Editor
Rachel Warren contributing writers
Bill Bannister Suzanne Thompson Cozza Virginia Davis Emily Adams Keplinger Dennis Phillippi art director
Krista Geyer photographers
Patrick Lantrip Don Perry Steve Roberts account executives
Chris Pugh Robin Morgan accounting
Ruth Cassin RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to: Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 For advertising information contact: Roy Haithcock Phone: (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax: (901) 276-7785 publisher@rsvpmagazine.com web
www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event.
Call: 901-276-7787, ext. 105 Fax: 901-276-7785 editor@rsvpmagazine.com Follow us on:
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Hackett Law Firm |
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Copyright 2016 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
RSVP Staff
Chris Pugh Account Executive Chris has been exercising his talent in the advertising world since 1999. He joined the RSVP team in 2009 and brought with him a love for laughter and creativity. Originally from New Albany, Mississippi, Chris has settled in Memphis and enjoys being active in the fashion community.
Robin Morgan Account Executive Having worked in advertising for 13 years, Robin is most passionate about magazine print. Her energy is contagious, and she counts as her hobbies running, shopping and spending time with her girlfriends. Robin’s “bright spot” is her daughter Emily Anne. Robin loves living in downtown Memphis, which affords her the opportunity to run down Riverside Drive anytime!
We’ll make your golden years shine
Krista Geyer Art Director Krista has spent most her entire life in the Mid-South area. She moved home after earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Auburn University and is thrilled to be able to work on something as “Memphis” as RSVP Magazine. When not working you can probably find Krista at Shelby Farms with her husband and her dogs or riding her horses.
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From the Editor H
appy April everyone! The sun is shining and the city of Memphis is buzzing. There is some great positive energy flowing through the community, specifically when it comes to new local businesses. Memphis is really growing into a lively entrepreneurship scene. This month in our StreetSeens feature, we highlighted two such entrepreneurs, LaKeisha Harrison, founder of Memphis Startup and Memphis Entrepreneurship Academy, and Larry Thompson, new owner of Newby’s. Both of them are helping to create and maintain local and successful businesses. Harrison is an accomplished businesswoman in her own right and has founded the two above organizations to help give other dreamers the tools, skills and networks they need to succeed in business. Thompson, having built a successful restaurant in CO., has returned to his native Memphis to revive everyone’s favorite college bar. It really is my honor to tell their stories, especially stories where people stepped out on a limb and, with a lot of hard work, made their dreams come true. April is a great month to reflect on those Memphis dreamers who took a chance and made their goals reality. For our Vox Popular feature this month, I got the chance to interview Jeff Kollath, executive director of Stax Museum of American Soul Music, who spoke of the museum’s foundation, one that was built on dreams and hard work and created an empowering state of opportunity for many Memphis musicians and artists. As we welcome April, these three stories of dreaming and hard work spoke to me, and I hope they speak to you as well, readers. When Memphis sets its mind to do something, it doesn’t do it half way or half hearted. We always give 110 percent. Hopefully, that is a sentiment we can all take something from.
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Rachel Warren editor@rsvpmagazine.com
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PatH Keel F
St. Jude Senior VP and CFO, Fellow ealthcare inancial Management Association, and American College of Healthcare Executives Hometown: Jonesboro, AR. First Car You Drove: ‘67 Chevy Bel Air. Favorite Place to Travel: Lake Ouachita. Your Best Quality: Consistent and predictable. Favorite Song: “Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews. Proudest Moment of Your Life: The birth of my son. Last Dish You Cooked: Homemade wood-fired oven pizza. One Goal You’d Still Like to Accomplish: To learn to scuba dive. A Nonliving Celebrity/Role Model You Would Invite to Dinner: Katherine Hepburn.
Who Would Play You in a Movie: I always say Julia Roberts but Susan Sarandon is more likely!
Something You’ll Never Live Down: Riding down Space Mountain with my son, who was six, screaming something really inappropriate.
Best Advice You Ever Got: That I was capable of doing whatever I wanted to do but never confuse what I do with who I am. Always stay true to yourself.
Best Memphis Hangout: This one is really hard. Memphis is an amazing city with so many places from which to choose. It really
Photo by Steve Roberts
just depends on how I am feeling.
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Memphi s Heart Ball C L ! elebration of
ife
T Michelle and William Dunavant III
Rachel Belz and Steven Gubin
he American Heart Association of Memphis celebrated 40 years of its most important benefit, the annual Memphis Heart Ball. Held at The Peabody Hotel, this year’s ball was a celebration of life and a moment for attendees to show their support for this lifesaving organization that is dedicated to fighting heart disease and strokes. The evening included silent and lives auctions, a seated dinner, as well as music and dancing. William B. Dunavant III was recognized as the 2016 Heart Ball “Open Your Heart” honoree. As guests arrived to The Peabody in their best ensembles, many of them wearing red, they sipped cocktails in the hotel’s Continental Ballroom and placed their bids for various items, such as Orpheum Theatre tickets, an Escape Room experience, an autographed Alan Jackson acoustic guitar, original art by Paul Edelstein, and a Peabody Hotel “Stay and Brunch” package. Wearing sparkly tiaras and glamorous red dresses, Miss Memphis Chessie Biggam and Miss Shelby County CaDana Campbell mixed with the crowd as they modeled Mednikow jewelry available at the event’s live auction later in the evening. After some heated bidding and friendly mingling, guests were escorted to the Grand Ballroom for the main festivities. Stratum PhotoBooths was set up inside the ballroom with fun props, offering guests the chance to create personalized souvenirs of the event. Holly Ford, American Heart Association West TN Development VP, made opening remarks and thanked Ashley and Sally Pace for their immense contributions as the 2016 Memphis Heart Ball chair people. Attendees applauded Dunavant as he was recognized as the Open Heart honoree. Dunavant went on to recount his harrowing personal story of a heart event and consequential coronary bypass surgery he unexpectedly experienced last March. He thanked the American Heart Association and the hard work of cardiac doctors and nurses, who work quickly to prevent and aid heart and stroke events. The Peabody Hotel catered dinner, serving filet mignon with port wine sauce and seared sea bass with morel mushroom sauce and coco bean puree. Dessert was either “A Taste of Chocolate Trio,” consisting of chocolate mousse, flourless chocolate cake and a bittersweet tart, or “Southern Sweets Trio,” made up of a mini pecan pie, red velvet cake, and a key lime tart. A live auction gave attendees the chance to win rare package, such as a sailing experience aboard the famous America’s Cup Challenger, USA 76 all-carbon racing yacht across the San Francisco waterfront and under the Golden Gate Bridge, original art by Janet Weed Beaver, and two VIP seats to a live showing of “The Voice” in Universal City, California. Live music by Burning Las Vegas finished off a great night of support for an organization dedicated to eliminating the leading silent killer in the Mid-South and the country. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
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Anise and Ron Belz
Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Don Perry
Elizabeth Safdari and Dr. Anton Dias
Misty and Dr. James Stamper
Clarrissa Richardson and Dr. Phillip Northcross
Drs. Purvisha and Dharmesh Patel
Tom and Emily Love with John Lewis
Monica and Andre Wharton
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Valerie and Jeff Morris
Ashley and Sally Pace
Billy Dunavant and Elizabeth Owen
Woodson and Anne Dunavant
Marigay and Mike Miller
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Leslie and John Daniel
Kathy Simonetti and Fred Langston
Dr. Michael and Rebecca Ugwueke
Dr. Michael and Tina Jones
Constance and Tom Conley
Ian Gaillard and Dan Dishman
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Audsley Dunavant and Tucker Carr
Hilary Dunavant and Max Markley
Collin and Laurie Costello
Dr. Shelley and Michael Thannum
Hope and Christopher Campbell
Nancy and Rick Tarr
Miss Memphis Chessie Biggam and Miss Shelby County CaDana Campbell
Vlad and Lana Bozin with Irina Ollar
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Bruce and Carla Livesay
Javed and Faria Abdullah
Brian and Dawn Rabe with Virginia and Bill Bell
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Canvases Art Auction Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
T
Debbie Sweeney and Rebecca Stanfield
Dr. Paul and Elizabeth Hill
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he 6th annual Canvases Art Auction to benefit MidSouth Sober Living was held at The Church Health Wellness Center on Union Avenue. This year’s event featured both live and silent auctions and a chance to bid on over 50 amazing paintings, prints and photographs from more than 71 local and regional artists, including familiar names like Willy Bearden, Lauren Beyer, Ron Olson, Lance Turner, and Sid Wilroy. Guests looked on as artist Jay Etkin created a stunning live custom piece for the Tom and Andrea Gladney evening. WMC-TV Joe Birch was the celebrity emcee and auctioneer, and The Farmer’s Mac Edwards and friends provided delicious and artful hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and sparkling beverages. MidSouth Sober Living was founded in 2008 for the purpose of creating sober living and transitional housing centers to people who are new in recovery. Money raised at the event went to benefit this vitally important work.
Andy Branham and Steve Rutland
Kala Clark and Alexis Cremerius
Jay Etkin and Jeni Stephens
Kathy Ake, Ellen Hornyak and Leigh Powell
Josh Hammons and Kristy McCormic
Robin Clochard and Robin Morgan
Lisa and David Jennings with Jeane Umbreit
Kim McCollum and Willy Bearden
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LaKeiLsha EHarrison
Fostering
ocal
ntrepreneurship
L
aKeisha Harrison wanted to make a difference in the community. She also wanted to gain professional skills and contacts to begin her journey to successful entrepreneurship. At the encouragement of a good friend, Harrison joined the Memphis Urban League Young Professionals (MULYP), and six years later is now successfully self-employed and the president of MULYP. Additionally, she went on to cofound the Memphis Entrepreneurship Academy, Memphis Startup and Social Change with a Twist. Through these organizations, Harrison is giving Memphians the tools and support they need not only to create their own successful businesses or to develop themselves professionally, but also to become active and attentive citizens who can make positive differences in the city. “A big portion of what MULYP is trying to do is work with the retention and attraction of millennials. Stop the brain drain, as they say. We do that through community service, advocacy, touching on things that matter to young professionals but also through helping them to develop professionally,” Harrison explains, adding that the group is also an advocate for voting and community service. She says that her membership at MULYP helped her as a visionary businesswoman and community stakeholder to develop and hone her skills, as well as provided her access to a large network of other young professionals with similar interests. In fact, she says, MULYP helped her see the need for more areas of entrepreneur support, even with young adults. While MULYP is for adults in the city aged 21 to 40 years of age, the Memphis Entrepreneurship Academy (MEA), which Harrison founded with her business partner, is for children ages 12 to 18. Harrison explains that she was writing a paper in school focused on policy and education when she noticed a correlation between teaching kids business and academic success in schools. “I thought, ‘Why not start something that can help with that?’ There wasn’t anything really in the city to address that at the time. There were no organizations that helped kids create their own businesses and helped them launch it. That is what MEA does. We don’t only teach kids the basic foundation of business ownership, but we also help them launch a real business of their own.” Currently, her group of young entrepreneurs is all dealing, in some way, with the fashion industry. “One young man is creating comfortable socks and underwear for young men called Young Debonair. Another businesses include Oh Snap and Gurly Kouture. These groups are creating products and designs to inspire confidence and comfort in young people’s lives,” she says. The MEA kids generate startup capital at a community investor fair, where each group presents their business. Harrison says she doesn’t change the children’s ideas or take them in new directions. Instead, she focuses on making sure their idea makes sense to themselves. Harrison’s other organization, Memphis Startup, is for adults, and she describes it as a place “where entrepreneurs, dreamers, business owners can get help to develop their basic business foundation.” The organization works to give participants the very basics of what is involved in starting a new local business. Things such as licenses, taxes, insurance, social media, marketing and promotion are some of the key components discussed. Harrison says, by going over these types of business aspects with her Startup groups, Memphis Startup can act as a feeder and prepare aspiring entrepreneurs for larger entrepreneurial groups such as Start Co. and EPIcenter Memphis. Last year, Memphis Startup held its first business conference called “The Mitosis of Small Business,” which addressed the basics of business. In the summer of 2016, Memphis Startup will host the second part of that conference called “Inception.” At Inception, those who sign up for the one-day course will have the chance to interactively explore what it is like to actually start a business by “taking the ideation to actual implementation.” Several successful keynote speakers will present, including Al Pickett from Start Co. and Leslie Smith from EPIcenter Memphis. Harrison’s other group, Social Change with a Twist, again focuses on millennials, however, its focus is voting. Going beyond registering people to vote, the group actively encourages, rallies and organizes people to get out and actually vote. During the 2014 county race, Social Change had huge success with a “Twitter Town Hall,” where several candidates participated and over 200 people “tweeted” with them about the candidates’ policies and goals. Harrison says Social Change is now gearing up for the presidential campaign. Are you an aspiring entrepreneur? Find out more about how Harrison’s organizations can help you at mulyp.org, memphisstartup.com, or mymeakid.org. Keep up with Harrison on Twitter at @BraveheartASU. Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts 20 •
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Harrison relaxing in the lobby of CoWork Memphis, where her office is located.
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Larry Thompson B N G
“The College
ar you
ever
raduate
From”
T
wo years ago, locals said goodbye to a dear Memphis institution on the Highland Strip, giving a sad salute to the granddaddy of college bars – Newby’s, a bar that was approaching its 40th year anniversary as a comfortable place that offered something for everyone. From cheap brews to good music to friendly service, Newby’s was a place that many could claim as a home away from home. But before Memphians could shed too many tears into their beers, hope of rebirth came from an unexpected source, one that was many years the bar’s junior and had just returned from a brief hiatus in Colorado – Larry Thompson. The former Newby’s bartender and Boulder restauranteer jumped at the chance to reopen Newby’s, crediting it as “The College Bar You Never Graduate From.” Under Thompson’s guidance, the bar has been returned to its deserved glory, only now patrons can expect a cleaner space, local brews, family-friendly lunch hours and a couple of new menu items along with the classics. “I worked at Newby’s as a bartender from 2007 to 2010. I loved the people and the place, and when I heard about the news, I knew I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to keep the bar going. I jumped all over it. I had opened up a hot wings spot in Boulder called South Mouth Wings,” Thompson says, adding, “It is doing well, but I knew that returning to my hometown to a place I enjoyed working, one that is a 40-year establishment, had all the right pieces. It was exciting.” Now open, Thompson’s revitalized Newby’s is sailing along better than ever. And as Thompson says, class is back in session for this beloved college bar. When the space foreclosed upon, Loeb Properties acquired the property and gave the space some much needed TLC, such as glass “garage” doors that open up to the sidewalk, creating a fantastic patio spot on the Strip. Thompson and his team finished up the TLC-injection with their own touches. Now, Newby’s regulars might notice that the space is cleaner and brighter. Thompson says while he wants to let the bar grow into its comfortable character, a clean and well-lit space is a must when serving great food. The bar may have made a slight departure from its traditional “dive” status, but the music, food and beer are better than ever. Thompson has kept several of the classics such as the “MCS" sandwich, a chicken breast marinated in the original Newby’s secret sauce with Swiss on a onion roll. He has also added a new line of specialty pizzas such as the BBQ Chicken, the Meat Head and the Buffalo Chicken. The “Weak Eddie” fries are a must-order. Perfectly crisp, they are seasoned with a delicious secret dusting of spices. Thompson says he has enlisted the help of Hi-Tone Café’s Brian “Skinny” McCabe to book some the region’s best bands on the Newby’s stage. Newby’s has also made waves with their Bottoms Up Beer dispenser, which is a hands-free, automated pint glass filling station that dispenses beer from the bottom up. Thompson says that the best part about reopening Newby’s is all the history he has learned from customers. “I have met so many wonderful people who come in here and tell me their stories and histories of Newby’s. The bar has had many lives. There is a lot of history. If you are from Memphis, this is one of the first bars you hang out in. It’s a great thing to be a part of.” Check out Newby’s happy hours, pint nights, Grizzlies game watch nights, and tons of live music. Go to newbysbar.com to see specials and an updated music calendar. Newby’s is open daily from 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Story by Rachel Warren Photo by Steve Roberts 22 •
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Thompson holding the classic “MCS” sandwich.
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Works of Heart Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
A
rt lovers turned out to support the Memphis Child Advocacy Center at the 24th annual Works of Heart event. The event featured the unique heart-themed creations up for bid from more than 120 area artists. “Works of Heart is an event where fine art, philanthropy and community meet – all to benefit kids who need our help desperately,” Virginia Stallworth, executive director of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, said. Joe Birch of WMC-TV served as the evening’s emcee. Teresa and Bill Bullock Volunteers called “Heart Hawkers” wore red feather boas and encouraged bidding with fast facts about the artists. Another Roadside Attraction Catering provided food for the evening, and Caesar’s Entertainment brought the dessert. Bartender David Parks served “Old School Cocktails” and Memphis Made Brewing Company added hometown flavor with their local brews. Winning bidders acquired unique works of art made by some of the best-known names in the region, such as Dolph Smith, John Robinette, John McIntire, Valerie Berlin, Carroll Todd, Veda Reed, Tom Clifton, Maritza Davila and Jon Sparks.
Tom Clifton and Maureen O’Brien
Virginia Stallworth, Thonda Boals Barnes and Christina Barnes
Gretchen Turley with Bob and Sheryl Bowen
Margaret Griffith, Deborah Mays and Joelle Pittman
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Dolph Smith, Carol Elkins, Joey Hagan, Michael Robilio and Ashley Robilio
June West, Joe Birch and Emily Yellin
Susan Lawless Glassman and Alice Higdon
Jerry, Nina and Lori Patton
John Robinette and Pat Patterson
George Mabon, Ellen Klyce and Beryl Wight
Jay Zimmerman, Julie Cloar and Julie DeMarco-Zimmerman
VSA DESIGNS Exclusively in Germantown at More Than Words | 2123 West St | 1-901-755-4388 | morethanwords.com April 2016
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Vox Popular Q&A J K
ollath
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SVP Editor Rachel Warren sat down with Stax Museum of American Soul Music Executive Director Jeff Kollath, who joined the Stax team last summer. Kollath talks about the museum’s recent partnership with Indie Memphis for a film series, called “Soul Cinema,” his larger vision for the museum, and his favorite parts of the job. RSVP: What attracted you to take the position at Stax Museum? Kollath: I have a museum background, but, in graduate school, I also studied soul music history in Indianapolis, Indiana. So I have always had an interest in music and community and how music is produced in a particular area, how it spreads far and wide, and how that informs the rest of the region, country, and world about what goes on in a particular city. I have always had a keen interest in what went on here in Memphis. This is where it all begins. In terms of popular music and in terms of the popular music that I listen to and pay attention to, it’s Sun Records, Stax Records, American Studios, Ardent Studios and all the places in between then and now. When the opportunity at Stax presented itself, it was really a no-brainer because I had always done music programming in my other jobs, as well as in higher education when I was working at the University of Wisconsin. To get to do this everyday, be in a great city like Memphis and get the chance to talk about the music that I have been listening to longer than I care to remember, is was a really great opportunity. Stax is a story about people. It is a story about really wonderful, genuine, honest, hard-working people that saw an opportunity to make some great records but also overcame much adversity to get those records made and get them out and heard. I think that is what always resonates with me, the amount of hard work that was done here. When we talk about Stax history to the kids at the Stax Music Academy and the Soulsville Charter School and to guests during museum tours, I talk about the opportunity and empowerment that Stax cultivated and worked for. I am going to borrow a comment from somebody from one of our programming sessions. They said, “Stax is basically dreams and sweat.” Again, it’s hard work that made Stax happen, and hard work made 26 •
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Soulsville Foundation grow from basically nothing and build what we have today. It is an inspiration to be here everyday. I think all of us who work here feel that. RSVP: What is on your agenda in terms of Stax Museum programming for this year? Kollath: Like most of the other museums and music sites here in Memphis, we’re tourist driven. We love our out-of-town visitors. Without them it would be tough for us to exist, but it is time for us to start thinking about how we can better interact with Memphis. That means our neighbors here in Soulsville, in the greater South Memphis area and all of Shelby County. That means with schools, other museums, public libraries and other cultural organizations. Part of our strategic planning process is talking with the community and
getting feedback, especially responding to the needs and desires of our neighbors here in South Memphis. We want to be the best neighbor we can. We will have changing exhibits and we are opening with the Terry Manning exhibit, called “Evidence of Life On Earth During Two Millennia,” that runs through June 30th. We have a Motown exhibit called “Motown Black & White” opening on August 3rd,
Photos by Don Perry
with eff
which is a traveling exhibition that is based on the papers, travels, and career of a gentleman named Al Abrams. Abrams was the first employee of Motown Records in 1959 and served as its publicist. He was with Motown Records until about 1966, then did some contract work for Stax Records, as well as worked with Stax’s publicity and promotional department for a couple years. Sadly, soon after we arranged for this exhibit to come here, he passed away. I have been working hard with Abram’s widow to make the exhibition great. Additionally, the years 2017 and 2018 are big anniversary dates for Stax. The year 2017 is the 50th anniversary of the Stax/Volt European Tour, which is sort of the first time Stax musicians were traveling in groups outside of the U.S. It was also one of the first times black and white Stax musicians were able to travel together for an entire length of a musical tour. That wasn’t possible in the South for much of the time at Stax Records. On this tour, the musicians saw the impact of their music first hand. When they arrived in England, it was the equivalent of The Beatles coming to the U.S. People lost their minds. We want to do something to celebrate that. 2017 is also the centennial of Rufus Thomas’ birth as well as the 50th anniversary of Otis Redding’s passing. The next year, 2018, is the 50th anniversary of Stax Records becoming an independent record label. To put it simply, it is the 50th anniversary of the “Finger Snap” graphic. The Finger Snap graphic is so iconic and powerful. That graphic is a testament, again, to Stax’s hard work, intelligence and knowing the market. We have been trying to meet as many people as we can that were close
to Stax – musicians, former staff, friends, family – and ask them questions about why something was this way or why something was done a certain way on a record. We met with Ron Gordon who designed 130 Stax album covers. We went through the museum’s Hall of Records with him and asked him about the particular album cover designs. It is amazing that we are able to do things like that. RSVP: How is the Stax Museum going about being a good neighbor to the Soulsville community? Kollath: One of the conversations that we’ve always had is that it important for us to do more than just be here. The Stax Music Academy does a really great job in terms of their community engagement with their outreach to people in the neighborhood and providing facilities for meetings and various activities. There is a Soulsville Storytelling Project that they are a part of, and we have been helping out with that as well. We are going to be developing some programming and content out of that. We are good neighbors by being members of the Soulsville Neighborhood Association, knowing who are elected officials are, knowing who is doing good work in he neighborhood, and being here as a resource. Anecdotally, the word museum carries with it a lot of weight. We see ourselves as being very open, and I think we are for the most part. I think that is always something we can work and do better on. That goes for the entirety of the Soulsville Foundation too. I think we are all trying to be as good as neighbors as we can. That comes back to programming too. A lot of it is our message, branding, marketing and making people aware of the great stuff we’ve got going on.
58th ANNUAL
RSVP: You have been teaming up with Indie Memphis for some programming. Can you tell me about that? Kollath: We are doing “Soul Cinema: The Films of Isaac Hayes” that runs through April 25th. It is pay-what-you-can and is open to everyone and everybody. On April 27th, we will
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conclude the first cinema series with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO), highlighting the contributions of MSO players, particularly Ann Spurbeck, veteran violinist, and members of Hayes’ band with a live performance and panel at Stax’s Studio A. The event will also highlight MSO’s role in the recording of the “Shaft” soundtrack and other records here at Stax. In the fall, we will be coming back with another series of soul films. We have tape of the forerunner of PBS, WNET, of their show called “SOUL!” that ran from 1968 to 1973. A number of Stax musicians were involved with the show, including Eddie Floyd, Rufus Thomas, and Carla Thomas. We have some great “SOUL!” performance footage of Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, and Al Green. RSVP: What does your vision for the museum in the next five or so years look like? Kollath: Stax is placed very well going forward in terms of our visitation, which is strong. One of the best parts about coming into a situation like this is that Stax Museum was a great place on day one, and it is still a good place 13 years after it opened. All of us that work here are very honored and very proud to be here. We understand that we are just caretakers. And that goes across everything we do. We are not going to be here forever, so we want to preserve the legacy and the stories but that also means creating sustainability. That means foundation-wise too, with the music academy and the school. To me, that is the big picture. RSVP: What is your favorite part about the Stax Museum and coming to work here everyday? Kollath: We as a staff get to interact with people who made the music that we talk about everyday. Art museums are fantastic places, but Michelangelo is not going to walk in the door and starting talking to you. But it is a pretty good bet that sometime this year we are going to get to talk to William Bell, John Gary Williams, Deanie Parker, Carla Thomas, and Al Bell.
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That part of the job is always exciting. We get to interact with the people who made this music and worked behind the scenes. The joke around here is that every time we answer one question, four more come up. For instance, we just acquired the final couple of LPs for the Hall of Records. We noticed there are gaps in the collection, but they are not our gaps. They are gaps in the overall Stax catalogue. Basically, it is fun to ask our wonderful Stax resources and artists that are around why they didn’t make a particular record or why that gap is there. It is a neverending quest to answer as many questions as we can. Obviously, we have a great record collection so that is also fun. I think the other part is that it is so rewarding having a job where you get a charge from your visitors. We annually have 55,000 visitors from all over the world. I have talked to people from over 20 different countries, probably, just last summer. Visitors come from every state in the Union, some as young as 20 and all the way up to 80. Many or our visitors are making a pilgrimage to Stax. A lot of us working here are expats because we were also drawn to this place, so it’s great to meet people who are also drawn here. We talk to guests about the records they used to have and the concerts they attended. This is a constant reminder of why we are here and why everything we do is important. We are here making new memories, but we are also unlocking some old ones too. We learn so much from our guests. We don’t pretend to be experts, nor should we ever. Our guests know the Stax catalogue from front to back, start to finish, what played on what, and when everything was recorded. They have listened to every song Stax has ever put out as well as any label associated with Stax has put out. It all comes back to hospitality, which Memphis is so good at. We really want to provide a great visitor experience for our guests and our interaction with them is equally as important as the museum and the space itself. I would say that is my favorite thing about Stax, being able to interact with the guests and learning from them as much as they learn from us.
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Grande Krewe of Phoenix Coronation Ball Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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he Grand Krewe of Phoenix held its Coronation Ball at Cedar Hall. The evening’s theme of “Victorian Steampunk” showcased the group’s fun-loving spirit as more than 225 guests dressed the part. Many gentlemen donned ruffled shirts, top hats, bowler hats and goggles. Many of the ladies were attired in lacy blouses with corsets and long skirts, some complete with petticoats, and boots. Cedar Hall catered the event and local dance party band The Super 5 provided musical entertainment. Mistress of Ceremonies Marena McDonald welcomed the crowd and Phoenix Chairman James Aldinger introduced Jane Venters-Dike members of the krewe’s 2016 court. Daniel Longstreth presented the Royal and Reece Dike Banner to the tune of “Rock You Like A Hurricane.” The royal scepter was transferred to this year’s reigning sovereigns King Reece Dike and Queen Jane Venters-Dike. Joining them on the royal court were the 2016 Phoenix duchesses: Holly Allen, Melody Poe and Grand Duchess Sylvia Cox and the queen’s guards: Richard Hendricks and Sean Bonner. Visiting krewe royalty were also recognized, including this year’s Carnival Memphis Chairman Jim Taylor and his wife, Mimi, and Carnival Memphis Executive Director Ed Galfsky.
Peggy Fitzgerald and Paola High
Kerri Taylor with John and Carmen Vincent
David and Peggy Everson
John Barzizza with Mimi and Jim Taylor and Donna Melton and Ed Galfsky
Dare Pugh Estok and John Hughes
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Ann Palasz and Gaile Burton
Bill Raiford, Linda Yoakum and Linda Tripp
Joseph Gordon, Tiffany Brimhall, Jeff Eaglehouse and Oliver Scoggin
Karen Mora and Bernie Krock
Mark Parmley and Robin Duffy
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Cir“Hque duN CMOM ” avana
ights
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June G. James and Patricia Daughtery
Susanne Crain and Heather Smith
Tim and Marti Mashburn
Luke and Tanika Yancy
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he Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM) threw a colorful benefit that invited locals to “Rumba till Dawn” and join its “Conga Line!” Using the theme of “Havana Nights,” the museum found inspiration in the vibrancy of Cuban culture and cuisine and celebrated the new openness between it and the U.S. Over 1,100 locals flocked to the museum to support the nonprofit that encourages youth education through play and various programming. Cirque du CMOM co-chairs were Marti Mashburn and Heather Stemmler. IBERIABANK was the night’s title sponsor. As they arrived, guests found themselves indulging in a bright cocktail, which included rum, vodka, pineapple juice and grenadine, and exploring the museum that had been transformed into a wonderland of food, music, and dancing. Certainly, no one left hungry as every nook and cranny of the museum was filled with food tables, offering everything from tacos to barbeque to sliders. Agave Maria Kitchen & Cantina served Cuban quesadillas. Half Shell handed out portions of its popular lobster salad. A rich oyster bread pudding attracted attendees to the Restaurant Iris table, and Overton Square’s Lafayette’s Music room offered perfectly seared scallops with pineapple relish in the VIP Lounge. The “Sumba Room” offered a fresh and rustic space for the crowd to mingle and eat. White Door Events and Holliday Flowers & Events went all out for the Sumba Room, using panels of greenery, whiskey barrel tables, fresh flowers and framed photographs of vintage cars to recreate the feel of Cuba. Phancy Photo Booth offered attendees the chance to create a memento of the evening in a prop Bel Air vintage car photo booth. An online silent auction provided guests the chance to show even more support for CMOM as they bid for original works of art and packages for dining, travel, and nightlife fun. Popular items included art by Ron Olson, a whole roasted pig dinner experience for 10 people at Acre Restaurant, a St. Louis getaway, and a “Napa VIP Wine Experience.” Those looking to boogie could choose to experiment at the silent disco, where dancers were given headphones that played a variety of toe-tapping music. Inside the Tropicana Lounge, The Mighty Souls Brass Band and popular songstress Marcella Pinella regaled the crowd with their tunes, while the VIP lounge hosted the Latin Guitar Duo and Brian “Breeze” Cayolle. Funds raised at this annual benefit go towards the many activities and programs at CMOM that are enjoyed by hundreds of children in Memphis. The community’s continued support for the museum allows CMOM to host traveling exhibits, hold special children’s events, and lets children and families who cannot usually afford the price of admission to visit. In 2016, CMOM is focusing on its newest project, construction of the new home of the historic Memphis Grand Carousel. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Story by Rachel Warren Photos by Patrick Lantrip
Gloria Dean Key with Dick and Kathy Hackett
Angela and Charles Russell
Michael and Dr. Shelly Thannum
Anna and Dr. Tyler Wohrman
Shivani Patel and Dr. Purvisha Patel
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Natalie Hickman, Kevin Branum, Kelsey McCathie and Charlie Person
Parrish and Molly Taylor
Albert and Marinell Throckmorton
Jake and Whitney Hayes with Kae and Donald Babineaux
Lauren Keras and Liz McKee
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Susan Glatter and Cathy Reid
Dee and Jerome Franklin
Brittany Drope and Amber Puryear
Karen Johnston, Ashlee Reid, Sarah Watkins and Bridgette Speake
Katie Cherry and Jeni Cherry
Whitney and Larry Neal
Michael O’Mell, Elizabeth Hutton, Sarah Lichterman and Tony Heard
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John Brooks, Mac McFarland and Michael Black
Matt Stemmler with Emily and Oliver Banks
Tim and Cathy Dalfiume
Rebecca Kernana with Leigh Ellis
Margaret and Craig Polancich with Ben and Lauren James
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Jack and Adrienne Fullwood
Damon and Kate Dowd
Kerri Campbell and Casey Lawhead
Gouthan Ramdas with Kelli and Jon Moon
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For the love of Haiti Story and Photos by Rachel Warren
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ishop Don Johnson and the West Tennessee Haiti Partnership (WTHP) held a benefit dinner, called “For the Love of Haiti,” for St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Guests and supporters enjoyed an evening of Haitian food, live music, silent and live auctions, which featured original Haitian artwork at the Church of the Holy Communion. WTHP is made entirely of volunteers, who make bi-annual trips to Haiti to bring medical teams and essential medicines, potable water and food to St. Vincent’s, an orphanage for special needs children. After enjoying a wine reception, attendees listened to key note speakers such as Father Frantz Cole, priest in charge at St. Vincent’s, who shared his personal stories of helping the children whose parents are unable to care for them because of the region’s lack of consistent and modern medical access. Dr. Susan Nelson, WTHP medical director, discussed how even the simplest of items, such as vitamins, are needed urgently for many of these children, as well as medical teams that are able to perform surgeries that correct common birth defects. 100 percent of the evening’s proPaula Kelly and Rev. Debbie DuGard ceeds benefited WTHP’s various programs.
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Kristine Lowry and Marcia Wunderlich
Beryl Freeman and Danielle Bourgeois
Laverne Hubbard and Emily Woodside
Cathy Crownover and Bill Boykin
Ken and Ruth Mulvany
Sienna Nelson and Angelo Bologna
Dr. Susan Nelson and Susan Mutin
Robbie McQuinston and Rebecca Chappell
Hannah Bowers and Alricka Jackson
• April 2016
Grand Krewe of RaMet Coronation Ball Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
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t was off to the Land of Oz at the Grand Krewe of RaMet’s Coronation Ball, where the theme was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Tiny lights cast a green glow across the room at Clark Opera Memphis Center, and tables were topped alternately with centerpieces made of miniature hot air balloons or leafless apple trees. The entire room was lavishly decorated with life-size replicas of characters Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Wicked Witch of the West. The gates to the Emerald City sat David Everson and Patti Russell at the front of the room. Flagman Donnie Owens led the procession of this year’s royal court, decked out as the Wizard of Oz, and entered the room with a flourish to the tune of “Ease on Down the Road,” from the Broadway musical, “The Wiz.” A yellow-brick-road carpet was rolled out before King David Everson and Queen Patti Russell as they made their way to their thrones, followed by their pages, attired as Munchkins. Kim Leonard and Dottie Crihfield co-chaired the event.
Hailey Jordon, Matthew Mitchell, Madeline Mitchell and Allie Brenner
Steve Grushkin with Donna and Hank Akers
Calvin Stone with Lindsey and Andrew Williams
Amber Roettgen, Joann Chumney, Lillie Kay Mitchell and Janine Carney
Emma Leatherland and Caroline Cain
Judy Looney and Bill Ross
Kim Leonard and Scot Bearup
Donnie and Robin Owens with Buddy Lanier
Karin Frost, Allison Carson and Stefan and Charity Cobb with Ashley Smith and Ronnie Powell April 2016
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Soup Sunday Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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he 27th annual Soup Sunday ladled up a tasting at the FedEx Forum that raised money for Youth Villages. While serving a wide assortment of soups and gumbos, as well as desserts and unique specialty items, 50 participating Memphis-area restaurants, caterers and food trucks also vied for votes as attendees cast their ballots for their favorites. The Tom Prestigiacomo winners were – Bardog Chicken Velvet for Best Soup; Hilton Memphis Telera Bread for Best Bread; Nothing Bundt Cakes for Best Dessert; Hilton Memphis Gumbo for Best Gumbo; Half Shell Lobster and Shrimp Bruschetta for Best Specialty Item; and Babalu Tacos and Tapas for Best Team Spirit. Returning to the stage for their 20th year in support of Soup Sunday, the Memphis Doctors Dance Band provided musical entertainment, with special vocalist Tom Prestigiacomo. Proceeds from the event will be used to support Youth Villages’ Mentoring Program.
Jamie McGriff and Rudy Williams
Christine, Hunter and Brian Kays
Ellen Westbrook and Patrick Lawler
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• April 2016
Katie, Hudson and Terry Clenney
Brad Dawson and Sabrina Remaley
Vadarius Gordon, Clark Reeves, Michelle Laverty, Deana Davis, Daniel Flores and Ana Elizondo
Chris Lupo, Abbey Robertson, Ryan Abramovitz and Bond Smith
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Greg, Bryson and Susie Gregory
Jon and Celeste Meredith
Denise Stewart, Mike Bruns and David Stewart
Sarah Nevner, Adrian Graham, Kate Schiller, Cameron Ogg and Jordan Ross
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Les“IPassees Cabaret Ball ’ 5 O’ S ” ts
clock
omewhere
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Pam and Doug Strickel
Karyn and Craig Whittington
ome traditions never become passé. It’s always five o’clock somewhere, and in that forever place of languid cocktail hours, life-sized pink flamingos inhabit palm-green tabletop landscapes, toasting the evening’s prospect. From the bandstand emanate relaxing strains of “The Girl from Ipanema.” Giant stuffed olives, speared with toothpicks and plunked into immense lighted martini glasses, mark the way to the dance floor, humorous accents to the formal ambience of the annual Les Passees Cabaret Ball. True to its decades-old custom of featuring “Living Ads” to represent Les Passees corporate sponsors, the Cabaret Ball introduced Juliana Conway and Caroline Yobak as Living Ads for 2016. Wearing long white gowns and carrying bouquets of red roses, they promenaded the dance floor with tuxedoed escorts and pages attired in red dresses. The evening’s program included a silent auction of donated items, a wine raffle and entertainment by the puppeteers of Kids on the Block. Celebrating its 25th year, the nine-member King Beez band performed its signature sounds of old-school rhythm and blues, smooth jazz, funk and classics. The setting for Cabaret was the Esplanade Banquet and Conference Center, which also catered dinner for the event. Numerous entities have benefited from Les Passees’ efforts since its 1932 incorporation. The organization now focuses on raising financial support for Kids on the Block, its traveling program that uses puppetry to educate youngsters about social concerns and differences, and the Harwood Center, a nonprofit agency that provides support and education for children who have developmental disabilities and Mid-South families. “Les Passees, Inc. is a member volunteer organization composed of strong, determined women of worth who generously donate their time and talents with the purpose of enhancing the quality of life for children and their families in our community,” President Bobbie VanCleve said. “The 95th annual Cabaret Ball was a time for them to relax and toast the phenomenal 2015 year. Our sponsors were recognized and represented by our Living Ads. The successful philanthropic evening raised additional funds to support our charitable organizations, Kids on the Block and the Harwood Center.” Sponsors for the event were BankTennessee, Bryce Corp., FedEx, Gill Properties, Inc., James Middleton Jewelers, More Than Words, Reading Bear and Travelennium, Inc. Wanda Barzizza chaired the 2016 Les Passees Cabaret Ball committee, which, among its many assignments, conceived the “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” theme and fashioned the whimsical decorations. Ron Childers and Joyce Peterson served as masters of ceremonies. See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
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Terra and Thomas McFadin
Story by Virginia Davis Photos by Don Perry
Rachel Mikkola and Hope Strickel
Bobbie and Joe VanCleve
Justine Ettinghoff and Lyles Dockery
Brad and Kim Flynn
Michael England with Jules and Bill England
Joyce Peterson and Ron Childers
Eternal Collection by Las Savell
Rebecca Perisho, Joan Hawkins, Ellen Meyer and Stephanie Barksdale
J E W E L RY John and Wanda Barizza
Carmen and John Vincent
61 South McLean • 901-725-4200
Rene Booth, Jack Agnew and Emily Booth
Mary and Jeff Sexton
Jack and Chris Conway
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Jim Frommel and Camilla Wilson
Kimberly and Geza Remak
Deborah and Hugh McVeigh
Ralph and Tere Gusmus
Wendy and Matt VanCleve
Anne, Katelyn and Scott Bush
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• April 2016
Jeni Diprizio and Robert Williamson
Kathy and Roger Sapp
Juliana Conway and Caroline Yobak
Carol and Bill Lanier
Reagan, Bowen Jay, Susan and Savanna St. John
Make a day of it… You will be glad you did!
84 N. Main
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Collierville, TN 38017
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( 9 0 1 ) 8 6 1 - 7 111 April 2016
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The Grand Krewe of Luxor Coronation Ball Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
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he Grand Krewe of Luxor gathered together with the royal court at the Esplanade in Cordova for the coronation of King McClain Gordon and Queen Donna Renard. The theme of the evening’s festivities was “Back to Louisiana,” since that is where Renard hails from. Guests at this year’s black tie event enjoyed wine, beer and cocktails along with delicious hors d’oeuvres while mingling and awaiting the arrival of
Carnival Memphis royalty. It didn’t take long for the dance floor to come to life as Gary Escoe’s Atomic Dance Machine kicked off the party with their signature brand of high energy fun. The Grand Krewe of Luxor “parties with a purpose” through their involvement with the work of local organizations such as The Exchange Club Family Center of Memphis, Best Buddies, and the Stax Music Academy. This year’s Luxor coronation highlighted the important role that Carnival Memphis plays in the good of our communities and charities. Julian and Linda Prewitt
Kathy Sapp and Mary Lawrence Flinn
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Jennifer and Jeff Kollath
Gail and Mike Huey
Kathy and Dan Breckenridge with Ronnie Ward
Cindy Mire and Bernie Krock
Cathy Walsh with Kevin and Kathleen Kern
Mike and Kathy Brown
• April 2016
Susan Babina, Shelley Hood and Pamela Smith
Mike McNeer and Barbara Benstein
Charlie Shoaf and Debra Beard
John and Molly Goggans
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The Grand Krewe of Ptah Coronation Ball Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
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Jeff Box and Barbara Patronis
Jan Connor with Tommy and Phyllis Pollard
Chuck and Mary Stewart
Michael Detroit and Marion Marr
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he Grand Krewe of Ptah held its Coronation Ball at The Great Hall & Conference Cener in Germantown. Each year Ptah’s queen selects a theme that will be carried out in parties her krewe hosts throughout the year. Ptah is a group with a flair for the dramatic, which was evidenced by its choice of emcee, Playhouse on the Square Associate Producer Michael Detroit, who Amber Roettgen took the lecturn in a red and black brocade and Kim Leonard tuxedo jacket. “We have traveled through the Cherry Blossoms of Japan to the Italian region of Tuscany,” he said, referencing last year’s theme and the theme of this year’s queen. Barbara Patronis, 2016 Ptah queen, spoke of her fond memories of a trip she took with her daughter to Tuscany. Patronis was presented with Ptah King Jeff Box, who accented his royal raiment with a crown of laurel leaves. The Dantones provided entertainment for the shindig, which was still in full swing as the clock neared midnight.
Julie Eaves, Anita Howald, Cary Beane and Karen Davis
Russell and Elizabeth Williamson with Ed Galfsky, J.J. Keras and Jim Taylor
Sarah Trouy, Joyce Nussbaum, Lelia Green and Rhonda Epps
Ken Zimmerman and Jackie Howell
Paul and Phyllis Taylor with Ricky Parham
Marcy and Michael McConnell
Jeff Eaglehouse, Caren McCoy and Joseph Gordon
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Meet Jafar!
Photo by Phillip Van Zandt Photography
Jafar is a 2-year-old neutered male orange tabby cat who has been at HSMSC since February. He was an outdoor cat, and what happened to him happens to so many cats who live outside – he got hurt. He came to us with a hole in his chest. His fur is thinner where he was shaved so it could be treated. He is much better now, and he’s on the prowl for a new home – inside the house this time! He’s a laid-back sort of cat who likes to curl up in small places. So if you have extra cushy cat beds, or lots of cardboard boxes, or small snuggly places – he would love to hang out at your place! Please come down to meet him. Jafar’s regular adoption fee is $100, which includes him being neutered, neute microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. But during HSMSC’s 36-Hour Mega Adoptathon on April 22 & 23, all cats and dogs will be available for an adoption fee of just $36!
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A
AFTER HOURS
photo collage of the latest business happenings
Sissy’s Log Cabin Fine Jewelry Fabergé: The Art of Fine Colour Event
Kent and Dana Farmer
Lamar McCubbin and Justin Hogbin
Wight and Chuck Laminack
Blu D’ or Interiors Local Artists Brunch
Gina Aaron, Emily Ozier, Hilary Butler and Sarah Roberston
Mary Mitchell, Pat Medling and Rosie Wedaman
Kathryn Higdon, Amy Chandlee, Amy Miller and Joana Thompson
Bartlett Performing Arts Theatre Kids Production: “An Evening with Edgar Allen Poe”
Jared Brock and Abigail Herz
Hope Hutchison, Zoey Brewer and Isabel Vesterbert
Walt Price, Ben Burnett and Carline Hertz
Kaelin Mitchell and Emily Coats
Isabella Osborne, Andrea Brown, Jason Sykes and Luke Dabney
Elena Schauwecker and Rebecca Sherrod
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Memphis in May Poster Unveiling Dixon Gallery & Gardens 40 Anniversary th
Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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im Holt, president and CEO of Memphis in May, was joined by Doug Browne, chairman of the board for the 2016 festival, and over 150 guests as the Memphis in May International Festival unveiled its 2016 Fine Arts Poster celebrating the honored country of Canada. The event was held at the local headquarters of Red Door Wealth Management & Cannon Wright Blount, first-time sponsors of the Memphis in May International Festival Fine Arts Program. Local Randy Blevins and Davey Weakes artist Jared Small is the 2016 artist who designed the poster for the official honored country. “Small’s visual interpretation of Canada is both poignant and diverse, focusing on Canada’s rural beauty, while keeping the cosmopolitan city skyline in frame,” Holt said. The poster is available for purchase online at memphisinmay.org or at area galleries and at 1910 Frameworks, the “Official Framer of Memphis in May.”
Jim Holt, Jared Small and Doug Browne
Calley Anderson and Belinda Anderson
Stephen Oseman Jr., Patrick Sala and Kim Ritchey Granger
Adam Cutler, Shawn Danko and Marina Cutler
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Ed Rainey and Gloria White
Story and Photos by Suzanne Thompson Cozza
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orty years ago, Hugo and Margaret Dixon bequeathed their home, gardens and collection of French impressionist paintings for public use and to enrich the cultural lives of Memphians. This gift was transformed into the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, which has benefited Mid-Southerners and visitors from afar. In February, to celebrate the anniversary of this gift, Memphis dignitaries and local supporters of the arts Ann and Dr. Stephen Reynolds attended Dixon’s 40th Anniversary that was open to the public in the facility’s main building. Patrons of the arts Honey and Rudi Sheidt, Betty and Hal Padgett, and Gene and Sara Calloway were among those who enjoyed champagne and birthday cake. “Memphis is better off because of the Dixons, and because of you, for carrying out their legacy in this building,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland told the crowd.
Rudi and Honey Scheidt with Mary and Chuck Stewart
Kevin Sharp, Dale Skaggs and City Councilman Kemp Conrad
Erin Riordan and Patty Welch
Sally Whitehorn and Pattie DePriest
Nancy Deal, Peg Parish and Chris Miller
Incognito Silent Art Auction and Gala Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
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Martha Fath with Gene and Sara Callaway
Gina Harris and Jana Wilson
emphis Botanic Garden was the scene of the Incognito Silent Art Auction and Gala. Guests were able to browse an extensive collection of art from local art groups Memphis Urban Sketchers and Plein Air Memphis. The event, dubbed Incognito, invited featured artists to wear masks disguising their identity. Similarly, the auction’s artwork was not labeled with the artists’ names, so bids were placed on the art one loved, without regard to whom the particular John and Carolyn Bernard artist of the piece was. Ian Shapiro provided live music on his guitar, and WKNO radio personality Kacky Walton, the voice of “Checking Out The Arts,” hosted the event. Guests enjoyed a full bar, along with delicious food from Draper’s Catering of Memphis, Stone Soup Café, Fratelli’s and Just For Lunch. Some of the offerings included fresh kale and chickpea salad, stuffed egg rolls and an assortment of cookies. Proceeds went toward the unique programming at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Pat McRee and Barbara Moore
Napapon Santirojprapai and Kenneth Johnston
Janet and Les Freeman
Emily Melonas and Kim Tucker
Theresa Jaques with Morgan and Judy Brookfield
Janet Misner and Forest Imorde
Debbie Murphy
Kathey Wise with Mert Guinn and Cathy Edwards
Stephanie Cosby and Sara LaMonica April 2016
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Polar Bear Plunge & Chili Cook-Off Story and Photos by Rachel Warren
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Darnel Alexander and Willis Dorothy
Luisa Reyna and Eva Cullen
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Sherry White and Wendy Hannah
Glen and Elissa Coombs
undreds of brave souls took a dip into the cold Wolf River at Mud Island River Park to help raise funds for the Special Olympics Greater Memphis. The Polar Bear Plunge & Chili Cook-Off is an annual Memphis tradition, the plunge is now in its 17th year and the chili cook-off is in its 10th year, and locals revel in the chance to show of their wackiest costumes as they jump into the river. With just $50 worth of pledges, plungers earn the chance to participate in the Marvin and Amy Schaefer plunge and the “bragging rights over all the people that cold not bear it.” Thankfully, participators and onlookers had plenty of chili to keep them warm before the big jump. Teams such as Wicked Chili, Chili Knights and No Beans About It served up every kind of chili imaginable for the chance to win the People’s Choice Award and the title of top red chili. There was also a heated battle for top salsa and best showmanship. Costumes were judged, and the winners took home the coveted golden plunger award.
Nancy Henderson and Myra Gammon
Scott Pavelec and Matt Shelton
Alex Hannah, Brandon Dalrympl, Cortney Coats, Tevin McInnis, Lisa Taylor and Ron Roberts
Lauren Coles
Jake Lewllin and Eric Hangerman
John Mathewson, Kelly Pittman, Chris Dixon and Rod Carter
Karen and Elliot Bonner with Tanna Jones
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• April 2016
Beautiful and lasting memories are as simple as
www.rsvpmagazine.com More pictures than would ever fit in a magazine are online and available on our website. If you’re looking for a photo that one of our photographers took at a major social event and is featured in our magazine, that photo may be readily available through our web address. Just go to our site, click on the event, and remember the password: rsvp. April 2016
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Literacy is Key: A book and Author Event Story and Photos by Rachel Warren
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emphis Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association threw its sixth annual Literacy is Key: A Book and Author Event at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis. Featuring acclaimed authors, a luncheon and a VIP author meet-andgreet, this event benefited First Book, a nonprofit organization who works to provide children from low-income families with their first new books. Authors included: Dorothea Benton Frank, author of “All Summer Long” and “All the Single Ladies”; Laura Lane McNeal, author of “Dollbaby”; and local Mark Greaney, author of “The Gray Man” series and co-author for Hillery Efkeman and Dorothea Benton Frank several Tom Clancy titles such as “Locked On.” Before lunch, book lovers purchased select titles by the featured authors. VIP guests enjoyed mimosas as they mingled with the authors. During lunch, authors spoke about their recent works. With a donation of $20, attendees had the chance to receive a previously loved prizewinning paperback that contained gifts certificates for everything from jewelry to art to clothing. Later, authors signed books and chatted with the crowd.
Lucy McArtor and Lynn Huggins
Margaret Ledbetter and Laura Lane McNeal
Janie Lowery and Cindy Dobbs
Mark Greaney and Leslie Linebaugh
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Tia Osment, Charlotte Bray and Heather Heath-Grosvenor
Tammy Anderson and Joan Lindow
Staci Rosatti and Sarah Benz
Morgan Westbrook and Christine Woods
Melea Kraus and Pam Guinn
Lisa Farow and Pam Clements
Mid-South Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Mardi Gras Masquerade Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
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he third annual Mardi Gras Masquerade was held at the Memphis Botanic Garden. The event was a benefit for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-South Chapter. Serving as royalty for the evening were Mardi Gras Queen Judy Gauthier and Mardi Gras King Johnny Pitts, who were recognized for their dedication and support to the MS Society. As the premiere beverage sponsor, Athens Distributing Company of Memphis Chantal and Jeff Johnson served up a specialty drink called “Island Girl.” Heart & Soul catered the event, featuring mini Muffulettas, mushrooms stuffed with Cajun catfish, red beans and rice, and shrimp and andouille. A creamy dip of baked oysters, spinach, bacon and Gruyere cheese was served with toast rounds. Desserts continued the Mardi Gras theme with offerings of King Cake, beignets and chocolate truffles. With a goal of raising $100,000, the gala raised the roof with the Mighty Souls Brass Band. The group made sure they kept the good times rolling with their Memphis brand of New Orleans-style music. Funds raised will go towards funding scholarships, critical programs and services for people impacted by MS and for MS research.
Bond and Jim Moore
Melissa DeLany and Ashley Krauch
James and Linda Gattas
Blair and Jo Gilbert
Ryan and Crystal Heyward
Cheryl Franklin and Brenda Seaton Boyce
Dee Dee Gauthier and Ryan Rodriguez
Paul Kauerz with Jenny and Nick Vergos
Kelsey Vaughn, Donna Austin Dumas and Ginger Leeke
Chuck Woodall, Barbara Walker and Melanie Woodall
Mike and Judy Gauthier with Kim and Johnny Pitts April 2016
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RSVP Crossword E B R C dited
ACROSS 1 Jacket part 6 Women's magazine 10 Sham 14 Iranian's neighbor 15 Conceited 16 Pastel 17 Variety show
18 19 20 21 23 24 26 28 31
y
Potato sprouts Dry Afloat Unacknowledged Kimono sash Throw in the air Listless, weak and pale Strew (around) Point 32 Court 33 Descended a cliff using ropes 36 Des Moines local 40 With "The," 1958 Sci-Fi film Starring Steve McQueen 42 Can metal 43 Bound (up) 44 Soft drink 45 Praying insect 48 Young boy 49 Pop! ____ the Weasel 51 Half men, half goats 53 Celestial radiation emitter 56 ____ Mater 57 Vase 58 Subject to limitations 61 Best magazine in Memphis 65 As previously cited 67 Dorothy's dog 68 Guide 69 Court suit 70 Eve's garden 71 Having wings
uth
assin
72 Comprehended 73 Interbreeding population within a species 74 Greek sandwiches
DOWN 1 Italian money, once 2 Greek god of war 3 Surface of a road 4 To regard as equivalent 5 Fib 6 Smoothes 7 "You can't eat just one" brand 8 In ____ of 9 Draw into a tangle 10 Resort hotel 11 Certain Billiards shot 12 Where you were at a crime time 13 EMT, e.g. 21 Meat stamp 22 African antelope 25 Rowing device 27 Outlet 28 Compass point 29 Equestrian game 30 Crucifix 31 Penny 34 School support groups 35 Affix, as to a lapel 37 Greasy 38 Fray 39 Totals 41 Sacks 45 Deserved
46 47 50 52 53 54 55 56 59 60 62 63 64 66 68
Island Surface to air missile Lout Sourly Rapid Inner city Mediterranean plant in the parsley family Repent Protuberance Detail Cook quickly Prohibit Washington or Adams (abbr.) Morning condensation Droop
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PHILLI P I RSV B D P y
ennis
hillippi
Dog Gone It Gone Dog O
ne morning last week, I had fallen asleep on the couch, and, when I woke, I heard my wife talking to me. That in itself isn’t so strange. Usually when I hear my wife’s voice when I awaken on the couch she’s saying something along the lines of: “Did you fall asleep on the couch watching something stupid at three in the morning again?” This time, however, she was saying, “Honey? Honey? I have a situation. I have a dog.” Lifting my head to see over the arm of the couch and up the little staircase to the kitchen, I was greeted with the sight of my wife standing there in her gym clothes holding a dog on a leash. To my knowledge there hasn’t been a dog inside my living space since I was around eleven, and I remember not being particularly thrilled about it then either. Bleary eyed from falling asleep on the couch watching something stupid at three in the morning I said, “Is that a gosh darned dog in our house? Why do you have a gosh darned dog? What is that gosh darned dog doing in our kitchen?” Only with much stronger language. She explained that on her way home from the gym she had seen this dog dodging traffic on Cooper, and she simply had to rescue the poor thing. Then she said she’d give me a minute to process what was happening and took the pooch up to the front of the house where she was going to get on the Interweb and see what one does with a dog they had rescued. I believe I may have groaned. Understand, I don’t have anything against dogs, or for that matter, dog people. I’m just not one of them. All of my life I have had cats. I like cats. They’re independent, and for sport they hunt one another. That’s my kind of pet. Dogs, in my limited experience with them, tend to be a little on the needy side. That constant desire for attention and affection exhausts me. That, and, unlike cats, they tend to obviously covet whatever I’m eating. They make no secret of it. They stare at the fork as it goes from plate to mouth with their doleful eyes, making me feel as if somehow I’m responsible for their unhappiness about not getting to have my beef stew.
It’s unseemly. Eventually I roused myself and went to the office up front to find the floor festooned with towels we had stolen from various hotels and resorts and in the middle of them said dog. This was a good dog. He was the Honda Accord of dogs. Medium on the smaller side, pleasant to have around, and unlikely to frighten children. Qualities I’ve always appreciated in Honda Accords. He was mostly white
Dogs, in my limited experience with them, tend to be a little on the needy side. That constant desire for attention and affection exhausts me. with an understated smattering of black spots and tiny brown eyebrows. I think the eyebrows on dogs are one of the things I’ve always found disconcerting about them. I try not to anthropomorphize animals, but the eyebrows on dogs give them an appearance of facial expressions that makes it hard to remember that they’re not really thinking. Those little
arching eyebrows seemed to say, “Hello. I’m a little upset, but this lady seems very nice, and I can see living here and, also, I think maybe you should get that chair recovered before I sleep there all the time.” The towels were everywhere because this was in the middle of the deluge we had last month when it rained, ironically, cats and dogs, for days on end. So, we didn’t just have a dog on our hands, we had a wet dog on our hands. I got on the floor with the dog in my pajamas, which coincidentally have pictures of corgis blowing bubblegum bubbles and endeavored to dry off the dog. This apparently convinced the fella that I was also one of his new masters, and he helpfully rolled onto his back and wriggled happily. This I considered unfair, and more than a little manipulative. It turns out that my wife had attempted to get the dog to come to her out of traffic, but was unsuccessful until a guy from a nearby restaurant brought out some sausage and bacon. This was just the ticket to get the soaking wet pup into her backseat. Not only did she get out of her car to rescue a dog, in her gym clothes, in the rain, she then took the guy to three different vets’ offices in hopes that one of them would recognize him. Personally, I believe she was hoping that a vet’s office would take this cute canine off her hands, but she denies this. One way or the other, vets’ offices don’t take in rescue dogs, even ones as sweet as this. It would be a bad precedent to set. Take in sweet dogs and, before you know it, someone would expect you to take in a dog that’s kind of a jerk. I had, thank God, an appointment and couldn’t be expected to dog sit. After exploring other possibilities, Janet ultimately took the boy to her office where he was a huge hit. Everybody wanted this dog, which was a huge relief to me. His collar had come off, so the only option was to use the power of social media to attempt to find his owner. Miraculously, it worked. Within a couple of hours someone who knew the dog saw its picture and directed his owner to it. By midafternoon the dog, whose name turned out to be Charlie, which was perfect, was reunited with his distraught owner. An almost infinitesimal part of me kind of misses that Charlie. My wife sometimes really misses him. She was really a hero. We’re still not getting a dog, but she was a hero. We are still not getting a dog. Please God, don’t make me get a dog. April 2016
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PAST RSV T H wins at
eart
1951 W
alter H. Murphy and Hubert L. Dellinger Jr. were best friends through school, college and adult life. Their high school yearbook describes them as twins. They joined the same fraternities and clubs at University of Memphis and University of Tennessee Medical School, played in bands, enjoyed hunting and fishing and playing cards together. Later, they both became physicians. This picture, made in 1951 in Court Square, shows that even their taste in clothes were similar. Photo courtesy of Hubert L. Dellinger Jr. If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Rachel Warren at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.
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