| EVENT REPORT 05.05.09 1:19 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Silver Plated |
| For its dinner and performances celebrating women in the arts, the Kennedy Center transformed spaces on two levels with sleek silver-toned decor, spring flowers, and swirling projections. |
|
More than 1,100 guests gathered Sunday to celebrate women in the arts at the Kennedy Center spring gala, which drew a mix of artists from across genres, including photographer Annie Leibovitz, country singer LeAnn Rimes, jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves, violinist Midori, Broadway legend Chita Rivera, and singer K.D. Lang.
To fete these stars, the Kennedy Center threw a three-part party, starting with a cocktail reception in the grand foyer beginning at 5 p.m., followed by a sit-down dinner and 90-minute performance, with dancing and dessert afterward at the "‘Till Midnight Party." The event raised $2.4 million (near equal to last year) with ticket prices starting at $1,000 and tables ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | In the three dining rooms on the center's upper level, floral arrangements of pink roses, fuchsia peonies, and lilacs in square silver boxes and tall cylindrical glass vases lent a romantic air.
Photo: Joseph Allen |
|
|
 | A silver palette marked the evening's decor, with bursts of color from spring flowers in bright pinks and purples.
Photo: Joseph Allen |
|
|
 | Kennedy Center technicians projected the "Women in the Arts" logo on the dining room floor.
Photo: Joseph Allen |
|
|
 | Columns made of sheer fabric hung from the ceilings in dining rooms, each illuminated in purple.
Photo: Joseph Allen |
|
|
 | The dining rooms included a mix of rectangular and round tables and a variety of floral centerpieces.
Photo: Joseph Allen |
|
|
 | Restaurant Associates created red velvet cupcakes, macaroons, and strawberry shortcakes for the dessert bar.
Photo: Joseph Allen |
|
|
 | Glowing rectangular tables lit in purple and pink topped with balls of roses decorated the areas in between the dining rooms.
Photo: Joseph Allen |
|
|
 | Some tables were topped by glass votives filled with clear crystals.
Photo: Joseph Allen |
|
|
 | After dinner, the Kennedy Center's team removed dining tables from the South Foyer, adding leather couches and a dessert bar.
Photo: Joseph Allen |
|
|
 | A projection of mod circles in the Atrium echoed the glowing orbs suspended from the ceiling.
Photo: Daniel Schwartz |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A sleek look in a silver palette marked the evening’s decor, with bursts of color from spring flowers in bright pinks and purples. In the three dining rooms on the center's upper level, bright floral arrangements and sheer fabric columns, each illuminated in purple, were the focal points.
“Because our space is so unadorned it allows us to make it what we want it to be. We treat it as a black box space,” said Leslie Miller, director of special events, who leans on her coworkers to help produce the gala. “We’re really lucky. Every department of the Kennedy Center plays a role in the event, so I have fantastic support.”
After the dinner of crab salad and seared organic chicken breast, guests walked downstairs to the concert hall to watch the evening’s showcased artists. The crowd buzzed about Paris Hilton’s appearance at dinner, but the real guest of honor was Michelle Obama, who watched the show from the President’s Box and received shout-outs from the evening’s performers, including composer Joan Tower and Lily Tomlin, who called Obama an “iconic wonder woman.”
After watching the evening’s performances, including a hoarse but stirring rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Patti LaBelle, guests traveled back upstairs to the Roof Terrace Restaurant for the after-party. During the performance, the Kennedy Center’s team removed dinner tables from the South Foyer, adding leather couches and a dessert bar decked with red velvet cupcakes, macaroons, and strawberry shortcakes. Guests could hit the dance floor to music from the band Sound Connection, have a drink outside on the rooftop terrace despite the misty weather, or head home with their gift bags, which included a silver picture frame donated by premier sponsor Boeing.
—Adele Chapin
RELATED TOPICS
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Michelle Obama, Boeing
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
MoMA Gets Suitably Whimsical and Macabre for Tim Burton Tribute
New Moon Premiere Beckons 10,000 People and 2 Live Wolves
MSNBC and Rodale Fete Jeff Corwin's New Book and Documentary at the Occidental
Dark and Moody Accents, Animal-Inspired Decor Appear on Tabletops at Diffa's Dining by Design
More Photos From Fight Night/Knock Out Abuse: Stogies, Laser Shows, and a VW Bus Bar
MORE STORIES ABOUT JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
National Symphony Orchestra Channels Old and New Russia at Kennedy Center's Season Opening Ball
Alvin Ailey Gala Looks to its Dancers for Inspiration
MORE STORIES ABOUT MICHELLE OBAMA
In the News: Accusations of Sexism on G20 Event Schedule, Swag Bags Still Effective Marketing
In the News: Partners Spare 2009 Daytime Emmys, First Lady to Host G20 Summit Events
White House Social Secretary Desirée Rogers on Conga Lines, Crashers, and Why She's Avoiding Sit-Down Dinners
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
Corporations and other organizations have an opportunity unavailable anywhere else: to co-host a reception or dinner adjacent to highly acclaimed exhibitions that tell the story of the American people. Such exhibitions as "The Star-Spangled Banner," "The American Presidency," "Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life," and "First Ladies" feature artifacts that include Thomas Jefferson’s lap desk, George Washington’s uniform, Julia Child’s kitchen, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, and thousands more! More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
DC Rental
Now in its 22nd year, DC Rental continues to shine as a premier rental resource on the East Coast. The company’s ever-expanding inventory, from cutting-edge dinnerware to exclusive linens, has made it a favorite in the Washington, D.C. metro area. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Design Cuisine Caterers
Design Cuisine is a nationally recognized, full-service catering company. Its growth from a small boutique caterer to a leader in the Washington, D.C. marketplace is attributed to three primary areas of concentration: the development of a knowledgeable, responsive sales staff, the creation of a highly organized professional kitchen, and the acquisition of an extensive collection of unique rental equipment and linens. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
