Steven N. Adkins, president and executive director of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and its secretary/treasurer Michael Vita, didn't search too far for a theme for the chamber's fifth annual gala. Bruce Townsend of BBJ Linen-Dania Beach and Christine Battles of M3Events created a rainbow (a long-standing symbol of the gay community) within the ballroom of the Radisson Hotel Miami—and at the end of this one was a wealth of entertainment.
The monochromatic look of the tables created a rainbow effect in the ballroom. Each group of tables was dressed in one of six rainbow colors: red, yellow, orange, green, blue, and purple. An extra shot of pink acted as a divider in the room. The tablecloths, napkins, and chair covers and sashes were the same hue instead of color-coordinated. "Keeping the same tone throughout each table makes a stronger statement," said Townsend.
As an element of contrast, the centerpieces were kept simple and elegant. "We didn't want to overdo it in the room since the linens were so vibrant," said Battles. Each circular vase held long stems of pink and white flowers, plus a mass of curly willows that shimmered with glitter. Silver bows were wrapped around each vase. Four white votive candles surrounded the vases, reflecting off the bow and glittery flora.
The entertainment was just as colorful, starting with elaborately costumed performers from Hot Jam that greeted the more than 300 guests. The Southern Country South Florida SunDancers did some two-steppin' during the cocktail reception, before the Miami Gay Men's Chorus took over the piano area to sing several ballads. Guests also entertained themselves by perusing the auction tables Alexandra Durant from Durant Consulting Inc. set up with such items as a signed jersey from Miami Heat's Dwayne Wade, an autographed Cher original record album, and a Brokeback Mountain movie poster signed by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.
The Radisson's catering crew prepared a three-course menu that started with a salad of wild coastal greens, red oak radicchio, tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers. An entrée of herbed breast of chicken with a vegetable medley and a blend of sweet and white potatoes followed. Dinner was finished off with a "death by chocolate" dessert and coffee. The real treat, however, was a performance by actress and comedian Judy Gold. Thanks to South Bay Productions' 11- by 14-foot screens flanking the stage, everyone had a clear view of the performances and presentations, no matter what section of the rainbow they were sitting in.
—Vanessa Goyanes
The monochromatic look of the tables created a rainbow effect in the ballroom. Each group of tables was dressed in one of six rainbow colors: red, yellow, orange, green, blue, and purple. An extra shot of pink acted as a divider in the room. The tablecloths, napkins, and chair covers and sashes were the same hue instead of color-coordinated. "Keeping the same tone throughout each table makes a stronger statement," said Townsend.
As an element of contrast, the centerpieces were kept simple and elegant. "We didn't want to overdo it in the room since the linens were so vibrant," said Battles. Each circular vase held long stems of pink and white flowers, plus a mass of curly willows that shimmered with glitter. Silver bows were wrapped around each vase. Four white votive candles surrounded the vases, reflecting off the bow and glittery flora.
The entertainment was just as colorful, starting with elaborately costumed performers from Hot Jam that greeted the more than 300 guests. The Southern Country South Florida SunDancers did some two-steppin' during the cocktail reception, before the Miami Gay Men's Chorus took over the piano area to sing several ballads. Guests also entertained themselves by perusing the auction tables Alexandra Durant from Durant Consulting Inc. set up with such items as a signed jersey from Miami Heat's Dwayne Wade, an autographed Cher original record album, and a Brokeback Mountain movie poster signed by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.
The Radisson's catering crew prepared a three-course menu that started with a salad of wild coastal greens, red oak radicchio, tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers. An entrée of herbed breast of chicken with a vegetable medley and a blend of sweet and white potatoes followed. Dinner was finished off with a "death by chocolate" dessert and coffee. The real treat, however, was a performance by actress and comedian Judy Gold. Thanks to South Bay Productions' 11- by 14-foot screens flanking the stage, everyone had a clear view of the performances and presentations, no matter what section of the rainbow they were sitting in.
—Vanessa Goyanes
The monochromatic tables created a colorful rainbow in one of the Radisson Hotel Miami's ballrooms.
The three- to four-foot tall centerpieces were made with long stemmed pink and white flowers and curly willows sprayed with silver glitter.
Vibrant orange and red hues kicked up the dramatic effect in the room.
Performers from Hot Jam greeted guests in equally colorful costumes.
The Southern Country South Florida SunDancers performed a two-step during the cocktail reception.
The Miami Gay Men's Chorus also performed during the reception.
![“One of the harder installs was at Drees Pavilion [in Covington, Kentucky]. It was only a day apart from another filming. We re-carpeted the entire space and set everything up in 12 hours,” Bruner said.](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2020/08/IMG_6734.5f34173fa6723.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
