Music Class

VH1’s programming may be less focused on music these days, but the network keeps up with its charitable commitment to helping schoolkids learn to play instruments. On Thursday night, VH1's Save the Music Foundation celebrated 10 years with its first-ever gala and sit-down dinner, held—appropriately enough—at the Tent at Lincoln Center.

Jennifer Dunn, VH1’s director of corporate sponsorship and special events, was charged with developing the event's concept—a task that involved a year’s worth of planning and was inspired in a most unlikely way. “I got a catalog from Brocade Home,” she said. “The furniture was just so whimsical and exciting. It was something like I’d never seen before.” Dunn reached out to the furniture company, and soon it had agreed to donate design services and furniture for the event. “You won’t believe how much vendors are willing to donate for charity,” Dunn added. The night's sponsors included Jet Blue, AKA Luxury Hotels, and Waterford USA.From the check-in area to the tent, the look was an elegant but surreal fusion of Alice in Wonderland and rock 'n' roll, with mirrors, birdcages, plush vinyl ottomans, and a giant ice guitar anchoring the outdoor cocktail reception that preceded the dinner. A jazz sextet of middle-school musicians charmed the crowd with a short set as guests funneled into the gala.

The 700 attendees included music stars Mya, James Blunt, and Quincy Jones, as well as two of the night’s honorees, Mariah Carey and Bill Clinton. (Hillary Clinton was also honored but did not attend.) Inside, they sat at tables decorated with elaborate settings and cartoonishly large stemware. Host Maria Menounos guided everyone through an evening that included remarks from Conan O’Brien and a live auction with Tim Gunn. The night culminated in performances by Roger Waters, John Mayer, and Jon Bon Jovi—part of the draw for the base $2,500 donation it took to get a seat.