Balling Out

Houstonians got gala glam for an Italy-themed celebration at The Corinthian benefiting Mercury, the chamber ensemble music group. Jackson & Company catered the affair, which included a performance by the Mercury orchestra and raised a quarter-million for the organization. ... Following a preview party and cocktail evening on Thursday and Friday, the Junior League’s 69th annual Charity Ball included a rousing auction with items like a chance to hang out with Simone Biles, and diamonds galore courtesy of Tenenbaum Jewelers. The total till reached $740K. ... And at the Good Samaritan Foundation gala, supporters of the nursing profession gathered at the River Oaks Country Club for dinner and dancing, and a moving speech by nurse Mark Barr, whose experience as an amputee called him to the line of work.


Anthony and Cynthia Petrello at ‘Mercury’
Special

Actor Alan Brincks gets his makeup done for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'

BEGINNING AUG. 1 THROUGH Aug. 10, the Houston Shakespeare Festival, the professional arm of the University of Houston’s School of Theater and Dance, takes the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre for its 50th iteration. The milestone event includes productions of Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, plus "Bard talks," all at no cost to viewers.

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Art + Entertainment

Dandelion Cafe owners Sarah Lieberman and J.C. Ricks with Mireya Villarreal of GMA, Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown of Southern Smoke Foundation (photo by Shane Dante Photography)

THE SOUTHERN SMOKE Foundation, established by chef Chris Shepherd, has only been around for seven years — but that's long enough to have helped hospitality workers through hurricanes, freezes, a pandemic, and countless other personal situations requiring emergency relief.

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Food