Sharon Torres, Elia Gabbanelli and Maritza Gonzales at ‘Latin.'
Mary and Mark D’Andrea at ‘JDRF.’
And what a bash it was, flowing over the course of the program from stirring to sexy! It started with the presentation of the flags by the Houston Firefighter Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums, and a stirring acapella rendition of the National Anthe by Firefighter Joe Rice, and eventually arrived at its usual apex — the shirtless catwalk-strutting of the coming year’s firefighter-calendar hotties.
The spectacle of triceps, biceps, lats and six packs was a hit with the ladies, who crowded around the merch table afterward to buy calendars and take selfies with the muscled gents. Calendar sales benefit the Burned Children’s Fund.
“The momentum continues to be up, and we are grateful for the outpouring of support,” noted the Steins about the fundraising effort.
A raucous live auction followed a dinner of rich short rib and roasted chicken. A triple strand diamond bracelet from IW Marks went for more than $12,000. A surprise, last-minute addition to the auction roster — a guitar signed by George Strait — went for more than $10,000.
One of the evening’s best moments came at the traditional after party when, to the live tunes of the Western Jelly band, the Astros Game Two win was broadcast to the happy crowd.
This year’s co-chairs were Carol and Bill Lawler, with Hallie Vanderhider serving as honorary co-chair. Generous donors Bobbie Nau and Susan Sarofim were called out for special recognition, as were committed volunteers Dee Darby, Scarlett Darby, Betty DuBose and Laura Elizabeth Stein. Notable guests included Margaret Alkek Williams, Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Van and David Greenberg, Fady Armanious, Bill Baldwin, Patti and Don Murphy, Robert Clay, Karen and Murry Penner, a slew of public officials, and emcees Ted Oberg and Houston Professional Firefighters Association President Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton.
Brigitte Kalai and Joanna Marks
Margaret Alkek Williams and David Wuthrich
Bobbie Nau, Elizabeth Stein, Hallie Vanderhider
Mr. June
Casey & Ryan Mitchell
Fady Armanious & Bill Baldwin
Jackie Eubank, Jo Ann Petersen, Diane Cain
Mr. October
Laura Elizabeth Stein, Captain Chris Garcia, Scarlett Darby
Marissa Eubank, Price Dubose, Darci Vazquez, Anna Hoffman, Kelsey Spieth
Monica & Russel Ybarra
Sarah & Dean Zubowski
Mr. February
Patti & Don Murphy
Shantell and Brian Wischnewsky
The ambitious Urban Impressions art exhibit explores the relationship we have with our constructed cityscape environments, with works by Houston-based visionaries, Charis Ammon, Tiffany Chung and Rick Lowe. Saturday’s one-night-only, outdoor, multi-site event brings together luminaries of Houston’s jazz, poetry, and culinary scenes to celebrate Houston’s diversity and creativity. It’s an intriguing concept, and offers a welcome counterpoint to the exhibit’s heavier themes of displacement, urban sprawl, and the physical and spiritual challenges of life in a metropolis.
Representing Houston jazz community at Urban Nights is vibraphonist and composer Jalen Baker, a young, talented musician whose star continues to rise after the release of his critically acclaimed 2021 album, This is Me, This is Us. “I grew up not far from the Rice campus and would attend orchestra and percussion concerts when I was younger,” says Baker. “So it’s really cool to be a part of the event now in my adult years. A full circle moment, for sure!”
Headlining the event is Houston rapper Lil’ Flip, an original member of the legendary Screwed Up Click, which was led by the late, great DJ Screw. The evening’s activities include a food truck rally, a complimentary beer tasting of Japa, an “art beer” created by Nigerian artist Emeka Ogboh, a video installation by Sindhu Thirumalaisamy, and site-specific performances by the Texas Poet Laureate Lupe Mendez and the hip-hop collective Breakfree Worldwide.
On pathways throughout the event’s multiple sites, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor sculptures, installations, and murals by artists Beverly Pepper, Rana Begum, Royal Sumikat, Hedwige Jacobs, and Robert Hodge. Throughout the evening, guests can take time out to explore the Moody building and contemplate the Urban Impressions exhibit on their own.
Jalen Baker
