parties

Channeling the Carnival in Rio, Mercury Gala Welcomes Party ‘Animals’

Channeling the Carnival in Rio, Mercury Gala Welcomes Party ‘Animals’

Tim & Martha Pandajis

ONE OF HOUSTON'S most beloved music organizations — Mercury, whose mission is to serve the community by celebrating the power of music, teaching, sharing and performing with passion, intimacy and excellence — raised a quarter-million bucks at its recent annual gala, which had a fun “Carnival of the Animals” theme.

“Amidst décor that evoked a bright and colorful celebration at Rio Carnival, guests dined on a first course of grilled baby romaine with olive oil herb ciabatta and parmesan shavings,” explained a rep for Mercury. “The main course featured herb-roasted airline chicken with truffle risotto, green beans, and carrots, followed by a delightful cinnamon Tres Leches for dessert.”

What happened after dinner may have been even more delicious. Artistic Director Antoine Plante and Mercury musicians played selections from Saints-Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals,” Paganini’s “Carnival of Venice,” and Pink Martini’s rousing samba “Brazil.” The finale showcased Donna Bella Litton on vocals, Carmon Kerl on Trombone, Jesus Pacheco and Charlie Perez on percussion, and samba dancers from Houston’s LD Dance Company, the latter bringing dinner guests to their feet!

Chairs Keith and Julie Little welcomed guest including Kelly and David Rose, Ginny Hart, Robert Navo, Blake Eskew, Martha Eskew, Lori Muratta, Brian Ritter, Christopher Michael Stribling, and Carlos and Luvi Wheelock.

Robert Navo & Ginny Hart

Mercury Performance

Martin Stuardo & Kyle Nasrallah

Matthew & Jaime Titus

Julie & Keith Little

Kelly & David Rose

Shane & Marissa Gilroy

Elena Lexina & Brian Rishikof

Michelle Furcho & Jonathan de la Garza

Rachel & Barry Lichman

Carlos & Luvi Wheelock

Emily Key & Martin Simoncic

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Parties
promoted

Thrive & Inspire: Michelle Reyna Wymes Stresses Importance of ‘Continuing to Learn’

Thrive & Inspire: Michelle Reyna Wymes Stresses Importance of ‘Continuing to Learn’

Michelle Reyna Wymes, Co-Owner of The Reyna Group

WHAT'S THE SECRET to running a successful business? It is so important to stay present every day. With the fast-paced patterns of today’s society and ever-evolving technologies, I stress to our agents how important it is to continue to learn. If one reaches a point at which the ego takes over or burnout sets in and progress takes a back seat, things will get stuck. Regardless of what field you are in, I believe in starting with the basics to set and strengthen your foundation. I treat everyone we work with from our contractors, clients, to our inspectors with respect, patience and care.

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events

Encore! Downtown Park Reprises Popular Concert Series Tomorrow

Kam Franklin (photo courtesy of Mint Talent Group)

SURE, TAYLOR SWIFT is scheduled to land in Space City this Friday, but we got something else exciting going down musically the night before. Sponsored by the University of Houston, Downtown, the UHD Thursday Night Concerts series gets rolling on April 20 on the Anheuser-Busch Stage at Discovery Green. Positioned to face the green’s Fondren Performance Space, and with the Downtown skyline as its backdrop, the state-of-the-art concert venue features a top-notch audio and lighting system designed with the city’s diverse performing arts community in mind. This year’s series includes some incredible Houston-based talent, as well as acts from San Antonino, Austin and New Orleans.

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Art + Entertainment
food

How the Garden Grows! MFAH’s Le Jardinier Ushers in Spring Menus and Expands Hours

Alex Montoya

French white asparagus at Le Jardinier

SPRING IS THE most beautiful time of the year to dine with artful outdoor views or alfresco style before our weather gets steamy. While catching the latest museum exhibitions, why not make a day of it by sampling the new brunch, lunch or dinner menus at the MFAH’s signature Le Jardinier? Always impressive for celebrations, the enchanting restaurant also offers more casual patio dining and seating in the bar area for solo guests, if desired.

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Food