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
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Expect ‘Complete Beauty and Medical Gym Experience’ at Montrose Med Spa

Expect ‘Complete Beauty and Medical Gym Experience’ at Montrose Med Spa

MONTROSE MED SPA is consistently focused on one thing: the patient. The boutique spa is intentionally designed as haven where clients can realize their aesthetic and wellness aspirations in a secure and comforting environment. Business partners Maricela and Ashley pride themselves on their unwavering commitment to the patient and continuous learning ensuring that clients receive the most safe and effective treatments available. Intentional wellness of placing emphasis on inner well-being and self-care is the vision of the spa and they have curated a team of highly trained professionals who share this philosophy. With this vision in mind, Maricela and Ashley have developed a complete beauty and medical gym experience. Services provided include Medical Weight Loss, EMsculpt Neo, EMface, HydraFacial (face & body), Fillers, Neurotoxins, Microneedling, VI Chemical Peels, and IV Therapy. LUXURY BEAUTY & MEDICAL GYM MEMBERSHIPS available. Schedule your complimentary skin analysis consultation and receive $100 off your first treatment. 713.485.5027, 2505 Dunlavy St. Houston, TX 77006 Follow us on Instagram.


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the magazine

A Personal Note from Jeff Gremillion: Changes at ‘Houston CityBook’

ON JAN. 3, 2025, I observed a big personal anniversary. As of that day, it’d been 20 years since I first moved to Houston — from the Big Apple media circus, by way of my home state of Louisiana — and began working as an editor in the lifestyle-magazine biz here. It’s been two full decades, which is hard to believe! I like to joke that I’m far too young and good-looking to have done anything for two decades. But here we are.

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theater

Kitchen Confidential! Director Weinbrenner’s Hot and Tasty ‘Seared’ Extended at Alley

Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.

ONE OF HOUSTON'S favorite theater makers — Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner — has gotten some delicious news about his latest show. The run of his Seared, a sometimes-funny and sometimes-intense tale of life in the kitchen at a suddenly hot New York restaurant by playright Theresa Rebeck, has been extended beyond its original schedule and will now be up through March 9.

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Food+Travel