party people

Mercury Orchestra Blasts Off, with Fun Retro-Space-Age Gala and Supporters Like Lynn Wyatt

Priscilla Dickson
Mercury Orchestra Blasts Off, with Fun Retro-Space-Age Gala and Supporters Like Lynn Wyatt

Mercury Artistic Director Antoine Plante and Lynn Wyatt on the dance floor at the Mercury gala

ONE OF HOUSTON'S most prestigious performing arts organizations, the Mercury orchestra, threw a fabulous “Retro-Futuristic” gala at the Post Oak Hotel, complete with a space-themed musical presentation and a top-tier guest list including Lynn Wyatt.

“The elegant evening raised more than $375,000 for Mercury’s concerts and education programs, with gala décor designed by Art Attack and a sumptuous three-course meal by the Post Oak’s award-winning chef,” said a rep for the ball’s organizers. “Amidst décor that evoked the excitement and adventurous spirit of space travel, the 270 guests dined on a first course of heirloom tomato and burrata salad with quinoa and basil dressing. The main course featured glazed short ribs with mustard spätzle, Swiss chard and braising jus, followed by a delightful crème fraiche panna cotta with pistachio sponge, lemon cream and macerated strawberries.”

But the real dessert was the Artistic Director Antoine Plante and Mercury’s after-dinner concert, which included silent film footage from Voyage de Lune and the scores from 2001 A Space Odyssey, Star Trek and ET, along with ditties such as Fly Me to the Moon and Rocket Man by Wyatt’s bestie Elton John.

Gala chairs Kelly and David Rose and Mercury Executive Director Brian Ritter and his husband Christopher Michael Stribling — the latter duo enjoying their first night out since welcoming a new baby in recent months — greeted guests including Katrina and Nick Peacock, Mindy and Josh Davidson, Mollie and Wayne Brunetti, Lisa and Gary Cohen and retired astronaut Peggy Whitson.

Brynne and Brad Olsen

Kelly and David Rose

Mercury's musicians take the stage

Robert Welsh and Konnie Haynes-Welsh

Katrina and Nick Peacock

Robert Navo, Ginny Hart and Brian Ritter

Scott and Erin Reid

Amy and Kelly Plato

Darin and Gretchen Carroll and Cari and Steve Greenly

Carol and Joe Mohrman

From Your Site Articles
Related Articles Around the Web
Art + Entertainment
promoted

What’s the Secret to Biz Success? ‘Show Up with Kindness,’ Says Bianca Bucaram

What’s the Secret to Biz Success? ‘Show Up with Kindness,’ Says Bianca Bucaram

How did you get to where you are today? Passion, persistence, and faith, and a little bit of luck. I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Political Science and Spanish, on the track to be pre-med. Little did I know that a journey to help my younger sister would set my course to sail in PR. I had no background in communication, except my raw talent, and was fortunate enough to have a family member who needed her story to be told! I was helping tell my younger sister (one of the most recognized influencers in the online vegan community) @fullyrawkristina’s story, and it all blossomed from there.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Justin Garcia's Rooftop Homecoming Draws Hip Crowd

Beth Muecke, Justin Garcia

HANDSOME HOUSTON ARTIST Justin Garcia held a homecoming of sorts at Downtown’s Z on 23. He’s been on a world tour with Orphaned Starfish Foundation, the nonprofit that helps orphans, survivors of trafficking, and refugees break their cycles of abuse and poverty. Garcia is traveling to all 80 of the foundation’s programs around the world, creating unique art pieces that aim to capture each program's unique feel with color, shape and words.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment
parties

Chef’s Kiss! Hundreds Feast in Celebration of Urban Harvest’s 30th

Daniel Ortiz

Diana Madero, Thea Pheasey, Alejandra Peterman, Hillary Jebbitt

EIGHT CHEFS, THIRTY years — and one big dinner! Urban Harvest rang in its fourth decade of community gardens, farmers markets and food access at their annual farm-to-table dinner cooked up by some of the most notable chefs in town.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties