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CONT

ENTS

14ZOO RENDEZVOUS

Ben Nicol and Anna Humerickhouse

38 BROOKS AVANT GARDE PARTY

Diane Vescovo and Mike McLaren

24STREETSEEN

Earnestine Rodgers Robinson

48 PHOENIX CLUB PARTY AT THE PALACE

Miley Doty, Randall Noel and Anderson North

60ZOO BREW

Perry and Alissa Trowbridge

54SPIRIT OF SRVS

Michael and Erin Nunn

Cover PhotoJulie Marie Niekrasz

at University of Memphis Law School

Photo by Nathan Berry

ContentsOctober 2010

From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Signature Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Beverly C. Robertson invites RSVP to the National Civil Rights Museum® for a history lesson.

RSVP Watch List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Walk this way to the top boots of the season.

Zoo Rendezvous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Local restaurants, caterers and beer/liquor distributors chipped in for a good cause at theMemphis Zoo’s largest annual fund-raiser.

Onsites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21, 26 & 66Gatherings that have earned an honorable mention.

StreetSeens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 & 24After dark, he heads up an improv troupe that’s heating up the stage with jokes aplenty.Without any formal training, she’s defying the odds of making it as a composer. StreetSeensspotlight Michael Entman and Earnestine Rodgers Robinson.

RSVP’s 10 Most Stylish Memphians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29The list of our most fashionable men and women is in!

RSVP’s Most Photographed Memphians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35Did you have your pic taken this year by RSVP? If so, check and see if you made our mostphotographed list.

Brooks Avant Garde Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38Rock ‘n’ roll fans pulled out their best party garb to embrace America’s beloved music genreat the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art’s themed benefit.

Vox Popular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Q&A with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra music director, Mei-Ann Chen.

Phoenix Club Party at the Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48The Pink Palace proved the perfect concert venue for the Phoenix Club’s fund-raiser for theBoys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.

Spirit of SRVS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Shelby Residential and Vocational Services gave guests “A Taste of the Good Life” during itscharitable affair at Hilton Memphis.

Zoo Brew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60Zoo inhabitants moved over for thousands of party animals ready to toast the Memphis Zoo.

RSVPhillippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68Something Tells Me It’s All Happening At The ZooDennis Phillippi surprises himself this month with a zoo visit worth the price of a member-ship.

http://www.performancetoyotamem.com/

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Volume XVI Number I

October 2010

P U B L I S H E R

Roy Haithcock

E D I T O R

Leah Fitzpatrick

C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S

Kelly CoxJonathan DevinDennis PhillippiSuzanne ThompsonLesley Young

A R T D I R E C T O R

Patrick Akers

P H O T O G R A P H E R S

Nathan BerryDon Perry

Steve Roberts

S E N I O R A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Libby Huff

A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

Chris Pugh

A C C O U N T I N G

Ruth Cassin

RSVP Memphis is published monthly byHaithcock Communications, Inc. First class

subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year.Send name and address with a check to:

Haithcock Communications, Inc.2282 Central AvenueMemphis, TN 38104

For advertising information contactRoy Haithcock

Phone (901) 276-7787, ext. 101Fax (901) 276-7785

e-mail publisher@rsvpmagazine.com

W E Bwww.rsvpmagazine.com

For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, pleasecontact RSVP Magazine

one month prior to the event. Call 901-276-7787, ext. 105 or fax to 901-276-7785.

e-mail editor@rsvpmagazine.com

Follow us on

RSVP Memphis Magazine

Copyright 2010 Haithcock Communications, Inc.

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RSVP’s 15th anniversaryissue has arrived, and Ican hardly contain my

excitement! A lot of extrahours were put into themaking of this edition, buteverything about theprocess was fun, fun andmore fun. From scoutinglocations at the Universityof Memphis Law School forRSVP’s 10 Most StylishMemphians photo shoot(page 29) to hearing the fas-cinating story of theMemphis SymphonyOrchestra’s newest musicconductor, Mei-Ann Chen, the subject of this month’s VoxPopular (page 44), my assignments felt like anything butwork.

If you can’t tell, I truly feel blessed to wake up to myjob and even more appreciative that I’ve been a part of anupstanding company for three years, as of next month. Manyof you, on the other hand, have been a part of RSVP for muchlonger. Whether you’ve been involved because of altruisticefforts, party planning, advertising, freelance writing, photog-raphy or due to an interview, each and every one of you hascontributed to the integrity, entertainment value and successof the magazine. It goes without saying that our readershipremains the best around…we would not have stayed afloat 15years without our vital support system.

While some new features have been introduced andothers have come and gone, the heart of our mission keepspumping. That mission entails giving Memphis and ShelbyCounty’s often overlooked population, comprised of nonprofitorganizations and the people who depend on their services, astrong voice. In serving this cause through our coverage, wehope others are encouraged to commit to a greater good.

There’s no time better than the present to get in-volved, so take the first step and check out our online eventsblog at rsvpmagazine.com for charity party listings. We alsowant to wish you a Happy Halloween and thank you for mak-ing 15 feel so good.

Leah Fitzpatrickeditor@rsvpmagazine.com

From the Editor

Photo by Steve Roberts

http://www.amyhowardcollection.com/

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Beverly C. RobertsonPPrreessiiddeenntt ooff tthhee NNaattiioonnaall CCiivviill RRiigghhttss MMuusseeuumm®®

FFiirrsstt jjoobb:: A teacher.SSttrreessss oouuttlleett:: A massage.

HHoobbbbyy:: Reading and cooking.IIddeeaall vvaaccaattiioonn ssppoott:: Rome, Italy.

FFaavvoorriittee MMeemmpphhiiss mmuussiicciiaann:: Kirk Whalum.

CChhiillddhhoooodd aammbbiittiioonn:: To be a social worker.

OOnnee tthhiinngg yyoouu ccaann’’tt lliivvee wwiitthhoouutt:: My family.

FFaavvoorriittee aauutthhoorr:: For fun reading, Danielle Steele.

HHiissttoorriiccaall ffiigguurree yyoouu mmoosstt iiddeennttiiffyy wwiitthh:: Nelson

Mandela.

FFaavvoorriittee aallbbuumm:: “Songs in the Key of Life” by Stevie Wonder.

OOnnee tthhiinngg mmoosstt ppeeooppllee ddoonn’’tt kknnooww aabboouutt yyoouu:: I was

Miss Melrose.

LLaasstt bbooookk yyoouu’’vvee rreeaadd:: Game Change by Mark Halperin

and John Heilemann.

WWhheerree yyoouu ttaakkee oouutt--ooff--ttoowwnn gguueessttss:: The National Civil

Rights Museum and Stax.

MMoovviieess yyoouu ccoouulldd wwaattcchh oovveerr aanndd oovveerr aaggaaiinn:: TheWay We Were, An Officer and a Gentleman and The Color Purple.

WWoorrddss oorr pphhrraasseess yyoouu oovveerruussee:: Those who give should

never remember; those who receive must never forget.

YYoouurr GGrreeaatteesstt AAcchhiieevveemmeenntt:: Rearing my three children.

YYoouurr mmaannttrraa:: You make a living by what you get, but you

make a life by what you give. My personal mantra at work is

“excellence in all we do.”

FFiirrsstt jjoobb:: A teacher.SSttrreessss oouuttlleett:: A massage.

HHoobbbbyy:: Reading and cooking.IIddeeaall vvaaccaattiioonn ssppoott:: Rome, Italy.

FFaavvoorriittee MMeemmpphhiiss mmuussiicciiaann:: Kirk Whalum.

CChhiillddhhoooodd aammbbiittiioonn:: To be a social worker.

OOnnee tthhiinngg yyoouu ccaann’’tt lliivvee wwiitthhoouutt:: My family.

FFaavvoorriittee aauutthhoorr:: For fun reading, Danielle Steele.

HHiissttoorriiccaall ffiigguurree yyoouu mmoosstt iiddeennttiiffyy wwiitthh:: Nelson

Mandela.

FFaavvoorriittee aallbbuumm:: “Songs in the Key of Life” by Stevie Wonder.

OOnnee tthhiinngg mmoosstt ppeeooppllee ddoonn’’tt kknnooww aabboouutt yyoouu:: I was

Miss Melrose.

LLaasstt bbooookk yyoouu’’vvee rreeaadd:: Game Change by Mark Halperin

and John Heilemann.

WWhheerree yyoouu ttaakkee oouutt--ooff--ttoowwnn gguueessttss:: The National Civil

Rights Museum and Stax.

MMoovviieess yyoouu ccoouulldd wwaattcchh oovveerr aanndd oovveerr aaggaaiinn:: TheWay We Were, An Officer and a Gentleman and The Color Purple.

WWoorrddss oorr pphhrraasseess yyoouu oovveerruussee:: Those who give should

never remember; those who receive must never forget.

YYoouurr GGrreeaatteesstt AAcchhiieevveemmeenntt:: Rearing my three children.

YYoouurr mmaannttrraa:: You make a living by what you get, but you

make a life by what you give. My personal mantra at work is

“excellence in all we do.”

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c h i c k a s a w o a k s v i l l a g e 3 0 9 2 p o p l a r a v e . 9 0 1 . 4 5 2 . 2 3 2 3

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BRING ON THE BOOTSSTEP INTO FALL KNOWING YOU’VE GOT A GLAM FOOT FORWARD.

Clockwise from top right: Amber Bootie in Midnight True Suede by Vince Camuto-$120 atDillard’s Oak Court (901-685-0382); Belinda Short Boot in Dark Grey with Flower by Madeline-$75

at Muse (901-526-8738); Elegant Boot in Purple Suede by Sacha London-$120 at SouthernCouture (901-682-1128); Torin Studded Bootie in Black Suede by Sam Edelman-$235 at Strut (901-522-9722); Marine Boot in Khaki Flannel by Christian Louboutin-$1,255 at Joseph (901-767-1609)

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WAT

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Exclusively at

South Housein JAMES DAVIS

Fine Jewelry Boutique

400 Grove Park RoadMemphis, TN 38117

901.230.2417Marge Snipes and Tammy Earwood

Emily ArmentaTrunk Show

October 27-28

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Zoo Rendezvous“Put On Your Party Face”E

V E N

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Michael Castellaw and Meghan Pinkley Angela Copeland and Rebecca Wyatt

Cameron and Ashley McCormick Bo Franklin and Rachel Bennett

Lionel and Carrie Porter Rebekah Hill and Matthew Heffington

ZOO RE

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VOUS

Courtney Stanton, Stephanie Goodrich and Lindsay KrcelicVince Perryman and Kelley Willis Ethan and Grace Knight

See all the party photos atrsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP

The Memphis Zoo could easily be credited as the heart of thecity…just ask the 3,700 zoo members who flocked to the institu-tion’s party of the year. A tradition for many, Zoo Rendezvous

turned 27 in September and showed no signs of stopping any timesoon. Instead, the zoo’s largest annual benefit, which raised morethan $400,000, keeps getting bigger and adopting more creativethemes.

Guests were asked to put on their party faces this go-around,and to help them get in the mood, paper masks in the shape of ani-mals’ faces were handed out as ladies and gents roamed the green car-pet. People weren’t the only ones who stole the show however, asbeautiful new car models from Mercedes-Benz of Memphis and severalanimal friends lined the entrance. Of particular interest were Indi, agreen iguana, and Evita, a three-banded armadillo hailing from whereelse but South America.

Joyce Hooper, the docent handling Evita, offered, “Evita isactually an armored mammal, and when she rolls back into her shellfor protection, it would take a really strong animal to get her out.”Don’t worry, no one let out the lions when Evita retreated in hershell.

Animals inside the zoo gates were not on view, but what wasout—food samplings from 77 restaurants and caterers—would havebeen ingested by hungry predators if they’d had the chance. A bear ora gorilla probably wouldn’t have minded sinking their teeth into bar-becue shrimp and grits from McEwen’s on Monroe, fried chickenfrom Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, carnitas tacos from On TheBorder or chocolate éclairs from Draper’s Catering of Memphis. Thefestivities also offered numerous beverages, from Ugly Mug coffee toBonefish Grill’s Hpnotiq martinis, complete with glow sticks, andSwanky’s Taco Shop’s signature and blue margaritas.

Bands are another big part of the action at Zoo Rendezvous,and the lineup didn’t disappoint. One just had to choose what kind oftunes he or she preferred since a mix of genres was available thanksto Party Planet, The Living Daylights, Webb Dalton and G3. Dancingwas optional.

Organizing such a large-scale affair must be quite an undertak-ing, but chair Carol W. Prentiss, bar committee chair Mike Miller andexceptional Memphis zoo staff and volunteers seemed to pull out allthe stops without a hitch. Premium partners AutoZone, the Bors-Koefoed family, Dr. Joseph C. DeWane, FedEx and Kellogg’s are oweda big thanks as well.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhotos by Nathan Berry

http://gossettporsche.com/

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E V E N

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André and Lillian Jones

Brittany Whybrew and Rachael Spencer

Jeremy Baer and Mikel Pike

Jacob and Michele Buring

Lisa and Merrick Horne Lee and Cindy Fowinkle

Mayor Mark and Pat Luttrell

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ZOO RE

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Robin Reviere, Tia Osment, Tracy Klingbiel and Reid Wamble

Marty Austin and Paula Lawler Derek Fairchilds and Aimee Robinson

Ron Daubenhauser, Robyn Bills, Megan Wilson and Steve Brown

Tracey Powers and Kelly Fyfe Joe and Sarah Dinicolantonio

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E V E N

TZO

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Billy and Margaret Babb

Desmond Hunt, Tom Hammond and Tony Cochran

Phil and Lori Lutey

Alan and Leanne Phelps

Michael Gates, Lisa Parish, Kelli Hobbs and Bryson Neal

Greg and Kat Marik

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ZOO RE

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Kevin and Barbara Davis

Allison Sossaman, Lauren Carr and Rae Lyn Hartley

Catherine Bauer, Robert Dean and Cathy Boulden

Todd Griffin and Ann Rice

Dr. Boo Ruch, Cindi Carey, Claire Chapman and Nancy Hayslip

http://www.orthomemphis.com/

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Donna Mikeal and Tom Bucciarelliat Shaun Micheel Make-A-Wish Golf Classic Pairings Party

Sharon and Bobby Woffordat Shaun Micheel Make-A-Wish Golf Classic Pairings Party

ONSITEOnsite

Kathy Jones, Matt Lahiff and Swietlana Kahillat AutoZone Golf Classic Dinner

Richard Shadyac Jr., Tim Shadyac and Ann Shadyacat AutoZone Golf Classic Dinner

Erika Baker and Christina Tegethoffat “Stars Behind Bars Red Carpet Affair”Pam Kimery, Arlenia Cole, Anna Hurst and Jennifer Garner

at AutoZone Golf Classic Dinner

AutoZone Liberty Bowl Golf Classic Dinner Shaun Micheel Make-A-Wish Golf Classic Pairings Party“Stars Behind Bars Red Carpet Affair”

The AAuuttooZZoonnee LLiibbeerrttyy BBoowwll GGoollff CCllaassssiicc DDiinnnneerr, thewrap-up event for the tournament that draws in$100,000 each year for SStt.. JJuuddee CChhiillddrreenn’’ss RReesseeaarrcchhHHoossppiittaall, took place at RRiiddggeewwaayy CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb. The fes-tivities offered a large silent auction, which includ-ed gift certificates for many local restaurants like TThheeMMeellttiinngg PPoott, FFrraannkk GGrriissaannttii’’ss, TTeexxaass ddee BBrraazziill andBBrrooookkllyynn BBrriiddggee, among others. Also up for grabs were,naturally, several golf packages and CD packages.Guests and golfers enjoyed a buffet dinner prior tothe live auction, during which auctioneer JJoohhnn RRooeebbuucckksold items such as a stay at the presidential suite atTThhee PPeeaabbooddyy with dinner at CChheezz PPhhiilliippee, a footballautographed by LLaarrrryy PPoorrtteerr, the new head coach forthe University of Memphis football team, and a HarleyDavidson bicycle.

The only thing hotter than Memphis in Augustis Memphis barbecue, and attendees of the seventhannual SShhaauunn MMiicchheeeell MMaakkee--AA--WWiisshh GGoollff CCllaassssiicc got agood taste of both at a Sunday-night PPaaiirriinnggss PPaarrttyy atCChhaarrlleess VVeerrggooss RReennddeezzvvoouuss. Golfers and their familiesin bright summer attire piled into the legendary down-town eatery to sip draft beer while DDoouugg PPeettttyy andAAnnddyy GGaaiiaa filled the room with sweet sounds. Later,JJoohhnn RRooeebbuucckk took the stage for a live auction thatkept the crowd on its toes. Tee-off wasn’t until the nextmorning, but the crowd was ready to start swinging tosupport the MMaakkee--AA--WWiisshh FFoouunnddaattiioonn®® ooff tthhee MMiidd--SSoouutthh. By the tournament’s end, more than $230,000had been raised to make wishes come true for childrenwith life-threatening medical conditions.

No one wants to say they’ve been put in jail,unless it’s for the MMuussccuullaarr DDyyssttrroopphhyy AAssssoocciiaattiioonn“SSttaarrss BBeehhiinndd BBaarrss RReedd CCaarrppeett AAffffaaiirr.” During thisfund-raiser, area professionals are picked up by locallaw enforcement officers at their places of work andtaken to a fictitious jail and asked to call friends andfamily to help them make “bail,” which came in at$54,000 for 85 participants. Normally the event takesplace downtown, but this year it’s taking place in twolocations, with the first one at BBoonneeffiisshh GGrriillll inCordova.

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick, Suzanne Thompson and Lesley YoungPhotos by Chris Pugh, Suzanne Thompson and Lesley Young

Sherry Bramucci and Doris McLendonat “Stars Behind Bars Red Carpet Affair”

Mary Bates, Mary Beth Rios, Tom Bates III, Tyler Bates, Jennifer Bates, Tom Bates Jr. and Tim Batesat Shaun Micheel Make-A-Wish Golf Classic Pairings Party

Robbie Jones, Blu Cooper and Jason Foosat “Stars Behind Bars Red Carpet Affair”

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Michael EntmanThe Wit Behind Late-Night Laughs

Michael Entman claims there’s nothing worse than hav-ing someone doing improv who’s locked into onerealm of knowledge…and he would know. As the direc-

tor of FreakEngine, Memphis’ longest running improvshow, Entman has been involved with the show’s troupealmost since its inception by Tom Kirby 13 years ago.

“Intelligent improvisers are better improvisers becauseyou have to be ready to run with any topic thrown at you,”he divulges. “It really does help if you watch or read thenews every day.”

The diversity of a group of improvisers can’t hurteither, and that’s where FreakEngine’s got the upper-handwith a lawyer, optician, HVAC technician, college theaterstudent, city employee and an administrative assistant;you’ll have to guess which job is Entman’s. Though noneof the current lineup includes women, Entman says hewouldn’t mind seeing a female in the ranks, however hav-ing women turn up at auditions remains another matter.

“I’m beginning to think improv is more of a testos-terone thing and scary for a lot of people in general be-cause it’s like a low-impact extreme sport, but make nomistake, there’s been women in FreakEngine in the past,”he says.

If you’ve got what it takes for improv, get a few extrahours of sleep the night before a show, which takes placeat midnight the first Friday of every month at Theatre-Works, and come be a part of the audience. You’ll witnessunconventional humor through a mixture of short-formimprov (think “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”) and long-formimprov (a style that entails character development). Lotsof crowd-participation comes into play as well with the“Wheel of Bacchus” on stage ready for an audience mem-ber to give it a spin to determine what game will beplayed. Just don’t let a spin land on the “danger zone,” orsomeone might be relegated into acting like a monkey for30 seconds, for example.

Though FreakEngine tackles edgy content, Entmanreassures that the troupe tries to appeal to a higher intel-lect instead of the lowest common denominator. And forthose wanting an extra dose of entertainment outside thebox this month, FreakEngine will hold, in addition to itsfirst Friday show, a shadow cast of The Rocky HorrorPicture Show on October 29 at midnight. The venue willbe the Evergreen Theatre, which is where practices areheld. Expect the unexpected, and expect future collabora-tions with other improv groups and possibly B movienight screenings.

“The reason I ended up with this show in the firstplace is because I’m so enthusiastic about it,” Entmansmiles.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts

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http://www.gossettmotors.com/

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Earnestine Rodgers RobinsonSelf-Taught Composer

In her youth, Earnestine Rodgers Robinson didn’t holdmusic in high regard, but she retracted that notion asan adult thanks to a fateful Easter program. Moved by

the melodies that came to her while working on thechurch project, Robinson, who learned how to read sheetmusic in high school, began rearranging songs for thechildren’s choir. It wasn’t until her late husband, a classi-cal pianist, said, “Look at what you’ve done!” thatRobinson realized she was on to something—composing.

Frustrated with only two verses initially, Robinsonworried her creativity had halted. How she underestimatedherself! She not only finished the Easter program but wenton to compose an album, “Sounds of A Miracle” (a titlelater used for a documentary about her life). Next cameher first oratorio, “The Crucifixion.” Centered aroundEaster stories she penned, the oratorio premiered atCarnegie Hall in 1997. Robinson laughs as she recalls herdaughter, Michelle, saying, “Who ever heard of someonehaving a debut at Carnegie Hall?”

Robinson proudly acknowledges that “The Crucifix-ion” appears in the Library of Congress, however the com-poser is equally jubilant that her “unplanned” talent hasled to producing more oratorios, which she likens tooperas without the staging and theater production. “TheNativity,” her second oratorio, debuted at Carnegie Hall in2001, with excerpts from the performance featured onNPR’s “Morning Edition.” A year later, The CzechNational Symphony Orchestra came calling, and “TheNativity” made its European debut at Congress Hall inPrague.

“All these ambassadors from different countries werein the crowd, and I couldn’t figure out why they werethere,” Robinson says. “I think a lot came out of curiositybecause I am a female African-American composer fromthe U.S.”

Just the fact alone that Robinson writes oratoriosmakes her a rarity in the music world, but to be successfulwithout any formal music training baffles many. She doessometimes enlist the help of Francisco Nuñez in New Yorkto orchestrate pieces after she composes them, yet it’s herpenchant for a unique sound that combines gospel, jazzand classical music that sets her music apart.

Last month, she completed her third oratorio, “TheTen Commandments,” a piece of work that has long beenin the works since her husband’s passing in 2003. Thereare plans for its debut at the Lincoln Center in New York,though no date has been finalized. Until then, Memphianscan catch songs from “The Nativity” in a concert onDecember 5 at Holy Covenant Church right here at home,where an unlikely composer was first inspired to embarkon a career she didn’t hear coming.

Story by Leah FitzpatrickPhoto by Steve Roberts

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Julie Pierotti, Paula Novarese and Alida Gageat Dixon Girls Night Out

Patrick and Mary Halloranat Orpheum Art Auction

ONSITE Onsite

Edgin Wright and Jim Levyat Orpheum Art Auction

Libbey and Jack Aaronat Rockin’ on the River

Jerry Klein, Kerri and Josh Pastner and Julie Klein at “Passing of the Gavel” Dinner

Philip O’Malley, Lori Guy, Penny Aviotti and Judge Tim Dwyerat Rockin’ on the River

Rockin’ on the River Orpheum Art Auction Spirit of SRVS Kick-off“Passing of the Gavel” Dinner Dixon Girls Night Out

Despite the rain, 150 people attended RRoocckkiinn’’ oonn tthheeRRiivveerr at RRiivveerr TToowweerr to support the SShheellbbyy CCoouunnttyyDDrruugg CCoouurrtt FFoouunnddaattiioonn. JJaassoonn DD.. WWiilllliiaammss performedfor the crowd, who enjoyed food by FFoorrkk IItt OOvveerr CCaatteerr--iinngg,, CCiiaaoo BBeellllaa and GGeerrmmaannttoowwnn CCoommmmiissssaarryy anddrinks courtesy of AAtthheennss DDiissttrriibbuuttiinngg CCoommppaannyy and DD..CCaannaallee BBeevveerraaggeess.. The event brought in more than$13,000 for the foundation’s women’s program.

For the OOrrpphheeuumm AArrtt AAuuccttiioonn, downtown’s his-toric theater partnered with local visual artists to pro-mote the arts. Among hot-ticket items were Memphisthemed paintings by DDaavviidd LLyynncchh and BBeettssyy BBiirrdd, andfor the live auction, bidders got a treat as OrpheumCEO PPaatt HHaalllloorraann took the auctioneer’s mic. This auc-tion was set up so that 75 percent of selling priceswent to artists, while 30 percent went to the Orpheum’stwo student art programs. In all, the event raised morethan $9000 for 30 artists and almost $3000 for theOrpheum.

To kick off the SSppiirriitt ooff SSRRVVSS campaign, SShheellbbyyRReessiiddeennttiiaall aanndd VVooccaattiioonnaall SSeerrvviicceess’ advocates and serv-ice recipients came out for PPllaayyhhoouussee oonn tthhee SSqquuaarree’sbenefit performance of “HHaaiirrsspprraayy.” Parroting thetheme of big hair, loud clothes and funky music, TThheeBBoouuffffaannttss entertained guests as they savored samplesfrom BBeeaauuttyy SShhoopp and cake, made into the shape of ahead and can of hairspray, by CCaakkeess bbyy RRiiRRii. Before theshow, artist NNJJ WWooooddss also unveiled a commemorativepainting for the campaign. Performance proceeds go toSRVS, which serves 800-plus people with disabilities inthe area.

At the recent GGeerrmmaannttoowwnn RRoottaarryy CClluubb “PPaassssiinnggOOff TThhee GGaavveell” DDiinnnneerr at the MMeemmpphhiiss BBoottaanniicc GGaarrddeenn,JJoosshh PPaassttnneerr, University of Memphis head men’s bas-ketball coach, received the 22001100 DDeeaann CCaammppbbeellll AAwwaarrddfor service above self. He follows a long line of out-standing Memphians, such as Dr. Scott Morris, MollyMeisenheimer, Kevin Kane, Dr. William Novick andMayor A C Wharton.

Women had a new reason to visit the DDiixxoonnGGaalllleerryy aanndd GGaarrddeennss when the museum hosted its GGiirrllssNNiigghhtt OOuutt. The party’s purpose was to celebrate a sum-mer of women artists whose exhibitions were on viewin the gallery during the event. A fashion show fromAAnntthhrrooppoollooggiiee, wine tastings from TThhee GGrraatteeffuull PPaallaatteeand food from LL’’EEccoollee CCuulliinnaaiirree were also on the agenda.

Story and Photos Submitted and by Kelly Coxand Lesley Young

Amy Abernathy, Jeffrie Bruton and Tyler and Cindy Hamptonat Spirit of SRVS Kick-off

Jenny Stenberg, Chancey Thompson, Paige Baker, Molly Flynn and Laurin Madduxat Dixon Girls Night Out

Lynn Maxted, Holly Randolph, Debbie Callahan and Eva Eldredat Spirit of SRVS Kick-off

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to RSVP for15 wonderful

years of community service!

I wish you continued success!

– Emma Jean Pierotti

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Our East Memphis familyof Realtors will completethe picture. Buying or Selling.

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RSVP’s 10 Most Stylish MemphiansBeing that October marks RSVP Magazine’s 15th anniversary, we knew

it was the opportune time to bring out a special feature. After goingto the drawing board, the ideas grew endless, but the one that earned

a resounding “Yes” centered around a list of the most stylish Memphians.Finding the perfect photo shoot location became the next challenge, untilthe new University of Memphis Law School entered the running. We weresold, and thankfully, so was the school’s administration. Without furtherado, see who made the cut!

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Winston WolfeFounder & CEO (Retired), Olympic Optical/Member of the Orpheum Board of Directors and The Societyof Entrepreneurs/Advisory Board Member for Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business

YYoouurr SSttyyllee:: Conservative, yetcolorful and distinctive.GGoo--ttoo OOuuttffiitt:: My customOxford suit and one of my classicVersace ties.FFaavvoorriittee SShhooppppiinngg SSppoottss::Oak Hall and the Bullock & Jonescatalog.OOllddeesstt IItteemm IInn YYoouurrCClloosseett:: No doubt, one of myties.CClloosseett OOrrggaanniizzaattiioonnTTeecchhnniiqquuee:: My closet is veryorganized. Sport coats are sepa-rate from my suits and all hangon my custom Loxley Hall hang-ers. Most sport coats have two orthree appropriate ties draped

over them, and my extensive tiecollection is organized by color.My dress shirts are separated bycolor and by cuff links. My shortsleeved and long-sleeved sportshirts are separated and organ-ized by color. By the way, I spe-cialize in long-sleeved sport shirtsin autumn colors.BBeesstt CCoommpplliimmeenntt OOnnYYoouurr LLooookk:: Being selected byRSVP as one of the 10 MostStylish Memphians.FFaasshhiioonn AAddvviiccee YYoouu’’ddPPaassss AAlloonngg:: I’d tell men tomake sure their ties are properlytied. If you need help, see BobLevy at Oak Hall.

Chantal JohnsonBoard Member for Theatre Memphis/Volunteer for LesPassees, Le Bonheur Club and the Dixon Gallery and Gardens

YYoouurr SSttyyllee:: Classic with aneclectic twist.FFaasshhiioonn IIccoonn:: Babe Paley.WWhhaatt''ss HHoott NNooww:: Fur (realor faux), pantsuits, camel—agreat classic color I love to seeworn with gray, leopard-print, funoversized jewelry (bib necklaces,cocktail rings, cuff bracelets),military inspired jackets and ruf-fles.FFaavvoorriittee SShhooppppiinngg SSppoottss::Dallas, New York and Memphis(Joseph).IInnssppiirraattiioonn FFoorr YYoouurrWWaarrddrroobbee SSeelleeccttiioonnss::Carolina Herrera, Valentino, YvesSt. Laurent, Giambattista Valli,Lanvin, Givenchy, J.Crew, Gapand Target.BBeesstt IItteemm OOff CCllootthhiinnggYYoouu’’vvee EEvveerr OOwwnneedd:: A lippicat fur coat compliments of BettyJohnson, my mother-in-law.

MMoosstt CCrreeaattiivvee FFaasshhiioonnMMoommeenntt:: Wearing a little boy's(Max Varner) blue seersuckerjacket with a white shirt/jeans inParis waiting on my luggage toarrive.BBeesstt CCoommpplliimmeenntt OOnnYYoouurr LLooookk:: Jeffrey Kalinsky(owner of Jeffrey New York/Atlanta) and I were standing nextto each other at a party, and helooked down at my sandals andgave me a great complimentabout them; in one glance heknew more about them than Idid!!MMoosstt IImmppoorrttaanntt NNoonn--ccllootthhiinngg AAcccceessssoorryy:: Agreat sense of humor and asmile.FFaasshhiioonn AAddvviiccee YYoouu’’ddPPaassss AAlloonngg:: Get your clothestailored for your body. It is worththe investment.

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Angela FosterCivil & Traffic Engineering Designer/Volunteer for the NationalKidney Foundation/Member of The Mid-South Fly Fisher Federation

YYoouurr SSttyyllee:: Classy, elegant

and chic.

FFaasshhiioonn IIccoonn:: Iman, the

supermodel from Somalia.

HHooww LLoonngg TToo GGeett RReeaaddyy

IInn TThhee MMoorrnniinngg::

Approximately 45 minutes.

GGoo--ttoo OOuuttffiitt:: Tunic and leg-

gings.

FFaavvoorriittee SShhooppppiinngg SSppoottss::

Oak Hall, Ann Taylor, White

House Black Market and

J.Crew.

BBeesstt IItteemm OOff CCllootthhiinngg

YYoouu’’vvee EEvveerr OOwwnneedd:: A

Michael Kors waist jacket.

OOllddeesstt IItteemm IInn YYoouurr

CClloosseett:: A 1987 Gucci purse.AAnnyy WWaarrddrroobbee MMaallffuunncc--

ttiioonnss:: While dancing at a con-

cert, I broke my stiletto heel.

MMoosstt IImmppoorrttaanntt NNoonn--

CCllootthhiinngg AAcccceessssoorryy:: A

quality leather handbag.

FFaasshhiioonn AAddvviiccee YYoouu’’dd

PPaassss AAlloonngg:: A woman should

wear clothes that flatter her fig-

ure, and you don’t have to spend

a fortune to put together a fan-

tastic look.

Chelsea Charles GossettCEO & Designer, Count Me HealthyJewelry/Creative Director, ful bags

YYoouurr SSttyyllee:: “Edgy chic meetsminimalist.”FFaasshhiioonn IIccoonnss:: GwynethPaltrow and Victoria Beckham.HHooww LLoonngg TToo GGeett RReeaaddyyIInn TThhee MMoorrnniinngg:: Not long, Ioften have 8 a.m. meetings.GGoo--ttoo OOuuttffiitt:: Leather jacket,neutral knits, skinny denim,Hamilton & Co scarf, a chunkyright-hand ring and platformboots or booties.AAnnyy OOuuttffiitt RReeggrreettss:: No,life is too short for fashion re-grets. Tomorrow is another dayand another outfit.FFaavvoorriittee SShhooppppiinngg SSppoottss::Net-a-porter.com, shopbop.com,Joseph, Southern Couture, UrbanOutfitters, Barney’s and Intermix.IInnssppiirraattiioonn FFoorr YYoouurrWWaarrddrroobbee SSeelleeccttiioonnss::

Music! ful does the tour luggagefor a lot of musicians, and it’shard not to be influenced(www.ful.com). I’m also inspiredby Rick Owens, Helmut Lang andBalmain (a beautiful combinationof edgy and chic).CClloosseett OOrrggaanniizzaattiioonnTTeecchhnniiqquuee:: If you don’t wear itfor a year, store it or give it away.BBeesstt CCoommpplliimmeenntt OOnnYYoouurr LLooookk:: A well-known styl-ist asked to borrow some of myclothes for a photo shoot.MMoosstt IImmppoorrttaanntt NNoonn--ccllootthhiinngg AAcccceessssoorryy:: MyCount Me Healthy bracelets. Theyhelp me keep track of my goals,like drinking enough water,throughout the day. Stayinghydrated is so important!

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Tran BuiTelevision Host & ProducerMagazine Columnist & Contributor

YYoouurr SSttyyllee:: I try to be sim-ple, yet bold and graceful, andwhenever possible, I attempt tothrow in something chic andplayful.FFaasshhiioonn IIccoonn:: Right now, Iwant to raid Anne Hathaway’scloset. I love her clothing choicesand confidence.GGoo--ttoo OOuuttffiitt:: I am drawn todresses because they’re easy towear and can be very forgiving.IInnssppiirraattiioonn ffoorr YYoouurrWWaarrddrroobbee SSeelleeccttiioonnss::Fashion blogs, people watchingand my children.OOllddeesstt IItteemm IInn YYoouurrCClloosseett:: A Vietnamese dresscalled ao dai (pronounced aw yai)my mom made by hand for mewhen I was 5 years old. I can’t

wait to see it on my daughter.MMoosstt CCrreeaattiivvee FFaasshhiioonnMMoommeenntt:: At the last minute, Iswitched out heels for browncowboy boots in a family photoshoot and changed the entirelook of my outfit.MMoosstt IImmppoorrttaanntt NNoonn--ccllootthhiinngg AAcccceessssoorryy:: I fellin love with necklaces when Ibecame a morning news anchorbecause I needed to “wake up”my boring business suits.FFaasshhiioonn AAddvviiccee YYoouu’’ddPPaassss AAlloonngg:: Embrace yourbody and play up your bestassets by wearing pieces thatactually fit your body type, anddon’t be afraid to experimentwith items that show off your per-sonality.

David LuskOwner, David Lusk Gallery

FFaasshhiioonn IIccoonn//SSttyylliisstt::Carissa Hussong, my wife.BBeesstt IItteemm OOff CCllootthhiinnggYYoouu’’vvee EEvveerr OOwwnneedd:: Flip-flops with built-in bottle opener.OOllddeesstt IItteemm IInn YYoouurrCClloosseett:: My grandfather’s Alohashirt from 1952.MMoosstt CCrreeaattiivvee FFaasshhiioonnMMoommeenntt:: I’ve worn a pale bluetailed tux jacket on multiple occa-sions.AAnnyy WWaarrddrroobbee MMaallffuunncc--ttiioonnss:: Two (among many) bearmention: nerd-wear costumepants split during halftime showat Smith Cotton High School bas-ketball game (1983, Sedalia,Missouri), and this summer, aswimsuit that never stayed on inthe big waves at Hukilau Beach.

BBeesstt CCoommpplliimmeenntt OOnn YYoouurrLLooookk:: Again two stories, bothfrom restaurants: Tsunami ownerBen Smith’s then 12-year-old sonwas convinced that I was a narc,and this summer, a waitress inSewanee was convinced that Iam some minor actor on a Fridaynight network crime drama shecouldn’t remember the name of.MMoosstt IImmppoorrttaanntt NNoonn--ccllootthhiinngg AAcccceessssoorryy::Cufflinks. The collection my wifehas amassed for me is huge andbetter than the former salt andpepper shaker collection shestarted.FFaasshhiioonn AAddvviiccee YYoouu’’ddPPaassss AAlloonngg:: It’s tough to wearshiny silver loafers unless you’rein Vegas.

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Debbie NealOwner & Founder, The School of Protocol/Owner, The Cup Lady/Member of the Small Business Chamber

YYoouurr SSttyyllee:: Simple and clas-sic, but fun.FFaasshhiioonn IIccoonn:: SandraBullock.HHooww LLoonngg TToo GGeett RReeaaddyyIInn TThhee MMoorrnniinngg:: About anhour.AAnnyy OOuuttffiitt RReeggrreettss:: WhenI look back on it, high school!FFaavvoorriittee SShhooppppiinngg SSppoottss::No particular spot, but any placeout of town that I might findsomething different.BBeesstt IItteemm OOff CCllootthhiinnggYYoouu’’vvee EEvveerr OOwwnneedd:: Astarched white shirt.OOllddeesstt IItteemm IInn YYoouurrCClloosseett:: Après ski boots fromforever ago that are so warm andcomfortable that I cannot letthem go.

CClloosseett OOrrggaanniizzaattiioonnTTeecchhnniiqquuee:: I color-code every-thing: light to dark and sleevelessto long-sleeved. Nothing goes inmy closet unironed so that I canwear anything at any time.MMoosstt CCrreeaattiivvee FFaasshhiioonnMMoommeenntt:: Any time my daugh-ters dress me.AAnnyy WWaarrddrroobbee MMaallffuunncc--ttiioonnss:: When I showed up at asales meeting a number of yearsago with a brown shoe on onefoot and a black shoe on theother foot. I had bought a pair ofeach color and mixed them up.How embarrassing!MMoosstt IImmppoorrttaanntt NNoonn--ccllootthhiinngg AAcccceessssoorryy:: It’s atoss-up between my cell phoneand my new Mac.

Eric RobertsonProject Leader for the Greater Memphis Neighborhoods/Board Member forLeadership Memphis, Memphis in May, Freedom Preparatory Academy-Charter School,Memphis Regional Design Center and the University of Memphis Alumni Association

YYoouurr SSttyyllee:: I don’t think of

myself as being stylish or having

a style.

GGoo--ttoo OOuuttffiitt:: A dark blue

suit with a white shirt and red tie.

FFaavvoorriittee SShhooppppiinngg SSppoottss::

Shelton Clothiers, the St. Jude

Children’s Research Hospital gift

shop and online.

TTiippss FFoorr SShhooppppiinngg OOnn AA

BBuuddggeett:: If you find a good tai-

lor, then he can make just about

anything look great on you.

OOllddeesstt IItteemm IInn YYoouurr

CClloosseett:: A Fresh-to-Def, hip-hop

inspired airbrushed blue jean

jacket and pants circa 1988.

MMoosstt IImmppoorrttaanntt NNoonn--

CCllootthhiinngg AAcccceessssoorryy::

Confidence.

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Julie Marie NiekraszDancer, Ballet Memphis

YYoouurr SSttyyllee:: Eclectic with avintage inspiration.FFaasshhiioonn IIccoonn:: Jackie O.HHooww LLoonngg TToo GGeett RReeaaddyyIInn TThhee MMoorrnniinngg:: I wear leo-tards and tights every day atwork from 9-5, so what I wear towork, no one actually sees formore than a few minutes! I putmy makeup on while icing myfeet and have breakfast—I'm atrue multi-tasker! Really, I amready in about 45 minutes.FFaavvoorriittee SShhooppppiinngg SSppoottss::I usually go to Flashback to buymy winter coats and simple vin-tage dresses. Also, it is myfavorite place to get my fellowdancers gifts for our performanc-es, which we have one (“AMidsummer Night’s Dream”) in

October at Playhouse.BBeesstt IItteemm OOff CCllootthhiinnggYYoouu''vvee EEvveerr OOwwnneedd::Definitely my wedding dress! If Icould wear it every day, I would.It had a 1930s feel to it, and Idid finger waves in my hair tomatch.OOllddeesstt IItteemm IInn YYoouurrCClloosseett:: Probably my long, darkbrown suede winter coat—I wouldguess that it's around 35 yearsold.AAnnyy WWaarrddrroobbee MMaallffuunncc--ttiioonnss:: My husband had to sewa strap on my dress that broke ata wedding this summer. His tal-ents are endless, and everyonewas so impressed that he knewhow to sew!

Barry Alan YoakumPartner, archimania

YYoouurr SSttyyllee:: Dressed down.FFaasshhiioonn IIccoonn:: Actor DanielCraig.HHooww LLoonngg TToo GGeett RReeaaddyyIInn TThhee MMoorrnniinngg:: Fifteen,maybe 20 minutes. It all de-pends on the time it takes towake up in the shower.GGoo--ttoo OOuuttffiitt:: Black suit,black shoes and a white dressshirt, no tie.FFaavvoorriittee SShhooppppiinngg SSppoottss::Lansky Brothers, Lansky 126,Shelton Clothiers, The EclecticEye and Windyke Country Clubfor golf gear.TTiippss FFoorr SShhooppppiinngg OOnn AABBuuddggeett:: Stay on your budget.

OOllddeesstt IItteemm IInn YYoouurrCClloosseett:: Blue jeans and a fewmore blue jeans.BBeesstt CCoommpplliimmeenntt OOnnYYoouurr LLooookk:: Apparently, beingchosen to be one of RSVP’s MostStylish Memphians.MMoosstt IImmppoorrttaanntt NNoonn--ccllootthhiinngg AAcccceessssoorryy:: Myeyeglasses. Year-in and year-outthat seems to be what peoplealways notice.FFaasshhiioonn AAddvviiccee YYoouu’’ddPPaassss AAlloonngg:: Just keep it sim-ple and work out (I go to Inbal-ance Fitness, so I can actually fitin my clothes).

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NSRSVP’s Most Photographed Memphians

People often ask us at RSVP how to make it intothe magazine. Really, the best and only way is toattend one of our city’s numerous charity parties.

If you’re not at an event we’re covering, how else willwe have a way of placing you in one of our issues?

Another often-heard question is, “Who are themost photographed Memphians?”After scouring ayear’s worth of issues and almost 5,000 names, we’vearrived at the top ten people (couples count as one)who most often appear in our magazine. Thanks tothese individuals for being the fabulous philanthro-pists they are and for supporting RSVP!

Shawn and Lana Danko Valerie and Jeff Morris

Mayor A C Wharton Joe Birch Melinda Aldison Pat Mitchell Worley

Kevin Kane Steve Conley and Jeanie Gundlach Bill and Chey Widdop Tiffany Brimhall

http://www.cef-realtors.com/

http://www.cef-realtors.com/

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T Brooks Avant Garde Party“I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”

Laura McKenzie, Elisabeth Callihan and Eva Rice

Elizabeth and Mike Rodriguez

Jim and Jen German

Monique Jalenak and Sherra Meyers

Jason Brewer and Carrie Rohrscheib

Jordan and Kevin Barré

Katie Fowlkes and Meg West

Karen and Craig Dickey

Bob and Holly Hazlett

Each year, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art tailors its AvantGarde Party, presented by Acura of Memphis, to coincide with acurrent exhibit. Previously, this bash for upper-level museum

members has drawn inspiration from the Jazz Age of F. ScottFitzgerald and Warhol’s studio, “The Factory.” This year, with thephotography exhibit “Who Shot Rock & Roll” packing the galleries,the pull of rock ‘n’ roll was irresistible.

“You can’t go wrong with this theme,” said event plannerLindsey Hedgepeth. “The possibilities are endless.”

Endless, too, were the amusements staged throughout thespace, starting outside the building with a live performance by indierock outfit Bake Sale. Within, it was all about unleashing one’s innerrock star, inner artist and inner child. While some guests got im-mersed in mixing their own Pixie Stix-style edible sand art in a phar-maceutical-looking beaker while gazing at hypnotic images of LedZeppelin live projected onto the white marble wall, others createdinstantly-addictive Spin Art on the terrace. Airbrushed tattoos, cour-tesy of Mr. Nick and friends, were also an option. And, why not gettwo?

As Wendy Smith said, getting both bare biceps ringed withdesigns, “Hey, when else are you gonna do this?”

Mingling attractively near the airbrush tattoo parlor, in thevein of rock ‘n’ roll bad girls, were Cyndii Jo Hartley, who showedcommendable fortitude in wearing Helmut Lang leather pants in aMemphis heat wave, and Emily Hefley, who was rocking a drapeyblouse with cut-outs and a four-inch, spiked leather cuff. Otherpartiers rocked full costume. Monique Jalenak and Sherra Meyerswere the spitting image of the Blues Brothers, if the Blues Brothershad been slim, lovely and female.

Brushmark, the onsite restaurant at the Brooks, catered aspread as delicious and surprising as ever. The beef empanadas,shaped like baguettes and served on wooden cutting boards, wereflaky, savory and sweetened with raisins. The ham-and-cheese frittersproved a perfect handheld snacking device: small and tidy on theoutside, big and greasy on the inside. Oasis supplied a hookah andcigar bar on the terrace, and there was an upscale rec room featur-ing Wii Dance and Rock Band.

But, what would a rock ‘n’ roll party be without an infec-tious, loud live band? AQUANET brought the zeitgeist of ‘80s glambands to the Brooks foyer with musical chops and performanceaplomb. When a man in a faux-fur coat with a microphone and ablonde wig is belting Mötley Crüe inches from your face, you knowyou’ve been to a party.

Story by Kelly CoxPhotos by Nathan Berry

See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP

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Keara Zito and Sam Nevels

Courtenay Adams, Cindy Brewer, Mary Catherine Tagg and Erin Bower Denny and Joann Moss, Whitten Jordan and Andria Lisle

Jennifer Williams, Amy Greer and Clavette Bullard Mary Burns and Jessica Puckett

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Jessica Sappenfield, Courtney Spring, Alicia Dean, Pryor Lott and Libby Huff

Katie Kitchin, Margaret Fraser and Wendy Smith

Dr. Freda Williams and Carolyn WatkinsSusie and Trip Sneed

Dana and Kent FarmerLaura Little and Michael Wood

SINCE 1995

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Vox PopularQ&A with Mei-Ann ChenVO

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RRSSVVPP:: What are some of your childhood experiences that shapedyour love of music?

CChheenn:: My parents loved music and never had the chance to learnmusic while they were growing up after Japan occupied Taiwan.Their passion for music led to them believing, naively, that the bestway to have a free concert at home every day was to have my oldersister and me take up an instrument. My sister was much more of avisual artist, so I ended up taking the double duties of entertainingmy parents on violin and piano at age 7. Then, at age 10, I wasrequired to play in the orchestra for the first time; as an instrumen-talist in a music school, we were all required to play in the orches-tra. I was a rather quiet child, but a light bulb went off when I sawthe conductor, not making any sound yet able to basically helpeveryone in the room bring that sound together. I told my parentsthat’s what I wanted to do, and bless their hearts, I think they wereafraid I was going down this impossible, heartbroken path. Theydissuaded me from day one, but I was determined and took the mat-ter into my own hands. I wouldshow up at orchestra rehearsalshaving my violin part completelymemorized, so I could fix myeyes on the conductor.

RRSSVVPP:: When did your first con-ducting experience arise?

CChheenn:: It’s just a coincidencethat the best academic class Iwas in was also the one that hadthe students who made up thechorus for the school and wentout did competitions nationwide.I was appointed assistant con-ductor and got my first conduct-ing experience that way. At thatpoint, I sort of gave up thedream in a way though because Ididn’t think it was possible forme. Music was just something that was fun. When I was 16, I wasreally good at memorizing the names of rocks, so I thought forsure, I’m going to major in earth science, which has nothing to dowith music. Then, an American youth orchestra from Boston cametouring my country, and I went to the performance with my olderaccompanist who could speak English, and she took me back stage.I just happened to be there when she asked the conductor, whosename is Benjamin Zander, if I could come play for him the nextday. He’s an inspirational speaker but also a wonderfully crazyBritish conductor. I ended up going to his hotel the next day andplayed my violin there for him and a guy named Mark Churchill,whose wife [Marylou Speaker Churchill] later became my first violinteacher in the U.S. They rarely saw a young Asian musician who

played so much from the heart, so they were very impressed andoffered me a scholarship on the spot to come study at a boardingschool that’s affiliated with the New England Conservatory. Twomonths later, I was in this country for the first time, not havingreally mastered the language and not knowing all the cultural differ-ences.

RRSSVVPP:: When did the pull of becoming a conductor overshadow yourdream of becoming a concert violinist?

CChheenn:: Well, my parents thought I was coming here to be a concertviolinist, and deep down, I knew I finally had a ticket to fulfill mydream of being a conductor. It wasn’t an easy journey. For example,I was a violin major at New England Conservatory during under-grad, then I was the first person to get a master’s in both violin andconducting there. I worked really hard for those three years, then Icouldn’t find anybody who would give me an opportunity to audi-tion. The first round is always the resume, so often times, they did-

n’t even get to see my tape. Ithought another degree wouldhelp, so I got my doctorate fromthe University of Michigan.When I became a doctoral candi-date after 18 years of dreamingto become a conductor, I almostgave up because when I realizedthe amount of rejection letterswere more than the notes I everconducted, it was daunting.About that time, America’s old-est youth orchestra out inPortland, Oregon came and didtheir search very differently.They contacted all the majorconducting teachers around thecountry, and at that point, I wasabout to break my teacher[Kenneth Kiesler] at university’s100 percent rate of students

landing jobs. [Laughs] He put me number one on the list becausehe wanted me to have a job. The Portland Youth Philharmonic wasvery interested in me from day one, and when I auditioned there, Iabsolutely fell in love with working with youth because I felt I wasmaking a difference in the next generation.

RRSSVVPP:: During your tenure with the Portland Youth Philharmonic,didn’t you begin entering conducting competitions?

CChheenn:: Yes. I was really just becoming hungry to see what conductorsof my generation were doing in terms of how they think aboutrepertoire and what they do on the podium. It was 2005 when Istarted to enter competitions, but not because I wanted to win a

The face of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra is one you soon won’t forget. Mei-Ann Chen comes to the organization as its fourth musicdirector with plenty of ideas and a contagious excitement about music, which she credits as the language that helped her break through alot of barriers in life. Though she’s had a few artistic battles along the way from deciding not to follow her parents’ dream for her to

become a concert violinist to job rejection and being a woman in a predominantly male profession, this conductor never lost sight of her tal-ent or place at the podium. Chen’s currently ready to facilitate transformative moments for her new hometown audience and says, “If peoplewant to check us out, now is the time because we’re going to play in a way that knocks people’s socks off.” RSVP editor Leah Fitzpatrickcouldn’t agree more.

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prize. To my biggest surprise, Iwent all the way to the top atthe Malko InternationalConductors Competition. Outof 240 applicants around theworld from 42 countries, 30 ofus were invited to the hostingorchestra, which is the DanishNational Radio SymphonyOrchestra. I didn’t know muchabout Scandinavian cultures—Iwas just getting familiar withthe repertoire—but I went frombeing one of 30 people to 12people to six people. I wasthrilled to make it that far, andthen I was selected for thefinal three and finally the win-ner. I was touched that the jurywas brave enough to breakdown the door for me since nofemale conductor had everwon. This led me to workingwith many professional orches-tras in Denmark, Norway andSweden.

RRSSVVPP:: Tell me about your con-ducting job after Portland.

CChheenn:: Through the League ofAmerican Orchestras’ AmericanConducting Fellows Program, Iwas able to get back in the pro-fessional field in America. Theyhave a matching program thatmatches major orchestras withyoung talented conductors, andwhen the preliminary roundcame for that program, I al-most didn’t go because therewere so many conductors freshout of school. I’m glad I wentthough because the hostingorchestra was the MemphisSymphony. So, four years ago,which was December 2006, Icame here and conducted a 20-minute audition. There were 30conductors for a three-four dayspan doing exactly the samemusic excerpts. I came in themiddle of that process whenpeople were tired, but what Iremember vividly was that onceI started conducting—I think Istarted with a Beethoven over-ture—I felt the orchestra justwoke up. They responded tomy energy, and we had aninstant chemistry. That led tome being invited to the finalround at the Atlanta SymphonyOrchestra, which is where Ihad a legendary audition.

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RRSSVVPP:: How did your position with the BaltimoreSymphony Orchestra come about after Atlanta?

CChheenn:: I made my debut with the BaltimoreSymphony during my two years with Atlanta, sowhen they heard I was available, they invited meto be their assistant for one year. It was truly adream come true because when I was in Taiwan,Atlanta and Baltimore were the only two orches-tras I was exposed to other than the big five.

RRSSVVPP:: What intrigued you about auditioning tobe the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s musicdirector?

CChheenn:: As I told you, four years ago I had my 20-minute encounter with the Memphis Symphony.Six months after that, I was a few months intomy Atlanta tenure when I got a phone call fromthe Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s presidentand CEO, Ryan Fleur, who told me that themusic director here just announced retirementand that the musicians would like to recommendmy name to the search committee as a candidatefor the music director. It was incredible to be con-sidered among the candidates, and I think thereason I was even in the running was because ofthat incredible first encounter.

RRSSVVPP:: What are some programs you’re workingon with the MSO?

CChheenn:: We’re doing some innovative projects thatare gaining national attention. Leading FromEvery Chair is a partnership with FedEx thatstarted about four or five years ago from musi-cians’ desire to connect to the community more.It’s a two-day workshop that has unusual compo-nents like small groups of musicians talking tomanagers at a corporation about what they do toprepare for their rehearsals. After broadening peo-ple’s understanding of instruments, they take itone step further by inviting office managers onstage to sit right in the middle of the orchestrafor a special rehearsal just for them. After the

workshop, the participants are broken into groupsand play instruments together. We’re also doingOpus One, which features unconducted perform-ances by symphony musicians in nontraditionalvenues. I have embraced this completely and havegone out to meet the patrons they draw, and wehave, I think, cracked the code of how to attractyounger audiences. They make the concertsunique in that they include the classics, but alsoinclude local artists with different genres ofmusic. The concerts are also shorter, so they canhave a social component. We also have theLibrary Series, where we send musicians out, insmall groups or individually, and pair them witha librarian to read books to kids and play along.Another wonderful education program we’re look-ing to continue and expand to other school dis-tricts currently takes place at the SoulsvilleCharter School. We send musicians there to men-tor and take kids under their wing. I want toinvite more students of all kinds to participate,like art students, who could come to rehearsaland draw about the orchestra.

RRSSVVPP:: What does this season, “A Season ofDiscovery,” hold for audiences?

CChheenn:: It’s a chance for me to get to know and dis-cover this community and also a chance for us totake listeners on a journey to different parts ofthe world. I chose to start with the Russian mas-ters because in our repertoire the Russian piecesare very colorful, and I chose them to showcasewhat a great team the Memphis Symphony and Ihave in the community. Coming from Russia, wewill go into an important concert for us onOctober 17 called Hope in America. This programhighlights Copland, Tower and Bower and theworld premiere of “Siderius,” which is from oneof the hottest composers in this generation rightnow. The composer’s name is Osvaldo Golijov,and he’s the resident composer of the ChicagoSymphony Orchestra. This world premiere is aconsortium honoring one of the long-time veter-ans in our field, Henry Fogel, so many of my pro-fessional colleagues of major orchestras are com-ing to Memphis for the premiere. Later in ourseason, we’ll play pieces by Spanish and Italianmasters, to name a few, and we’ll end with whatties all the cultures together, Beethoven’s Ninth.

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Matthew Arnold, Kyle Vogel, Karen Evans and Charlie House

Matt and Angie Keathley

Cindy McRae and Melissa Dixon

Brooks and Cari-Beth McDonald

Sarah and Ryan Musick

Patrick and Holly Crump

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Katelyn Porter and Warner Russell

The Phoenix Club more than lived up to the promise that its

inaugural Party at the Palace would be a party to remember.

Held in lieu of the former Phoenix Club Luau, the late August

fund-raiser took over the Pink Palace, offering hundreds of guests a

night of top-notch entertainment and drinks aplenty. Raising

$18,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis didn’t hurt

the first time out of the gate either.

Perhaps the gathering should have been called the “Party on

the Palace Patio,” as a majority of attendees clamored for a spot on

the expansive terrace to see music guests Walrus and DJ Turtle of

Cadillac Grillz on the colorfully lit stage. One guest even joked, “All

that’s inside is air-conditioning.” Also on the agenda were beer, wine

and specialty cocktails by Itta Beena, 901 Tequila and D. Canale

Beverages. Even an ice luge was positioned nearby for the more

adventurous libation indulgers. Carson Rotisseries, Inc. served as a

food sponsor, and a Pronto Pup stand could be found onsite as

well…never underestimate the pull of fair food at a late-night soiree!

With a start time of 8 p.m., the party really wasn’t in full

swing until about 10:30. Needless to say, 1:30 a.m. came too soon

for this crowd of mostly 40-and-under Phoenix Club members and

their dates. Next year, the group plans to pick up where it left off,

according to party chairman Patrick Walton.

“The Pink Palace gave us a great East Memphis location,

and everything came together so well,” Walton enthused. “The set-

ting, sponsors, music and weather made this a night to remember.

While the first Party at the Palace will be difficult to top, this event

will only get better in the years to come.”

Story by Leah Fitzpatrick

Photos by Don PerrySee all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.comPassword: RSVP

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Acrowd of more than 800 gathered at Hilton Memphis to enjoy “ATaste of the Good Life,” a benefit that raised in excess of $120,000for Shelby Residential and Vocational Services. Winemakers from

around the country converged at the event to make sure Memphis hadthe opportunity to taste the good life from their vineyards.

As purveyors of wine lined the walls, guests made their waythrough a plethora of options, from a line of wines by Crown Wineryout of Humboldt, Tennessee to wines from larger vineyards, such asSeven Hills Winery of Walla Walla, Washington and Bernardus Wineryof Carmel, California. Many appetizer stations were also on hand andfeatured food from local eateries: Bhan Thai, Buckley’s, Humdingers,Panera Bread, Central BBQ, Medallion and Rain, among others.

Radio personality Steve Conley of 94.1 KQK and weatherman RonChilders of WMC-TV 5 acted as the emcees and auctioneers. The roomwas filled with hundreds of items offered for the silent auction,including computer equipment, jewelry, crafted pottery, trips, giftbaskets and an array of services like massages and hair care. Wineglasses, hand painted by service recipients at SRVS, with the help oflocal artist Connie Lampen (Creations by Connie), were available forsale inside the ballroom, and commemorative posters and note cardswere sold in the foyer. The live auction contained a Gulf ShoresGetaway and Hideaway, a chameleon necklace donated by DoronDiamonds, a wine-tasting tour in California or Washington (winner’schoice) wine countries and dinner for six with a French chef.

John Barzizza, event chairman, says the goal was to raise about$125,000. He adds that the Spirit of SRVS has grown so much duringits 12 years, which he attributes to relocating the annual fund-raiserto Hilton Memphis nine years ago.

“Since we’ve moved here, it’s just exploded,” he shares.Well received by the community, SRVS means the world to board

member Sue Russell’s sister, Katie Russell, who has been an SRVSparticipant for 41 years; Katie says her favorite activities are workingin the clothes closet and assembling school supplies for Shelby Countyschool students. Dr. Bob Humphreys and his wife, Suzanne, alsoenjoyed the festivities, as did Gaynette Price, who has been an SRVSvolunteer for the last six years.

“It’s a part of my life,” Price says.

Story by Suzanne ThompsonPhotos by Don Perry

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Standing in line, only to be turned away, was enough of a caveat forLee McBee when she attempted to go to the Memphis Zoo’s popu-lar Zoo Brew fund-raiser in May. “I got online early and bought

my tickets this time; I learned my lesson,” said the animal-lover-slash-beer-enthusiast. Some people weren’t so lucky, as the Labor Day week-end affair sold out again.

“We sold 2,500 tickets, and could have had another 500,” saidthe event’s coordinator, Tim Dalfiume. “We will consider that for nexttime.”

The celebrated event, which this year featured 150 beers fromall over the world at stations throughout the zoo, has more than dou-bled its attendance from 350 attendees in 2007 and is now held twicea year.

“You’ve got palm trees and fountains, the flavor of food andthe flavor of beer, all in one environment,” Dalfiume said.

Local band The Plaintiffs provided entertainment, withSouthwestern Distributing Company presenting the event andMahaffey Tent and Party Rentals providing additional seating in theoutdoor setting. According to Dalfiume, it’s no wonder the beer festi-val is such a hit.

“When I think of Memphis, I think of one thing immediately—the Memphis Zoo. It’s no wonder we’re the number one zoo inAmerica,” Dalfiume said of the Tripadvisor.com rating. “We’re a rolemodel for other zoos. We had to turn down two zoos who wanted tocome observe the event because we just didn’t have any room.”

McBee, who tries to make all the zoo events, concurs. “Thezoo’s awesome, especially at night, and you feel like a VIP,” she said.Her favorite zoo event, though, is this one because she has the oppor-tunity to try different versions of her preferred adult beverage.

Story by Lesley YoungPhotos by Don Perry

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Kathy Simonetti, Patti Oliver, Richard Reed and Cyndy Crosbyat Summer in the City Fiesta

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Becky Vurkeen with Peter, Jennifer and Maxx Atkeisonat DSAM Christmas in July

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WAMS Luncheon Summer in the City Fiesta Salvation Army Bridge and MoreBravo Memphis Kick-off DSAM Christmas in July

Leeaa AAnnnnee CCaammppbbeellll, the NNaattiioonnaall MMuullttiippllee SScclleerroossiissSSoocciieettyy MMiidd--SSoouutthh CChhaapptteerr vice president, connectedwith WWAAMMSS LLuunncchheeoonn attendees when she said, “We’rehere to create a world free of MS.” Presently, three-fourths of the 400,000 people with MS are women, soit was no surprise that many of the 240 attendees atthe benefit held at the UU ooff MM HHoolliiddaayy IInnnn were ladies,who raised more than $35,000 toward a cure for MS.During the affair, guests enjoyed a message by twinsDDrrss.. KKaarreenn and SShhaarreenn CCyypprreessss, door prizes announcedby emcee KKyymm CCllaarrkk of WMC-TV 5 and decorativecakes.

VVoolluunntteeeerr MMiidd--SSoouutthh, which pairs volunteerswith area nonprofits, recently hosted a SSuummmmeerr iinn tthheeCCiittyy FFiieessttaa at CChhiicckkaassaaww OOaakkss VViillllaaggee. The event’s com-bination of Stinky Gringo margaritas, wine, beer anddancers from RRuummbbaa RRoooomm couldn’t be beat. Whenguests weren’t imbibing, they were feasting on appetiz-ers by JJuusstt ffoorr LLuunncchh and placing bids on temptingsilent auction items, with proceeds of around $15,000going to Volunteer Mid-South.

SSaallvvaattiioonn AArrmmyy WWoommeenn’’ss AAuuxxiilliiaarryy supportersput on their thinking caps for the annual “BBrriiddggee aannddMMoorree” at KKiinnggsswwaayy CChhrriissttiiaann CChhuurrcchh. If bridge wasn’tyour top choice, hearts, board games or bunco could beplayed, and a White Elephant Sale and modeling offashions by CChhiiccoo’’ss--SSaaddddllee CCrreeeekk also took place. Boxedlunches from PPaanneerraa BBrreeaadd were served for lunch, whenseveral door prizes were awarded.

The CCeenntteerr ffoorr SSoouutthheerrnn FFoollkklloorree hosted acrowd of 200 art lovers during the BBrraavvoo MMeemmpphhiissKKiicckk--ooffff. The young membership arm of AArrttssMMeemmpphhiiss,Bravo provides a social outlet for those under 40through monthly arts-related events. This night,HHyyppeelliiffee AArrttss, OOppeerraa MMeemmpphhiiss, NNaaddiiaa SSoopphhiiaa and theBBlluuffff CCiittyy BBaacckksslliiddeerrss provided the entertainment, andMMaajjeessttiicc GGrriillllee supplied the eats. By night’s end, 75memberships had been sold.

It’s never too early for Christmas, especiallywhen the holiday arrives in summer, like at the DDoowwnnSSyynnddrroommee AAssssoocciiaattiioonn ooff MMeemmpphhiiss aanndd tthhee MMiidd--SSoouutthhCChhrriissttmmaass iinn JJuullyy party at LLeexxuuss ooff MMeemmpphhiiss. Vendorsselling wares from dog treats to stained glass posi-tioned themselves throughout the venue, and no oneleft empty-handed thanks to door prizes and gift bagsfor the first 50 attendees. CCoommppaannyy dd dancers livenedup the festivities as well, and the duo of HHaannkk aannddNNoorraa served as the musical guests.

Story and photos by Leah Fitzpatrick

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Denise Hilty, Andi Bailey, Jo Anne Roberts and Barbara Toleat WAMS Luncheon

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By Dennis PhillippiRSVP

HILL

IPPI

SOMETHING TELLS ME IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT THE ZOOIt’s a blazing hot Memphis afternoon,and inches away from my wife and me,three ferocious Grizzlie bears, neck deep

in murky water, battle one another. They,forgive the pun, bare their huge fangs andswipe at one another with claws the size ofoyster knives. Their eyes are wide andburn with…what, exactly? It’s not anger.It’s not determination. It’s fun. Yep. That’sit, these giant monsters are playing.They’re goofing off. And, again, they’retwo feet away from us. We have got to getto the zoo more often.

The Memphis Zoo, named byTripadvisor.com the number one zoo inthe country a couple of years ago, is oneof those Memphis treasures we nativestend to forget about, like Graceland, BealeStreet or Austin Onek. In a way, the zoo iseven more of a stepchild. If we have peo-ple in from out of town, they’ve heard ofGraceland, and probably Beale Street, andexpect to be taken there, but chances arethey don’t even know we have the numberone zoo in the country, and we forget tooffer it up as a reasonable alternative tospending a Saturday night downtown withGerman tourists wearing belly bags.

Recently, entirely on a whim, mywife and I decided that spending the after-noon at the zoo was a better use of ourtime than going to the hardware store toget materials to repair that toilet thatnever stops running in the guest bath-room. Our membership had lapsed and,again, entirely on a whim, we renewed.First piece of good news? With our mem-bership, they refunded the five bucks wehad paid to park. Did I run across a hotparking lot to nab the parking ticket to getmy grubby mitts on that sawbuck? Like agolden retriever chases down a soggy ten-nis ball.

The second piece of good news?Our zoo is wicked cool. Somewhere alongthe line, the zoo went from being a border-line depressing series of concrete slabshousing animals that were at best distract-ed to a showplace of zoological conserva-tion and education that is fun for thewhole family. Okay, well, we’re our wholefamily, but the normal families with stickykids all seemed to be having a blast, too.Even if I was occasionally tempted toheave one of their overstimulated offspringover a fence for an up close experiencewith a hungry predator.

Cat Country has long been a greatexhibit, but this visit, it seemed better

than ever. The cats of all stripes, spotsand manes were playful and content. Thepacing tiger didn’t seem so much bored ascheerful. The drowsy lion looked happy tobe there. The serval fished in his littlepond. All of the cats flicked their big earsand licked their chops, possibly thinkingabout all those sticky kids.

Because we hadn’t been there yet,we headed over to the Northwest Passage.

Having not been to the zoo in a couple ofyears, we were unprepared for the scope ofthe thing. Making your way from the catsto the Northwest Passage is a hike. Wewere nearly there before we recognized thevalue of the new tram system. The zoo,Tardis-like, somehow expands once you getinside. The walk from Cat Country to theNorthwest Passage seemed like we shouldhave passed out of the zoo and been wellon our way up Summer Avenue, possiblyhaving salty breakfast foods or getting ourtires rotated. That seems to be the onlytwo things going for Summer Avenue thesedays.

The new Teton Trek pavilion is ahuge structure with wide open spaces forkids to run around being sticky, places toget out of the sun, clean restrooms, and,oh yeah, grizzly bears that have a sprawl-ing habitat with a little river, a waterfall

and a glass-walled front that gives you, likeus, the chance to see animals that werethey to be this close to you in the wild,you would begin wondering about the stateof your affairs. These weren’t cooped upmiserable beasts; these were great bighappy bears.

The balance of our visit was spentrevisiting old friends, some of whom havenew friends. Primate Canyon has a newcrew of gorillas and hilarious bonobos,which are the hippies of the primateworld, along with Wifflestock players inMidtown, of course. Bonobos, to me, arethe animals most aware that they are in azoo, and they’re perfectly cool with it.They all have the same goofy look on theirface as if they’ve won the lottery. Theyseem to be thinking, “Wait, we get to justoccasionally jump on one another’s heads,and you’ll give us this rocking place andall we can eat. What’s the catch?”

It’s hard to believe but our zoo,Memphis’ Zoo, is almost too big to fullyappreciate in one day. Seriously. Youalmost need to set aside two days if youwant to see everything without making it aforced march. The pandas may not domuch of anything but sit there being cute,eating bamboo, but they’re really, reallycute, and you could be there a while. Thehippos, due for their own upgrade soon,may not do much, but, as we learned froma helpful zoo person, they’re the deadliestanimal in Africa, and you can kill sometime imaging one of these behemothschasing someone. In my mind, it wasNancy Grace being chased, but you canuse whomever you want. The meerkats areneurotically hypnotic. Their panicked vigi-lance will keep you around for a stretch.

There are always going to be thingsabout this city that get you down, Tigersfootball for instance, but it’s important toremember the things that rock about thebirthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, and the zooneeds to be back at the top of all of ourcharts. Okay, that was lame, and tourismbureau sounding, but I was in a groove.Ah…I can’t stop…

Phillippi, now that you’re on a roll withwildlife, go home and watch somethinglike The Lion King or Jack Hanna…justdon’t start thinking you can keep an ani-mal with a strange sounding name, butcute demeanor, in your backyard. Though,stranger things have been known to hap-pen in Cooper-Young.

IInn mmyy mmiinndd,,iitt wwaass NNaannccyyGGrraaccee bbeeiinnggcchhaasseedd,, bbuuttyyoouu ccaann uusseewwhhoommeevveerr yyoouu wwaanntt..

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As the only Super Lawyer in the Mid-South certified as a Family

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His father, George L. Rice Jr., began the firm in 1951. Now the

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The Team applies generations of legal experience, nationally

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Divorce is difficult. Divorce is made worse by preconceived

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Baseball ChampionsRSVP

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1950

This photographed was taken on the night the Carrier Excavators, who played in the Optimist League, won the City JuniorLeague Baseball Championship at Bellevue Park. The team was undefeated 35-0 that season. Pictured in the front row, fromleft to right, are Coach John Tucker, Dennis Harrison, Charles “Dago” Tiller, Jerry Delugach, Ronnie Simmons, Bobby Rose,Lowell Willingham, George Inman and “Ducky” Stegall. In the back row, from left to right, are Jerry Schoolar, Billy Nelson,Jimmy Arledge, Nelson Copeland, Bill “Willie” Boyd, John Howser, Frank Inman and “Henry,” the bat boy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL “WILLIE” BOYD

If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Leah Fitzpatrick at 276-7787 ext. 105or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com

All photos will be returned promptly.

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