Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > February > 28 > Entry
Red, Hot & Soul Gala at the Austin Convention Center
At Red, Hot & Soul, dance dominated.
Costumed go-go guys and gals were stationed throughout the silent auction area. Austin’s showpiece band, DrumJam, welcomed bouncy guests into the dramatically unveiled dining area. Ecstatic performers circled each winner of live auction items. The costumed performers, in turn, motivated a few winners to jump up on chairs and tables, twisting in triumph. The evening was rounded out by the inevitable — and inevitably infectious — Zach mass disco.
Larry Connelly and Mary Herr Tally
Personally, I might have changed a few things to focus and to tighten up the evening, but once again, bravo to the organizing committee, starting with event co-chairs Mary Herr Tally and Larry Connelly. Turns out I know all the other leaders fairly well, too: Donaji Lira, Venus Strawn, Susan Lubin, Candace Partridge, Sergio Durante, Karen Landa and Michael Smothers. A creative gang!
Venus Strawn and Joanie Bentzin
It was an evening for luxuriating in friends, old and new. Start with my immediate table-mates, Tanya Acevedo and Kate Hersch, both wonderfully funny and insightful. Kip, looking handsome as always, sat between the classy bookends Carla McDonald and Eric Groten. Others at our table included Maria Groten, Jack McDonald, Robert Hersch, Annsley Popov, Stephanie Coultress and Todd O’Neill. Wow. Just wow. I’d have this group over to our house for a dozen dinners.
Eric and Maria Groten
Earlier in the evening, I talked Galveston and Surfside with Cliff Redd and Rick Johnson, social calendars with Kevin Smothers and Michael Pungello, racy news with Stephen Rice, hunting for truffles with Eva Womack, hotel living and Zach’s plans with Elisbeth Challener. Among the former and current politcos in attendance this very political week: Chris Riley, Mark Strama, Louise Epstein, Mike Martinez, Donna Howard and Eddie Rodriguez.
Another stellar evening. Lower attendance than I expected (650?). But with so much else going on, that fate was in the stars.
Photos courtesy of Seabrook Jones www.juicythis.com
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