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Austin360 blogs > Austin Arts: Seeing Things > Archives > 2008 > March > 31 > Entry
Long Center blows it out at gala fundraisers
The big ticket fundraising galas this weekend came darned close to blowing the top off the new $77 million two-venue performing arts center.
The top ticket-dollar two-night fundraisers started Friday night with a black-tie affair replete with Cirque du Soleil-esque performers greeting party-goers.
Inside, the hour-long concert featured short show-stopping mini-performances by Long Center founding resident companies Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Symphony Orchestra and Ballet.
But the two highlights were pianist Anton Nel and composer and pianist Graham Reynolds, both of whom delivered sublime performances, Reynold’s a smart piece of his own creation.
Saturday it was more down-home and casual. Though nothing was ordinary about stellar all-star line-up of talent — Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Ray Benson, Rick Trevino and Flaco Jimenez — who altogether delivered a rewarding two-hours of solid Texas style.
Afterwards a fireworks display — one of the best Austin has ever seen — lit up the downtown skyline.
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