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Albert Nolen
Sensational strings
The 70th Season of The Symphony of Southeast Texas is underway and a special dinner and entertainment event was held Wednesday evening at the downtown Event Centre. Hosts, Kelli and Bob Phillips, took the guests “Up, Up and Away.” It was in 1950 when a group of music lovers organized a series of concerts to see if there might be enthusiasm here in our fair city to have our own orchestra. Three short years later, the Beaumont Symphony Orchestra was launched. Some 70 years later, along with five conductors, Maestro Chelsea Tipton has presented seasons of concerts to enrich our communities and our lives. The Platinum Affair Gala celebration looked back on the rich history that SOST has enjoyed with the community and was presented with special music written by Gary Parks. Individuals were recognized for their distinguished service with the Carlucci Awards. Sandra Clark, President of the Symphony, along with board members Kate Davis, Barbara Baron, Camille Ohmstede, Gisela Houseman, Camille Mouton, Tillie Hickman, Mary Jane Benning, Paula Bothe in addition to atmosphere innovation of Janey and Michelle Phelan were thrilled with the success of the fundraiser. SOST Executive Director Doug Fair presented a video greeting from Marilyn McCoo, the lead vocalist of the famed group the 5th Dimensions, who will perform with the Symphony in March. The 70 year’s theme was prominently displayed by a lovely replica hot air balloon, thanks to Sarah Wells. The symphony was grateful for sponsors including Wilton and Effie Hebert Foundation, Jan Allred, Sandra Clark, Gisela Houseman, Mehaffy Weber, Regina Rogers, American Valve & Hydrant, Gina and Colby Crenshaw, Linda and Joe Domino, Karen and Mike Fuljenz, Becky and Chuck Mason, Cynthia and Michael Wolf. A sensational evening celebrating the SOST and “A Texas Tribute” is set for Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Julie Rogers Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
What a bargain… the Beaumont Art League held their “Under $100 Show” reception last Saturday with art enthusiasts purchasing incredible original art at “bargain basement prices.” Participating artists included Joyce Philen, Sheila Borgeaux, Betty Iles, Susan Chu, Rebecca Iles, Tina Novelli, Ellen McIntosh, Pamela O’Neill, Shea Burgamy, Gayle Pugh, Melody Montero-Ortiz, Chloe Thompson, Jim Oakes, Linnis Blanton, Margie McKenzie, Mary Carter, Amy Faggard, Judy Haygood, Sheila Bishop, Jamie Kesler, Sherry Tiger-Landry, Christy Jetton, Linda Hearn, Jane McBride, Mike Cacioppo and Tom Veillon. The show will run thru Saturday, Dec. 10.
A howling event… Dozens of canines strutted their stuff all day long on the Red Carpet Runway, which was line with fire hydrants, of course, at Beaumont Main Street’s annual Dogtoberfest last Saturday. Once again, Tom Bell, Christina Crawford, emcee Lee Potter and judges Marty Craig, Sherrie and Jeff Branick, Millie Bevilacqua and watched all the four-legged canines compete for various trophies. Congrats to Lydell Nelson and Storm for winning the Dogtoberfest Facebook Favorite Contest with 570 votes. Parading their pooches were Danielle Williams and Jackson Cooper, Michael Gary and Julie Richardson, Kathy Bass, Lauren Monitz, Madison Noble, Sara Gubala, Joshua Ashworth and Dana Ward, just to name a few. Many went home after adopting pups, including two adoptions by Dayna Simmons. More than 3,000 guests attended the 16th annual event, which is a major fundraiser for Beaumont Main Street. Already looking fur-ward to next year!
Fall exhibit… the Art Museum of Southeast Texas will host a reception Friday, Oct. 14, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for “Contemporary Texas Women Artists: Abstraction Here & Now,” through Dec. 23. The exhibition demonstrates that abstraction is a creative form of art-making that is actively used by regional Texas artists. Creative ladies such as Claire Ankenman, Pat Colville, Orna Feinstein and Bethany Johnson work in a wide range of mediums to create abstract art that speaks about nature, light and the human condition. A free Family Arts Day will also take place in conjunction with this exhibition on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See you there!
Happy anniversary… to Christy and Bradley Greig (2 years), Isabel and Jonathan Rosenberg (2), Paige and Steven Andrews (30), and Terri and E. Jay Sherlock (32). Congrats!
Candles and cakes… belated best to Jeff Trevino and Allison Robbins. B-day wishes to Stephanie Figari, Taylor Boudreaux and Liz Rowley.
Until the next RSVP!