Chattanooga Times Free Press - ChattanoogaNow
‘An Evening in New York’
Boys Choir benefit previews summer tour to the Big Apple
In celebration of the Chattanooga Boys Choir’s performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City this summer, the choir’s former fundraiser, Catering to the Boys Choir, has a new theme and a new date this year.
“An Evening in New York” will be held Friday night, Feb. 3, in the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, three months earlier than the choir’s past dinner benefits. The change in date was made so that proceeds can help fund the choir’s summer tour, according to Dawn Oakes, the choir’s administrative director.
Guests will be entertained with a performance by the CBC’s oldest sing- ers, the Cantabile Choir, and music by Dave Walters’ jazz band. There will be a photo booth with props to set a New York mood and signature drinks with a nod to New York.
Good food has always been a hallmark of the CBC’s fundraisers, and this year is no exception. Charlie Loomis, executive chef at Feed Co. Table + Tavern, who won an episode last year of Food Network’s “Cooks vs. Cons,” is preparing a chicken dish for the main course. Loomis is the father of a chorister in the Concert Choir.
Alice Morgan of Alice Morgan Catering, whose son was in the CBC for 10 years before aging out, is handling the sides, which will include a potato bar, green beans, salad and rolls. Desserts are being supplied by Acropolis Grill, Koch’s Bakery, City Cafe and Food City.
Live and silent auctions are planned during the evening. Oakes says 20 local artists have donated work for the silent auction. Each artist will receive half the sale price; the remaining half is donated to the CBC.
The live auction will include a variety of gift certificates to local attractions, restaurants and summer camps. Some of the auction highlights include time on Pints and Pedals’ bicycle bar, a vacation getaway to Destin, Fla., a sunset boat cruise for six donated by Cleveland Boat Center and an in-home cooking class led by Loomis.
Tickets for this adult party are $ 5 0, which includes the buffet dinner and one drink ticket. Supplies are limited.