Las Vegas-themed Symphony Ball hits jackpot
Showgirls, acrobatics and the Bellagio. All things considered, the scene downtown looked a lot like Las Vegas to Houston Symphony ballgoers.
A sequined parade of 630 attendees streamed into the Marriott Marquis Houston for the “Stir It Up in Vegas” soiree dreamed up by chairs Mark and Christina Hanson.
Seven years ago, Mark was selected as the symphony’s president and CEO by a search committee led by board president Steve Mach. As Mach prepares to step down from his appointment in 2017, insiders felt that it would be fitting, albeit unprecedented, to have the Hansons fulfill host duties.
With nary a slot machine or poker table in sight, the result was a near-record $1.6 million raised for the organization’s education and community programming, the second-most successful ball in symphony history.
Perhaps a bit of Las Vegas luck had something to do with it. Richard Flowers of the Events Company channeled old Vegas circa the Desert Inn Hotel or Sands Hotel and Casino’s heyday for the two-hour cocktail reception. A replica of the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign greeted patrons as they entered the ballroom, which had been reimagined as Vegas in its glittering current state. Flowers commissioned an inhouse artist to create nine floor-to-ceiling murals of the Bellagio, the Venetian and more. A gold wedding chapel and electric-violin-playing aerialist completed the authentic dinner-and-a-show scene.
The symphony’s own brass musicians — Mark Hughes, John Parker, Brian Thomas, Brad White and Dave Kirk — serenaded the awe-struck crowd as an inspired feast, created by executive sous chef Brian Bailey, circulated. The “Blue Suede” peach salad, “Fly Me to the Moon” airline chicken and “Puttin’ on the Ritz” chocolate cake were almost enough to quiet attendees. Almost.
Guests could hardly contain their excitement as honorees Jane and Robert Cizik, Janice H. Barrow, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, Barbara J. Burger, Muffy and Mike McLanahan, Richard Flowers and the Event Company, Vinson & Elkins LLP and Margaret Alkek Williams were recognized for their contributions. Afterward, showman Frankie Moreno performed a Rat Pack-style mashup of original hits before the late-night party launched into full force.
In addition to the Jordan Kahn Orchestra, chairs Candace and Brian Thomas requested chicken and waffles, crepes and doughnut stations for the Young Associates Council’s ball after-party, which rocked until the wee hours. Isn’t that what happens in Vegas?