Ringing in 2017

Several groups party well as 2016 comes to a close

The Phoenix Club rang in the New Year at Memphis Botanic Garden with its second annual New Year’s Celebration.

About 500 attended, and more than $10,000 was raised for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, said Paul Stephens, who organized the event with Michael Brennan.

“James Bond” was the theme of this year’s party, which featured music by the Bluff City Soul Collective.

“We just try to make it as relaxing as possible,” Paul said. “Everything is Downtown hustle and bustle. Out East allows us to find like-minded people who want a parking spot.”

EX-HA-LA-TION

About 500 attended EX-HA-LA-TION on New Year’s Eve at The Cadre Building.

The party was a Cadre Building event hosted by special project manager Chris Lotterhos and director Betsy McKay,

Lord T and Eloise headlined the event, which also featured entertainment by Priceless Crew, DJ Wick-It “The Instigator” and DJ Jordan Rogers.

The building was outfitted with plush sofas downstairs and in the upstairs VIP area.

The party also included a “wish board, where you wrote your dream for 2017” Chris said.

Asked what he put on the board, Chris said, “I wrote ‘Love.’ ”

The Cadre Building is planning to host more special events, Chris said.

Frager Law Firm holiday party

The fare at Barry Frager’s Frager Law Firm Holiday Party didn’t consist of a couple of cheese balls and some eggnog; Barry said he served food, beer and wine from more than 20 countries “in celebration of the ethnic diversity of our community” at the party, held Dec. 13 at Asian Palace. “The food was either prepared by a local restaurant or by individuals from that country.”

Food included a whole lamb stuffed with rice from Jerusalem Market, sushi from Red Koi Japanese Cuisine, Cuban appetizers from Los Compadres, lemongrass beef and chicken from Lotus Restaurant, chicken and red lentils from Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant and French pastries from Erling Jensen: The Restaurant.

Asian Palace also provided food, including roasted duck, sesame chicken and crab rangoon.

As at most of Barry’s parties, entertainment was provided by a karaoke machine and those who used it. About 40 of the 150 guests sang karaoke during the party, which ended at midnight, Barry said.

Lord T and Eloise performed at the EX-HA-LA-TION New Year’s Eve party at the Cadre Building. From left are Karl Loucks, Lord T, Betsy McKay, Chris Lotterhos, and Eloise and Lydia Bain.

Michael Brennan, right, and Paul Stephens organized the Phoenix Club New Year’s Eve party. With them are Regan Sherwood, right, and Stephanie Stephens.

MICHAEL DONAHUE Carl Rouss kicked back in the VIP area at the EX-HA-LA-TION New Year's Eve party at the Cadre Building.

From left, Drew Karban, Morgan Feigley, Hunt Hensley, Clara Beth Tucker and Sanford Moore were at the Phoenix Club New Year’s Eve party.

Emily Phillips and Watson Turnipseed were at the Phoenix Club New Year’s Eve party.