parties

The Red Queen Kicks Off Riotous Dance Party — and Raises Major Funds for Fresh Arts

Charlie Horse
The Red Queen Kicks Off Riotous Dance Party — and Raises Major Funds for Fresh Arts

Marita Fairbanks, Palmer Schooley, Kasi Kubiak and Connor Estes

STILL RECOVERING FROM a devastating fire at its HQ in 2022, Fresh Arts expanded on its Instagram-worthy dance-party fundraiser by adding a dinner to this year’s gala, themed The Wonder Ball. Dressed in lavish Alice-in-Wonderland-themed costumes, guests were transported down the rabbit hole as they arrived to Silver Street Studios, which was completely transformed into Lewis Carroll’s fantasy land.

The decked-out patrons perused a silent auction featuring art exclusively from Houston artists to the sounds of The Charlie Trio Band, and enjoyed cocktails from LALO Tequila and Boheme. Following cocktail hour, a dinner from Hungry’s was served while radio personality Sarah Pepper emceed the night, and also hosted a live auction that included a trip to Paris!

Fresh Arts executive director Angela Carranza was cut off during her closing remarks by the White Rabbit, who announced that everyone was very late for an important date! As the lights dimmed “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs played, and a 10-foot Red Queen appeared to usher all the guests to the awaiting dance party!

DJ Hiram kept revelers on their feet, while bubbles, with the gas from dry ice trapped inside, poured onto the dance floor. One touch of the bubble released the gas to dazzling effect.

“The Wonder Ball transported guests into a world of wonder and imagination,” said Carranza of the over-the-top evening. “Every detail spoke to the power of imagination, and our supporters wholeheartedly embraced the theme, showcasing an impressive diversity of creativity.”

Pizza from Betelgeuse Betelgeuse and popsicles from Wonder Pops HTX were served on the dancefloor as the party continued until close to midnight. Funds raised from the gala will go toward supporting Fresh Arts long-anticipated return to Winter Street Studios following the 2022 fire.

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Bob and Cynthia Card

Matt Manalo and Sarah Darro

Rouzi and Eva Sagisaka

Sha Samiuddin, Gabriel Luna, Andrew Carlin and Chris Cuellar

Annabeth Turcios, Christopher Manriquez, Ruby Rivera and Cynthia Rojas

Parties
film

This Weekend: New Flick Documenting Houston's Blues Scene Screens at Discovery Green

ON AN ANCIENT, scratchy recording made circa 1926, Texas-born singer-guitarist Blind Lemon Jefferson began a song with the bold statement: “The blues came from Texas, loping like a mule.” The Lone Star state certainly birthed its own lonesome hybrid of the blues — distinct from the Mississippi Delta — that drew upon several styles of music, including big band music of the swing era, classic country and western, and Tejano music. And when it comes to the blues, jazz and rock and roll, Houston has a musical legacy that few other cities can match.

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Art + Entertainment
music

Experimental Artist Who Collaborated on The Wheel Workers' Latest Album Dishes on Inspo — and 'Art Robots'!

T Lavois Thiebaud

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Art + Entertainment