Symphony Supporters Party with Marilyn and Audrey, Raise $1.1 Mil

Johnny Than
Symphony Supporters Party with Marilyn and Audrey, Raise $1.1 Mil

Bill Stubbs, Betty Tutor and Kurt Grether

THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY ushered in Hollywood’s Golden Age at its annual black-tie gala, this year chaired by Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani, Cheryl Boblitt and Bill King.

The 400-plus guests arrived via a red carpet, dotted with 1920s-era photographers and reporters giving paparazzi vibes. Once inside the Post Oak Hotel, attendees mingled with Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe — courtesy of J&D entertainment — with wine in hand. (The Rydman family of Spec’s fame selected the evening’s pairings.)

Chef Jean-Luc Royere prepared mouthwatering, inventive hors d’oeurves — risotto lollipops, pan-seared crab cakes — and an excellent dinner of herb-roasted tenderloin and shrimp with a black-truffle-potato purée.

Another red carpet led from dinner tables to the black-and-white dance floor, above which Justin and the Swing Beats played from a bandstand. The night brought in $1.1 mil for the Symphony’s community and educational programming.

Tammie and Andy Johnson

Anne and Albert Chao

J&D Entertainment

Bill King, Cheryl Boblitt, Brigitte Kalai, Fardia Abjani and John Mangum

Miya Shay and Roslyn Bazelle

Margaret Alkek Williams and Hallie Vanderhider

Eric and Lisa Lindsey

Sparkling dessert

Gretchen and Jay Watkins

Leslie Siller and Cynthia Wolff

Laurie and Tracy Krohn

Korrine and James Whipkey

Barbara Burger and Ian Mayton

Parties
As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep Reading Show less

Gayla Gardner, Jacquie Baly and Julie Baker Finck

THE DOCTOR IS in! One of Houston’s most engaged civic leaders, Jacquie Baly, has a new title after earning her Doctorate in Education and Organizational Change & Leadership from USC. And some of the city’s heavy hitters turned up for a swanky reception at Tony’s to congratulate her. “Education and community leadership go hand in hand,” said Dr. Baly. “This honor fuels my continued mission to create meaningful change.”

And they weren’t alone in their admiration. Both the City of Houston and the State of Texas declared the day of the to-do “Dr. Jacquie Baly Day,” complete with official proclamations.

Keep Reading Show less
Style+Culture

Houston Arboretum

WE ALL LOVE a Rodeo, but sometimes we need options for events that have a different energy, speed — and crowd size. Check out some artsy, unique happenings around Houston in March!

Keep Reading Show less