The Quest for "it"

TONIGHT: Walter Mosely's & France Luce-Benson's One Act-Plays Premiere at Crossroads Theatre Company

Hi!

Walter Mosely

Crossroads Theatre Company (Marshall Jones, III, producing artistic director), one of the nation's premiere African-American theaters, will present the world premieres of two one-act plays as its Season Finale this May: the powerful drama White Lilies, by best-selling novelist Walter Mosley, and the adult comedy The Talk, by France-Luce Benson. Previews begin on Thursday, May 9, and Friday, May 10; the plays open on Saturday, May 11, and run through Sunday, May 19, at Crossroads in New Brunswick.

Destiny Rising Shines Bright...

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On Monday, April 22 at 7:30pm at The Joyce Theater, the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation presented DESTINY RISING, an evening of dance artistry featuring outstanding NYC Dance Alliance alumni, choreography from NYC Dance Alliance faculty, and special guest performances from prominent professional dance companies. The evening raised funds for the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation College Scholarship Program.

Asia Society Celebration of Asia Week Benefit with Honorary Chair Jason Wu

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 Chiu-Ti Jansen

On  Monday, March 18th  Asia Society marked Asia Week New York via a truly exciting and festive signature gala benefit--Celebration of Asia Week was held at the highly regarded Pierre Hotel in New York City. Asia Week New York,  which takes place March 15–23, a dynamic collaboration of museums, international  art dealers and auction houses, showcases an extraordinary gathering of pan-Asian visual art at exhibitions, previews and special programs throughout the city, and is geared toward a discerning audience from around the world. 

The cocktail reception began at 6:30 pm and offered Asian-inspired tastings accompanied by the sounds of a jazz trio. However, it was the black-tie, and other festive national dress that ruled the evening. The red carpet yielded Estee Lauder Spokesmodel Hilary Rhoda in a white feathered cocktail dress by Jason Wu; fashion muse Michelle Violy Harper in a black shimmering gown also by Jason Wu; Yue Magazine Editrix Chiu-Ti Jansen in an authentic silk red and gold silk gown from Shanghai; Philanthropist Jean Sharifoff in a Zang Toi, and New York Publicist/Brand Strategist Susan Shin in a beaded turquoise Badgley Mischka caftan among others.

The swank cocktail reception was followed by an elegant dinner in The Pierre's historic Grand Ballroom with a unique menu created for this occasion by Guest Chefs Pichet Ong and Simpson Wong, live auction, and dancing to Peter Duchin and his Orchestra.

 

Hilary Rhoda

Notables attending the event; Honorary Chair Jason Wu; Chairs Stephanie Foster and Charles Rockefeller; Co-Chairs Betsy and Edward Cohen, Senator John D. Rockefeller IV, Christine and Stephen Schwarzman, and Ermenegildo Zegna; and, Vice Chairs Henrietta and Richard Fore, Ruth and Harold Newman, Cynthia Hazen Polsky and Leon Polsky, Denise and Andrew Saul, and Lulu and Anthony Wang.

Additional special guests include Ralph Appelbaum and Madelynn Gingold, Kyle Blackmon, Eddie Borgo, Tom Freston, Henry Howard-Sneyd, Carolyn Hsu-Balcer and Rene Balcer, Martha Hunt, Geoffrey Bradfield, Nate Lowman, Maggie Norris and Andrew LePera, Terresa Liu and Richard Snyder, Shu Pei, Cynthia Rowley and Bill Powers,  Martin Shafiroff, Keegan Singh, Susan and Dirk Standen, Jenny Shimizu, Anna Sui, Barbara and Donald Tober, Richard Tsao, and Marie-Hélène Weill. 

***Now in its fifth year, Asia Society’s Celebration of Asia Week gala brings together leading Asian and Asian American designers and artists, as well as Asian art dealers, collectors and enthusiasts, in a benefit to  support Asia Society’s museum and cultural activities and its mission of connecting Asians and Americans.

*photos by The Quest for "it"

 

Patricia Kennedy Hosts Step Up 4 Vets Holiday Luncheon in Chicago with a Performance of Joffrey's Nutcracker

Hi!

The holidays have never been merrier and our US Vets more appreciated.  West Coast philanthropist Patricia Kennedy hosted a grand luncheon via her organization Step Up 4 Vets, in Chicago, recently followed by a special performance of the Nutcracker by the famed Joffrey Ballet.

Kennedy, welcomed fifty-five wounded verterans and their families to Roosevelt University's Auditorium Thetaer for the perforrmance and the Palmer House for lunch. Kennedy's generosity gave way to  a day she hoped would help make up for all their missed holidays together. Patricia is all about the Joy of Giving Back, the precious family times missed while our vets were on deployment.

Guests of the event included: Sgt. John Bowley, Sara Bowley, Harleigh Bowley, Lidsay Dusa, Patti Dusa, Arlene Persa, Jeffrey persa, Cassie Leja, Travis Coursey, USMC Cpl. Aaron Mankin, Maddie Mankin, Hunter Mankin, Brilee Coursey, USMC SSgt. Gene Marzelli, USMC GySgt. Michael Gillitzer  et al

Performers in the Nutcracker included: Christine Rochas, Rory Hochstein,  April Daley, Dylan Guiterrez, Temur Suluashvii, Francis Kane, et al

Steven Colucci's "Sounds of Color" Art Exhibition & Scarf Collection Debut with Andy Warhol drawings

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Steven Colucci, Cole Rumbough, Jessica Moore, R. Couri Hay

"Sounds of Color" exhibition was showcased last night for a very special private holiday party. Gramercy Park's National Arts Club  in New York City, was the venue for the three-hour soiree. 

Colucci has been working together with the American Cancer Society and the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, each had a represntative present, to raise awareness and funds during the Holiday Season. Through the event, Colucci hopes to help offer recognition to the hard working individuals who continue to hold onto their conviction and who give back to their community.

Leesa Rowland and Larry Wohl

During his career Colucci has distinguished himself as an artist, creating everything from paintings to fashion design.  "Sounds of Color" features highlights from his ever-expanding work.  His goal with this exhibition is to commemorate all the men and women who are, especially during these incredibly trying times, helping others. On display for purchase were various ladies acarves bearing prints of Collucci's famed paintings.

Christmas Tree on Lower Level at National Arts Club

Guests of the event enjoyed cocktails, an additional viewing of select works by Andy Warhol and the sounds of Shea the Prince of Chistmas. Noteworthy guests included:Jean Shafiroff, Cole Rumbough, Douglas Hannant, Maggie Norris, Leesa Rowland, Larry Wohl, Kate Gibbs, Michelle Marie Heinemann, Shea, Alice Judelson, Cindy Guyer, Madame Mayhem, Kate Gibbs, Frederick Anderson, Ramona and Mario Singer, Cassandra Siedenfeld, et al

 ***An added bonus to the evening  was a special performance by Shea, who performws his hit holiday single "The Christmas I Met You."  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of his new album "Every Day's Christmas" will be donated as well.

*photos by The Quest for "it" via Blackberry

Soledad O'Brien Among the Honorees at The New York Women's Foundation 25th Anniversary Celebration

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The New York Women’s Foundation^® (NYWF), led by President & CEO Ana L. Oliveira, celebrated a milestone 25^th Anniversary on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. The evening, Fall Celebration: Improving the Lives of Women and Families in New York City, honored four philanthropic leaders, Soledad O’Brien and husband Brad Raymond, and Ginny Day and Sean Day, at the Alice Tully Hall in Lincoln Center.  Renown News Journalist, former CBS Evening News Anchor , Connie Chung, hosted the celebration which included a performance by Tony Award® Winning Playwright & Performer Sarah Jones.

Attendees included Diana L. Taylor (NYWF Board Chair), Anne E. Delaney (NYWF Board Vice-Chair), Yvonne Moore (NYWF Board Secretary), Susan Coté (NYWF Treasurer), Helen LaKelly Hunt (NYWF Founding Mother, Chair Emerita), Rossana Rosado (NYWF Board Member), Jean Shafiroff (NYWF Board Member), Anita Channapati (NYWF Board Member), Hyatt Bass (NYWF Board Member), Taina Bien-Aimé (NYWF Board Member), Susan R. Cullman (NYWF Board Member), Kwanza R. Butler (NYWF Board Member) Lisa M. Holton (NYWF Board Member), Antoinette E. La Belle (NYWF Board Member), Ann Short (NYWF Board Member), Celeste Smith (NYWF Board Member), Regan Solmo (NYWF Board Member).

 

The Results of the Casita Maria 2012 Gala

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October 16, 2012 was the annual “Fiesta 2012” gala at The Mandarin Oriental in New York City benefiting the Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education.  This year’s honorees were Lilly Scarpetta de Pumarejo, Pierre Durand and Marina B. Kiera Chaplin collected a special gold medal on behalf of Marina B. Mario Buatta served as master of ceremonies and Christopher Mason was the program’s host. As has become the tradition, Jacqueline Weld Drake, Aileen Mehle, and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia were the Dinner Chairmen. Cocktails began in the hotel’s lobby lounge at 7:30 PM followed by dinner and dancing in the ballroom, guests dance to the music of The Bob Hardwick Sound. The benefit raised $528,800 dollars – the silent auction raised $32,900.

                                       
During the cocktail hour, we spoke with a variety of the evening's attendees ranging from those directly involved to the New York's finest socialites. The dedication and continued support of not only the organization but of the event itself was most impressive. aDvid Vasquez, Assistant Principal of Bronx School for Writers and Artists is a nine year attendee of the gala. Firmly asserting that what he loves about Casita Maria is "I love Casita because they do the work, they work with the truly disadvantaged." 

Results of the Harlem Arts Alliance Awards Kickoff Honoring Danny Glover & More

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The HARLEM Arts Alliance (HAA),   began the seven-day series of free events with a grand kick off on Monday, October 1st. Actor and activist Danny Glover, legendary theatrical producer Vy Higginsen, and pioneering arts producer and consultant Mikki Shepard were each presented with prestigious awards at Aaron Davis Hall (The City College of New York). The Arts Summit, going on NOW, is set to feature an array of performances, screenings, panels and presentations designed to build support for the arts in Harlem and in communities of color throughout the city. The HAA is a ten-year-old not-for-profit arts service organization comprised of established and emerging visual and performing artists, and art supporters, not-for-profit and for-profit organizations and institutions, including universities and churches, that serve the arts and cultural community in Harlem and throughout greater New York City.

Actor Danny Glover to be Honored During Harlem Arts Summit...

Hi!

The HARLEM Arts Alliance (HAA), the central connection to Uptown arts and culture, is summoning Harlem artists and New York arts supporters to the Harlem Arts Summit during Harlem Arts Advocacy Week this fall. Under the theme "Harlem at the Crossroads: Sustaining Our Arts and Cultural Resources," the seven-day series of mostly free events will kick off on October 1 at 10:00 a.m. with presentations to actor and activist Danny Glover, legendary theatrical producer Vy Higginsen and pioneering arts producer and consultant Mikki Shepard at Aaron Davis Hall (City College of New York). The Arts Summit will feature an array of performances, screenings, panels and presentations designed to build support for the arts in Harlem and in communities of color throughout the city. The HAA is a ten-year-old not-for-profit arts service organization comprised of established and emerging visual and performing artists, and art supporters, not-for-profit and for-profit organizations and institutions, including universities and churches, that serve the arts and cultural community in Harlem and throughout greater New York City.

Jean Shafiroff Hosts a Luncheon for The New York Women's Foundation Featuring Diana Taylor and Ginny Day

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Jean Shafiroff, Board Member of The New York Women’s Foundation (NYWF), hosted a kickoff luncheon at Le Cirque on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 for The NYWF’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration to be held at Alice Tully Hall on October 23, 2012. Special Guests Diana L. Taylor and Ginny Day, Current and Founding Board Chairs of The New York Women’s Foundation were featured speakers as well as Ana Oliveira, President & CEO of The New York Women’s Foundation, and Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of Hot Bread Kitchen, a NYWF Grantee Partner. Guests in attendance included The New York Women’s Foundation Board Members and Co-Chairs of the event, Taina Bien-Aime, Michelle Penzer, Rossana Rosado, Karen Sharkey, Toni La Belle, Celeste Smith, Anne Delaney, Jennifer Giacobbe, Susan Cote, Mahsa Pelosky, Hyatt Bass, Yvonne Moore, Yvonne Quinn and Kwanza Bulter; socialites Ann Rapp, Fe Fendi, and Patricia Shiah; philanthropists Joyce Cowin and Jean Troubh; Susan Patricof; Liz Peek; Georgina Schaeffer; Sandra McConnell; Anka Palitz; Alexandra Stanton; Bonnie Comley; Zita Davisson; Joan Hornig; Cheri Kaufman; Sharon Kerr; Lynn Paulson; Janna Bullock; Andrea Greeven Douzet and Sonia Nassery Cole.