Crown Jewels of Jazz:
Learning through Art Inc.
The conclusion of this year's 10th annual 'Hood Is Bigger Than You Think Tour, held by Learning Through Art Inc., culminated in a bigger and better-than-ever Crown Jewels of Jazz concert.
The ballroom of Music Hall was filled to capacity for this celebration of women in jazz. The sellout can be attributed largely to the efforts of gala chairwoman Joanie Lotts. A total of 750 guests enjoyed dinner amid the ambiance of a New York jazz club, courtesy of decor co-chairs Ginger Warner and Mary Gimple.
The gala featured performances by jazz singer and blues vocalist Kathy Wade, co-founder and president of Learning Through Art Inc., and Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Nancy Wilson. A brief program was emceed by John Lomax and Cammy Dierking of WKRC-TV (Channel 12).
Learning through Art chairman Shane Starkey and Karlyn Wade-Richardson presented a Heart for the Arts Award to Links Inc., a predominantly African-American women's volunteer organization. Theresa Henderson, president of Links, accepted on the organization's behalf. Henderson explained that she had prepared two acceptance speeches, a short one and a long one. The short one was simply, "Thank You." The long one was, "Thank you very much."
Madcap Productions Puppet Theatre also received an award. Accepting was founder and creative genius Jerry Handorf and one of his puppets, who delivered the bulk of the acceptance speech.
A third Heart for the Arts award was presented posthumously to singer Rosemary Clooney. Accepting this award were her brother Nick Clooney and his wife, Nina.
This year's tour sponsor was Time Warner Cable. Concert presenters were Federated Department Stores Foundation and WDBZ-AM (1230) "The Buzz" through the Love Family Foundation Inc.
Gimme Shelter:
Pendleton County Animal Shelter
The York St. Cafe, in the gaslight district of historic Newport, was the perfect cozy venue for the Pendleton County Animal Shelter's fund-raising bash, Gimme Shelter.
This Rolling Stones tribute show featured 14 local artists. Dale Johnson served as the evening's emcee.
Gary Maxwell, animal control officer for Pendleton County, provided guests the opportunity to view photos of animals available for adoption. More than 120 rockers and supporters turned out for this evening of great music and fun.
Annual campaign:
United Way
The United Way launched its annual fund drive last week. Greater Cincinnati leadership givers were thanked at a private reception at the Cincinnati Observatory in Mount Lookout.
Campaign chairs Vivian and Jim Schwab welcomed the nearly 100 guests.
Those attending this special evening enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, a wine tasting and the music of the Faux Frenchmen. Author Andrea Immer of Fine Living was on hand to discuss this season's top wines.
The United Way funds nearly a dozen strategic initiatives and more than 326 programs at 159 agencies throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
