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Event Spotlight: Kicking Off The 2019 Gala Season

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By Sarah Prawl

Gala season is in full swing and we celebrated with two spectacular events at our partner venues in April: Brooklyn Museum’s 2019 Brooklyn Artists Ball and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Annual Gala 2019: The Birth of Jazz.

2019 Brooklyn Artists Ball

April 16, 2019

David Stark Design transformed The Beaux-Arts Court into a colorful, festive venue for the 8th Annual Brooklyn Artists Ball which brings together local and notable artists, raises money for the museum’s programs and honors individuals and organizations making a difference in the art community. This year, Bank of America and artist Nick Cave were honored for their work and support.

Inspired by the museum’s current exhibit, Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving, which celebrates artist and activist Frida Kahlo, the decorations featured a custom canopy made from thousands of papel picado flags, creating a magnificent centerpiece in the dining room.

The gala’s 600 guests enjoyed a delicious dinner featuring Shrimp Ceviche Tostada with Hamachi Blood Orange Aquachile; Goffle Road Farm’s Chicken Breast with Mole Amarillo, Vegetable-Stuffed Squash Blossom and Blue Corn; and a decadent Horchata Flan. Following the sumptuous Mexican cuisine inspired meal, the dining room turned into a dance floor for a dance party where 1200 guests enjoyed sounds by DJ Swizz Beatz.

Annual Gala 2019: The Birth Of Jazz

April 17, 2019

Celebrating the start of their 31st season, the theme for this year’s gala was “The Birth of Jazz: From Bolden to Armstrong,” which focused on legendary trumpet player Buddy Bolden’s impact on the sounds of New Orleans and the genesis of jazz. The night featured special performances by Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., Jon Batiste, Sullivan Fortner and more as they performed timeless jazz hits. Philanthropists Becky and Art Samberg and legendary New Orleanian pianist Ellis Marsalis were honored for their contributions and impact in the jazz community.

After the concert, the gala’s 400 guests enjoyed dinner with a panoramic view of Columbus Circle and Central Park South and a delicious menu, which included a Vestige Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Poblano Crema and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds; Atlantic Cod with Seasonal Vegetables, Marble Potato, Aioli and Lemon Pistou; and Choco-Banana Tart with Praline Mousse, Chocolate Whipped Ganache, Banana Foster and Caramel Sauce. It was truly a special evening and guests commented that it was unlike anything they’d attended before.