The Scene In and Around Boston . . . The recent benefit gala for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay raised $2.3 million. "Big Night 11" was founded by Jim Pallotta eleven years ago to support BBBS' one-to-one adult child mentoring friendships. This year's event chair was Milton's Joe Ayoub, and committee members included Steve Demirjian, Paul Deninger, Tim Dibble, Rick Grinnell, Phill Gross, Jeff Leerink, Marty Mannion, Paul Margolis, Peter Monaco, Frank Petz, Michael Stansky and Kristin Teehan. "Big Night 11" featured the J. Geils Band, reuniting for perhaps the last time. Guests were invited to "Party like a Rock Star." So it was only fitting that a real-live rock star, Aerosmith's drummer Joey Kramer, served as emcee and welcomed the party-goers in their wigs and rock-star costumes. Big Night is also known for its extraordinary cuisine and this year was no exception. Seth & Angela Raynor (The Pearl, Boarding House, Corazon del Mar) presented a spectacular first course of Nantucket "Night Time" bay scallop ceviche with "Whammer Jammer" spiced popcorn. Ming Tsai (Blue Ginger) amazed everyone with "Wooba Gooba," a panko-crusted tofu with a black bean pork sauce and Thai basil puree. Michael Schlow (Alta Strada, Radius, Via Matta) served up a tender Tuscan pot roast with mushrooms, tomato and rosemary. And Joanne Chang (Flour Bakery, Myers + Chang) capped everything off with jelly roll of angel food cake roulade with raspberry jam and lemon cream. During the speaking program, BBBS President and CEO Wendy Foster thanked supporters and committee members, updated the crowd on where the agency stands today and introduced Big Brother Jonathan Sproul and Little Brother Bryant Simpson who told their match story via a video. Chair Joe Ayoub presented the inaugural James J. Pallotta Award to Phill Gross for his dedication to supporting children's charities. Named in honor of Jim for his tireless efforts, enormous creativity and determination dedicated to helping children reach their full potential, this new annual Award will recognize an individual or individuals who have engaged the community in supporting children in need and whose efforts have had a significant impact on children's lives. At the end of the formal program the J. Geils Band took to the stage for an unforgettable rocking evening. We're told that around midnight, French Lick took over, performing their classic rock covers to keep the Boston Rock Party rockin' into the wee hours.
"Nature Inspired" Exhibit On View in Roslindale Through April The Roslindale Arts Alliance announces an upcoming member exhibit. Alliance member Amy Joyce of West Roxbury will be the featured artist at Bangkok Cafe, 25 Poplar Street, Roslindale for the months of March and April. Joyce's exhibit, titled "Nature Inspired," is a collection of works on canvas that combine words, painting and photography. For a preview of the exhibit, visit the RAA Web site at www.roslindalearts.org. For information on Ms. Joyce, visit www.jpgmag.com/people/Ajoyce.
"The Scene..." Editor/Columnist Will Speak at Boston Flower & Garden Show We are delighted and honored to have been invited to speak at the upcoming "Boston Flower & Garden Show," which takes place at the Seaport World Trade Center, from Wednesday, March 24 through Sunday, March 28. For complete details about the show, visit www.TheBostonFlowerShow.com. Presenting "A Feast for the Garden Traveler," I will be sharing a few of the special gardens I have been lucky enough to have visited through the years, including destinations in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S.A. My slide presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 at 5 p.m. I invite you to come and "feast" your eyes on some spectacular landscapes. I'll also be giving away some garden related door prizes. While on the subject of prizes, be sure to visit www.bostongardens.com, and sign the Guest Book by Sunday, March 14 for a chance to win two free tickets to the Flower & Garden Show. Enjoy! |
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Tristin and Marty Mannion are ready to "party like rock stars" at the "Big Night 11" Gala Benefit, held at the Boston Convention & Visitors Center. (Photo by Jeff Thiebauth)