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    party watch

    Tilman Fertitta and Usher let the good times roll with Houston VIPs

    Steven Devadanam
    Mar 8, 2019 | 4:37 pm

    What: The San Luis Salute México Magnifico

    Where: The Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort

    The scoop: The 23rd annual San Luis Salute, hosted by the Tilman Fertitta family, earned riotous applause as revelers from near and far gathered for this year’s Mardi Gras! Galveston celebration. The event sold out within hours (with more than 1,900 tickets sold) and honored Dr. Joel Patterson, chief and program director of the neurosurgery division in the Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston.

    To kick off the invitation-only celebration, VIPs sipped Veuve Clicquot bubbly and margaritas served in mini Patron bottles beneath a crystal tent set against a stunning background of Fertitta’s mega-yacht, the Boardwalk.

    At the main event, Richard Flowers of the Events Co. brought the vibrancy of "México Magnifico" to life inside The Galveston Island Convention Center at The San Luis Resort’s stately foyer. Guests arrived dressed to the nines, instantly posing against the fluorescent paper flower walls. During the cocktail hour, a DJ on a truss entertained above the crowd, while an aerial bartender artfully poured champagne and Elan dancers passed cocktails.

    The Big Beyond entertained the lively group behind a jaw-dropping colorful visual spectacular of Elan and skeleton dancers, stilt walkers, and enormous Mexican puppets. Blue and white Talavera vases filled with colorful flowers as centerpieces, Clase Azul Reposado tequila, Mexican blue-rimmed shot glasses and cocktail shakers were situated on the guests’ glitzy tables.

    Following the impressive reveal was a grand procession of notable guests, including NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and wife Amiko Kelly; U.S. Rep. Randy Weber and wife, Brenda; state Rep. Shawn Thierry; state Sen. John Whitmire,dean of the Texas Senate; state Sen. Larry Taylor andwife, Kerri; state Sen. Carol Alvarado; UTMB President Dr. David Callender and wife, Tonya; University of Houston chancellor and President Renu Khator and husband, Suresh Khator, UH football head coach Dana Holgorsen, and athletic director Chris Pezman and wife, Marisol; CNBC’s Brian Sullivan and wife, Julie; Doe and Henry Florsheim; Nandita and Michael Berry; Dave Jacquin and son, Alec; Jefferies chairman and CEO Richard Handler; Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and wife, Tanya; Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset and wife, Brenda; event honoree Dr. Joel Patterson and wife, Laura; the Fertitta family; and the entire royal court from the Knights of Momus, highlighted by King Frivolous CIV Vic Fertitta and Momus Queen Blayne Fertitta.

    The Duchess Royal Court includes Lexie Ammons, Gracie Bassett, Nicole Blakley, Kristen Blakley, Kathryn Criaco, Katie Rose Cullen, Bailey Dodson, Kaki Duenner, Melissa Estrada, Blayne Fertitta, Chloe Flores, Hannah Herrold, Valerie Herrscher, Joanie Kelso, Sabrina Kesler, Hannah Kirby, Heather Kirby, Maria Koutrouvelis, Marissa Matthews, Macey McCann, Danielle Perugini, Devin Peterson, Cara Quigley, Sara Beth Shelton, Emlynn Smith, Amber Tribble, Morgan Vicknair, and Maddi Walser.

    The highlight of the night, world-renowned musical artist Usher, rallied the crowd as he took the stage for a 75-minute show to perform "Burn," "Yeah!," "Confessions Part II," "DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love," and many more, creating an instantly packed dance floor. Michael, Patrick, Blake, and mom Paige Fertitta (in a stunning Dolce & Gabbana gown) were spotted on the black-and-white checkered dance floor near the head tables alongside Momus Queen Blayne signing along to the best-selling, radio-dominating pop and urban artist’s show.

    The Mardi-party continued into the weekend following the Momus Grand Night Parade as the Fertitta children teamed up to host the parade afterparty dubbed “Despues de la Fiesta” held at the San Luis Resort. More than 500 invite-only partygoers entered the grand ballroom to a nitrogen bar featuring Souza Hornitos tequila margaritas and spicy pineapple margaritas set beneath a dramatic, balloon-covered ceiling, while DJ Alesso entertained with a private show that lasted well into the morning, capping out the Mardi Gras party of all parties.

    Who: The fashionable crowd included King Frivolous CIV Vic Fertitta and wife, Joy; astronaut Mark Kelly; Momus President Hal Rochkind and wife, Jessica; Houston Rockets’ CEO Tad Brown and players P.J. Tucker and Gary Clark; Frank Billingsleyand Kevin Gilliard; Dancie and Jim Ware, with sons Carter and Lane; Lori and Allan Matthews; Katie, Harry, Hugh Roy, and Rose Cullen; Deanna and Gary Barton; Joanie McLeod Kirksey; Kelly and Anthony Duenner; Dianne and Fred Burns; Renee and Scott Rice; Joan and Doug McLeod; Maggie and John Kelso; Debra and Tom Perich; Todd Fertitta; Jay Fertitta; Kelli Fertitta Woods and husband, Josh; Tom Koch; Frances Moody and Tony Buzbee; Francie Moody Dahlberg and Kevin Dahlberg; Margie and Scott Kusnerik; Jocelyn and Billy Sullivan; Claudia and William Estrada; Libbie and Bill Ansell; and Chita and Lane Craft.

    Astronaut Scott Kelly and Amiko Kelly.

    Tilman Fertitta Mardi Gras San Luis Usher 2019 Scott Kelly
      
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Astronaut Scott Kelly and Amiko Kelly.
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    Creative Mayhem

    Houston art museum's gala mixes auction buzz and Spinderella beats

    Joel Luks
    Jun 12, 2025 | 1:00 pm
    Contemporary Arts Museum Houston gala 2025
    Photo by Emily Jaschke
    Alecia Harris, Grace Zamiga, Michele Leal, Bailey Dalton, and Charlotta Hill.

    Art lovers, collectors, and creative provocateurs turned up and turned it out for CAMH Party, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston’s signature benefit and art auction. Never ones for beige galas or sleepy sit-downs, CAMH once again threw a night that shimmered with style, swagger, and the museum’s trademark adventurous, creative edge.

    The Brown Foundation Gallery became the canvas for the night, dressed up with artful flourish by Events Co., complete with dramatic lighting and immersive décor that played off the evening’s sassy energy. More than 200 guests made their entrance on a vibrant green carpet, decked in bold colors, high-concept fashion, and a clear understanding of the assignment: Serve lewks, not leftovers.

    Guests sipped cocktails from Lalo Tequila while previewing the silent auction, featuring coveted works by the likes of Robert Pruitt, Alexis Pye, and Roxy Paine, with bidding powered by Qtego Fundraising Services. But this was no quiet affair — the room buzzed with excited chatter and sneaky competitive glances from across the gallery walls.

    Then partygoers shifted to dinner mode with a refined menu from Swift and Co. Hors d’oeuvres included caviar tacos and steak tartare, followed by elegant entrées like scallopini of chicken and herb-crusted salmon. Dessert? A floral-forward strawberry sorbet kissed with mascarpone, meringue, and actual rose petals—because why not eat like you’re in a painting?

    CAMH co-directors Ryan Dennis and Melissa McDonnell Luján toasted to the museum’s legacy and shared what’s ahead, including a solo show by Houston-born artist Tomashi Jackson and the Teen Council’s 25th anniversary this summer. A buzzy live auction led by Sotheby’s Charlie Caulkins followed, with works by CAMH-exhibited artists like Garrett Bradley, Cindy Sherman, and Vincent Valdez sparking energetic bids and side-eyes alike.

    Then came the inevitable vibe shift: the After Party.

    The gallery morphed into a nocturnal lounge where grilled cheese met churros, and the legendary DJ Spinderella spun hits that got the art crowd dancing like nobody was watching or judging. Guests sipped more Lalo, bounced to the beat, and stayed well past midnight.

    Soaking in the creative mayhem were Elisa and Chris Pye, Poppi Massey, Phoebe Cholnoky, Josh Pazda and Chris Goins, Sissy and Denny Kempner, Joe and Johanne Gatto, Kristin and Drew Perring, Danielle O’Bannon and Jon Redwine, Unique James, and Darryl Sharpton, with support from a powerhouse host committee featuring names like Paola Creixell, Jamal Cyrus, Mary and Marcel Barone, and Jessica Phifer.

    Contemporary Arts Museum Houston gala 2025
      

    Photo by Emily Jaschke

    Alecia Harris, Grace Zamiga, Michele Leal, Bailey Dalton, and Charlotta Hill.

    fundraisersmuseumscontemporary art museum houston
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