We're not exaggerating when we say that many of the adorable young musicians could barely see past their thunderous instruments. The 20-plus students that comprise Baby Sonic Boom, the Rhodes School's drum corps troupe, however, made their presence known with stentorian rhythms and cymbal sizzles that most likely haven't been seen before at River Oaks Country Club.
What an invigorating presentation, one which demonstrated to some 250 guests the power of the arts to change lives and to invigorate the spirit.
That performance — plus Fly Dance Company's break dancing b-boys, jazzy riffs courtesy of Blue Gnus and Martin Langford, a riotous appearance by a hostess-with-the-mostess plush character from Puppet Pizzazz, New Orleans tunes by Paragon Brass and others — transformed the refined venue into a chipper scene fitting for Young Audiences of Houston's gala theme, "Bourbon Street Boogie."
The evening honored Stephen Klineberg for shinning light on the importance of creative pursuits.
It was all part of party chair Sharon Bryan's plan that showed philanthropists first hand what this 58-year-old organization, the mission of which is to educate through the arts and advocate for the arts as an essential part of the school curriculum, does best. Together with honorary chairs Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, the evening honored Kinder Institute for Urban Research co-director Stephen Klineberg for shinning light on the importance of creative pursuits as a bridge between cultures.
The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts principal Scott Allen and dance department chair LuAnne Carter were recognized with the Arts Empowerment Award, a prestige that hailed the school's 33-year partnership with Young Audiences of Houston. With KTRK's Samica Knight and board member-cum-auctioneer Gary Patterson, the gleeful soiree raised more than $150,000 for this Houston institution.
Joining the laissez les bons temps rouler mood with Young Audiences' executive director Mary Curry Mettenbrink were Adele Read, Laura and Mark Farrell, John Ella Fowler, Patti Keplinger, Beatrice and Gregory Graham, Todd Frazier, James and Elizabeth Wiggins, Christina and Mark Hanson, Minnette and Peter Boesel, Jo Furr, David Heaney, Ann Lents, Leslie and Jack Blanton Jr., Ginger Blanton, Winnie Simmons and Nic Phillips.
Puppet Pizzazz, from left, John Ella Fowler and Melissa Thompson.
