chainsmoking with tilman

Global pop-dance duo to hold court at Tilman Fertitta's swanky annual Galveston gala

The Chainsmokers will party with Tilman Fertitta and guests.

The question seems to arise each year as word of Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta’s uber-fab party, the San Luis Salute, surfaces: “Who’s playing?” Considering superstar Usher brought the house down last year, it’s an obvious query.

The society set can rest assured that Houston’s mogul won’t disappoint in 2020. Fertitta has enlisted global pop-dance duo, The Chainsmokers, for his annual signature Galveston bash — which sees a who’s who of local, state, and national stars — taking place Friday, February 21.

The Fertitta family is toasting more than two decades of support for The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston with this year’s San Luis Salute. Now in its 24th year, the lavish gala will transform into a “royal ice garden” with a Scandinavian theme (a fun fit for balmy Galveston).

In addition to the performance by The Chainsmokers, the evening will also include a performance by The Big Beyond, non-stop Vegas-style entertainment, a seated dinner catered by The San Luis Resort, over-the-top décor, and some serious partying, according to a release. San Luis Salute guests will enjoy a royal procession of the Knights of Momus court, dignitaries, and distinguished attendees.

As for The Chainsmokers, comprised of Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, fans know them as part indie, part progressive, and part pop. In 2016, the group rose to worldwide stardom with three Multi-Platinum certified hits including “Closer,” featuring Halsey, which grew into the longest running No. 1 single of 2016 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and achieved Diamond certification.

Recently, The Chainsmokers released new music to include their latest building album, titled World War Joy. Additionally, the duo was recently honored with a win at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards and two wins at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. Fans can catch The Chainsmokers live this fall headlining their “WORLD WAR JOY” North American arena tour.

The duo will also maintain their extended Wynn Nightlife residency in Las Vegas and will continue releasing music and touring across the globe throughout the year.

galas music celebrities

5-Course Feast

Houston Food Bank chefs' dinner serves up generosity and gourmet flair

Photo by Emily Jaschke

William Crutcher, Benchawan "Chef G" Jabthong Painter, David Skinner, Ope Amosu, and Alejandra Salas.

Houston’s culinary crowd traded kitchen heat for philanthropic firepower on May 5 as the Houston Food Bank hosted its 26th Annual Chefs’ Dinner at Hotel ZaZa Museum District.

The evening of haute cuisine and thoughtful giving served up more than a five-course feast. The gourmand affair delivered a major boost for food-insecure families across southeast Texas.

Event chairs Farah Ahmed and Tahir Qadir rallied an energetic room of foodies, philanthropists, and civic leaders, capping the evening with remarks that inspired a flurry of last-minute generosity. A surprise anonymous matching gift of up to $25,000 sent donations soaring, with more than $61,000 raised during the dinner alone.

The menu read like a Houston restaurant hit list. Guests dined on creations from Benchawan “Chef G” Jabthong Painter of Street to Kitchen, Ope Amosu of ChopnBlok, David Skinner of Eculent & Ishtia, William Crutcher of Monarch at Hotel ZaZa, and pastry chef Alejandra SalasAl.

Meanwhile, Doe and Henry Florsheim accepted the 2026 Barbara Falik Humanitarian Award for their longstanding commitment to food security efforts. Brian Greene, president and CEO of Houston Food Bank, also shared details about the organization’s upcoming groundbreaking for its newest building while outlining the food bank’s long-term vision and continued work serving the community.

The event raised $633,640, enough to provide more than 1.9 million meals to the community.

Not bad for a Tuesday night.

Seen on the scene were Teresa and Jose Ivo, Monique Abernathy, Gordon Murray, Michele and Jeff Dodson, Cathy Easter, Sarah and Ken Fisher, Joan Hessidence and Rick Wall, Colleen and Michael Keegan, and Drs. Ruth Lopez and Steve Turley.

Photo by Emily Jaschke

William Crutcher, Benchawan "Chef G" Jabthong Painter, David Skinner, Ope Amosu, and Alejandra Salas.

chefs fundraisers houston food bank