Priceless. That's the best way to describe the look on honoree Harry Webb's face when Houston Chamber Choir singers Sonja Bruzauskas and Lauren Pastorek, in darling 1920s flapper duds plus feather boas and fascinators, tap danced over to his seat in a surprising move to escort him back to center stage.
There he was, sitting on a high stool, beaming as if he were a school boy while these fetching dolls blew him kisses, waved flirtatiously and did the Charleston. Surely you could understand why the 200 some guests roared when he kicked up his heels, borrowed a feather accessory and joined a can-can chorus line to the tune of "I'm Just Wild About Harry," arranged by Houston Chamber Choir artist Ryan Stickney.
The gala, held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Rice Hotel Sunday, was the most successful in the organization's history.
Those who are acquainted with Webb know that he's the humble quiet type, that he prefers to work behind the scenes. Applause goes to honorary chair Jan Barrow, artistic director Robert Simpson and board president Frances Kittrell for convincing Webb, after declining for three years, to allow the ensemble to properly express thanks to a gent who's volunteered time and donated money for many, many years.
And, of course, more applause to the Houston Chamber Choir for a charming performance that also included lively renditions of Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies" and Gershwin's "Fidgety Feet."
The gala, held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Rice Hotel Sunday, was the most successful in the organization's history. With the help of a silent auction that featured art by Kelley Devine and Felipe Lopez plus wine baskets, weekend getaways and staycation packages, the event raised more than $100,000, a number that made executive director Becky Tobin a happy gal, particularly as the choir implements projects such as the "Rise Up Singing!" program at The Rusk School and the soon to-be-recorded album of commissions from Christopher Theofanidis, Jocelyn Hagen and Dominick DiOrio.
Enjoying the glitz and glam of the roaring era were Todd Frazier, Melissa McCrimmon and Eric Larson, Stephen Tobin, Frank Hood, Diane Webb, Margot and John Cater, Martha and Marc Cuenod, Mary and Jerry Caliendo, Houston Haymon, Jacenta Barel and Brent Perekoppi, Nancy and Mark Wozny and David Whorton.
Members of the Houston Chamber Choir singing "Wild About Harry."
