Springtime perfection

Young professionals polish off 800 pounds of crawfish at a sunny Buffalo Bayou bash

What a delightful springtime afternoon for an al fresco shindig Saturday, which is surely why more than 700 young professionals streamed for the Buffalo Bayou Partnership's young professionals party. The "Bayou Bash," hosted by the eco-conscious cluster knows as the Bayou Buddies, baked in the sunshine that made the Sabine to Bagby Promenade a rolling meadow in which to see and be seen.

But it wasn't a good day for crawfish as more than 800 pounds of steamy crustaceans, provided by Louisiana Foods, were no match for the hungry crowd, who were hanging loose around picnic tables and tents. The only survivors were Speedy, Sunshine and Summer, the three crawly creatures that entertained guests at the Yelp crawfish race.

It wasn't a good day for crawfish as more than 800 pounds of steamy crustaceans, provided by Louisiana Foods, were no match for the hungry crowd.

And beer? Who knows how many kegs of Saint Arnold Brewing Company suds were siphoned dry. Barefoot Wine & Bubbly mimosas were just as in-demand.

A waterside stage was home base for bands Electric Attitude and The Journey Agents to add their lively tunes — not far from the quay from where pontoon boats sailed up and down the gentle currents.

All the outdoor fun didn't distract from the event's mission, which raised $30,000 through a silent auction that featured goodies such as a Revival Market basket, art by Mei Chang Stansbury and travel packages.

Basking in the sun with executive director Anne Olson and PR director Trudi Smith were good-doing Young Professionals from Gensler, Frost Bank, Katy Optiks and The Morgan Group, alongside Jason Fuller, Tom Broughton, Meghan Miller, Bill Kelly, Kellie Dupree, Daniel Romero, Bob Fretz, Leslye Weaver, Suzanne Weaver, Jack Blanton, Thomas Thornton, Caroline Urquhart, John Andell, Tony Essalih and Brittany Taggart.

Amy Langton, from left, Elva Franco, Katie Chachere, Ally Daum and Andrea Mitchell

Bayou Buddies Bash April 2013 Amy Langton, Elva Franco, Katie Chachere, Ally Daum and Andrea Mitchell

Photo by Morris Malakoff

Amy Langton, from left, Elva Franco, Katie Chachere, Ally Daum and Andrea Mitchell

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Music and Wine

White tie elegance fuels Houston Symphony Ball to $1.2 million

Photo by Priscilla Dickson Photography and Jacob Power Photography

Lisa Rydman Lindsey, John and Lindy Rydman, and Alan Key.

White tie, red drapery, and a little Bordeaux energy — the Houston Symphony Ball skipped the prelude and went straight to party.

Photo by Priscilla Dickson Photography and Jacob Power Photography

Lisa Rydman Lindsey, John and Lindy Rydman, and Alan Key.

The Houston Symphony celebrated its annual signature gala at The Post Oak Hotel. Chaired by Lindy Rydman and John Rydman, the evening drew inspiration from “Musique et Vin,” an homage to the timeless harmony between music and wine.

Guests, white tie encouraged (and enthusiastically embraced), stepped into a ballroom transformed into a European reverie. Décor by The Events Company leaned into old world romance. Set against rich red drapery, the design evoked the grandeur of historic concert halls and the mystique of storied vineyards.

Chef Jean-Luc Royere crafted a menu that reflected the ball’s refined culinary inspiration. Between courses, guests browsed a thoughtfully curated silent auction featuring luxury items and exclusive experiences. The bidding added liveliness to the evening.

And then, as the final plates were cleared, the mood shifted.

The dance floor came alive thanks to high-energy entertainment by Q the Band, whose performance was underwritten by ARCA Continental/Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. By evening’s end, the Symphony Ball had raised $1.2 million in support of the orchestra’s artistic programming and industry-leading education and community initiatives.

On the scene were Gary Ginstling, Margaret Alkek Williams, Barbara and Pat McCelvey, Devorah and David Krieger, Barbara Burger, Jesse Tutor, Ann and Jonathan Ayre, Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Betsy and Fredric Weber, Vicki West and Ralph Burch, David Peavy and Stephen McCauley, Hallie Vanderhider, Brigitte Kalai, Brett and Erin Busby, Matthew and Lil Kades, Tom and Carrie Field, Rini and Edward Ziegler, Alice Mao Brams and Matt Brams, Chris Cheever, Diane Morales, Lisa Rydman Lindsey, Mike Parsons, Aoife and David Cummingham, Jerre Williams, Gretchen and Jay Watkins, and Anne and Albert Chao.