Houston Arts Alliance supporters were captivated by the energy and magnetism of film and television director, producer and writer Lee Daniels, as he entertained a gathering of 300 at Hotel ZaZa during "An Intimate Evening With Lee Daniels."
From growing up in the projects of Philadelphia to reaching a Hollywood pinnacle as the first sole African-American producer of an Academy Award-winning film, Monster's Ball, his story was compelling, humorous and poignant. The entertainment mogul shared the personal experiences that have influenced his directorial work on the hit television series Empire and films Precious and The Butler.
While Philamena Baird chaired the evening and Marie Bosarge served as honorary chair, there was an impressive contingent of honorary hosts. They included Kenneth Gayle, Evin Thayer, Reggie and Leigh Smith, Alton LaDay and HAA president and CEO Jonathon Glus.
The heavy-hitter guest list included Mathew Knowles and his wife Gena, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, former ambassador Arthur Schechter, and a host of city council members —Jerry Davis, Mike Laster, Steve Costello, Larry Green and Michael Kubosh.
HAA board chair Marc Melcher and Cullen Geiselman were among those transfixed by Daniels' story as were Angela and D'Artagnan Bebel, Bill Goldberg, Victoria and Randall Jamail, Gene Locke, Poppi Massey, Yvonne and Rufus Cormier, Emily Church, Lester Marks, Cheryl and Percy Creuzot and Leslie and Brad Bucher.
Gena Knowles, from left, Lee Daniels and Matthew Knowles.
