While it was blazing hot in Houston over the weekend a few Medical Center docs and supporters were keeping their cool in Aspen and oh how we wanted to be there with them. It was the finale of three medical-affiliated happenings in Aspen last week that concluded on Friday when The Methodist Hospital Center for the Performing Arts Medicine presented its dog and pony show.

Earlier in the week, M.D. Anderson and then the St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital System each informed and wooed potential donors vacationing in Aspen with medical-minded presentations and social gatherings in the swank mountain aeries of big-time supporters.

CPAM, as the Methodist center is affectionately known, provided a group of physicians to present a program at the Aspen Music Festival on medical risks that are unique to musicians. The "Stay on Stage" presentation was led by Dr. Dick Stasney, founder of the performing arts program at Methodist, and included Dr. Keith Reeves, Dr. Evan Collins and Dr. Richard Fish.

Also lending their expertise were Stephen King, chair of vocal studies at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music; Rita Sloan, professor of collaborative piano at the University of Maryland School of Music; Andrew Todd, director of music at Christ Episcopal Church in Aspen; and John Rojak, bass trombonist of the American Brass Quintet.

Mixing work with Rocky Mountain pleasure, the docs and supporters of CPAM and the Aspen Music Festival were treated to lunch at the summer home of Nanette and Jerry Finger following the morning program. That evening, Stasney and his wife, Susan, invited the elite group of physicians, musicians and friends of the arts to the swell Roaring Fork Club for an intimate dinner.

Breaking bread with the Stasneys were Jana and Scotty Arnoldy, Leslie and Jack Blanton Jr., Dr. Alexander Dell, Dr. Bud Frazier and Debbie and Vidal Martinez.

A sweet break for the Astros

Sprinkles Cupcakes was packed at midday Friday when three key Astros and their wives sold the sweet treats for the benefit of the Houston Area Women's Center. No slouches these celebs of the sports world. Mark Melancon and wife Mary Catherine, Clint Barmes and wife Summer and Humberto Quintero and Michelle showed just what good sports they can be. The restocked the display cases, posed for photos and signed autographs.

And they encouraged those with a sweet tooth to pick up the special Astros red velvet cupcakes, proceeds from the sale of which will go to the Astros Wives Organization which in turn supports the women's center. The donation building goes on through this Friday with Sprinkles making a minimum donation of $10,000.

That windfall will be added to proceeds from the Astros Wives' Black Tie and Baseball Caps, set for Aug. 18 on the field (albeit covered) at Minute Maid Park. Summer and Mary Catherine are chairing the gala with Michelle chairing the silent auction.

A brilliant idea

When Sheridan Williams was casting about for a really cool place to throw a ladies luncheon in the middle of the summer, she checked in with the new Tootsies in West Ave and decided that the beautiful party salon at one end of the store's grand concourse would be the perfect setting. Indeed, when owner Mickey Rosmarin imagined the space with mirrored walls, terrazzo floors and towering potted palms, fashionable gatherings were at the forefront of his design.

Sheridan booked the unique party space, called the caterer (Tony Mandola's for seafood gumbo and avocados filled with shrimp and crab salad), lined up rich lavender linens, ordered complimentary fragrant peonies and invited a coterie of 21 well-heeled sophisticates who just happened to be in town last week.

Then Mickey stepped in with his creative flourish and tapped his close friend songbird Yvonne Washington to add a lively touch to the proceedings. In a total surprise to guests, she sashayed down the concourse, red umbrella in hand singing "When the Saints Go Marching In" with an entourage of musicians and Mickey in tow. Throughout the luncheon, she crooned soothing tunes while the ladies sipped champagne, iced tea and other cooling liquids.

Swaying to the tunes and swooning over the designer threads presented in informal modeling were Laura Sweeney, Greggory Burk, Melinda Berkman, Diane Connally, Lora Clemmons and Janet Gurwitch. More than a few of the ladies stayed over for shopping for the designer entourage that included Monique Lhuillier, Michael Kors, Zac Posen and Jason Wu.

The luncheon was such a success that Sheridan convinced Mickey to donate a similar midday treat as an auction item for the Nov. 5 Houston Children's Charity gala. Who wouldn't want to bid on the Valentine's-themed luncheon in February featuring champagne and catered feast for 20, informal modeling and the presentation by Mickey of a $5,000 gift card to the hostess? Sweet.

Sight 'ems

Drucie Chase celebrating her milestone birthday (we're not telling which) at a center table in Tony's where she was surrounded by loads of family. While her husband, architect John Chase, was ill and unable to attend, their three children and spouses were there — John Chase Jr. and Brenda Peters Chase, Tony Chase and Dina Alsowayel and Saundria Chase Gray and Jerome Gray. Also in the mix were the birthday girl's sister, Johnnie B Van Dyke, who flew in from Austin for the big day; grandson Asa Davis Chase and family friend Edith King.