The official arrival of autumn sounds the beginning of scores of social gatherings for the bigwigs of philanthropy. There is no such thing as a fermata (musical pause), either, for the next generation of Houston's good Samaritans. Such a group gathered at OKRA Charity Saloon as a prelude to Houston Symphony's centennial season.
The orchestra's Young Professionals Backstage, referred to as the YPBs, mixed and mingled over tall beers, vino, grilled paninis and the pub's signature fried okra in anticipation of upcoming performances. Since the symphony was selected as one of a handful nonprofits eligible for OKRA's funds in September, they also tallied potential votes to hear the sweet melody of loot at the end of the month.
The more adventurous types chose to show their loyalty by rubbing temporary Houston Symphony tattoos on their bodies.
Other more adventurous types chose to show their loyalty by rubbing temporary Houston Symphony tattoos on their bodies.
What's on tap for this classically tuneful company? The $120 three-concert subscription includes "Luck Be a Lady" with Megan Hilty from NBC's Smash and Sean Saves the World in November, "The Planets and The Earth – An HD Odyssey," led by music director designate Andrés Orozco-Estrada in January, and "Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet" with Hans Graf in April.
Amid the cacophony of personalities rubbing elbows with chief marketing officer Glenn Taylor and associate principal second violin Tina Zhang were Katie Chachere, Kristin Kruse, Allison Lott, Jonathan Cohen, Kali Sellars, WindSync's Tracy Jacobson and Garrett Hudson, 47 Strings' Meghan Caulkett, Houston Grand Opera vocalist Liam Bonner, Samuel Moreno, Edward Heap and Lindsay Cannings.
Meghan Caulkett and Garrett Hudson at the Houston Symphony Young Professionals Backstage kick-off party.
