Party Watch
Mardi Gras-like gala with historic ties is a crowning affair, even if it is a little backwards
What: No-Tsu-Oh Gala.
Where: Magnolia Ballroom.
The 411: It was a royal affair as nearly 150 guests frolicked at Houston Arts and Media’s No-Tsu-Oh gala. The event was patterned after a local Mardi Gras-like carnival held annually from 1899 to 1915 and characterized by the backwards spelling of words, including its moniker (Houston spelled backwards).
The whimsical evening boasted music by the Kit Reid quintet, readings from a soothsayer and games, ranging from a Houston history trivia contest to Pin-the-Houston-building on the map.
The evening’s crowning moment came when former Houston Museum of Natural Science director Truett Latimer was named King Nottoc XVII (cotton spelled backwards) and City of Houston assistant for cultural affairs Minnette Boesel as Queen Ailongam (magnolia transposed) of the festivities.
Attendees, who were dressed to impress in Edwardian fashions and business attire, enjoyed a buffet prepared by Jim Benton catering featuring a mashed potato bar, and an auction with items that included Houston Astros game-used bats and lunch for four with former Texas Gov. Mark White and former Texas Lieutenant Gov. Bill Hobby.
Who: Annette Wilzig, Chris Pando, Kevin Topek, Mindy Vanderford, Harris County Treasurer Orlando Sanchez, Diana DuCroz, Randy Pace, Mike Vance, Nimra Haroon, Anna Mod, Beth Bownlee, Ann Becker, Joan Johnson and Thomas and Merriann McWhorter.