Party Watch

Houston’s young and chic rally for Symphony with wine and flair

What: Houston Symphony Young Associates Council Tasting Notes: A Wine and Spirits Pairing Dinner

Where: Andiron

The scoop: Members of the Houston Symphony's Young Associates Council and friends raised a glass — or several, but who’s counting for a good cause. The exclusive and charming evening drew eager oenophiles and symphony fans who enjoyed a thoughtfully curated experience for the taste buds and the soul.

The evening opened with a lively cocktail hour, where the chic A-listers mingled over hand-crafted potions. Chef Michael O'Connor's Andiron team prepared a multi-course tasting menu, with each dish paired with a selection of wines and spirits that elevated the flavors. Adding a touch of melodious elegance, Houston Symphony musicians Boson Mo on violin and Sheldon Person on viola performed a set featuring Spanish and French arrangements. Europe without a plane ride? We’re in.

With Aprill Nelson, Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl, and Kirby Lodholz at the helm, the proceeds contributed to the Houston Symphony’s Wine Dinner and Auction, directly supporting the symphony’s Education and Community Engagement programs.

Who: Javita Alexander, Kimberly and James Bell, Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl, Lindsay Buchanan and Brian Fisher, Elizabeth Condie, Ray Dennison, Logan and Charles Dresser, Sarah and Reza Ebrahimi, Gonzalo Farias, Laurel Flores and Matt Weathers, Blaine Fulmer, Amy Goodpasture, Roya Gordon, Mario Gudmundsson, China Howard, Jonathan Jan, Paul Kirchkoff, Jeremy Kreutz, David Lodholz, Maxine Olefsky and Justin Kenney, Sagar Patel, Lauren Price and Gator Adams, Nikki Reddy, Anthony Sanchez Rodriguez Lee, Liana and Andrew Schwaitzberg, Crystal and Hussein Shel, Melanie Smith, Jen Torres, Stephanie Weber and Paul Muri.

Houston Symphony Young Associates Andiron dinner

Photo by Johnny Tran

Aprill Nelson, Kirby Lodholz, and Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl.

houston symphony young professionals fundraisers

Party Watch

Houston Public Library Foundation marks 120 years of inspiring learning

What: The Houston Public Library Foundation 120th Anniversary Luncheon

Where: Julia Ideson Building

The scoop: To celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Houston Public Library, more than 200 guests, including academics, elected officials, industry leaders, and philanthropists, gathered for a luncheon inside the historic Julia Ideson Building. Event chairs Michele Leal Farah and Mimi Brown hosted the affair, which featured a compelling keynote by Pulitzer Prize-winning author and University of Houston professor Cristina Garza, who shared personal reflections on the power of literature.

Mayor John Whitmire added remarks on the importance of keeping one’s imagination active through reading. The luncheon raised $235,000 to support the foundation’s mission of lifelong learning, thanks in part to sponsors including the Astros Foundation and H-E-B.

Who: Becky Reyes, Cindy Garza, LaDonna Weems, Federico Salas-Isnardi, Alice Hahn, Sally Evans, Jose Medrano, Rome Street, Neha Goyal, Susan Hanzik, Kate Dentler, Sarah Lenny, Hope Obika, Sofia Gonzalez, Rosalinda Martinez, Cathryn Martinez, Katy Bacon, Sofia Jimenez, Nicole Jimenez, Rocio Mendoza, Lucia Mendoza, Cathy Shu, Ada Wang, Julie Finck, Katy Tsuru, Christina Gola, and Lauren Gottlieb-Miller.

Houston Public Library Foundation luncheon 2024

Photo by Quy Tran

Jason Smith, Mayor John Whitmire, Council Member Julian Ramirez.