26th Season Gala
Memories from the 2005–2006
26th Season Gala
On Friday, October 14th, San Francisco Performances celebrated its twenty-sixth season with Swing, Strings & Song, a special jazz gala featuring violinist Regina Carter, vocalist Paula West, pianist Fred Hersch and the Alexander String Quartet at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum and Theatre.
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Click on each thumbnail image to see the full-size photograph with caption.
Among the 300 guests were Richard Harding, representing Title Sponsor Wells Fargo Bank, Honorary Chairs Ed and Mary Etta Moose, San Francisco Performances Trustees, and many local business, civic and cultural leaders.
The festivities began with a cocktail reception in the theater lobby. Guests then made their way to the Forum, which was decorated in rich hues of purple and green, where they were greeted with a gift cd, featuring the evening’s artists. Guests dined on a delicious dinner provided by Melon’s Catering.
Gala Chairs Roswitha Goeppert-Woolley and Philomena King welcomed the guests and shared some heartfelt words about jazz and music education. Board Chair Frank Bayley thanked the evening's sponsors and patrons, and introduced Richard Harding who passionately spoke of Wells Fargo's strong commitment to the arts and San Francisco Performances. Frank then introduced SFP President Ruth Felt who shared some insights about the artists and their relationship with San Francisco Performances.
After dinner, everyone moved to the theater to enjoy the performance. Among the many highlights were the Alexander String Quartet and Fred Hersch performance of an original piece Rain Waltz composed by Mr. Hersch and a wonderful duet between Ms. Carter and Mr. Hersch of Emily. The performance concluded with a special encore featuring Mr. Hersch, Ms. West and Ms. Carter performing one of Ms. West’s hits, Bye Bye Blackbird.
Following the concert, guests returned to the Forum which had been transformed into a cabaret. They were greeted by trays of champagne, enjoyed a sumptuous assortment of desserts and danced to the sounds of Le Jazz Hot. Regina Carter and Paula West joined the festivities.
In total the Gala raised more than $175,000 in support of San Francisco Performances' stellar education and community programs.
San Francisco Performances greatly acknowledges the work of the gala committee and the many individuals who contributed to the success of this year's event. San Francisco Performances also extends a special thanks to Title Sponsor Wells Fargo; Platinum Sponsors, Citigroup, Houlihan, Lokey, Howard & Zukin, Maurice Kanbar and Sequoia Capital; and our many other supporters for making Swing, Strings & Song a success.
Previous Years’ Season Galas
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