2009 Polar Bear Plunge Chili Cookoff

Click pic for info or go to www.polarbearplungemem.org

I'm there (for the chili!)
Party on, Memphis!
iArtist

IHOP's 4th Annual National Pancake Day Celebration

With the goal of raising $1,000,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities, IHOP is celebrating its 4th Annual National Pancake Day Celebration on Tuesday, February 24, 2009.

IHOP restaurants nationwide will offer guests a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. In return, IHOP will ask guests to donate what they would have paid for the pancakes, or more, to Children’s Miracle Network or other local charities.

Be there or be hungry!
Party on, Memphis!

Brooks Museum Art of Good Taste

Here are the upcoming events for the Brooks Museum Art of Good Taste events series.

The Fleming's Wine Dinner - February 22

Brooks Uncorked - April 10 at 7pm

Patrons Dinner - May 8 at 7pm

Grand Auction - May 9 at 5pm

For more info on Brooks Museum and the Art of Good Taste events please visit www.brooksmuseum.org/theartofgoodtaste or www.theartofgoodtaste.org

THE LEGENDARY HENRY BUTLER PERFORMS IN MEMPHIS ~ A BENEFIT FOR THE BLUES FOUNDATION

From the press release.

New Orleans Piano at its Finest.

Or in the astute words of the enigmatic Dr. John "He is the pride of New Orleans and a visionistical down-home cat and a hellified piano plunker to boot."

An eight-time Blues Music Award "Best Blues Instrumentalist - Piano" award nominee, Henry Butler knows no limitations. Although blinded by glaucoma since birth, Butler is also a world class photographer with his work displayed at exhibitions throughout the United States. Playing piano since the age of six, Butler is a master of musical diversity. Combining the percussive jazz piano playing of McCoy Tyner and the New Orleans style playing of Professor Longhair through his classically trained wizardry, Butler continues to craft a sound uniquely his own. A rich amalgam of jazz, Caribbean, classical, pop, blues and R&B influences, his music is as excitingly eclectic as that of his New Orleans birthplace.

Mastering baritone horn, valve trombone and drums, in addition to the piano, at the Louisiana State School for the Blind in Baton Rouge, as a youngster, Butler began formal vocal training in the eleventh grade. He went on to sing German lieder, French and Italian art songs and operatic arias at Southern and Michigan State Universities, earning a Masters degree in vocal music. He has taught music workshops throughout the country and initiated a number of different educational projects, including a residential jazz camp at Missouri State School for the Blind and a program for blind and visually impaired students at the University of New Orleans.

Mentored by influential jazz clarinetist and Michigan State University teacher Alvin Batiste, Butler was encouraged to explore Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and other Caribbean music. With Batiste’s help, he successfully applied for National Endowment for the Arts grants to study with keyboard players George Duke, then with Cannonball Adderley’s Quintet, and the late Sir Roland Hanna. He studied with Harold Mabern, pianist for the late Lee Morgan, for a summer and spent a long afternoon studying with Professor Longhair.

While his early albums were jazz trio recordings featuring such top-notch instrumentalists as Charlie Haden and Billy Higgins, on "Fivin’ Around" in 1986, and Ron Carter and Jack DeJohnette, on "The Village" two years later, Butler has increasingly turned to New Orleans music and the blues. His 1990 album, "Orleans Inspiration," recorded with Leo Nocentelli of the Meters, was followed by "Blues And More" in 1992. Although he briefly returned to jazz with "For All Seasons" in 1996, he’s remained immersed in the blues since releasing "Blues After Sunset" in 1998.

Collaborating with Corey Harris on a duo album, "Vu-Du Menz," in 2000, Butler spent the next three years touring with the Delta blues-influenced guitarist/vocalist. That fascination with the blues has continued to be reflected in his solo work. After releasing a power-packed, all electric, blues-rock album, "The Game Has Just Begun," in 2002 on the New Orleans-based indie label Basin Street Records, Butler took things even deeper with his second release on that label, "Homeland," released in April 2004. In April 2008 Butler released his debut live album, PiaNOLA Live, a love letter to his birthplace, a work reflecting the inspiration he has long drawn from New Orleans and demonstrating how he, in turn, has given back that energy, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s musical legacy.

Click pic for more info.

JAZZ FOR ST. JUDE

Memphis Drum Shop, 878 South Cooper, will present the fourth

annual JAZZ FOR ST. JUDE Benefit Friday, December 5, 2008, at 7 p.m.

Prior to the show, Memphis Drum Shop will be joined by the Mid-South

Jazz Foundation, Inc., to host a wine-and-cheese reception at 6:15 p.m.

The Memphis Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece big band, will provide the

music; featured singers will be Marilyn Kennedy and Tom Prestigiacomo.

The evening will be a celebrated showcase of Christmas classics. Proceeds

will go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Tickets are $35 and are

available at Memphis Drum Shop, 878 South Cooper. For more

information, please call 901.272.2328 or go on-line to

www.memphisdrumshop.com.

UNE GRANDE SOIREE

Press Release;

UNE GRANDE SOIREE
Wine Tasting and Art Auction benefiting the Wings Cancer Foundation

7:00pm – 10:00pm
• Saturday, November 1 / Clark Opera Memphis Center, 6745 Wolf River Parkway, Memphis
Co-hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Ben Wheeler with Tom Prestigiacomo as Master of Ceremonies. Wine tasting from three different vineyards. Silent and Live Auctions featuring Winged Hearts painted by over 40 local artists and a special piece created for Wings by artist, Mike Maness. Music provided by the Delta Nomads.

Individual tickets can be purchased for $75 per person, or for reserved seating, a limited amount of tables of eight can be purchased for $600.

Call Wings Cancer Foundation – 901.322.2984 for more information.

To view Winged Hearts visit www.wingscancerfoundation.org

Diamonds & Divas 08

From press release,

Girls Inc. is preparing to launch an exciting new volunteer program. It will require support from the community in order make an impact on the lives of our young women. President & CEO Deborah Hester will make a special announcement at the Diamonds and Divas reception shortly after 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 30. Hester and other supporters will be available for interviews throughout the evening.

Diamonds & Divas

Thursday, October 30

5:00-6:30 p.m.

Mednikow

474 Perkins Extended

National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award Dinner and Ceremony

Freedom Award Dinner and Ceremony.
Tues, Oct 28.Memphis Cook Convention Center. 255 N Main. 521-9699, ext. 237. 6:30pm. $200. Annual award ceremony paying tribute to people whose accomplishments depict the spirit of the civil rights movement. Followed by performances by Faith Hill and Oleta Adams.

Click pic for more info or visit www.civilrightsmuseum.org.

Cirque du CMOM!

Cirque du CMOM is set for Saturday, February 7, starting at 7pm!

Yes, CMOM (Children's Museum of Memphis) One of the very best places in Memphis for kids!

For more info on this event and much more visit www.cmom.com!

The Cotton Museum's 2nd Annual Harvest Party

The Cotton Museum's 2nd Annual Harvest Party and Silent Auction. Clic pic for all the info.

The Pinktober Halloween Bash

From the press release,

HARD ROCK CAFE MEMPHIS HOSTS PINKTOBER HALLOWEEN BASH
Pinktober™ Event to Benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Memphis-MidSouth Affiliate and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hard Rock Cafe Memphis will rock out for the fight against breast cancer. On Friday, October 31, 2008, Hard Rock Cafe Memphis will host The Pinktober Halloween Bash featuring live performances by Prosevere, On A Dead Machine and DJ Tree. Proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Memphis-MidSouth Affiliate, part of the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives. The event will also feature a costume contest with a cash prize.

In addition, guests will have the chance to win a Pink Fender guitar signed by 12 Stones, Joan Red, Whiskey Penny, Surrender the Fall, Shaved, East of Innocence, Cornerstone and Who Framed Sam.

This stop is part of Hard Rock International’s Pinktober™ campaign, a month-long initiative committed to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The Pinktobercampaign includes a series of live music events at Hard Rock venues around the world that feature both established and emerging artists rockin’ for a cause. Hard Rock properties will also offer a limited-edition 2008 Hard Rock Breast Cancer Awareness Pin, T-shirt and key chain and feature a line of special Pink drinks. Proceeds* from the sale of special limited-edition 2008 Hard Rock Pinktober merchandise will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

*75% of the retail price of each pin sold and 15% of the retail price of each t-shirt and key chain sold goes directly to the cause

What:
Hard Rock Cafe Memphis Hosts Pinktober

When:
Friday, October 31, 2008,
9 p.m. Event begins

Where:
Hard Rock Cafe Memphis
315 Beale Street
Memphis, TN
901-529-0007

Admission: $1, 100% of proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Memphis-MidSouth Affiliate
Ages 18 and older welcome

Pat Bergeson with Michael Jefry Stevens Trio at the Cotton Club

For Immediate Release:

Pat Bergeson with Michael Jefry Stevens Trio at the Cotton Club

Join us Sunday, November 2, 2008 for an evening of jazz with one of today's most talented and versatile guitarists Pat Bergeson.
Nashville guitarist Pat Bergeson was Chet Atkin's protégé and is one of the most renowned session guitarists in Nashville! He has recorded and toured with Randy Travis, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Rogers, Bill Evans, Jeff Coffin, Michael McDonald, Chet Atkins, Lyle Lovett, Martin Taylor and many others.
Pat Bergeson will join Michael Jefry Steven's trip featuring Renardo Ward on drums and Bob Sunda on bass at the Cotton Museum. Two sets will be performed at 7pm and 8:30 pm. The Cotton Club is a BYOB event. Mixers and desserts will be on sale.
Admission is $15.00 in advance and $10.00 for students. General public may purchase tickets the evening of the show for $20.00. Tables are available for groups of four, please make your reservation in advance.
The Cotton Museum is located at 65 Union Avenue in Memphis Tn. For more information or to pre-purchase tickets please call us at 901-531-7826 or visit www.memphiscottonmuseum.org

Pat Bergeson with Michael Jefry Stevens Trio at the Cotton Club

For Immediate Release:

Pat Bergeson with Michael Jefry Stevens Trio at the Cotton Club

Join us Sunday, November 2, 2008 for an evening of jazz with one of today's most talented and versatile guitarists Pat Bergeson.
Nashville guitarist Pat Bergeson was Chet Atkin's protégé and is one of the most renowned session guitarists in Nashville! He has recorded and toured with Randy Travis, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Rogers, Bill Evans, Jeff Coffin, Michael McDonald, Chet Atkins, Lyle Lovett, Martin Taylor and many others.
Pat Bergeson will join Michael Jefry Steven's trip featuring Renardo Ward on drums and Bob Sunda on bass at the Cotton Museum. Two sets will be performed at 7pm and 8:30 pm. The Cotton Club is a BYOB event. Mixers and desserts will be on sale.
Admission is $15.00 in advance and $10.00 for students. General public may purchase tickets the evening of the show for $20.00. Tables are available for groups of four, please make your reservation in advance.
The Cotton Museum is located at 65 Union Avenue in Memphis Tn. For more information or to pre-purchase tickets please call us at 901-531-7826 or visit www.memphiscottonmuseum.org

A Night In The Village

From the press release,

7:30 p.m. - Requiem Works
“Choral Evensong”
St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
692 Poplar Ave., free secured parking
Organist and choirmaster Wesley Emerson and the combined Cathedral and Grace St. Luke’s Choirs will perform favorite Requiem selections.
(Concert is free and open to the public)

8:30 p.m. – Irish Wake
Club rooms of Woodruff-Fontaine House
680 Poplar Ave.
Irish stew and drinks, Celtic music by Planet Reel
“Funeralize” Linn Sitler
See Linn climb into her coffin and rebut the eulogies given by friends
Gospel music by Di Anne Price
Tour Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum to see the Mourning Costume Exhibit.
Docents promise to share their ghost stories!

10:30 p.m. – After Party
Mollie Fontaine Lounge
679 Adams Ave.
First drink free with admission ticket

Advance tickets $50 – limited capacity.
Black attire, of course!
For tickets and info call 901.523.0235
Email info@victorianvillageinc.org

We hope to see you there!
www.victorianvillageinc.org

Curtain Up: A Taste of Playhouse

Get ready for one of Memphis' most unique parties, Curtain Up: A Taste of Playhouse!

Click on the pic for all the details!

Party on, Memphis!
iArtist

Party Like a Rockstar!

Whoo Hooo!

The Grand Krewe of Ptolemy is having their fall party themed "Party Like a Rockstar" on Friday, November 7 starting at 7:30 at Ernestine & Hazels.

Cheers, and party on Memphis!
iArtist

Backstage Ball III: "Red Carpet Rodeo"

Thursday, November 13, 2008 beginning at 7:00 pm.

That is when Backstage Ball III: "Red Carpet Rodeo" is set to begin.

Click pic for details.

Be there or ... well, just be there.

Santa Paws!!

Party on Memphis,
And click the pic for more info or go to www.spaymemphis.com

iArtist

The Memphis Wine Opener

From the press release,

"The Memphis Wine Opener to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will be held November 7, 2008at the Memphis Area Homebuilders Association,776 N Germantown Pkwy in Cordova, TN. The Memphis Wine Opener will be a relaxed, yet lively, evening for 350 expected guests. SIP GREAT WINES poured by international and domestic wineries. SAVOR GREAT CUISINE presented at festive tasting stations, where the area's hottest chefs prepare their specialties just for you. Along with delicious food and wine pairings, guests will be treated to lively auctions and entertainment by the band, “Magi”.

Time: 7:00-11:00 PM

Tickets: Reserved Table of 10 - $700; Individual Ticket - $70

Call (901) 818-9090 for more information."

Party on Memphis!
iArtist

Les Passees' 2008 Cabaret

This annual black-tie event ia scheduled for November 22 at the Hilton Hotel. This year after the presentation of the Living Ads expect lots of dining and dancing with community and family enjoying the music of Soul Shockers.

For more info visit lpmemphis.org

Rock n Roll, Brews and Q

From the press release,

"On Friday, October 24, 2008, The Orpheum Theatre will host Rock n Roll, Brews and Q at The Warehouse, 36 East GE Patterson between Main St. and Front St. All tickets are $25, and space is limited.

The event celebrates The Orpheum’s 80th anniversary with three other important Memphis institutions- music, beer, and BBQ. Rock n Roll, Brews, and Q looks to reach out to those young professionals who will support and preserve our Theatre and as a result come to define the future of our great city.

Admission includes entrance, complimentary wine, Corky’s BBQ, and Boscos beer. There will be a silent auction including original art by Mike Maness and David Lynch. Tickets to an upcoming Orpheum show are also up for bid. .

The event will feature a performance by local rock group John Paul Keith & the One Four Fives.

Doors open at 7pm. BBQ until 9pm. Wine and beer all night long. Band starts at 8:30pm.

Again, space is limited and tickets are now on sale at the Orpheum Theatre Box Office at 203 South Main or by calling 901-525-3000, online at www.orpheum-memphis.com, Davis-Kidd booksellers, and all Ticketmaster outlets."

Now this one is tomorrow and has limited space so go ahead and visit www.orpheum-memphis.com and reserve your seat today

Eighth Annual Hollywood Casino Red Carpet Bash

It's that time again, St Jude's Annual Hollywood Casino Red Carpet Bash, This year the theme is 80's and "will feature an extraordinary dinner selection with eclectic flair." Check out www.stjude.org for more info

Party on Memphis!
iArtist

André!

André Bruce Ward, Costume designer for Theater Memphis for the past 30 years is being honored Friday, November 21, 2008 at 7 pm at Theater Memphis with the release of André: Thirty Years of Costume Design at Theater Memphis. Also there will be an exibition of sketches, costumes and photographs, as well as cabaret performances! All proceeds will be donated back to Theater Memphis. Click on pic for more info or call 901.682.8323.

Party on Memphis!
iArtist

October 2008 Go Girl Gathering

Next we have the October 2008 Go Girl Gathering
Sunday, October 26, 2008, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Coldwater Creek inside Wolfchase Galleria Mall, Cordova, TN.

There will be lots of power networking going on so don't forget your business cards!

Grown up girls and guys welcome! R.S.V.P. to GGG@womenofsss.org

Please visit www.womenofsss.org to learn more.

Memphis Farmers Market Dinner Tour

Hey Everybody!

I know it has been awhile since my last update, so here we go!

There is lot's going on here in Memphis so let's get to it

First off is the Memphis Farmers Market 2008 Winter Dinner Tour, where"Six great chefs take on the challenge of creating locally sourced meals throughout the Winter and Spring."

For more information click the pic to the left or visit

www.memphisfarmersmarket.org

Spark Hope. Ignite Action. Meet Cory Booker; October 17

"The Leadership Academy Fellows are pleased to welcome one of the most exiting leaders in office today: The Honorable Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. A dynamic and inspirational speaker, Mayor Booker's actions make him the very model leader we aspire to nurture, motivate and empower in Memphis.

Join us for an afternoon that is sure to kindle the flames of hope and ignite action in all of us.

Leadership Academy Annual Luncheon
11:30 a.m. Registration * Noon - 1:30 p.m. Program
Friday, October 17 * Hilton Memphis
Tickets: $50 Per Person or $500 Per Table

Seating is limited. Reserve your seat today: leadershipacademy.org"

Party on Memphis!
iArtist

The 4th Annual “An Evening by Request”

“An Evening By Request, the annual dinner, in its fourth year, will be hosted by Catholic Charities, Inc. on October 17, 2008 at Woodland Hills Banquet Center, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.

The 4th Annual “An Evening by Request” will be an evening filled with live music, dining, dancing, and a silent/live auction for those looking to do early holiday shopping. The main draw for the event will be Cherry and the Subtonics. Songs sung by the group will be chosen by the audience at the dinner.

“We are looking forward to this year’s ‘An Evening By Request,’” said Carolyn Tisdale, Agency Director of Catholic Charities, Inc. “This is a great opportunity for us to get to know the parishioners of our local parishes and for Catholic Charities to show the community what we are all about.”

Keeping with tradition Catholic Charities, Inc. will continue to have a car raffle at this years’ event. The car, a 1965 Ford Mustang with original interior and black exterior, will be given away at the end of the night. Raffle tickets are currently available. The proceeds from this event benefit the programs of Catholic Charities, Inc. (CCI), one of the largest nonprofit, multi-social service providers in the Mid-South. Under Tisdale’s leadership, CCI programs are daily improving the lives of the citizens of West Tennessee."

Party on Memphis!
iArtist

UNICO Christmas Gala Silent Auction and Dinner Dance

"UNICO Christmas Gala Silent Auction and Dinner Dance
Saturday, December 13, 2008
6:00pm
Germantown Athletic Club
1900 S. Germantown Road (front entrance)

UNICO supports local charities with the funds raised from their events. They will be contributing $25,000.00 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital very soon.

They also support Church Health Center, Ave Maria Nursing Home, St. Peter Villa, Memphis Food Bank, Madonna Learning Center, SRVS and many more.

UNICO is a national Italian American Service organization with a Chapter in Memphis."

Party on Memphis!
iArtist

Conservation Through Art '08

"Conservation Through Art, an initiative started in 2005 by ArtsMemphis and Ducks Unlimited as a way to raise both funds and awareness for wildlife conservation, local arts groups and environmental education, is back this year with a week’s worth of events that focus on the outdoors and the arts. FedEx Corporation is the sponsor of Conservation Through Art 2008.

Conservation Through Art opens Sunday, October 19th. Events include:

• Sunday, October 19th, 2-5 p.m.: Family Day at Shelby Farms. Free and open to the public. Activities include fishing, decoy painting, outdoor conservation and recreation games, working-dog demonstrations, duck-calling lessons, a special outdoor performance by Voices of the South, and much more. Family Day is presented by Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation and supported by the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation.
Produced in partnership with the Great Outdoors University, a youth conservation program of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation. The mission of the Great Outdoors University is to connect kids with the great outdoors in lasting, meaningful ways. In Memphis, GOU participants range in age from 7 to 17 and would not likely have the opportunity to learn about and experience the outdoors otherwise.

• Tuesday, October 21st, 7 p.m.: Richard Louv, co-founder and chair of the Children & Nature Network and the author of the bestseller Last Child in the Woods, will present his work and propose opportunities for the Memphis community at two events. Richard Louv is presented by the Hyde Family Foundations and will give an address at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre. The talk is free and open to the public (reserve seats by contacting Bonnie Shelby at 901/578-2787 or bshelby@artsmemphis.org). Louv’s work inspired the formation of the Great Outdoors University as well as a national movement to “Leave No Child Inside.” His expertise with what he terms “nature-deficit disorder” is now the basis for a federal action to increase nature education programs in schools across the country. He has been profiled in numerous publications including The New York Times, Scientific American, the Christian Science Monitor, Boston Globe, San Francisco Chronicle, as well as on NPR’s Morning Edition, CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, salon.com and many more. There will also be a luncheon and presentation by Louv that day at Ducks Unlimited; invitation only.

• Thursday, October 23rd: Exhibit and auction of hunting club photography by Murray Riss Unveiling of new book, First Shooting Light, published by ArtsMemphis. First Shooting Light is a photographic journal offering an insider’s view of 19 exclusive hunting clubs in the Mississippi Flyway area. First Shooting Light features historic interviews with club members and extraordinary photographs by Murray Riss. The book will be unveiled a special sponsors-only reception and exhibit that includes an auction of Riss’ photography. This event is invitation-only and will be at Ray & Baudoin Interior Design, 169 Racine. This beautiful documentary will be available at area booksellers and through ArtsMemphis. ArtsMemphis currently is taking preorders for the book at www.artsmemphis.org/book.

• Friday, October 24th: Gary Guyette of Guyette & Schmidt Inc. will be doing walk-in decoy appraisals from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ducks Unlimited’s headquarters. He will also do appraisals by appointment only on Saturday the 25th. Call Gary at 410/924-5678 to set up an appointment.

• Saturday, October 25th, 7 p.m.: Celebration Dinner at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Cocktails at 7 p.m.; dinner to follow at 8 p.m. The dinner is honor of brothers Allen B. Morgan Jr. and Henry W. Morgan, native Memphians and enthusiastic supporters of both the arts and conservation efforts. Tickets are $1,000 per person; $500 per person for individuals under 30. Includes a live auction.

For more information on Conservation Through Art or any of the events, please contact ArtsMemphis at 901/578-2787 or visit www.artsmemphis.org/cta. Proceeds from Conservation Through Art sponsorships, ticket sales, book sales, donations and auction will fund the local arts community through ArtsMemphis and habitat conservation through Ducks Unlimited. Gifts also will be made to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens and the Great Outdoors University."

Party on Memphis!
iArtist

Hey everybody, iArtist here!

Otherwise know as Patrick Akers. I am the artist for RSVP Magazine here in Memphis, Tennessee. The powers that be here at RSVP have asked me to take over the duties of our Online Calendar. After looking at our current calendar I thought it might be good to try a new approach to informing our loyal readers sooooo, here it is! The brand spanking new, RSVP's What' Going On blog. Straight from my e-mail to your web browser, all the upcoming events that we here at RSVP Magazine receive for Memphis/Shelby County Tennessee area.

So. If there are any events, functions or fundraisers that you would like for me to include on our blog just shoot me an e-mail at production@rsvpmagazine.com and let me know about it.

Come back often for updates, and any feedback at all will be much appreciated!

Party on Memphis!

iArtist