The Scene In and Around Boston . . .
By Hilda M. Morrill
February 9, 2007
 “Big Night 8” co-chairman Joe Ayoub, left, and his wife Christa, second from right, have their picture taken at the “Prom-themed” gala with the legendary band members of The Bangles.
(Photo by Jeff Thiebauth)
Co-chaired by Joe Ayoub of Nutter, McClennen & Fish and Jim Pallotta of the Tudor Investment Corporation, the “Big Night 8” Gala took place on January 20 at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center. The glittery event raised an astounding 1.8 million dollars for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay.
It was “back to the prom and high school all over again” as more than 1,000 guests—all decked out in their “tuxedos and taffetas”—joined with the Boston College Marching Band and the Tufts cheerleaders for an amazing night of great food and great dancing to the tunes of two legendary 80’s hit bands, The Bangles and Hall & Oates.
We hear that plans are already underway for “Big Night 9.” Congratulations and Best Wishes all around!
“Vacation Week Adventures” Scheduled at MFA
From Monday, February 19 – Friday, February 23, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, will host “Vacation Week Adventures” featuring a wide range of activities and live performances inspired by the Italian Renaissance.
Kids and their families are encouraged to explore the masterpieces on view in the exhibition “Donatello to Giambologna: Italian Renaissance Sculpture,” then create their own sculptures in either clay or mosaics.
In addition, there will be live Renaissance music and dance performances throughout the week, by the “Renaissonics” and “Seven Times Salt”—as well as improvisational performances by the Underground Railway Theatre, and story hours for younger children.
Incidentally, Monday, February 19 marks the “4th Annual Chisels and Chainsaws Competition” on the museum’s lawn, where families can watch local college students carve 600-lb blocks of ice. The families will be invited to vote on their favorite creations.
The MFA’s “School Vacation Week” activities, which run daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., are free for children 17 and under with paid adult admission. ALS interpretation is available for select programs, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For complete details on the many individual events, log onto the calendar section of
www.mfa.org.
Flower Show Returns to Bayside Expo in March
It will be here before we know it. We refer to the 2007 “New England Spring Flower Show,” which is sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. And, with it comes “The Preview Party,” one of the best, and most beautiful, gala benefits of the Boston Social Calendar!
For several days prior to opening to the public on Saturday, March 17, the miracle that is the Flower Show will begin to take place at the Bayside Exposition Center in Boston. This year’s theme is “Yes, You Can!”
Trucks and vans loaded with precious cargo begin to arrive along with hundreds of workers and volunteers who have been planning and plotting for months on end.
If you can only go once, and the budget permits, the Preview Party and Gala Dinner is the ideal. The black-tie optional event takes place on Friday evening, March 16 — literally just hours after the finishing touches have been applied.
This year a dramatic 6,000 square-foot seascape will take center stage, drawing visitors through windswept sand dunes exhibiting the hardy plants that thrive there. The seashore sights will then roll into a festive and whimsical setting – a staged private party held in an imaginary host’s lush garden.
Twenty-four of New England’s top interior designers have paired with members of the American Institute of Floral Design to create unique and imaginative tabletops depicting the “Seaside Garden Party” theme. At the Preview Party, the tables will be on view during the cocktail hour, later becoming the setting of the fundraising Gala Dinner.
Candy O’Terry, the on-air creator and co-host of Magic 106.7’s “Exceptional Women” program, will emcee. Afterwards, the tables will be refreshed and kept on display for the public to enjoy during the run of the Show—through Sunday, March 25.
The Preview Party will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and strolling musicians. It will also include several new elements, including a signature cocktail – the Beach Plum Blossom – derived from a plant featured in the exhibit. Mixologists from Boston’s 28 Degrees created and will debut this special cocktail at the Party. There will also be a raffle for a custom-designed, seaside-themed necklace, valued at $5,000 and provided by DePrisco Jewelers.
MassHort members receive a discount on Preview Party tickets. Valet parking is available and is complimentary for Premier ticket holders and all Gala Dinner guests. Premier ticket holders also receive a private tour of the Show with Executive Director Thomas Herrera-Mishler or Flower Show Director Carolyn Weston, during the run of the Show.
If not able to attend the Preview Party, the next best thing is to enjoy the Show during the private MassHort member hours. If you’re not a member yet, why not join and reap the benefits!
Of course, there’s the excitement of visiting the Show during the hours that it’s open to the general public, too, because of all the demonstrations, special events and lectures that are scheduled.
Yours truly is honored to have been invited back to give a presentation on Thursday, March 22 at 3:30 p.m. We plan on remaining to enjoy that evening’s special event, “Girls Night Out.” Incidentally, visitors who sign the Guest Book at our
www.bostongardens.com web site during February will be eligible to win two free tickets to the Show, courtesy of MassHort.
Don’t forget that some of the exhibits, such as the spectacular floral arrangements depicting a particular theme, are completely changed twice after the opening of the Show.
So, don’t miss it! For more information about the “136th New England Spring Flower Show,” including membership in the MassHort Society, be sure to call 617-933-4923 or visit
www.masshort.org.
Enjoy!
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