Pictured at the Valentino Boutique private cocktail party for the Friends of Dana-Farber are the May 30th "Surprise Party" Gala co-chairs, left to right: Mark and Audrey Schuster, David and Nina Fialkow and Bill and Sinesia Karol.

(Photo by Roger Farrington)
 

Anyone walking by the Valentino Boutique on Newbury St. after hours on April 14 may have been "surprised" to see a crowd gathered among the beautiful clothes and accessories.

More than 70 guests mingled, shopped and enjoyed a private cocktail party recognizing the generous early contributors to "Surprise Party," the Friends of Dana-Farber's annual gala, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 30 at the Citi Wang Theatre.

Rafanelli Events is producing the soiree, which includes dinner, dancing and "breathtaking experiences for all." In keeping with the unique theme of the event, many of the specifics of the evening will be closely guarded secrets until they are unveiled that evening.

"This will be a wonderful social event and a tremendous boost to the work done by the Friends," says co-president of the Friends, Lauren Frei. "It will help us continue our efforts to improving the lives of people affected by cancer," adds fellow co-president Diane Flynn.

The Friends, an all-volunteer organization of more than 1500 members, takes pride in serving Dana-Farber through patient services, educational activities, and fundraising. For more information, visit www.dana-farber.org/surprise-party.

Young Professionals "Abduction Party" Planned by Boston Lyric Opera

Following the tremendous success of its sold-out BRAVO! Bohème performance and the "after party" last fall, the Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) continues its initiative to make opera more accessible and appealing to young professionals with a party package featuring its upcoming production of Mozart's popular comedy, "The Abduction from the Seraglio."

BLO's "Abduction Party Package" offers to young professionals a chance to break free from their workweek to enjoy "a high stakes escapade overflowing with action, romance, and dashing heroes that is sung and spoken in English."

"The Abduction Party" starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 2 with an exclusive pre-show cocktail party, including hearty hors d'oeuvres, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, followed by the 7:30 p.m. performance at the Shubert Theatre with specially-priced group seating.

For tickets, call the BLO's Audience Services at 617-542-6772. "The Abduction from the Seraglio" runs through May 6. Visit www.blo.org for more information.

"Taste of the North End" Will Return to the New England Aquarium

Friday, May 2 is the "15th Annual Taste of the North End," which takes place at The New England Aquarium in Boston from 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Guests will enjoy delicious tastings from 43 popular North End Restaurants, and libations from area wine and beer vendors.

Participating restaurants include: Artu Rosticceria & Trattoria, Filippo Ristorante, Il Panino, La Summa, and Neptune, to name a few. Visit the Web site for a complete listing.

This year's special recognition award will be presented to Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Mrs. Angela Menino for their service to the City of Boston and their lifelong commitment to the Italian Community.

Event sponsors include The Improper Bostonian, Lucia Ristorante, The Boston Post-Gazette and Ruby Wines, just to name a few.

To purchase tickets or for more information, please call 617-367-2353 or visit www.tasteofthenorthend.org.

The High Kings Postpone Their Boston Shows

After receiving rave reviews as the opening performers for "Celtic Woman" recently at NYC's famed Radio City Music Hall, The High Kings have accepted the invitation to join them as special guests on the "Celtic Woman Tour," beginning immediately, and touring through June of 2008.

The all-male Irish music group was scheduled to play two performances at the Colonial Theatre in Boston, on May 17 and 18.

"This is a great opportunity for us and we are delighted to join our label mates, "Celtic Woman." Their fans are some of the best out there and we look forward to the next two months," said The High Kings.

"We received many emails from Celtic Woman fans who saw The High Kings at Radio City and watched The High Kings PBS special," notes producer David Downes. "It just made sense to add The High Kings to the Celtic Woman dates, making for the quintessential evening of Celtic music."

The High Kings headlining tour originally planned for spring will begin in the fall. Tour dates will be announced shortly. For more information, check www.thehighkings.com.

2009 New England Spring Flower Show Theme Announced

According to Carolyn Weston, Director of the Flower Show and Special Events for the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, "Life in the garden is fraught with dramas large and small. [The 2009] show will pay tribute to the people, creatures and things that support us and attempt to thwart us in our quest for horticultural perfection." The theme of the 2009 New England Spring Flower Show is "Heroes & Villains."

"We'll pay homage to influential designers and revered plantsmen, as well as the venerable divas and often-overlooked supporting players of the plant and insect world," Weston adds.

"And every drama needs its conflict, so we'll offer tips for foiling the thugs and bullies that bring both comedy and tragedy to our lawns and gardens."

So, mark your calendars! The New England Spring Flower Show will take place from March 14-22, 2009. It will stay at the Bayside Expo Center, Boston (not the new Convention Center as previously announced).

The Preview Party Gala will take place on Friday, March 13. We will keep our readers updated as we receive more information.

Enjoy!

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
is compiled from various other sources such as news releases, PRNewswire services, etc.

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