"Cocktails in the Courtyard" co-chairs Kristan Fletcher, left, and Maria Denslow smile for the camera. (Photo by Roger Farrington)
 

The Boston Public Library (BPL) Foundation hosted its first ever "Cocktails in the Courtyard" benefit reception on July 25th with more than 250 Young Professionals (and other young friends of the BPL), celebrating the Library from the dazzling McKim Building Courtyard.

The young supporters of the BPL enjoyed open-air conversation, cocktails, a light buffet and dancing to the live tunes of Hang Ten, while raising funds to support all aspects of the BPL Foundation's mission. A wonderful time was had by all.

For more information about the BPL Foundation and their programs, please call 617-536-5400.

"Celebrity Series Season" Announced

Martha H. Jones, President and Executive Director, has announced the "2008-2009 Celebrity Series of Boston Season," its 70th year of bringing to Boston the world's greatest performing artists.

The season opens with pianist Leon Fleisher's "80th Birthday Celebration" on October 3 at NEC's Jordan Hall. The Opening Night reception and gala dinner to benefit the Walter Pierce Annual Fund and the Harris A. Berman Fund for After-school Arts will follow the performance.

In total, the 2008-2009 season will include 39 music, dance and entertainment events from October 2008 through May 2009.

Highlights include David Sedaris, October 12 at Symphony Hall; Soweto Gospel Choir, "African Spirit" holiday program, November 30 at Symphony Hall; and Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, two distinct programs, March 8 and 9 at Symphony Hall.

Also: The Chieftains, March 13 at Symphony Hall; Mark Morris Dance Group, March 19-22 at the Cutler Majestic Theatre; Bernadette Peters, April 4 at Symphony Hall; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 50th Anniversary, April 28-May 3, The Opera House; Orion String Quartet with David Krakauer, clarinet, April 18 at NEC's Jordan Hall; and Renée Fleming, April 19 at Symphony Hall.

Visit the Celebrity Series of Boston Web site, www.celebrityseries.org, for more information.

26th Season for Longwood Symphony Orchestra

The Longwood Symphony Orchestra, the national award-winning organization that is comprised of highly trained musicians from Boston's medical community, will begin their 26th season, October 11, at New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall.

Under the music direction of Jonathan McPhee, the orchestra pairs each regular season concert with a medical charity to help raise funds and public awareness for that charity, as part of the "Healing Art of Music" program.

The October 11 concert will benefit Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. For tickets and more information, please visit www.longwoodsymphony.org.

Autumn Sunday Brunches on Celebrated Roof

Taj Boston Brunch on The Roof this autumn is an unparalleled Sunday dining experience. Dazzling views of the Boston skyline from The Roof on the 17th floor and bountiful savory sensations blend with a fresh Taj Boston style.

Executive Chef Franck Steigerwald and his chefs present a buffet of tempting culinary creations including classic fall favorites, carved roasts, chilled seafood, artisanal cheeses, sushi display, pastas made to order and international surprises.

There will be a special presentation of Indian cuisine by Chef Prabeen Prathapan and the grand finale of artistic dessert confections by Taj Boston pastry chef, Susan Lagalle.

Taj Boston Brunch on The Roof continues on Sundays: October 12, 19, 26 and November 2, 9, and 16. Reserved seatings are from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For reservations and more information, please call 617-598-5255.

Throughout the year The Roof is the exclusive setting for special private events but for a few special times the dramatic view of Boston's skyline is shared with the public. The Roof was the center of Boston's summer social scene in the Big Band Era of the 1930's and 1940's when the music of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Duke Ellington filled the air.

Hynes to Host Antiquarian Book Fair

The 32nd annual "Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair" returns to the Hynes Convention Center in Boston's Back Bay, November 14-16, featuring fine and rare collections from more than 130 exhibitors from around the world.

The Boston Book Fair presents a broad range of rare and antique books, modern first editions, maps, atlases, autographs and fine and decorative prints for display and sale. Visit www.bostonbookfair.com for details or call 617-266-6540.

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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