| The Scene In and Around Boston . . . By Hilda M. Morrill May 15, 2009  Associates of the Boston Public Library board chair Vivian Spiro welcomes David McCullough to "The 2009 Literary Lights" at The Boston Park Plaza Hotel. (Photo by Roger Farrington)The 2009 Literary Lights Dinner, presented by the Associates of the Boston Public Library, was held on Sunday, April 19 at The Boston Park Plaza Hotel. The annual celebration recognizes authors, playwrights, poets and other significant contributors to literature. This year marked the twenty-first dinner, which "hosted and toasted" recipients, presented to the audience by former "Literary Lights." The keynote speaker was the noted historian David McCullough, a dedicated supporter of the Associates' mission. During his tenure as a Boston Public Library Trustee (1995-2000), McCullough became convinced of the growing need to conserve the Library's many irreplaceable treasures. Author of seven books including "John Adams" and "1776," he is twice winner of the National Book Award and twice winner of the Pulitzer Prize. In December 2006 he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. Others honored were M. T. Anderson, author of "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Volumes I and II." (presented by Liz Bicknell, his editor at Candlewick Press); Andrew Bacevich, author of the recent "Limits of Power" on the war in Iraq and professor of International Relations and History at Boston University (presented by Christopher Lydon). Also: Robert Darnton, an American cultural historian and recognized as a leading expert on eighteenth-century France (introduced by Nicholson Baker); Major Jackson, poet, author of "Hoops" and "Leaving Saturn"; Sebastian Junger, "The Perfect Storm" and "Death in Belmont" (introduced by William Martin); Jacquelyn Mitchard (presented by Anita Shreve), author of dozens of books including "The Deep End of the Ocean"; and Maria Tatar, who chairs the Program in Folklore and Mythology at Harvard University, where she teaches courses in German Studies, Folklore, and Children's Literature (presented by Kathryn Lasky). All proceeds from the evening benefited the David McCullough Conservation Fund and special programs at the Library. For information about upcoming Associates' events, contact Betsy Hall, Executive Director, at 617-536-3886 or visit www.theassociates.org.
Cupcake Teas Planned The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common will host a series of "Cupcake Teas in the Gallery" on Saturdays, May 16 through June 27, from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. We are all invited to celebrate the end of another long Boston winter by relaxing in elegance and sampling bright, colorful and deliciously decadent cupcakes served in Ritz-Carlton style. Space is limited and reservations are required. Cupcake Tea private parties or events may also be arranged. For more information, call 617-574-7176.
Ballets Russes Masked Ball at Somerset Club Kick off the Memorial Day weekend in style at the festive "Ballets Russes 2009 Masked Ball" on Friday, May 22, at the Somerset Club, 42 Beacon St., in Boston. In addition to exclusive performances, there will be dancing to the music of the White Heat Swing Septet, and special appearances by Rebecca Rice Dance, and Ex Prompt, a St. Petersburg folk-classical quintet. The fun begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. and dancing at 9 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.ballets-russes.com/ball.html. For more information, call 617-599-3190. Incidentally, we are all invited to visit the "Ballets Russes Exhibition at Boston University" from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 31. Boston University hosts two exhibitions in one space: "Etonne-Moi: The Ballets Russes and the Art of the New" and "A Passion for Diaghilev: Art from St. Petersburg." Both are free and open to the public. Original designs, posters, programs, and photographs from the Ballets Russes will be presented, along with contemporary works by St. Petersburg artists inspired by the Ballets Russes. The venue is the Boston University 808 Gallery, at 808 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. For more information, call 617-599-3190 or visit www.ballets-russes.com. Enjoy! |
|
|
In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." |
|