Stars are going to collide in Denver on May 7 when the Temptations are here for the Colorado Symphony Ball and Lionel Richie rocks Denver Health’s NightShine Gala. It might not be the end of the world, but for those who’d otherwise buy tickets for both, it’s a problem of galactic proportion.
“I so wish it wasn’t the same night,” says NightShine publicist Paula Peri Tiernan, adding that a leadership team headed by former Mayor Wellington Webb, Liberty Media president Greg Maffei and CBS Outdoor general manager Dan Scherer worked every angle to find a date that was open for both headliner and venue (the National Western Events Center).
In the end, Tiernan said, “We had no alternative” but to go with May 7.
The symphony ball’s host committee isn’t thrilled with the unexpected competition. But, as development vice president Tracy Tajbl put it: “These things happen, and it’s really too bad when they do. Lionel Richie has his fans, the Temptations have theirs, and I think we’ll both do well.”
NightShine tickets can be purchased at while Symphony Ball inquiries can be directed to jhurley@coloradosymphony.org.
Simply delicious.
Postal carriers aren’t the only ones who soldier on in rain, sleet or snow. Chefs do too.
On one of the coldest nights in Denver history, a couple dozen of them honored their commitment to the National Kidney Foundation by braving subzero temperatures and slick roads to show up at Exdo Event Center to prepare and serve their specialty dishes for the 300 guests at Great Chefs of the West.
The event chaired by Sue Shaffer, Lissy Garrison and Michaelle Seeman raised $96,000.
Emcees Kirk Montgomery and Heidi McGuire of 9News introduced two families who exemplified what the event is all about: Sixteen-year-old transplant recipient Jonathan Hines and his mother, Jacqueline, of Colorado Springs, and Mary and Anthony Lamirato of Berthoud. A kidney harvested from the Lamiratos’ son, Jared, following a fatal injury in 2009, saved Jonathan’s life.
The evening also featured music by Six Feet Under the Starz and violinist Ellen Jaramillo from the Amadeus string quartet.
Judges Misty Reagin from Out Front Colorado; Ruth Tobias of Denver Magazine; Jeff Potter of Exclusive Resorts; Kevin Kowalczyk, a member of the ISES Denver board; and Heidi McGuire named Rialto Cafe the best overall; Rialto also won the Best Dessert award. Second Home Kitchen & Bar got the nod for Best Appetizer and The Lobby took the prize for Best Entree.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
