Denver fans of “Downton Abbey” donned 1920s-style dresses and dapper suits to attend a recent fundraiser for Rocky Mountain PBS at the Oxford Hotel in LoDo. It wasn’t just a costume party — guests were decked out to watch a sneak-peek screening of the first episode of the fifth season of the popular Masterpiece television series, which is set in 1924 England.
The second annual Masterpiece Costume Ball featured a cocktail reception and watch party in the historic hotel’s ballrooms. In addition to the screening, the evening’s entertainment highlight was a performance by Denver-reared jazz singer Dianne Reeves.
Gala co-chair Charles Goldstein noted he went to high school with the vocalist. “We sang in the George Washington High School choir and performed in Europe in 1974,” Goldstein said, adding that he and Reeves have been friends since then.
“She loves ‘Downton Abbey,’ ” Goldstein said, noting the singer generously donated her time to the cause. (Reeves, by the way, is nominated for a 2015 Grammy Award for “Beautiful Life” in the best jazz vocal album category. The awards are announced Feb. 8 and if she wins it will be her fifth Grammy.)
Goldstein’s co-chair for the evening, Holly Kylberg, wore an ivory gown accessorized with a hat that belonged to her grandmother. Vintage fashion was everywhere and to further immerse guests in the era, the Molly Brown Museum displayed 1920s clothing, jewelry and other artifacts.
Among the 190 people who braved a winter snowstorm to attend the event were patrons Joanie and Bill Grier, Lois Paul, Judy and Ed Hartwig; and Stew and Renee Jackson. The costume contest winners were Michelle Toltz, Mike Joyce and Jill Hutcheson. On hand from Rocky Mountain PBS were Doug Price, CEO, Harris Ravine, president and general manager, and Amanda Mountain, chief marketing officer.
The event raised $32,000 in ticket sales and sponsorships from Dependable Cleaners, Wells Fargo Private Bank and the Oxford Hotel. The funds will be used to produce and air programs.
— The Denver Post
