Divine Divas

What is it about Divas Nashvegas? Could it be beloved Hal Cato and his commitment to the Oasis Center and the children it helps? Maybe it's the beautifully blond event chairs Allison DeMarcus and Fletcher Foster. Or perhaps it's the passionate redhead who sings like a siren and exposes her heart and soul when she hits the stage—Nashville's own queen of love—Wynonna.

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Let's just say that Divas possesses umami. It's that secret, difficult-to-define tastiness necessary for the rounding-out flavor that delivers deliciousness. Divaliciousness. Or, even "He-valiciousness" considering that this year's bash at the Loveless Barn featured its first male diva—the one and only Kenny Rogers.

This event is addictive. Once you've been, you're gonna go back for more. After all, how many large-scale fundraisers encourage you to wear whatever you want (that translates to jeans, rock star attire, chic, sassy dresses and shorts) and to sing along with the entertainment? You just try not to sing when you hear Wynonna wailing the Judd classic "Grandpa." Admit it. You know the words. Better yet, try not to shriek when you spot Naomi Judd sauntering onstage to join her daughter in a surprise reunion. Gotta love those ladies!

Jesse Goldstein and the fab staff at the Loveless worked wonders transforming the reception area (read: the barn) into concert seating while guests dined under two tents flanking the barn. Straw flooring reinforced the down-home feel of the event while superstar lighting and sound amped up the groove factor. The Loveless' Carla Fey Ellison, aka "the Biscuit Lady," nearly developed carpal tunnel ringing the dinner bell and corralling the chatty guests to their seats, but once she got them there, they were happy to stay. Crispy fried chicken, mac-n-cheese, and, of course, biscuits, provided just the fuel necessary to sing along with the concert.

Before the big guns hit the floor, some other impressive folks—six of the Oasis Center's success stories—hit the stage to recognize six "Do-Right Divas" in the community. This year's honorees were Jana Davis, Tammy Genovese, Genma Stringer Holmes, Ellen Martin, Renata Soto and Sally Shepherd. Divas in our midst—now that's a good thing.

—photographs by eric england