Swan Ball 2010 showcases nature’s bounty

What a Ball!

Published On: June 22, 2010

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It’s fascinating how Mother Nature reveals her splendor in the wake of her terror. Following the Flood of 2010, while families were moved into FEMA trailers and loved ones were lost, the earth slowly began to reap benefits: bursts of lush color, emerald grass and rainbows. Somehow, Swan Ball 2010 managed to mimic the beauty that arose following the flood with happy spring flowers, dangling sheets of gerber daisies and peaceful reflecting pools dotted with floating votives and flowers. All echoed the beauty throughout Cheekwood’s gardens and its exhibits.

Appropriately, this being the 50th anniversary of Cheekwood, the Ball décor was inspired by the exhibit of Dale Chihuly who had to cancel plans to attend the Ball due to a medical issue. Co-chairs Sissy Wilson and Collie Daily enlisted the help of the New York City-based event production firm Van Wyck and Van Wyck to create a magical environment that was kept hidden from guests until dinner was served. The renowned company has thrown over-the-top events for everyone from Sean Combs to our own Tommy Frist on his 40th birthday (Tommy’s wife Julie went to Yale with Bronson Van Wyck).

Guests wandered into the tent, eyes staring upwards as 48,000 butterflies made of feathers shimmered and swung overhead—a sign of spring, rebirth and renewal—a most appropriate message for Nashville as the city and state work to rebuild.

“New” was the word of the night: new faces, new auction, new design. The chairs were looking to do something different, and they succeeded. The auction, which returned to the Ball, included 36 lots, each of which was beyond one-of-a-kind. The chairs were intent on focusing on quality, not quantity, when it came to the auction. The design, a most exquisite departure from what we’ve seen in previous years—albeit, many Balls have been as beautiful, just not as unique—transformed the use of the Mansion grounds.

Sissy left a trail of Oscar de la Renta breadcrumbs—actually, they were pieces of red silk from her dress that were tugged off the hem throughout the night as guests swirled about to greet her. She shrugged it off good naturedly, which was smart because it actually seemed intentional as the red snippets of fabric fluttered about like the swarms of butterflies under the tent. Collie, still best friends with Sissy after working together for 18 months, upped the evening’s glam factor in a sizzling Dolce & Gabbana dress that mirrored some of the art inside the tent. The two could be sisters.

Speaking of sisters, Jane Dudley and Swan Award recipient Lynn Wyatt looked like mirror images of each other, heads tilted together as they chatted and caught up throughout the night. But the most poignant part of the night had to be the dedication in the program to Florence Blair, the lovely and legendary lady who worked tirelessly with Swan Ball chairs for decades to ensure success. She is missed.

The Craig Duncan Band kept the mood in the tent lively during another fabulous dinner from Kates Fine Catering. While the grilled Angus filet was cooked perfectly, it was the California Peach and Basil Marinated Feta cheese and Arugula salad dressed with Serrano lime vinaigrette that won our hearts. That and the Swan Ball Cotton Candy—a late night snack—simply rocked. Another noteworthy change at this year’s Ball was seating. A mélange of different shaped tables and cabana-like seating were inspired.

Next, Jeffrey Buntin caught the group’s attention with his auctioneer skills as he rolled through the four live auction items. We can’t wait to hear the lucky folks Ann Carell takes on the trip she won to Big Sky, Montana, which includes flying in a fighter jet. Way cool.

Leave it to the Bishop Al Green to bring the heart and soul to this event, which he delivered in his inspired performance. Bringing “Greetings from Memphis to Nashville,” Al helped folks “Get it On.” A mesmerized Tommy and Trish Frist swayed to the familiar tunes, watching a shimmying Bishop bounce about the stage—having just as much fun as the guests. How can you not love a performer who so obviously loves to perform? He brought spirit and soul to the night—yes, and we were there to witness and testify.

The Late Party crew managed to make it to the Mansion in time to hear the Bishop get down. Thank goodness! Late Party co-chairs Lauren and Frank Blair and Ali and Charles Warner threw quite the shindig themselves in Botanic Hall where Kristen Winston created a delectable dinner and the young crew oohed and ahhed over the Chihuly sculptures.

Fifty years of Cheekwood. How blessed this city is to have such a wonderful haven for all to visit for inspiration, education or just simply peace. Thankfully, the Swan Ball continues to help keep this wonderful resource thriving, year after year. Here’s to the next 50, folks.

—photos by eric england and sinclair kelly