Another year has passed in the post-COVID-19 world. As we celebrate a year of events, we consider them through the lens of history. When Herbert Fox Jr. started Nfocus, he covered a wide array of events, from birthday parties to private dinners to social events throughout the city. Today, each of the parties and galas we cover uplifts organizations that support the community. We are excited to share the winners of the 2023 Readers Poll and highlight the great organizations behind the year’s best parties.
Best Event 2023
River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)
Also Most Fun Party, Best Entertainment, Best Party Band, Best Host
The milestone of a 20th anniversary is a good reason to attain Best Event status, but River Swing seems to garner this top designation on a yearly basis. In fact, our readers voted this sold-out event as their Most Fun Party too. A lot of the credit for this hooting, jamming and swinging celebration for Tennessee rivers goes to our Best Host award winner, Christian Currey, who several years ago opened the gates of his bucolic River Circle Farm to host the wildly popular fête. He even created a service road, River Swing Way, to direct attendees to a makeshift village of billowing tents housing buffet dining, festive dancing and silent auction bidding. Throughout the grounds, strategically placed outdoor lounges serve as ideal spots for sipping cocktails, lighting cigars and enjoying the setting sun. At River Swing, there’s something for everyone.
The event is known for its nonstop entertainment, and this year was no exception. Guests danced the night away to the pulsating sounds of uber-popular Moon Taxi, Justin Bell, Nicki Bluhm and The Sweet Lillies. The record-setting 1,200-plus attendees all seemed to be on the dance floor at once. For that reason, guests also voted River Swing as having the Best Entertainment and Best Party Band (Moon Taxi) of 2023. That superfecta puts this party on our do not miss list.
It’s worth mentioning that our Best Event runners-up — 007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala and Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre) — also earned second and third place in our Most Fun Party category. The Downtown Band and CoJo Ko were runners-up in our Best Party Band category. And a range of event organizers earned recognition in our Best Host or Hostess category, including Adam Sansiveri for Pick Your Poison (Broadway Dreams) and Marcya Carter-Sheats and Jamaal Sheats (TennGreen Land Conservancy).
Best Event: River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)
Second Place: 007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala
Third Place: Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)
Most Fun Party: River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)
Second Place: 007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala
Third Place: Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)
Best Party Band: Moon Taxi at River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)
Second Place: The Downtown Band
Third Place: CoJo Ko
Best Host or Hostess: Christian Currey for River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)
Second Place: Adam Sansiveri for Pick Your Poison (Broadway Dreams)
Third Place: Marcya Carter-Sheats and Jamaal Sheats (TennGreen Land Conservancy)
Best Animal-Centric Event
Cause for Paws (Nashville Humane Association)
Supporters of the Nashville Humane Association could not have been more pleased with the beautiful forecast for the annual Cause for Paws luncheon held at Belle Meade Country Club. This popular party offered everything — a cheerful balloon arch entrance, a decadent lunch, sparkling wine, luxury shopping (with a percentage of sales going to NHA), and a fashion show featuring designer Shoshanna. As always, the high point of the day was the opportunity to snuggle with some of NHA’s puppies. The furry ambassadors were on hand to remind everyone how crucial their donations are to NHA’s cause.
Second Place (tie): Chukkers for Charity (Rochelle Center, Saddle Up!), Sunset Safari (Nashville Zoo)
Third Place: Boo at the Zoo (Nashville Zoo
Best Arts Event
Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)
This year’s Nashville Repertory Theatre Broadway Brunch was, once again, an award-winning success. The brunch boasts excellent food, a stellar silent auction and an opportunity to meet Rep actors. It is also a phenomenal show — with this year’s version inspiring guests to get up and dance around the room. (It’s little surprise these NRT performers earned second place in our Best Entertainment category.) The organization gave its Ovation Award to three-time Tony Award winner LaChanze, who performed a moving rendition of “I’m Here” from The Color Purple. But you could have heard a pin drop when executive director Drew Ogle reminded everyone why their support was so necessary. “In the last year, over 30 regional theaters have closed,” he said. “This doesn’t need to happen here in Nashville, and the difference is you.” Bravo, Broadway Brunch!
Second Place: Ballet Ball (Nashville Ballet)
Third Place (tie): TPAC Gala (Tennessee Performing Arts Center), Literary Award Gala (Nashville Public Library Foundation)
Best Auction Item
“The Progression to Debauchery” at l'Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)
For over four decades, the Nashville Wine Auction has worked to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer. This year, the organization raised a record-setting $2.4 million through its annual wine auction, l’Eté du Vin. No doubt, auction items such as the aptly named “Progression to Debauchery” helped skyrocket the proceeds. The progressive dinner experience was set to start with hors d’oeuvres, Champagne and caviar — and the assignment to choose five bottles of cabernet sauvignon for dinner. Lucky bidders would then travel to a second locale, where they’d enjoy seafood, cheese and French whites. After that, they’d search for a third top-secret location, where they’d enjoy a seated three-course dinner, the hand-picked cabernets and a dessert course served with bourbons, all aged 15 years or more.
Second Place: SeaDream Mediterranean Cruise for Two at The Hermitage Gala
Third Place: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery package (including four reserve whiskey bottles, a private distillery tour and a tasting for 12 with Andy Nelson) at the Swan Ball Late Party (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)
Best Children/Family Event
Picnic With the Library (Nashville Public Library Foundation)
The Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Picnic With the Library is always one of the most whimsical events of the year. This year was no different, as hosts settled on a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme and filled the Margaret Ann & Walter Robinson Courtyard with playful decor. (You can’t get any more whimsical than that.) There were sequin-clothed tables, giant gold-foil-wrapped candies, face painters, marionettes and balloon animals — plus a real-life Willy Wonka who strolled around greeting adorable families. Guests feasted on a dreamy buffet of comfort foods from childhood, like creamy macaroni and cheese, crispy chicken tenders, fresh-cut fruit, and of course, chocolate.
Second Place: TPAC Family Day (Tennessee Performing Arts Center)
Third Place: Fall for Cheekwood (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)
Best Décor
007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala (Interfaith Dental)
This year’s Interfaith Dental Gala came roaring back after a three-year pandemic-induced hiatus with 007: A License to Smile, featuring a theme based on international man of mystery, James Bond. Co-chairs Keisha and Steven Brady and Eva Angelina and Jaime Romero hosted a riveting evening at The Factory at Franklin, complete with a Casino Royale and an Aston Martin on display. Of course, what would a James Bond-themed evening be unless shaken, not stirred? Guests enjoyed plenty of martinis — a perfect finishing touch for this action-packed party, which handily earned its Best Décor distinction.
Second Place: l'Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)
Third Place: Sunday in the Park (Friends of Warner Parks)
Best Co-Chairs
Lori Fishel and Gretchen Goldstein for Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)
A 25th anniversary is a momentous milestone — one worth celebrating thoroughly. Co-chairs Lori Fishel and Gretchen Goldstein rose to the occasion, planning a 25th anniversary Red Door Bash that honored the important work of Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee. The co-chairs moved the event to a new, larger venue — the Music City Center — and filled the perimeter of the reception hall with silent auction items for guests to peruse. The high point of the evening was when Emmy-winning comedy writer Alan Zweibel took the stage to honor Gilda Radner, the actor and comedian Gilda’s Club is named after. Alan talked about his long friendship with Gilda and what her loss meant to him. Guests simultaneously laughed and cried, and all raised a glass to the purpose of the evening.
Second Place: Connie Deidiker and Nancy Peacock for Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)
Third Place (tie): Marees Choppin, Irwin Fisher, Pam Koban and DeeDee Wade for The Hermitage Gala, Jay Jones and Rob Turner for l'Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)
Best Women’s Event
Wine Women & Shoes (YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee)
One of the most anticipated shopping events of the year is always Wine Women & Shoes. The annual event benefits YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. Each year, guests arrive early to ensure ample time for shopping. They also enjoy organizer-arranged fun and games — like a “Wall of Wine” and the ever-popular “Key to the Closet” — as well as a silent and live auction. Best of all, the organization announced this year that it raised $140,000 to help end domestic violence in our community and support victims of abuse. Many beneficiaries of the program were in the room and helped raise the crucial funds for the organization.
Second Place: Louisa Nelson Awards (Nelson's Green Brier Distillery)
Third Place (tie): The Power of the Purse (The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee), Chic Awearness (Vanderbilt University Medical Center)
Best-Dressed Party Guests
Amos Glass (Nashville Repertory Theatre)
Giorgio Armani once said, “Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered.” If you are lucky enough to meet Amos Glass, you will remember him not only for his dapper style of dressing — often including his signature bow tie — but also for his engaging smile. Amos has held many roles at Nashville Repertory Theatre and currently serves as the director of marketing and communications. With his strong background in theater, Amos has contributed much to the success of NRT. While he has a spot-on sense of fashion, he exudes approachable self-confidence. As Yves Saint Laurent put it, “Dressing is a way of life.”
Second Place: Gabriela Lira
Third Place: Jennie and Rob McCabe
Best Luncheon
Sunday in the Park (Friends of Warner Parks)
What better way to celebrate the outdoors than in the magnificent Ridge Field at Edwin Warner Park? On a sparkling fall afternoon, preservationists, conservationists and supporters of the Warner Parks system arrived in their Sunday best and enjoyed cocktails and fellowship. The event highlighted the important work of the Friends of Warner Parks, including planting 10,000 trees in the park and aiding the removal of 40 acres of invasive plants. The afternoon also brought the news of the Percy Warner Golf Course restoration and renovation project, which will restore the course, originally built in 1938.
Second Place: Spring Outing (The Hermitage)
Third Place: Impact Awards (Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee)
Most Fashionable Event
007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala (Interfaith Dental)
This year’s 007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala was fashionable in more ways than one. A highlight of the evening was a James Bond-themed fashion show presented by Oak Hall, where current dental school students modeled outfits inspired by Bond films. Many gala guests dressed in James Bond-suitable attire as well. A beautiful evening was had by all in support of Interfaith Dental's goal to ensure “every individual has the opportunity to achieve and sustain a healthy smile.” That alone could have garnered the award for this fun event, because smiles are always in fashion.
Second Place: Symphony Fashion Show (Nashville Symphony)
Third Place: Swan Ball (Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)
Best Outdoor Event
Dinner by the Bridge (Greenways for Nashville)
In 1994, the Greenways Commission and private citizens of Nashville began the Greenways for Nashville initiative to fund and develop greenways throughout Davidson County. During the pandemic, greenways and green spaces were a welcome respite for many looking to escape the four walls of their homes. Supporters created the annual Dinner by the Bridge event to raise money to not only expand and maintain the Greenways system, but also acquire land for preservation as greenways and parks. Gray skies loomed and rain pelted the area in the hours leading up to this year’s event. But the weather cleared just in time for dinner, allowing for the popular al fresco dining for which the event is so well-known.
Second Place: Once in a Blue Moon (The Land Trust for Tennessee)
Third Place: Sunday in the Park (Friends of Warner Parks)
Best New or Reimagined Event
Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea (Nashville Ballet)
New to the event calendar this year, Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea was a charming afternoon for young and old alike. As Nashville Ballet board members and parents of young children, co-chairs Allison Cotton, Catherine Grace and Caylan Jarman dreamed up the concept. The new, family-friendly event brought the magic of Nashville's Nutcracker to longtime supporters and new audiences. Hosted at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, the event featured charming holiday decor and plenty of fun activities. Guests enjoyed a kid-friendly buffet with tea sandwiches and desserts, while adults were greeted with sparkling wine and poinsettia cocktails. Children enjoyed Nashville's Nutcracker-inspired balloon art and face painting, sparkly hair styling, pointe shoe decorating, and a professional photography studio for family photos. The event included three 20-minute Nashville's Nutcracker excerpts, featuring favorite characters like Clara, Sugar Plum Fairy and more.
Second Place: The Hermitage Gala
Third Place: Bright Night (Centennial Park Conservancy)
Best Special Guest
Alan Zweibel at Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)
This year’s Red Door Bash was no ordinary celebration. As Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee celebrated its 25th anniversary, co-chairs Lori Fishel and Gretchen Goldstein found a thoughtful way to honor the organization’s namesake, Gilda Radner. They invited Alan Zweibel, a close friend of Gilda’s, to speak at the event. Alan talked about his career as a comedy writer. He also spoke about meeting and becoming friends with Gilda — and what it felt like to lose her. The evening was made even more special by some incredible news: The event broke all its previous records for fundraising to help support those experiencing cancer.
Second Place: LaChanze at Broadway Brunch (Nashville Repertory Theatre)
Third Place: Damien Barton Sartorius at l’Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)
Best Favors
Wine-Glass-Marking Pens at l'Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)
Gathering with friends can be such a delight — the conversation, the food and often, the drinks. But getting lost in conversation can also mean putting down a glass of your favorite beverage and forgetting which glass belongs to you. That is why glass-marking pens made an ideal party favor at the Nashville Wine Auction’s l’Ete du Vin. Never lose your glass again, and ensure your host’s wine glasses remain pristine after a wash. Always innovative with its favors, the Nashville Wine Auction hits it out of the park each year.
Second Place: Tea towels at Dinner by the Bridge (Greenways for Nashville)
Third Place: Kristin Chenoweth's I'm No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts at the Symphony Fashion Show Patron Reception (Nashville Symphony)
Best Entertainment
Moon Taxi at River Swing (Harpeth Conservancy)
Moon Taxi knows how to get people on their feet. The Nashville-based band formed at Belmont University in the 2000s. Since then, Moon Taxi has released six studio albums, topped the charts with several singles and played at major music festivals across the country. The band proved a perfect pick for this year’s Harpeth Conservancy River Swing, keeping guests dancing all night long. This earned the band first place in two of this year’s categories: Best Entertainment and Best Party Band.
Second Place: Nashville Repertory Theatre performers at Broadway Brunch
Third Place: Old Crow Medicine Show at the Nelson's Green Brier Distillery grand reopening
Best Caterer
Kristen Winston Catering
When planning one of the biggest events of the season, phenomenal catering is a must. Co-chairs must thoughtfully consider the choice of cuisine and ensure guests receive exceptional customer service throughout the evening. (After all, patrons have paid a pretty penny to be there.) Given this, it’s little surprise our readers voted Kristen Winston Catering 2023’s Best Caterer. The renowned company is known for its innovative and delicious menus, which can enhance large galas and intimate dinner parties alike. The team is focused on elegance and style and has long-standing relationships with prestigious clients such as Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, Frist Art Museum and Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Kristen Winston Catering considers catering an art form and prides itself on providing thoughtful, professional service that sets the gold standard for excellence.
Second Place: Cater615
Third Place: Chef's Market Cafe & Takeaway
Best Formalwear
The Showroom Nashville
When considering what to wear before a big event, the first thought is often, “What will make me look my best?” For answers to this and so many other wardrobe questions, The Showroom Nashville has offered clear guidance to those looking to upgrade their wardrobes. With styles from top designers available to rent or buy, The Showroom Nashville makes it easy to find the perfect look. The unique store has helped those planning to walk the red carpet at the Country Music Association Awards or ascend the stairs of Swan Ball.
Second Place: Richards Bespoke
Third Place (tie): Winnie Couture, Gus Mayer
Best Event Planner
Amos Gott (AmosEvents)
Amos Gott has been a fixture in Nashville’s events scene for decades. The Kentucky native found a love of event planning after college, when he took on the role of assistant director of alumni affairs at Western Kentucky University. Since discovering his passion for planning magnificent events, Amos has been the architect behind some of Nashville’s top social and private parties. Amos brings style and elegance to everything he plans, and he works hand-in-hand with his clients to bring the events they envision to life.
Second Place: Taylor Guardino Engle (Nashville Wine Auction)
Third Place (tie): Hugh Howser and Kate Steele (H Three Events), Bruce Pittman (Bruce Pittman Inc.)
Best Florist
Garden Delights Fine Florist
Known for its distinctive “cutting garden” style of floral arrangements, Garden Delights Fine Florist is a go-to for event planners and hosts throughout the city. Utilizing the freshest blooms that are bursting in a variety of hues, Garden Delights creates engaging arrangements for an array of events. From wedding and anniversary celebrations to corporate and nonprofit events, Garden Delights works to create the perfect arrangements to accent any special day.
Second Place: Rose Hill Flowers
Third Place: Branches: Event Design and Florals
Best Online Auction
Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)
This year, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee celebrated its silver anniversary and did so in a big way. Organizers moved the event to a Saturday night and hosted it — for the first time — in the Music City Center. The new location provided an ideal venue for a robust silent auction display. While its in-person auction was impressive, Gilda’s Club is no stranger to using online platforms to raise money. During the pandemic, the organization pivoted to a virtual model with an online auction. To commemorate the organization’s 25th anniversary, the annual “Fill the Red Door” fundraiser included a $25,000 donor match. The auction featured over 45 pieces of art and many high-value unique items, helping to create the most financially successful Red Door Bash to date.
Second Place: l’Eté du Vin (Nashville Wine Auction)
Third Place: The Hermitage Gala
Best Hotel Ballroom (tie)
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel
With the incredible growth of Nashville’s hospitality community, the amount of event space in the city has increased rapidly. This year, readers voted for two Best Hotel Ballrooms — one new, one historic. Opened in 1910, the newly renovated Hermitage Hotel offers a beautiful setting with an updated neutral color palette and rich, historic details, like Russian walnut wall panels and hand-cast plaster ceilings. By contrast, the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville ballroom offers a pre-function space with sweeping views of the Cumberland River, as well as modern lighting and interior elements that invoke a cosmopolitan look and feel. Both ballrooms are exceptionally beautiful. And between them — and our runner-up at W Nashville — we didn’t end up with a third-place pick.
Second Place: W Nashville
Best Photographer
Mackenzie Boyd (Kenzie Leigh Photography)
Since discovering her love of photography at age 13, Mackenzie Boyd has captured milestone moments for couples, companies and nonprofits. After learning to shoot and compose on her iPhone, Mackenzie invested in a camera and began shooting professionally while still in high school. Fast-forward to today, and you can find Mackenzie photographing events for nonprofits or elevating brands with fashion, food and drink, or interior design photography.
Second Place: Daniel Meigs (Daniel Meigs Photography)
Third Place: Peyton Hoge (Peyton Hoge Photography)
Best Photo Op
007: A License to Smile Interfaith Dental Gala (Interfaith Dental)
This year’s James Bond-themed Interfaith Dental Gala was filled with international men of mystery and elegant ladies. The gala helps support the organization’s important mission to “create a healthier community by providing transformational oral health care for those experiencing poverty.” One of the standouts from the evening was the opportunity to take photos in front of a shining, new Aston Martin. Plenty of guests took advantage of the rare opportunity — making memories fit for a 007-themed soirée.
Second Place: Red Door Bash (Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee)
Third Place: Once in a Blue Moon (The Land Trust for Tennessee)
Best Venue for Fundraising
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
With its grand entrance and unique architectural details, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is in a class all its own. Many of the city’s top fundraisers have found a home in the beautiful space, and it’s easy to see why organizers often choose it as a setting for events. The Schermerhorn Symphony Center offers amenities often looked for when planning events. Its stunning aesthetic, sprawling spaces, back-of-house systems and state-of-the-art equipment allow for easy planning and perfectly synchronized events.
Second Place: Four Seasons Hotel Nashville
Third Place: Wildhorse Saloon
Best Wedding Venue
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
The grounds of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offer a feast for the senses. The beautifully maintained gardens and stately mansion are the perfect setting for a variety of events, but they are an especially excellent choice for weddings. Nuptials — both large and small — have enjoyed the verdant setting as a background for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and more. The stunning grounds, as well as the mansion and other indoor venues, have played host to some of Nashville’s most high-profile weddings. Many Nashville couples have even started their engagements at the estate, thanks to Cheekwood’s specialty proposal package.
Second Place: Four Seasons Hotel Nashville
Third Place (tie): Nelson's Green Brier Distillery, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, The Hermitage Hotel
Best Rental Company
Please Be Seated
The slogan for the family-owned event rental company Please Be Seated is: “You bring the guests. We’ll bring the rest.” And they certainly do. Whether you’re planning a wedding for 250, a black-tie gala for 100, or an intimate dinner party for 30, PBS offers white-glove service, delivering everything from tables, chairs and lounge furniture to place settings, linens and seat cushions. The company’s curated collection of furnishings and décor will make any event a success. PBS even creates custom pieces in its in-house studio to ensure you have exactly what you need. When you think of the best party you attended in 2023 — and the elements that made it so perfect — chances are, they came from Please Be Seated.
Second Place: Curated Events
Third Place: Southern Events Party Rental Company
Best Event Production
Gary Musick Productions
Great parties and events come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a wine auction, a themed gala, a concert or a runway fashion show, Gary Musick Productions has done it all. Unlike most event companies that manage a variety of subcontractors, GMP has an extensive staff of full-time event artisans who handle every aspect of a project. Whether you need venue staff, security, talent agents, artist management, caterers, performers or florists, GMP knows how to bring it all together and create a great event. Add to that a fully equipped scenery shop, and this production company can — and has — handled everything.
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