The Patrons Party for A Tennessee Waltz Celebrates History, Donors and Education
The regulars — and a willing group of elected officials — flocked to The Hermitage Hotel for the annual Patrons Party for A Tennessee Waltz. The gala, in its 33rd year, raises funds for the Tennessee State Museum’s student educational programs — and is the only social event held in the historic Capitol.
The Hermitage Hotel’s marble floors and staircases brought a sophisticated gleam to the patrons party, co-chaired by Rusty Terry and Spencer Bowers. Between conversations, guests grabbed a peek into the hotel’s legendary men’s room — its shiny green marble making it a highly sought-after location for elegant photo shoots.
As always, guests at this affair were prepared with quips. Kirsten Wiggins dubbed her friend Sen. Dawn White “the most fun senator in the state of Tennessee.” And board member Michael Curcio explained that his wife Mary Katherine spelled her name with a K, not a C. “She’s not Russian,” he added.
The evening was full of fun fashions. Ashley Howell, the Tennessee State Museum’s executive director, wore a hot pink frock. Anne Cain sported brocade evening pants and a knock-em-dead necklace. And Belinda Barry shone in her personally designed rhinestone glasses and jeweled hydrangea necklace in pale iris — an appropriate nod to Tennessee lore.
Rusty and Spencer brought a new addition to the event — putting a dance floor on the hotel’s veranda — and DJ Charles Hood kept the crowd on its feet with disco selections.
The Hermitage Hotel’s executive chef Richard Hutton curated and prepared a peerless dinner, notable for a delicate avocado and asparagus Caesar salad to start, followed by melt-away beef short rib with potato pavé. In a perennial touch of elegance, waitstaff glided among tables delivering the plated dinner. Divine.
