Time Well Spent

by Brent Beshore

January 26,2008

As owner and CEO of Event Solutions, I attend a lot of events—cocktail parties, tastings, grand openings, galas, house parties, dinners, etc. My goal for this column is to give you an inside look at events in mid-Missouri—large public events, small, intimate gatherings and happenings that fall in the middle. Each issue I will review recent events, preview upcoming events, give an overview of event-planning trends and share my recommendations for where to go to see and be seen.

THE LATEST IN EVENT TRENDS
Around Town: As far as events go, early January is dead time. After attending 10 cocktail parties in a two-week period at the end of the year, eating, drinking and being merry can get a little old. But as people recover from the glut of the holiday experience and as the days start to get longer, things begin to pick up.

Events Going Green: The cardinal rule in events is to make the people happy. Usually that means putting out rich food, shoving environmental and dietary concerns to the side, and focusing on the most efficient way to get the job done. But recently there has been a concerted effort among event industry leaders to "go green," which can include energy and water use reductions, carbon calculations and even healthier fare. While the immediate costs tend to be higher, many are banking on the future saving.

Out of the Park: When baseball season ends, the parties begin…at the stadiums. While designed to house big games, ball parks also can be excellent venues for special events. They offer unusual backdrops, often combined with cool perks (playing catch on Wrigley Field) and an all-access pass to often-unseen portions of the facility. With rumors of a new $5 million minor-league baseball stadium and sports complex coming to town, similar events may be just around the corner for Columbia.

Edible Flowers: Top designers are using edible flowers to add both visual and palatable flair to their events. As an example, in the summer months, the borage plant produces vibrant, blue, star-shaped flowers, which taste like cucumbers. This creates a perfect addition to a chilled bisque or even ice cream.

REVIEWS

Crab Night at Old Hawthorne
Where: The Club at Old Hawthorne
When: Every Wednesday night
Why: For the love of crab and good company.
Cost: $25.95 (all you can eat)
Details: Every Wednesday, Chef Adam Wells-Morgan and company crank out as much crab as the members and guests can handle, complete with lemon-butter, side salads, corn on the cob, and some tasty concoction of rice and wild grains. As you get toward the end of the pile, someone always seems to be arriving with more.
Rating: 8/10—Refusing to eat more crab is a strange and wonderful experience.
Columbia Notables: Billy and Glenda Sapp, Don and Sharon Ginsburg, Cameron Dunafon, Kevin Sprouse, Ford Mendenhall and Rusty Brett

Jason Aldean Concert
Where: The Blue Note
When: Jan. 17
Why: Country star comes to town.
Cost: Sold out; I found a friend with tickets
Details: As always, The Blue Note provided the perfect atmosphere for an eclectic mix of John Deer hats, collared shirts, denim and boots of all ages. The warm-up bands were good, but Aldean sounded great live with such hits as "Hicktown," "Johnny Cash" and "Amarillo Sky."
Rating: 8/10—Nothing like hearing: "Dude, your cowboy hat just spilled my beer … it's cool."
Columbia Notables: I'm sure there were plenty…just too dark to see

PREVIEWS

Heart Ball
Where: Holiday Inn Executive Center
When: 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2
Why: Raise funds for the American Heart Association and Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center.
Cost: $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10
Details: Black-tie-optional affair includes cocktails and silent auction, followed by dinner and live auction, then dessert and entertainment featuring the MU Dance Combo.
Anticipation Rating: 7/10—A good cause and a proven format make this a predictably enjoyable night.

Boys and Girls Club Chili Cook-Off
Where: Holiday Inn Executive Center
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 16
Why: To eat chili and support one of the most worthy nonprofits in the area.
Cost: $5 in advance/$10 at the door, or $150 for a Chili Team
Details: While the Kansas City Street Band lays down the hits, more than 40 chili-creating aficionados gather to test their secret recipes against both professional and amateur competitors.
Anticipation Rating: 8/10—Who wouldn't love great chili for a great cause, with plenty to wash it down?

Red Carpet Live: Magic of the Movies 2008
Where: The Blue Note
When: 6 p.m. Feb. 24
Why: Hollywood comes to Columbia
Cost: $25 per person or $140 for a reserved table of four
Details: Columbia will experience all that Hollywood has to offer. After handing over the keys to the valet parking attendant, you can walk the red carpet and be photographed by local paparazzi from Stella Studios. Once inside, you will be treated to a program hosted by the Eagle's Tom Bradley and featuring the Academy Awards, the biggest show in Hollywood, LIVE. From the ice sculptures to the top-shelf hors d'oeuvres by the new Bleu Restaurant, nothing about this star performance is forgettable.
Anticipation Rating: 9/10—Ice sculptures, valet parking, caviar and color commentary should come together to create a distinct experience.
Note: Event Solutions is producing this event.

Hit List:
1. ARTrageous Friday—6-9 p.m. Jan. 25 at 15 locations downtown
2. Ed Ailor Art Launch Party—5:30-7:30 p.m. January 25 at the Tiger Hotel
3. Cosmo Lunch Club Annual Pancake and Sausage Day—6 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Cosmo Community Center
4. Jazz Series: Karrin Allyson Group—7 p.m. Jan. 27 at Lela Rainey Wood Hall, Stephens College
5. Concert Series: Evita—7 p.m. Jan. 29 in Jesse Auditorium
6. BeefBacker Award Reception—4-6 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Forge and Vine
7. "Tango"— 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Corner Playhouse, MU Campus
8. Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars—7 p.m. Feb. 4 at The Blue Note
9. Concert Series: Golden Dragon Acrobats of China—7 p.m. Feb. 9 in Jesse Auditorium
10. Masonic Library and Museum Grand Opening—2-6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Masonic Home of Missouri

Is your favorite charity holding a fund-raiser? Is your company hosting an event? Are you and your friends throwing a party? Tell me about it at events@eventsolutionsllc.com.

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