Apple Tree Arts gala brings New Orleans to Grafton
Enjoy a lively, New Orleans-inspired evening on Bourbon Street at Apple Tree Arts “Welcome to Bourbon Street” Gala, March 14, 7-10 p.m. featuring headliner band, Bourbon Street Brass, dancing, sumptuous New Orleans style hors d’oeuvres and desserts, cocktails (cash & credit card bar) and an array of exciting silent auction items at the Great Hall, One Grafton Common in Grafton.
Early bird pricing is available at https://app.donorview.com/yWb0n or www.appletreearts.org. Prices increase March 1. General admission is $50. VIP admission costs $75 and includes a special 6:00 p.m. early reception with classical violinist Kathryn Haddad, delicious appetizers and a complimentary Bourbon Street Spritz, our signature cocktail. Catering is by Peppers Artful Events. Cocktail attire is suggested. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit school of the arts’ music and theatre arts programming.
“We are presenting our version of Bourbon Street in the Great Hall for Apple Tree Arts’ biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Gala chair Liz Anderson Spinney. “We wanted to bring the rich cultural and musical heritage of New Orleans to our intimate performance venue so party goers may experience the warmth and southern charm of the city as they enjoy the nightclub ambience of the hall. The dynamic, New Orleans jazz music of the Bourbon Street Brass band led by well-known trombonist Russell Jewell will inspire everyone to dance the night away,” Ms. Spinney added.
Additional entertainers include vocalist and pianist Stephanie Sarkisian and soprano Christina Pierro.
Sarkisian will perform jazz and popular music. Pierro will sing Broadway show tunes and duets with Sarkisian.
The Gala Committee is grateful for its generous sponsors including UNIBANK, Yesod Foundation, Rick Geoffroy and KPMG, LLP and Centage Corporation and the many in-kind donations individuals and businesses have given to the 2020 Gala silent auction.
Several of these donations (among others) include: Disney World Hopper passes ($800 value), overnight stay at Bayside Resort, Wachusett Mountain lift passes (current season or next year), Hy-line Crusies, Newport Mansion tickets, one-week pass to Whitin Community Center summer camp, TreeTop Adventures in Canton passes, baskets of wine from Folktale Winery, a basket from TreeHouse Brewery, a two-week family pass to Life Time Athletic Club (MetroWest Framingham), Old Sturbridge Village passes, Boston Red Sox autographed items and a golf foursome at Highfields Golf and Country Club. Restaurant gift cards include Public House Historic Inn and Anzio’s’ Brick Oven Pizza.
The Gala helps fund the nonprofit school’s high-quality music and theatre arts programing. Many businesses and individuals support the event. Sponsorships are still available. For more information,
Contact Liz Anderson Spinney by email at emcand29@gmail.com or call Apple Tree Arts at 508-839-4286 to reach her.
The Great Hall has become the venue of choice for performances, professional meetings and concerts. Upcoming events include a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Banda Gan Ainm (Band without a Name) March 7, the final concert of the Apple Tree Arts-Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra chamber music series, “The End of the Beginning” premieres April 4, 7:30 p.m. and a much-anticipated concert with singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler is scheduled for April 17, 7:30 p. m.
