Monday 9_10_24. A sunny day, yesterday in New York, and mainly the weekend, with much cooler evenings running down to the low 60s, even high 50s in the wee hours. But beautiful end of Summer days.
Out in Southampton, the Summer was still winding down more than ever. For example, the Southampton Arts Center (SAC) held their 9th annual SummerFest Gala, honoring Jamee and Peter Gregory with the Champions of Arts Award for their philanthropy. The evening was co-chaired by Hilary and Wilbur Ross, Karen and Richard LeFrak, Audrey and Martin Gruss and Simone and David Levinson.
The evening began with a cocktail reception that including “tastings” from top East End restaurants and shops including Amalfi, Bamboo, Clamman, El Verano, Golden Pear, Saaz and Shippy’s. Variety was the spice (along with the spices). This was assisted by some rose called Aphrodise, and all presented generously before the al fresco dinner which was held in the center’s lush garden.
During dinner, Southampton’s Mayor William Manger Jr. presented the award to Jamee and Peter although Jamee had to accept the award for Peter who was home recovering from Covid. Leading the applause were Jane Holzer, Elyn Kronemeyer, Joan Morgan McGivern, Chris and Richard Mack, Fairley Pilaro, Jane Rosenblum, Michael Spinks, Paul Travis, Stefano Tonchi, Helena and Rob Vahradian, Paula Viscogliosi, Marcy and Michael Warren, and Bettina Zilkha.
As well as John Paulson and Alina de Almeida, Ann and Keith Barish, Kara Ross, Fern Mallis, Sylvia Hemingway, Peter Thomas Roth, Kim Heirston, Nicole and Allen Salmasi, Candace Bushnell, Rebecca Seawright, Jean Shafiroff, Ramona Singer, Robin Baker Leacock.
The evening was concluded with performances by Tony Award-winner Adrienne Warren and Broadway star Jessica Vosk. The evening raised $700,000. The funds allows the Art Center to show world-class exhibitions and 150 programs annually.
SAC was co-founded by Simone Levinson and J. Whitney Stevens with the intention of producing inspiring, inclusive, socially and regionally relevant programs across all disciplines.
Meanwhile, on another beautiful night by the beach, Swans @ Sunset in Southampton. A private party was hosted by Janna Bullock and R. Couri Hay who built a stage overlooking the ocean on Meadow Lane, also known to some as Billionaire’s Row — whose residents have also included David Koch and his widow Julia; designer Tory Burch, Aby Rosen, and Citadel CEO Kenneth Griffin.
Chloe Misseldine, the 22-year-old ballerina, and the newest and youngest principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, commemorated her promotion at this private party dubbed “Swans @ Sunset.” They were celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Youth America Grand Prix, founded by Larissa Saveliev in 1999.
The young ballerina, who graced the cover of the New York Times Arts and Leisure section last July, performed her critically acclaimed role as Odette-Odile in “Swan Lake” with a full corps de ballet of YGAP alumni.
Paloma Dineli Chesky sang. At 16 years old, Paloma, the Brazilian/American writer/songstress has two albums (“Soul on Soul” and “Thirteen”) under her belt. She’s the youngest performer to headline shows at Birdland and City Winery, and has performed with the NY Philharmonic at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, the Lincoln Memorial, Dizzy’s Club, Zinc Club, Triad Theater NYC, and NY Central Park. New York girls are busy with their careers.
Also on hand was her father, Grammy-nominated David Chesky, the classical composer and jazz pianist whose Chesky Record label is known for his innovative audio technologies.
One hundred guests, decked out in black and white and glittering jewels in a nod to the iconic ballet, sipped Frank Schilling’s bubbly rosé Aphrodise as they watched two dozen swans from American Ballet Theater and the Joffrey Ballet flutter across the lawn and dance as the sun set surrounded by flaming torches.
Also performing was ABT dancer Melvin Lawovi who starred in choreographer Maria Konrad’s showstopper Dea to composer Karen LeFrak’s inspiring piece, titled “Space.” The composer’s husband, developer Richard LeFrak, led the applause along with Lady Liliana and Lord William Cavendish, Audrey Gruss, Candace Bushnell, Peter Thomas Roth, Jackie, Janice and Charles Cecil, Eugenia Bullock, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Alie and Justin Mitchell, Jean Shafiroff, Daniel Stock, Sylvia Hemingway, Sergey Gordeev, Wendy Federman, Gennadi Saveliev, Debra and Greg Washburn, Kamie Lightburn, Joe Alexander, Jane DeFlorio, Paola Bacchini, Arnie Rosenshein, Monica Elias, and others of that ilk and stripe.
Like Cinderella, Chloe left the party right after the Beluga Caviar bumps, Chicken Kiev, and Baked Alaska to fly to London to perform Swan Lake at the London Coliseum on August 28th. On the way-out guests received chocolate bites and a copy of Park magazine with Karen LeFrak on the cover. yagp.org
