SPECIAL EVENTS

A Fête Remembered

The ADF kicked off the second evening of Shen Wei Dance Arts on Friday, June 19, with a grand Fete to Remember – a collaboration between the ADF, Somerhill Art Gallery, Revolution Restaurant, and Mark Day Company. Invited guests took in a sampling of fine art and jazz by the John Brown orchestra at Somerhill Art Gallery, followed by pre-performance remarks by Durham City Mayor, Honorable William "Bill" Bell, ADF Director Charles L. Reinhart, gallery owner Joe Rowand, and caterer Mark Day. The 100 guests were treated to special VIP seating at the Durham Performing Arts Center for Shen Wei’s long awaited Re- (I, II, III), and ended the evening with fine wine and desserts at Revolution Restaurant.

Gala 2009

The 2009 Gala to benefit the ADF Scholarship Fund was held on July 9 at the Durham Performing Arts Center. The evening began with welcome remarks by Festival Co-Director Jodee Nimerichter, followed by touching comments from the parent of a local ADF scholarship recipient. Over 200 guests enjoyed global fare prepared and generously contributed by illustrious Durham restaurateur and longstanding ADF supporter Giorgios Bakatsias.

Special recognition was given to 2009 Gala committee members Julia Borbely-Brown, Meredith Frey, Pamela M. Green, Vicky Patton, Barbra B. Rothschild, and all of the incredible supporters for helping to make the evening a spectacular occasion. Immediately following the soiree, guests were treated to special VIP seating for perennial Festival favorite Pilobolus who presented two ADF-commissioned world premieres in addition to other works from their celebrated repertory.

photos by Sara D. Davis