Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/720642
BLAME IT ON RIO HOUSTON SYMPHONY'S SMOLDERING LATIN-FLAVORED BALL Matthew Ramirez takes in Carnaval. Photography Priscilla Dickson, Anthony Rathbun, and Dave Rossman. 40 David Caceres IN THE SAMBA LINE Houston Symphony executive director/CEO Mark Hanson with wife Christina, out on the dance floor; board prez Steve Mach; Bulgari Houston store director Stephanie von Stein and North American president Daniel Paltridge, sponsors of the auctioned luxury trip to Rome, won by melodious patrons Helen and Jim Shaffer; Phoebe and Bobby Tudor; Julia and Russell Frankel; Faith and Lee Majors; Danielle and Josh Batchelor; Franci Neely; Alex and Astley Blair; Betty and Jesse Tutor; Lynn Wyatt; Cheryl and Sam Byington; Margaret Williams; and Karina Barbieri. LOOKING SOUTH True to its Carnaval theme, this year's Houston Symphony Ball conjured a Brazilian supper club, with dancers who sambaed down the red carpet to greet guests. Grammy Award nominee Bebel Gilberto — who splits her time between New York and Rio — melded pop and Brazilian- infused sounds for a rousing bossa nova concert. David Caceres on sax with band Hace Color kept the raucous mood going before DJ Kalkutta ushered the bash into the night. CONCERTMASTERS Ball chairmen Jana and Scotty Arnoldy, Jana radiant in a Rio-worthy headdress and gown by Alexander McQueen • Auction chairs Mary Ann and David McKeithan • After-party chairs Valerie and Tracy Dieterich • Honorees Sybil Roos (who received the Ima Hogg Philanthropy Award), Lindy and John Rydman, and charismatic Symphony associate conductor Robert Franz • Decoration by Richard Flowers of The Events Company • 600 lavish, Carnaval- ready revelers • About $1.5 million raised. Bill Gutknecht Lynn Wyatt Christine Falgout- Gutknecht Jo Lynn Falgout Stephanie von Stein Mary Ann McKeithan David McKeithan Phoebe Tudor Joella Mach Steve Mach Christina Hanson DJ Kalkutta Carnaval revelers Mark Hanson Bobby Tudor Daniel Paltridge Gregg Falgout Honoree Sybil Roos Janet Gurwitch Heidi Kashani Monsour Taghdisi Ron Franklin Diane Lokey Farb Chair Jana Arnoldy Chair Scotty Arnoldy