The Friends of The Warren Center hosted a kickoff for the Inaugural Art of Music Gala Synesthesia on Thursday, May 5th at Hotel ZaZa’s Art House. Over 100 guests enjoyed light bites from Hotel ZaZa’s Dragonfly restaurant while sipping on house wine, Moscow Mule cocktails and local Dallas beers. All sponsored by Ben Smithee and Hotel ZaZa. Guests also enjoyed live painting by Christina Yielding and music by UT Arlington’s jazz trio group.
The Art of Music Gala Host Committee Chair and Kickoff Sponsor, Ben Smithee, announced The Inaugural Art of Music Gala which will be hosted by The Friends of The Warren Center on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Southside on Lamar Ballroom.
LaSondra and AJ Jackson spoke on behalf of their daughter Constance who received services from The Warren Center for close to 3 years. They spoke about how The Warren Center not only helped thier daughter, but also supported the entire family through the process.
Seen in the crowd: Ben Smithee, Tim Ishii, UT Arlington Associate Chair, Department of Music, Jazz Band, Jordan Roberts, Dan O’Brien, Jackson, Jake Pavelka, Michelle Lamont, Rayann and Brian Rich, David Call, Tammy and George Lee, Carla Gourley, Molly Nolan, Dr. Kat Smith, Leah Frazier, Kevin Kepple, Cameron Stewart, Bill Warren and Kasie Ricart.
The Art of Music Gala will include five renowned musicians who will compose an original composition inspired by this year’s theme of “Synesthesia” - a neurological phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway. Imagine that when you see a city's skyline, you taste blackberries. Or maybe when you hear a violin, you feel a tickle on your left knee. Perhaps you are completely convinced that Wednesdays are light red. If you have experiences like these, you might have synesthesia.
Each composition will then be delivered to five world-class artists to create five one of a kind works of art - purely inspired by the compositions.
The result is a night of celebration and performance where each original composition and its inspired work of art will be unveiled and performed live at the Gala.
Each completely unique piece of art and original manuscript/recording of the compositions that inspired will be auctioned off live, with the proceeds going directly to The Warren Center.
The Friends of The Warren Center will be hosting more events leading up to the February 24, 2017 gala where they will be announcing the music headliner and the musicians and artists who will be providing their compositions and artwork.
For more information about joining the Host Committee, Donations, Volunteering and other support, please contact Tara Null - tara.null@thewarrencenter.org.
Photos by Walter Nelms of James Edward Photography.