FACES & PLACES AROUND TOWN FEBRUARY 2009   Riverside Symphonia’s Rainbow and Stars Gala – March 7th Put on your party dress, dust off the tuxedo and come join supporters of the Riverside Symphonia as they present an evening of cabaret during the Rainbow and Stars Gala at Holly Hedge Estate on March 7, 2009. The event, honoring Bob Egan “Mr. Cabaret himself”, promises to be a memorable evening as guests will dance the night away to the illustrious sounds of the Eddie Bruce Band and enjoy a little night music by Charlene Holloway. Holloway, a native of Philadelphia, recently released her solo album Big, Bad and Beautiful and has appeared with artists such as Patti Labelle, Dexter Wansel, Teddy Pendergrass, Stephanie Mills, George Michael and Phyllis Hyman. Coordinating this year’s gala is an equally stellar list of stars. The Dinner Chair is Dorothy Burdumi of Dorothy Burdumi Events, joined by Honorary Dinner Chairs Harriet and Paul Gratz of the Gratz Gallery in New Hope, Event Décor by Rusty Thomas of Rusty Thomas Event Designs, Auction Chair Joseph Santoro, Auction co-chair Pat Hamilton, MC and Auctioneer Pamela Morrison, and Producers Vivian Banta, Elizabeth Griffin, Vie Tabaac and Keith David. Along with Dinner and dancing there will also be silent and live auctions featuring items such as Cabaret, a 12”x16” image painted live by Robert Beck during a Monday Night Cabaret performance at the Stockton Inn in Stockton, New Jersey.  The oil painting portrays Bob Egan accompanying a performer as they entertain diners at the famous restaurant in Stockton, NJ. An enthusiastic supporter of the Riverside Symphonia, Robert Beck is pleased to offer this painting of his friend Bob Egan for the benefit of, in his words, ”a world class orchestra and a regional treasure.” Also being auctioned is an intimate gourmet dinner for six with select wines in the historic landmark River House in Manhattan. The River House, located on East 52nd Street, is “arguably the city’s, if not the world’s, finest apartment building” writes Carter B. Horsley in The Midtown Book. “It is a masterpiece of the Art Deco period” he writes “It simply reeks with exclusivity and glamour”.  Additional items that are sure to keep the bidding lively are a gourmet dinner for six to be held in a historic Carversville home with “celebrity guest” Bob Egan who will delight guests with an intimate performance, a Bucks County Hot Air Balloon Ride complemented by dinner at a local eatery and a sit down dinner for 20 by DISH catering at the Riverside Symphonia’s July 4th “Concert Under the Stars”. All funds raised will benefit Riverside Symphonia, a professional orchestra serving the Greater Delaware Valley surrounding the neighboring river towns of Lambertville, NJ and New Hope, PA. The Symphonia premiered in 1990 and from the beginning, has successfully provided first-class music at prices within the reach of all.  Through the years, the orchestra has received critical acclaim, performing to consistently sold-out audiences. To purchase tickets for the Rainbow and Stars Gala or for more information about Riverside Symphonia please visit the website www.riversidesymphonia.org or call the Riverside office at 609 397-7300.