From six o’clock on, guests moved through various rooms of the Lotus Club to see a demonstration of the art of decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs, heard the ancient koto of Japan, watched classical Indian dance and an English maypole folk ritual, all the while tasting the traditional foods and drinks of the regions: blini and vodka, sushi and saki, samosas and Indian beer, meat pies and stout. At seven o’clock, they gathered in the Ballroom for a festive dinner - with a spring menu, in the midst of parasols and blossoms - and witnessed more revelations of this most extravagant season. The distinguished flutist, Carol Wincenc, played Debussy’s exquisite tribute to the god Pan. The award winning actors, Kathleen Chalfant and John Cunningham, read eloquent and whimsical poetry inspired by spring. Dr. Fernando Nottebohm of Rockefeller University spoke on the remarkable phenomenon of the growth of brain cells in song birds as they sing. Masayo Ishigure, a master of Japanese koto, paid homage to the signature blossom of the season with a composition entitled “Cherry Blossoms.” Kristin Schleiter, the Director of Outdoor Gardens at the New York Botanical Garden, spoke about Tulipmania in 17th century Europe. Jimmy Roberts played and sang some of the popular songs about spring. All in homage to this glorious season. There was a Bonnet and Boutonnière Contest for which the ladies were invited to design their bonnets and the gentlemen their boutonnières. Eve MacSweeney, Features Director of Vogue, was on hand to the judge their creations
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTO CREDIT: Copyright © 2013 David Dupuy
David is a very talented fashion and portrait photographer. Private Booking requests for David Dupuy via anniewattphotographer@gmail.com for special events, portraits, and video.