Rob Giardinelli
Annual Kaleidoscope Ball Honors Jesse H. Jones II
By Rob Giardinelli Photography Courtesy of Priscilla Dickson and Melissa Taylor
THE SETTING: The Wortham Center was the setting of a fabulous evening to celebrate the arts and the contributions of one of Space City’s most beloved art patrons. Several hundred of the city’s most notable art lovers, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for Performing Arts Houston’s annual Kaleidoscope Ball. This year’s event sported a Mariposas de Guadalajara theme and honored prominent Houston arts patron Jesse H. Jones II. The night featured a mix of fun, tributes, and performances that added up to a record-breaking night for the organization.
THE VIBE: The black-tie crowd took full advantage of the Mariposas de Guadalajara theme with many donning colorful ensembles and floral prints in celebration of this special night. The festivities began the evening on the second floor of The Wortham Center for cocktail hour where guests mingled, perused the impressive silent auction, and had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win luxury tequila and wines. The ambiance of the event was further elevated due to the backdrop of music by several musical and performance acts with Mexican roots.
Attendees then took to their seats for the main program. The space was transformed into a vibrant, colorful hue courtesy of Bergner and Johnson. As partygoers dined on their delectable, multi-course meals, emcee Linda Lorelle effortlessly kept the evening moving at a fun, brisk pace for patrons. Highlights of the program included a live auction, honoring beloved art patron Jesse H. Jones II for his tireless support of Performing Arts Houston over the years. The program concluded with a performance by Latin GRAMMY-Award-winning artist Magos Herrera.
On a mental high after a dazzling program, the fun continued with an epic after-party. The energy of fun was contagious throughout The Wortham Center with revelers remaining on the dance floor into the wee hours of the morning dancing to the tunes of DJ Nick Serena.
THE NON-PROFIT: The Kaleidoscope Ball, co-chaired by Kristin and Lance Reynolds, raised over $700,000 for Performing Arts Houston, smashing the previous fundraising record by over $100,000. Founded in 1966, the organization advances artistic innovation, community engagement, and cultural enrichment in Houston. Each season, Performing Arts Houston hosts productions across multiple artistic mediums
