Rob Giardinelli
Conspirare’s Hidden Music Gala Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Record-Breaking Evening
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Bells and Whistles Productions and Quiana Whitley
THE SCENE: Distribution Hall was the recent setting for a night that celebrated three decades of music by one of Texas’ most beloved performance companies. Approximately 300 of the city’s most notable music lovers, sociables, community leaders, and philanthropists turned out for Conspirare’s annual Hidden Music Gala and were treated to a night of great fun and musical performances.
THE VIBE: The evening’s theme, “Pearl Essence“, empowered patrons to don their finest nautical-chic attire with a mix of cool blues, whites, linens, and flowing dresses seen throughout the night, which created a causal, elegant, and welcoming vibe for all who attended. Upon arriving, guests had the opportunity to pose for images with Conspirare Founder and Musical Director Craig Hella Johnson as a keepsake to mark the 30th anniversary of the organization.
Revelers then enjoyed a cocktail and mingled throughout the space catching up with old friends while making new friends. Those with an appetite could be seen nibbling on delectable, buffet-style bites served up by Flavor Catering. Partygoers then headed into the salon to grab their seats for the evening’s program emceed by Elliott Forrest. Event producer Kevin Little transformed the space into a retro resort chic space with deck chairs and tables that were donned with elegant fish bowls filled with shells and netting that perfectly complemented the vibe and attire of patrons.
After taking their seats, the music-loving attendees were treated to a concert composed and headlined by Johnson, with the music company performing on the opposite side of the room, which created a stereo surround sound that gave the music extra poignance. Next came a spirited live auction where the crowd bid on a host of luxe items, with the top items being dinner at the home of Craig Hella Johnson and Philip Overbaugh and a treasured ticket where 24 guests won the opportunity to gather for Songs at Sunset this Fall at the home of longtime Austin art patrons Gail and Jeff Kodosky.
THE NON-PROFIT: Hidden Music: Pearl Essence, chaired by Marvin Brittman, raised a record-breaking $288,000 for Conspirare. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the musical programs and performances by the multi-Grammy-Award-winning ensemble including the upcoming return of Considering Matthew Shepard in October of 2024.
