Rob Giardinelli
An Evening With Legends Features Performances By Music Icons David Foster And Katharine McPhee Take The Spotlight
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Jenny Antill
THE SCENE: The Post Oak Hotel in Houston was the setting for a fabulous night of philanthropy and music. A sold-out crowd that included over 700 of the city’s most notable music lovers, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for the annual Texas Chiidren’s Hospital An Evening With Legends. This year’s featured legends were music icons David Foster and Katharine McPhee.
THE VIBE: The black tie optional crowd included a select few VIPs who were fortunate enough to participate in the pre-performace meet and greet with David Foster and Katharine McPhee. The festivities then moved into the foyer outside the Post Oak ballroom for a lively cocktail hour. Here, guests sipped on their favorite spirits with many chatting about which of the duo’s hit songs would be a part of their live musical performance. The action then moved into The Post Oak ballroom for the main program.
Guests were dazzled by the transformation of the ballroom into a high-end piano bar that only heightened how special the evening would be. Emcee Debbie Suskin effortlessly kept the evening flowing at a fun, brisk pace as revelers dined on their multi-course meals where they were treated to words by event and organization leaders.
The night was capped off with a concert performance by David Foster and Katharine McPhee. While Foster played the piano, McPhee belted out a range of iconic tunes, including serenading two tables in the audience that won the privilege through a one-of-a-kind auction experience. Towards the end of the concert, aspiring Broadway star and Texas Children’s cancer patient Layla Bourgesi sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow. It was accompanied by Foster on the piano and brought tears to many in the audience before a standing ovation after the performance, which perfectly encapsulated the impact of a special, legendary evening.
THE NON-PROFIT: An Evening with Legends, co-chaired Shelly and Brian Hendry, Sue Smith, and Limor and Stuart Smith raised over $1.25 million for Texas Children’s Hospital Cancer and Hematology Center. Proceeds raised from the evening will go towards programs and research initiatives.
