Rob Giardinelli
A Star-Studded Evening Of Texas Music, Austin Style, And Generous Giving Brings Together Tanya Tucker, Ray Benson, Dale Watson, Wade Bowen And More To Celebrate The Preservation Of Lions Municipal Golf Course
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Tyler Schmitt
THE SCENE: ACL Live at The Moody Theatre was the setting for a night of star-studded music and fundraising that benefited one of Austin’s most beloved green spaces. A packed crowd of several hundred of the Capital City’s most notable community leaders, advocates, sociables, and philanthropists turned out for Imagine Muny V, benefiting The Muny Conservancy, as the evening delivered a mix of touching moments and dazzling live musical performances that made it a seven-figure night for the organization.
THE VIBE: The Austin-chic crowd wore an array of fun, festive looks. Cocktail dresses, sequins, and sport coats effortlessly mingled with cowboy hats, boots, and Texas ties, creating a happy, festive environment where everyone felt like part of the family.
As guests arrived and ascended the steps to ACL Live at The Moody Theatre, the energy was palpable as everyone sensed a very special evening ahead. After taking pictures on the green carpet to commemorate the evening, guests then mingled on the terrace of ACL Live at The Moody Theatre as they sipped their favorite spirits. During the cocktail hour, partygoers perused an impressive array of silent auction items, including curated golf, music, and luxury items and experiences.
The doors then opened as the crowd took to their seats for dinner and the main program. Jennifer Stevens of JHL Company transformed the orchestra level of ACL Live at The Moody Theatre into a space that perfectly blended sophistication with the laid-back nature of music. This included beautiful low-profile florals in blues and purples that perfectly complemented the crisp dark linens.
As the crowd dined on delectable, multi-course meals, they heard words from event and organization leaders thanking them for supporting the organization’s important work to preserve one of Austin’s most beloved public spaces. After the remarks, partygoers had a chance to visit and chat with their tablemates before the next part of the evening.
Brittany Hebert Franklin helmed a spirited live auction where attendees bid on an array of luxury items and experiences, including Rory McIlroy’s Champions Dinner Wine Collection, a seven-night stay at a luxury home in San Miguel, and a Montana escape. A lively Paddles-Up followed, which drove the fundraising totals even higher. During the auction, guests filed into the Mezzanine and Balcony levels of ACL Live at The Moody Theatre to bid and build anticipation for the upcoming concert.
Ending the auction on a high note, the crowd rose for musical performances by a cornucopia of musical legends. The crowd enjoyed numbers by Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, Dale Watson, Wade Bowen, and The Copa Kings. The night ended with a show-stopping performance by country music legend Tanya Tucker, who kept the crowd on their feet and provided a perfect exclamation point on a wonderful evening of fun and fundraising.
THE NON-PROFIT: Imagine Muny V, hosted by Ben and Julie Crenshaw and Scotty and Julie Sayers, raised over $1 million for The Muny Conservancy. Proceeds from the event will support conservation and preservation initiatives for Lions Municipal Golf Course, which millions have enjoyed golfing at since its founding in 1924. The Muny Conservancy was founded in 2019 to raise funds and work with both the City of Austin and the University of Texas at Austin to permanently preserve the 141-acre public greenspace in the heart of Central Austin.
