Let’s Party Hawaiian Style - Aloha Cabaret
This year has been all about riding the waves and adapting to the changing currents for the Coastal Symphony of Georgia. Their season has been creatively reimagined with the guiding hand of music director and conductor Michelle Merrill, the enthusiastic participation of the musicians, and the gracious support of sponsors and patrons, resulting in five outdoor concerts instead of the usual four in the auditorium. They are extremely grateful for the loyal support of so many sponsors through this challenging period. Now, as they look ahead to the 2021-22 season, this year’s annual fundraising gala, Cabaret, is more important than ever to keep the music playing.
Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
Don Myers, Chris Busby (kneeling), Drew Holland, Chad Goehring
Cabaret 2021 promises to be different from past galas. Like this year’s concert series, it has been reimagined in an outdoor setting designed to capture the true “aloha” spirit of the Hawaiian islands, one of positivity and sharing friendship. This slightly more casual but still elegant evening, but will include extraordinary entertainment that embodies the rich heritage of tropical islands through song and dance. While this is not a black tie affair, it’s also not your stereotypical luau on the beach. Think more “beach wedding,” when it comes to attire and be prepared to have some fun! Seating at the venue will be limited for your safety, so you’ll want to get your tickets today to make sure you don’t miss this unique event.
Aloha Cabaret will take place Friday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. You’ll enjoy warm ocean breezes and the soft glow of sunset from the outdoor Atlantic Court tent at The King and Prince Golf & Beach Resort. From the moment you walk under the canopy of Palms and hear the sound of the conch shell horn and rhythms of traditional Hawaiian mele (songs), you’ll be transported to the beauty and easy charm of those other islands.
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Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
Paige Slack, Marjorie Mathieu, Drew Holland, Janice Lamattina
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Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
Creta Nichols, Don Myers, Becky Yelverton, Marjorie Mathieu
The Cabaret Steering Committee of Janice Lamattina, Paige Slack, Drew Holland, and Coastal Symphony of Georgia Executive Director Sharon Flores, with the assistance of Men’s Committee Chair Don Myers and Board President Majorie Mathieu have imagined a magical night that combines the excitement of Cabaret with the friendliness and warmth of the Aloha spirit. Flip through these pages to get a feel for the surf vibe and fun atmosphere they want to create with prop assistance from longboards courtesy of Geoffrey Gable of sml surf co. to Chris Busby of Live Oak Fitness willing to take up the conch shell or ukulele upon request.
Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
Paige Slack, Creta Nichols, Chris Busby
The sweet fragrance of tropical flora will scent the air as Patrons at the Partner level and above are presented with fresh floral leis and Men’s Committee members sport orchid boutonnières. The evening will begin by celebrating pau hana (“Happy Hour”) while guests enjoy traditional dance, music, and fire performances that demonstrate the Polynesian islands’ rich culture and heritage throughout the evening. There will even be opportunities for audience participation.
After pau hana, you’ll be seated for an elegantly plated 3-course dinner featuring exquisite native Hawaiian flavors and fresh tropical ingredients before bidding begins on the most fabulous auction items ever curated for this event. Mason Waters will emcee the live auction with his usual good humor and flair. Included are trips for you and your family and friends to a Tuscan villa, ski-in/ski-out accommodations during a week in Utah, and a week’s stay at the Ka’anapali Beach Club on Maui. Many other adventures and experiences will be offered as well, so plan to bid!
Something new and exciting this year is that EVERYONE is invited to participate in the silent auction, even if you aren’t a Coastal Symphony of Georgia patron or cannot attend the event in person. All bidding for this year’s silent auction will be via your cellphone at the event or can be done at home on your computer or tablet. There will be NO paper bidding, so please pre-register and make sure bring your fully charged cell phone to Cabaret if you are attending.
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Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
Top: From left, standing, Sibby Gruber, Chad Goehring, Becky Yelverton, Drew Holland, Janet Shirley; seated, Margie Stockton, Creta Nichols, Susie Salvatore
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Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
From left, standing, Chris Busby, Joanne Scott, Don Myers, Marjorie Mathieu, Paige Slack; seated, Pam Hamilton, Janice Lamattina, Susan Myers
Bidding by phone is easy and fun!
Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
Janet Shirley, Janice Lamattina, Anne Whittle, Margie Stockton
You can get a text alert if you are outbid or choose to pre-set a limit on your bid to allow the system to place your bids for you to avoid the hassle of continuously checking to see if you’re winning. And there will be no long check-out lines because you’ll pay securely right on your phone, then simply go pick up your items. Pick-up will be available through June 4. Items will not be shipped.
Pre-register now to receive an update when items go live to browse online on April 15. Bidding will open to everyone on May 3. Go to ALOHA2021.GiveSmart.com or text Aloha2021 to SMART (76278) to register.
Make your reservations now as seating in this outdoor venue is limited, and as one of the first major events in over a year, it’s likely to be a quick sell-out! Tickets are $175 per person. Patron Packages are available for preferred seating. Purchase online at coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org or contact Janice Lamattina at lamattina2@comcast.net or 912.222.7541. This outdoor evening of exotic entertainment is one you won’t want to miss. Surf’s up!
Nick Toth, The Darkroom Photography
