Songbook Celebration 2016

In a twist on an iconic Indianapolis event, The Center for the Performing Arts transported this year’s attendees of the 2016 Songbook Celebration back to the roaring 1920’s for a swanky evening of iconic entertainment, trendsetting food, and daring fun at the Palladium. Set in the era of prohibition, from the moment guests arrived until they moment they left the time traveling timeline took guests all over the venue beginning in the lobby and ending in one of three nightclub spaces.

Photo courtesy of facebook.com/thecenterfortheperformingarts

5:00pm – Guests kept an eye out for the Ladies Temperance League and had their password ready to enter the Cocktail Reception sponsored by First Merchants Bank

6:00pm – It’s the cat’s meow as an elegant dinner in the Palladium and Live Auction bidding was underway, but guests stayed on the lookout because in order to not get pinched they had to go on the lam…

8:30pm – Michael Feinstein honors Hoagy Carmichael, Dionne Warwick, and Diahann Carroll in the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony followed by an exciting performance by Storm Large

10:00pm–1:00am – The evening concluded by puttin’ on the Ritz with dessert buffets and java, dancing and music in three distinct clubs at the Katz, Sapper & Miller After Party

The theme of this event was exceptional. The Ladies Temperance League was on hand to ‘protest’ the event in true 1920’s fashion. The cocktail party even had a password, just like the speakeasies of the day. Our favorite part of the event was the raid that signaled the end of the night. Much like raids in the prohibition era, lights and sirens flashed as guests made their exit. The Palladium felt like a true 1920’s late-night party. Gold chiavari chairs with pearl beading along the back and black linen complimented the lampshade centerpieces, and dim lighting, gave an overall club-like feel to the otherwise bright venue.

Photo courtesy of facebook.com/thecenterfortheperformingarts

Hors d’oeuvres
Golden beets, pistachio goat cheese mousse, citrus cranberry jam, crostini
Beef carpaccio crostini with crispy capers, truffled honey, arugula
Red curry cashew chicken salad, crispy lotus flower cup, cilantro
Spicy tuna rice cups, avocado crème, soy paper
Apricot brie strudel, candied ginger, apple compote
Fingerling potatoes, alouette herb cheese, smoked bacon

Amuse Bouche
Lobster medallion, yellow pepper curl, caviar, pea tendrils, tarragon sweet pea puree, vanilla vinaigrette

First Course
Arugula, frisee, radicchio, endive salad, figs, stilton blue cheese, apples, cinnamon candied walnuts, cherry liqueur vinaigrette

Assorted breads, flat breads, sundried tomato basil butter and french butter balls

Second Course
Coffee roasted filet of beef, port wine demi-glace
Ancho chili spiced red snapper, sweet vermouth butter sauce
Pumpkin flan, roasted fennel & yellow tomatoes, french beans

Dessert Stations

Individual Baked Alaska

Assorted Verine Station
Blueberry, lemon curd, cake crumbles, ginger whipped cream, candied lemon zest
Espresso chocolate mousse, chocolate cookie crumbles, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, espresso bean
Nutella mousse, banana cream, vanilla wafers, chopped hazelnuts

Assorted Mini Pastries
Chocolate dipped strawberries
Mini marjoliane
Chocolate tart
Assorted towers

Photo courtesy of facebook.com/thecenterfortheperformingarts

Photo courtesy of facebook.com/thecenterfortheperformingarts

Photo courtesy of facebook.com/thecenterfortheperformingarts

This year’s Songbook Celebration Gala celebrated the art of Hoagy Carmichael, Dionne Warwick, and Diahann Carroll. A live auction was also held following dinner and featured items like a special date night, block party, private dinner on stage at the Palladium, Colts away game, and a VIP trip with Micheael Fienstein. During the course of the evening a special musical performance was given by Storm Large and Micheal Fienstein.