"Come Sail Away" was the theme for Maryland Hall's 24th Annual Arts Alive and the beautiful weather and nautical décor and community participation made for a spectacular evening. The goal was to have a big party with quality entertainment, great food and drinks, and an increased support from the community. All of the goals were accomplished. Arts Alive raised over $200,000 which allows us to meet our mission of providing Art for All in our community. We are incredibly grateful for all of the sponsors, restaurant donations, silent auction donations, attendees, donations to our teacher wish lists, and to the many organizations that gave their time and talents to make this a wonderful evening.
Special thanks to Debbie Mayer, Maryland Hall Board Chair and to the Arts Alive Chair Brandi Hanback, Executive Vice President, Rockefeller Group & Maryland Hall Board Member. Their vision and tireless efforts along with the Board of Directors and Arts Alive Planning Committee contributed immensely to the success of the event. A sincere thanks to Lisa Niemann, the silent auction chair who did an outstanding job procuring fabulous donations. As always, we are grateful to Maryland Hall's wonderful volunteer corps that assisted with many aspects of the event. We'd also like to thank honored guests, First Lady Yumi Hogan, Senator Sarah Elfreth, Delegate Shaneka Henson and Mayor Gavin Buckley.
It was an evening full of outstanding entertainment starting with performances by Maryland Hall's four resident companies: Annapolis Opera, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Live Arts Maryland, and the Ballet Theatre of Maryland, followed by a fantastic combined performance! The Yacht Lobster band continued the fun by providing cool vibe tunes fused with stellar vocals, a full horn section and unique elements of NOLA funk, classic rock and jazz improvisations that kept things festive and fun. Plenty of dancing tunes to rock the yacht! The evening was complete with "Captain" Ryan Sneddon with Naptown Scoop as our Emcee who kept us entertained and on schedule.
Guests dined on delicious treats donated by 16 local restaurants & caterers: Annapolis Market House, Annapolis Smokehouse, Blue Crab Cupcakes, Bread & Butter Kitchen, Carpaccio Tuscan Kitchen, Federal House, Graul's Market, Luna Blu, Lemongrass, Main & Market, Mi Lindo Cancun, Paul's Homewood Cafe, Pit Boys, Pusser's Caribbean Grille, Smashing Grapes and the The Cafe at Maryland Hall. Please patron these stellar restaurants and caterers in our community.
If you couldn't make this year's event, plan to join us next year and support your region's cultural core!
