Time Warp Party, Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center’s Wild Women Tea Party, and Gastropub It!
The distant sound of a warbling accordion, high pitched laughter, and staccato popping reverberations created a come-hither cacophony that lured people along a torch lit path to the Gibbes Museum of Art’s rear courtyard on Saturday night for the Time Warp Party.
My first glimpse of the gathering revealed a cast of outré characters: sultry chanteuse “Caramella Guillotine” (aka Carrie Anne Hearst), a smoking jacket clad Ben LeClercq, and a smattering of gamines whose attitudes and attire were clearly inspired by The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The popping sound that periodically punctuated the party? It stemmed from fresh batches of T&T’s Original Kettle Corn, which is hard to resist. Between the audible party food, DJ Lonatron, and the live cabaret performance, it was one of the more evocative party soundtracks.
A Montmartre-inspired jaunt through music, color, candor, and exhibitionism is the best way to describe Cabaret Kiki, a collective of local artists who’ve banded together to bring a new level of showmanship to Charleston. Gibbes guests were entranced by the show and gathered in a tight semi-circle around the performers.
I think the Gibbes likes to keep its guests guessing when it comes to party attire. Last year’s fall party was a masquerade ball; this year’s somewhat ambiguous “costumes optional/glam essential” attire edict enticed a handful of guests to arrive in Halloween type character costumes- a sheik and a chic Marilyn Monroe were milling about.
The costume element was also present Sunday night at the Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center’s Wild Women Tea Party, which was hosted by Lisa Rice in her lovely Mt. Pleasant home. The invitation called for tiaras and hats, and a wide array of bling and hand-crafted millinery adorned the heads of guests.
Across town, scores of people gathered at Red Drum for Gastropub It!, a fundraiser for Operation Home. This grassroots group makes emergency home repairs to disadvantaged residents across the Lowcountry by regularly sending professional contractors, electricians, and plumbers to people in need of assistance.
The valet staff was working in overdrive as a steady stream of cars pulled up to the event. Inside, casually attired people spilled forth from every inch of the restaurant. Ashley Alderman, executive director of Operation Home, was stationed near the door to welcome guests and assign bid numbers. The wait staff worked quickly to replenish the delicious spread of food (two thumbs up for the the crabmeat tostadita with avocado relish), and the wine alcove was staffed with several knowledgeable wine stewards.
Sixteen-week-old Nina Ziff was the belle of the ball as many outstretched arms lined up for the chance to tote the zen infant around the party. Nina’s parents, Loren and Mindelle, are active volunteers with Operation Home.
Twinkling lights, leather settees, a Mojito bar, and a roaring fire, made the outdoor patio a popular spot. Midway through the event, the live auction coaxed most guests to crowd onto the patio, and the jostling bodies coupled with auctioneer Doug Warner’s trademark energy heightened the excitement of the auction. Chef Ben Berryhill, who’d been overseeing the kitchen throughout the event, made an appearance at the end of the auction- the last lot was a six course dinner in Red Drum’s wine room for 10 people, and it was heralded with abundant applause.
Caritas.
Ida
