Yesterday I blogged about what I was wearing at this year’s Anne Arundel County Arts Council Mardi Gras Gala but I didn’t write about the event itself. The highlight for me was listening to and watching two wonderful renditions of song and dance routines from the musical “Working” which will be performed this spring by students in the performing arts magnet program in collaboration with the theater department. Particularly outstanding was the soloist in “Just a Housewife.” Part of the money raised by the arts council goes to support educational arts programs in our schools, both public and private, so the entertainment was very appropriate.
Too bad some people couldn’t stop themselves from talking while the kids were performing. This has happened before, at the Annie Awards no less, honoring local artists for their work and support of the arts. I was sitting in the auditorium at St. John’s College, where the event was taking place behind some very noisy people while a string quartet was performing on stage.
Meanwhile, when we wanted to talk to our dinner companions during dinner, the band for dancing was playing too loud. This has happened at a number of events I’ve attended this past year. So any event organizers out there take note. During the dinner hour, if there is music it should be “background music”, low and subdued. I love good music and want to give it my full attention when there is a performance, but sometimes social time should take precedence. Just my humble opinion.
At any rate, kudos to the Arts Council for a great evening with good food and dancing. I hope you made lots of money to support the arts.
Nadja Maril, Writer & Author 