Men in dinner jackets and women in hats swirled to the tunes of the Count Basie Orchestra. A scene from a 1940s movie? No, this picture wasn't black and white, it was in living color. This was "Salut! Everyman Goes to Town," Everyman Theatre's annual soiree.
This year, the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center was transformed into a 1940s supper club. Guests were encouraged to dress accordingly. And Everyman board chair Zelig Robinson and wife Linda Robinson led the way - he in a dinner jacket; she in a mink stole from her mother and a cute little cocktail cap that had belonged to her mother-in-law.
There was a purpose behind both the location and theme. The Hippodrome was chosen because it's across West Fayette Street from the Town Theatre, which is being renovated to become Everyman's new home in 2009. And the theme?
"We took the 40s theme from the current play," explained board member Martha Weiman. And A Nightingale Sang takes place during World War II.
As folks mixed and mingled - including party chair Bridget Ward, Laura Gamble, Stan Weiman, Sue Hess, Carter and Sam Polokoff, Brooks Amiot, Buzz Cusack, Ken Jackson and Niki Harris - artistic director Vince Lancisi pointed out that this year's party had pulled in a record crowd of about 300.
"Isn't it great?" he exclaimed with a big smile.
A Drink With Paul Tiburzi
No surprise: This sports booster is goal-oriented
Paul Tiburzi, 51, is managing partner of the Baltimore office of the DLA Piper law firm. The son of a Baltimore policeman, Tiburzi grew up in Highlandtown and attended Loyola High School and Loyola College. In addition to his law practice, he has served on a number of state commissions, councils and task forces. He is on the board of the Greater Baltimore Committee and was recently named chair of the Camden Yards Sports and Entertainment Commission. Tiburzi lives in Baltimore County with his wife and three children.
What's the difference between this Camden Yards commission you're chairing and the Maryland Stadium Authority?
The Authority runs the facility at Camden Yards and, actually, other facilities around the state. The commission was formed to bring new events to Camden Yards, like promoting the lacrosse Final Four championships, which will be there on Memorial Day.
Is it fun?
Yes. I love promoting Baltimore, and I love sports. So, it's a great combination. How can it not be fun? ... Soccer is one of my passions. My kids play soccer. The firm is international. We have lawyers around the world who love soccer because it's the most popular sport in the world. Yet, we don't have soccer at Camden Yards, and we should. ... It's one of my personal goals.
You sound like a very goal-oriented person. Does that ever get in the way of relaxing?
No. You have to love what you do. Or you don't do it. You are what you do.
What else do you do that defines who you are?
I love going to Oriole games. I go to every Ravens game religiously. ... I watch soccer on TV. I go to [Baltimore] Blast games. I love reading, primarily history books and biographies. Another thing I do -- I work out every morning and that's when I watch TV. DVDs or movies. That's my one hour. My father died of a heart attack very young. So, I work out every morning, no matter what. Seven days a week.
Have you ever been accused of being an intense guy?
Focused. Sure.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I like rock music. I love U2. I've seen U2 probably half a dozen times. I love Elvis Costello. I'll be seeing him at Ram's Head May 12th. He comes to Baltimore every year.
Do you have words you live by? A favorite quote?
It's a little convoluted. It's part of my law firm. We believe in giving back. "With great power comes great responsibility." It's a quote from Spider-Man -- the comic book -- which I read as a kid. It's a nice quote. I really believe that. We all have a responsibility to give back.
Social Calendar
SUNDAY
FASHION FEVER 2007
Benefits Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital
Dress casual attire
Where:
Engineers Club, 11 W. Mount Vernon Place
When:
11:30 a.m.
Tickets:
$85 at door
Information:
410-578-5040
THURSDAY
TASTE OF HANNAH MORE
Benefits Hannah More School
Business casual attire
Where:
Hannah More School, 12039 Reisterstown Road
When:
6 p.m.
Tickets:
$30 in advance or at door
Information:
410-526-5000
2007 MENTORZING
Benefits the Maryland Mentoring Partnership
Festive attire
Where:
American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway
When:
5:30 p.m.
Tickets:
$125
Information:
410-685-8316
FRIDAY
A SPECIAL EVENING WITH JOHN WATERS
Benefits Columbia Festival of the Arts
Black tie & big hair preferred
Where:
Spear Center, 10275 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
When:
6:30 p.m.
Tickets:
$150
Information:
410-715-3044 or columbiafestival.com
VIBE '07: A NIGHT OF MAGIC
Benefits The Hearing and Speech Agency
Business attire
Where:
American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway
When:
7 p.m.
Tickets:
$200
Information:
410-318-6780, Ext. 109