{"id":7838,"date":"2017-03-13T18:39:22","date_gmt":"2017-03-14T01:39:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=7838"},"modified":"2017-03-13T14:41:55","modified_gmt":"2017-03-13T21:41:55","slug":"santa-barbara-choral-society-spring-gala-journeys-to-rockwood-abbey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lesliedinaberg.com\/wordpress\/?p=7838","title":{"rendered":"Santa Barbara Choral Society Spring Gala Journeys to Rockwood Abbey"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Coming

Coming to Rockwood Abbey? SBCS Singers (L-R) Erica DiBartolomeo, Manu Geiger-Kolbitsch, Ayllin Bilir and Deborah Rosique) are\u00a0dressed up to welcome Royal Chef Darren McGrady and special guests. Photo by Priscilla.<\/p><\/div>\n

Anglophiles and music fans will come together on May 20 for a wonderfully fun evening titled Rockwood Abbey<\/em>, an homage to the beloved Downtown Abbey<\/em><\/a> television series.<\/p>\n

Honorary Chairs “Lord” Brooks and “Lady” Kate Firestone invite guests to be transported to a\u00a0posh evening\u00a0reminiscent\u00a0of days gone by, where white-gloved\u00a0footmen attended the\u00a0creme de la creme<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>of English society as they dined and danced.<\/p>\n

Period dress is encouraged\u00a0for this unique fundraising event, which evokes the dawn of the Jazz Age when the formalities of the Victorian era gave way to the frivolities of post war fun. As far as costumes go, you may choose your epoch from Edwardian grandeur to the flappers of the 20s!<\/p>\n

\"Royal

Royal Chef Darren McGrady, courtesy photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

As you enter the Rockwood Women’s Club<\/a>, you\u2019ll enjoy cocktails, aperitifs and appetizers on the terrace and browse the silent auction items.\u00a0When the dinner gong sounds, guests will\u00a0move inside to reserved seats in the grand ballroom, where they’ll be\u00a0entertained by the\u00a0full Santa Barbara Choral Society<\/a> chorus performing their\u00a0spring gala concert, conducted by SBCS Artistic Director\/Conductor Jo Anne Wasserman<\/a>. Eclectic musical treats are in store for guests\u2014including the Downton Abbey<\/em> theme song\u2014as well as fine wine and appetizers.<\/p>\n

Then it’s on to an exciting\u00a0feast on a menu that’s literally fit for Queen. This\u00a0elegant dinner is designed and supervised by The Royal Chef<\/a>, Darren McGrady<\/a>, former\u00a0chef to her majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to the late Princess Diana and her sons. Chef McGrady will be on hand to regale you\u00a0with stories of his time in the royal service. We got a taste of his banter at the recent Royal Tea<\/a> preview for this event, and guests are certainly in for a Royal treat!<\/p>\n

Our favorite local Brit about town Richard Mineards<\/a> will emcee the program and as the evening comes to a close, a celebrity auctioneer will lead an auction featuring exciting vacation stays like a week in a historic villa in Provence, a stroll through the gardens at Highclere Castle<\/a> (the location where Downton Abbey<\/em> was filmed), and more.<\/p>\n

Tickets for the Santa Barbara Choral Society Spring Concert and Gala Dinner are now available by calling 805\/965-6577 or visiting www.sbchoral.org<\/a>. Don’t miss this unique and festive event taking place from 5-9:30 p.m. on May 20 at Rockwood Women’s Club, 670 Mission Canyon Rd. Seating is limited and RSVPs are requested no later than May 12.<\/p>\n

\u2014Leslie Dinaberg<\/a><\/p>\n

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons<\/em><\/a> on March 11, 2017.<\/p>\n

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