THROW THEM SOMETHING

Bal masque fundraiser a hit for Hot Springs Jazz Society

The Hot Springs Jazz Society's fifth annual Mardi Gras Costume Ball and Contest fulfilled all its usual promises of music, dancing and fun ... possibly the most fun to be had north of New Orleans.

The pre-holiday bal masque, hosted Feb. 25 at Hotel Hot Springs, awaited with its array of silent-auction items; masks for sale to those who had not brought their own; complimentary king-cake rolls with a prize for the baby finder; food and beverages for sale; and a merry second-line dance, led by the 2017 Queen and King, Rose Marie and Charles Canterberry.

Once again, the highlight of the ball was its costume contest, featuring multiple categories and perennial winners Beth and Richard Gipe, this time outfitted as Gone With the Wind's Scarlett O'Hara (well, the curtain-rod-accessorized version, played by Carol Burnett in her famously hilarious spoof, Went With the Wind) and a cigarette-toting "Ash"-ley Wilkes. Other costumes included a court jester or two, a gangster and his moll, flying monkeys, Roger and Jessica Rabbit and a Dia de los Muertos "king and queen."

The Spa City Stompers and Dizzy 7 provided music; former queen Sharon Turrentine and master of ceremonies Jacqueline Beaumont took their turns at vocals. Entertainment also came by way of Tabitha Bishop and Maisie Wilkins of Un'Veiled Belly Dance Theatre, and mime Michelle Crandell. A ring from Stephens Jewelry, worth more than $4,000, was raffled off.

The ball drew an estimated $10,000, according to executive director Gretchen Taylor. The money will help the society keep interest in jazz alive in central Arkansas and award annual scholarships to exceptional high school students for the University of Arkansas-Monticello High School Jazz Camp.

High Profile on 03/05/2017

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