Tale of Two Parties
The Public and The Whitney
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The Battle of Fundraising
When the world is on fire and the clock is ticking ever closer to 89 seconds from total global annihilation (see scientists’ Doomsday Clock) with every Executive Order sending shrieks of panic through immigrants, veterans, civil servants, every slice of marginalized groups, and yesterday schools, hospitals, non-profits and all federal aid grantees, what’s a girl to do? As someone said, “If you can’t beat them, join em?! And as Kamala said, “Another glass of Chardonnay!” I mean “Fight, fight fight!” Really though, that we must stay ever more vigilant of course, and what a time to be a lawyer! Thank you, ACLU and all the states who are at the ready. Sometimes a bit of normalcy and routine is just enough to keep us sane so with that, it’s Gala season and so I stepped out a Monday and then Tuesday night for twin benefits in support of the arts.
Public Theater Annual Young Partner Celebration
Jean’s
415 Lafayette St, NY, NY
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I approach the Public but all is quiet and am redirected to an unmarked venue a few doors down from Barry’s Bootcamp. As I enter what I instantly recognize as the old Butter space, peering down the cavernous tunneled interior, with sleek elected bar and downstairs club, deja vu is giving me early 200’s Gossip Girl vibes and Blair Waldorf is calling.
American fare seems to be having a resurgence (thanks to Trump’s tariffs??) especially amongst the downtown set (think the hottest resy Corner Store) and Jean’s doesn’t disappoint with passed bites being more like half-courses. We begin with the cheeseburger with fried onions (not a slider but half an actual burger!!) and fries. The burger rivals Corner Bistro but the fries are similar in quality though more tasteless than Burger King. The crudite was redeeming though with fresh celery, carrots, radishes and ohhh the dipping sauce, all served in a cocktail tumbler. The star of the food show though was the expertly portioned bowl of al dente pasta with tomato and basil. Simply saucy perfection!
The Young Partners seem to have gotten MUCH younger-or maybe I’ve just gotten older-with the nights’s activities including free Aura readings by Twelve Month Aura. The dress code seemed to be sequins or bright-hued velvet with rainbow sequined jackets largely being the fashion of choice. I musta missed the memo as I was in a frigid-weather-proof gray wool sheath, stealth rich bitch style. As I found out from the recap and photo website the next day, the official dress code theme was Glow-Up. Good thing I didn’t know this —see dress code for the next event.
The night’s entertainment hits it outta the park with composer Michael Thurber of the new musical Goddess opening plus surprise sizzling songstress and star Amber Iman, who belts out her own slow soft tempo rendition of the Queen of Pop Miley Cyrus’ Party in the USA. Goodbye Carrie Underwood. When I hop in the cab from LAX, you know what my favorite song is on.
The Delacorte Theatre reopens in Central Park this season after a one year multimillion dollar restoration and the upcoming Shakespeare in the Park season’s Twelfth Nightplus musical sensations from this evening’s performers promise to be a treat. Grab your membership and seats now-plus 50% discount for first-time diners at Jean’s on select nights.
Art Party 2025 – Whitney Museum
99 Gansevoort St, NY, NY
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As a member of the Whitney Contemporaries, this annual organized event benefits existing and emerging artists and programs. Although you can score last-minute tickets at the door, members get a significant ticket discount in advance and an even heftier one if you book your membership at the same time. This year’s theme is Studio 99, inviting disco looks and dancing through the night. The lobby and first floor is transformed as usual into a dance floor and DJ booth, the ticket area now a bar. The exhibit Edges of Ailey (now though February 9, 2025) was on view, but having already seen it, I opted to just observe the runway that is the Step and Repeat. The fashion show is always my fave at this event, with sequins again ruling the day. Tonight I’m appropriately suited in a black sequin GANNI minidress and black thigh high Round-toed slouchy leather boots. The crowd skewed older but ranged from just-graduated near-teenybopper status to monied tech bros (not in costume) to jersey girls to art and artist elites, all in sparkles, bell bottoms, gold or silver lame or my date’s favorite: an all gold leather suit. He himself opted for jeans and a flowery button-down shirt—which he coincidentally wore to last year’s event for the plant-theme!
Most everyone was on the prowl. I’m familiar with Love in an Elevator (thanks Aerosmith), but “Bar in an Elevator”? That’s one to try. And the Whitney did with Art Party sponsor Dobel tequila serving up teeny martinis in the Whitney’s famed art-inlaid freight lift.
There was food aplenty but the chicken sandwich, lobster roll, Mac and cheese all had mayo or cream so I opted for the spicy almonds from the dishes lining the bar. Dessert was curiously lickable lollipops which I also did not try. The Whitney has never been known for its food. Hope the service wasn’t by Frenchette its co-located restaurant. And the parting gift was soap from the new Aesop across the street. Nice touch and always a nice time for a good cause! Now back to reality bites.
