Olivia Decker Hosted Events

The Big Picnic at Stern Grove marked the 86th annual summer concert series finale on August 20th, featuring The Flaming Lips and serving as a fundraiser for the non-profit behind the 10 free seasonal concerts. Around 500 attendees enjoyed a vibrant day with The Flaming Lips, Alan Palomo (Neon Indian DJ set), DJ Foodcourt, and a unique culinary experience. McCalls Catering partnered with Chef Charles Phan from Slanted Door to create a picnic-style menu, which was complemented by Chef Phan’s cooking demo in the casual VIP lounge. The Sunday concert drew about 10,000 attendees, mostly enjoying free access, and the entire season saw over 90,000 participants, showcasing the event’s widespread popularity. The presence of distinguished guests including Matthew…

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The San Francisco institution’s second century dawns with the time-honored Opera Ball.

It’s that time of the year again, when the city’s best-dressed take over Van Ness Avenue with scene-stealing ensembles. At the top of every socialite’s list is the Opera Ball, presented by the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Opera Guild. Kicking off the San Francisco Opera’s 101st season on Friday, September 8, this year’s gala event will feature a red carpet reception and lavish dinner in the Beaux-Arts glamor of City Hall, followed by a thrilling opening concert featuring a world-renowned, married operatic duo and a rollicking after-party.

Opera Ball 2023 co-chairs Francesca Gutierrez Amann and Sue Graham Johnston are keen to welcome guests to…

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The Magnificent 10 Days in the Summer

Festival Napa Valley (FVN) has been dubbed the “Best 10 Days in the Summer,” and the 17th season this July exceeded all expectations! The concerts, the dance gala, the fashion show, the luncheons, the patron dinners, and the Arts for All Gala raised a record $4.2 million to fund music education programs, accessible and affordable concerts, and scholarships for young artists. The crowd seemed to have doubled this year, and most tickets were sold out weeks before the events.

It’s such a pleasure to report the highlights and again enjoy the magnificent days and nights of the 2023 festival in words and pictures.

Charles Letourneau, Jean-Charles Boisset, Serena Saenz and Rick Walker at Founders Dinner

JULY…

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An opening reception was held at Jonathan Carver Moore for I AM EVERYDAY PEOPLE on August 10th, 2023.

Adana Tillman’s solo exhibition, I AM EVERYDAY PEOPLE is about that slow morning with a cup of tea, that first dance with a new love; finding beauty in the banal. Within these works are snapshots into the lives of family, friends, loved ones. who live abundantly by taking pleasure in the small acts. Tillman’s textiles illustrate how embracing these moments are what brings joy to our lives. These Interlaced textiles come together from the artist’s own journey to create quilted depictions of admiration.

Adana Tillman (b. 1985) a textile and fiber artist, explores the journey of identity through her figurative portraits. Tillman uses found fabrics to…

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A Barbie film screening party was held at the Historical Cameo Cinema in Napa Valley on August 12th, 2023. The party was a benefit for the Cameo Cinema, and was hosted by Cathy Buck and Karen Caldwell.

Guests were invited to an after-party at the fabulous bar, The Saint in St. Helena. Delicious wine and food were provided by Crisp Kitchen, Phamus Winery and Musieon Winery.


Karen Caldwell and Oliver Caldwell Cathy Buck Kari Coomans and Parker Coomans Marcella Hernandez

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Events Calendar: September / October 2023

Music, dining, dancing, and elegance pair beautifully with important fundraising to ensure the next 100 years of education, training, and excellence. This season, the highly anticipated Opera Ball and the symphony’s Opening Night Gala bring arts and entertainment into the spotlight.   

SEPTEMBER

Throughout September
San Francisco Giants

The last full month of regular season play brings 11 home games to Oracle Park, plus one more on Oct. 1. mlb.com/giants

Throughout September and October
San Francisco 49ers

In regular play, home games versus New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, and Cincinnati Bengals. Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. 49ers.com

Through Sept. 16
A Chorus Line | San…

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Explore the Iconic Scenes of Yosemite National Park with Château du Sureau and The Ansel Adams Gallery

Escape to a picturesque weekend getaway filled with elegance, delectable meals, and a journey into the creative mind of Ansel Adams. With transportation included to and from the park, participants will embark on a full-day guided experience exploring the breathtaking sights of Yosemite. Gain valuable insight into Adams’ artistic techniques through a curated discussion and presentation of his original fine print photographs. Take your own photography to the next level as you explore the park’s most scenic locations and learn to incorporate Adams’ legacy into your own compositions.

Experience the beauty of Yosemite like never before with…

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Bouquets to Art Opening Night 

The Bay Area’s beloved floral fundraiser, Bouquets to Art, returns this June, celebrating fresh summer florals in conversation with the permanent collection and architecture of the de Young museum. Designed by more than 100 of the Bay Area’s most innovative and sought-after floral artists, and presenting 16 new florists, the botanical installations will transform the museum into a lush garden. In its 39th year, Bouquets to Art launched on Monday, June 5, with its festive Opening Night Reception where guests had the opportunity to get an early look at the arrangements while enjoying both visual and culinary delights by McCalls Catering & Events. Attendees were also able to enjoy the return of live models exhibiting new…

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Inspiring Charitable Giving From the Heart

Liam Mayclem, Auction London 2019

For those of us attending charity events around the San Francisco Bay Area, a fundraiser is always memorable when the affable Liam Mayclem steps forward as the live auctioneer. He’s entertaining, polished, debonair, and gifted at storytelling, talents that combine to produce meaningful results from exceptionally generous supporters.

Liam’s affinity for his adopted city runs deep, and we’re all the richer for the special place he’s found in his heart for this appreciative community. It’s a win-win-win.  

HL: You’re known as a broadcast reporter, KCBS Foodie Chap, and you serve as emcee for events like Stern Grove Festival and BottleRock Napa Valley. How did…

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Seasons of Hope Concert + Patron Dinner at Odette

Seasons of Hope FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY STAGE AT CHARLES KRUG

Maestro Constantine Orbelian led Festival Orchestra Napa and a stellar lineup of soloists in Seasons of Hope, an evening of works featuring stories of courage, sacrifice, and hope. Cellist Kristina Reiko Cooper and vocal ensemble Volti performed Lera Auerbach’s Symphony No. 6, Vessels of Light, a piece dedicated to the extraordinary heroism of Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II.

The program also featured three spellbinding choral works by esteemed composer Gordon Getty: Shenandoah with soprano Lisa Delan, the world premiere of Annie Laurie, and the monumental Joan and the…

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