The "Opera Ghost" is expected to be in attendance at the fifth annual Glamour and Gourmet in the Gallery on Nov. 19 from 5-9:30 p.m. at Art in the Loft, located on the third floor of the historic Center Building in downtown Alpena.
This year's event, billed as "The Music of the Night," features selections from "The Phantom of the Opera." Once again, this season highlight kicks off the WinterView Exhibit and promises to provide a "fun"raising evening filled with festivity with a few surprises.
Event organizers have invited area merchants and businesses to donate unique items, packages and experiences to be auctioned during a memorable musical evening, which includes a live auction, silent auction, "heads and tails raffle" and a new segment, the Wall of Mirrors, in honor of the Phantom..
Attendees will enjoy the culinary creations of The Fresh Palate while mingling with friends in this festive and glamorous kick-off event of the WinterView season. Returning for the fifth year, Ginny French will serve as the "celebrity" auctioneer and Judy Burns will serve as the mistress of ceremonies in an entertaining, fast-paced series of live vignettes featuring popular items such as sporting events, spa items and packages; adventure and experience packages, fashion, home furnishing, design, cooking, dining, personal services, unique party packages, health and fitness items.
A catalogue of featured items will be available in the gallery the week of the event and can also be viewed at www.artintheloft.com.
A "sneak peek" reveals many new packages as well as some perennial favorites, including a "Breakfast in Bed" spa day; a "Julie and Julia" package featuring cookware, an autographed copy of the best-selling book by Julie Powell; a tour for two of the Mackinac Bridge Tower overlooking the Straits of Mackinac; VIP Pistons tickets with dinner at Caesar's Windsor Club and parking; a "Nascar Pit Crew Experience;" "Come Fly With Me" package with VIP tickets to Wings Over Alpena; a "Zumba" " package, featuring a party for up to 50 guests at the Loft complete with palm trees, tiki bar and Zumba , the newest dance/fitness experience. A complete room makeover is part of the package entitled "Room with a View" featuring design services, paint, wallpaper, area rug, lighting and even the painter and electrician.
Featured items have been donated by area businesses, including major support from Bay Athletic Club, North Shore Home Furnishings, Glitz and Glamour Bridal Shop, The Marketplace@Alpena, The Shoe Store, Stephen's Menswear, Myers' Fashions Etc., Masters-LaLonde Shoes, Salon Salon of Alpena, The Country Cousin Shop, Flowerland Designs of Alpena, Laser Team Challenge, Donovan's Serenity & Wellness Spa, Raffi Kuredjian, Nan Katzenberger, Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary, Jake Reebel Landscaping, Wings Over Alpena, the Forget-Me-Not Scrapbook Shoppe, Chef Chris Company; Douglas Nehring, Tom and Mary Lappan, Peggy Matuzak, Artistic Wood Turnings, Muddy Paws, Traveling Ladders, Alpena Veterinary Clinic, The Fresh Palate, Stanson Floor Covering and Furniture, Alpena Lighting Gallery, Alpena Optical, Lee and Darrel Spragg and many more.
Each year, the committee adds a few new twists and this year is no exception. The musical entertainment will be provided by Owen Williams, Jennifer and Tony Jasso, Bunny Lyon, Mary Ann Hubbard with assistance from Kaitlyn Tomaszewski and dancer, Kirsten Bohlen.
Proceeds for the event will benefit Art in the Loft, a non-profit regional arts center.
Gallery & Gourmet committee members include Barb Szczesniak, Karen Bennett, Susan Fitzpatrick, Peggy Matuzak, Stacey Stewart, Marie Williams, Douglas Nehring, Amy Essex, Sharron LaHaie, Cheryl Lemke, Sharon Thompson, Jean Prevo, Kelly Bowlin, Amber Gunderman, Cindy Josey and Judy Burns, with production assistance from Mary Ellen Jones.
Tickets are $30 each and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available at Neiman's Family Market, Bay Athletic Club, The Fresh Palate, Alpena Alcona Area Credit Unions, Art in the Loft, or from any committee member.
Tickets can also be purchase online at www.artintheloft.com. For more information call 356-4877.