Spokane

Symphony fund-raiser returns to Davenport
Christmas Tree Elegance celebrates 20th anniversary
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Isamu Jordan
Staff writer

If you're looking for a place to cozy up by the fire and enjoy live music, try the Davenport Hotel lobby.

The music is free and, for just a buck, you could win a trip to England or France.

The Davenport will launch a series of live entertainment next week during the 20th annual Christmas Tree Elegance, sponsored by the Spokane Symphony Associates. The six-day event kicks off Friday at 5:30 p.m. with a tree-lighting ceremony featuring the Angus Scott Pipe Band.

Decorated with about $5,000 worth of prizes each, 10 trees will be raffled off to the public for $1 to benefit the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. They'll be displayed for a week on the hotel's mezzanine.

But the celebration is not for the classical music crowd only.

A mix of music can be heard throughout the weekend and into the following week during Cool Nights, Hot Music.

"In Cool Nights, Hot Music, we have different kinds of music which we hope will appeal to different groups," said Maureen Boutz, one of the event's main organizers.

The series begins Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. with the Robin Marks Trio. The group will perform jazz standards and Marks' never-before-sung jazz instrumentals, for which she has written lyrics.

Marks' trio features renowned jazz guitarist John Stowell.

Cool Nights, Hot Music continues Dec. 2-5, from 5 to 8 p.m., with the likes of the Sons of Pitch barbershop quartet, East Valley High School's Strolling Strings and the Eastern Washington University Jazz Band.

Aside from the free music, another event new to Christmas Tree Elegance is an Elegant Tea and Vintage Fashion Show next Sunday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Marie Antoinette Room.

Tickets are $40 per person and include an event parking pass.

While guests nibble on savories, sweets and sandwiches, models will parade fashions from the 1920s, 30s, and '40s, courtesy of Jerry Jo Olsen and Heirloom Mem'rys.

"This is the first Christmas in the Davenport since it's reopened. Those who enjoy nostalgia have memories of the Davenport when it was younger and reminisce about the glory days," Boutz said.

"The Elegant Tea will help people remember the wonderful times they had in the past and have new wonderful times in the (present)."

The popular holiday luncheons and style shows happen Dec. 3-6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Grand Pennington Ballroom.

Fashions, provided by The Bon Marche, will be worn by PJ and Co. models.

Tickets are $40 per person. Tables seat 10.

Christmas Tree Elegance closes with the Gala Dinner on Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. to midnight in the Hall of Doges and Grand Pennington Ballroom.

A champagne reception is followed by a gourmet dinner accompanied by fine wines. The evening includes dancing and music performed by the Tuxedo Junction Big Band.

Tickets are $125 per person.

Sponsored by local businesses, the themed trees contain trips, gift certificates, cash, and an assortment of prizes.

One tree offers a trip to Giverny, France, to visit impressionist Claude Monet's famous home and gardens, plus French-inspired gifts.

Fine dining is the theme of another tree, which includes five nights in San Francisco, plus kitchen implements and an assortment of dinner gift certificates.

Raffle tickets can be purchased during any of the special events, and tickets will be available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Dec. 6 at the Davenport.

A bronze sculpture by internationally known artist Dorothy Fowler will also be raffled. In addition, there are a number of special items in a silent auction.

For more information or for tickets to special events, call 458-TREE (8733).

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