Amy Krzanik reports from Red Hook. The evening of Saturday, July 16 was, by turns, exhilarating, hilarious, touching, peaceful and joyous. The 2016 SummerScape Gala, a benefit for Bard College’sFisher Center for the Performing Arts, took advantage of the newest addition to the school’s campus, and held the event on the grounds of Montgomery Place. Amid breathtaking Hudson River views, notable names from the page, the stage, the screen, the canvas and the runway mingled over “Mott & Mulberry" and “Orchard Fix" cocktails created by New York City mixologist Leo Robitschek. Bard alum Blythe Danner and fellow actors Parker Posey, Mary Stuart Masterson and Mx. Justin Vivian Bond performed a whimsical skit to honor the past matriarchs of the mansion, its gardens and its orchards. A true highlight of the evening followed, as ballet star Sergei Polunin, making a rare stateside appearance, gave a world premiere live performance of his 2015 internet video hit. Directed by David La Chapelle and set to Hozier’s "Take Me to Church," the video has been viewed more than 15 million times on YouTube and is credited with renewing Polonin’s passion for dance. After giving a round of thunderous applause, guests made their way to a tent strung with lanterns, to enjoy dinner designed by chef Rocco DiSpirito, a James Beard Award winner and best-selling author. The gala is the Fisher Center’s largest annual fundraising event, and supports the College’s commitment to the performing arts, which it sees as a cultural and educational necessity.
Bard College president Leon Botstein with Matthew Davidson, Joan K. Davidson and Amy Davidson; Fisher Center advisory board member Felicitas Thorne and chef Rocco DiSpirito.
Nathan Milikowsky, Rebecca Gold and writer/actress Joan Juliet Buck; Paulo and board member Denise Simon with Helena and Christopher Gibbs.
Designer Bibhu Mohapatra, Lopa Mohanty, artist Ramon Lascano, artist Bobby Beard, gala co-chair Carolyn Marks Blackwood, Benjamin Krevolin, Heather Croner and gala co-chair Greg Quinn.
Conductor/composer Johan de Meij and journalist Dyan Machan; playwright Moises Kaufman, actress/director Mary Stuart Masterson and writer/producer Jeffrey LaHoste.
Betsy Ely, Steve Dawson, Leonard Steinberg and Thom Coughlin; Catherine Michaelson with Bob and Joan Costa.
Sergei Polunin sits on stage at the beginning of his performance.
Gideon Lester, Jack Ferver and Alicia Davis; Ginny and Sandy Friedman.
Caroline Kronqvist, Foster Reed and Michele Platt; a string trio entertains the crowd during cocktail hour.
Parker Posey, Mx. Justin Vivian Bond and Blythe Danner perform a skit, with choreographer Jack Ferver looking on.
The breathtaking views from the back and front of the mansion.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
