Sold-out Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue Gala meets fundraising goals

CONROE, Texas – Now in its fifth year, the annual Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala once again met its goal of raising $100,000, which will be used to benefit the ongoing programs provided through the Young Texas Artists Music Competition.

Held on March 12, 2016, in a Texas dance hall-themed tented pavilion outside the Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe, the gala’s sell-out crowd enjoyed Texas-style barbecue and live entertainment by Bill Mock and The Highway 105 Band, as they perused the items soon to be up for bid at the live auction immediately following dinner.

“Several of those attending the gala said that this year’s event was the best yet,” said Susie Pokorski, chair and executive director of YTA. “Of course, that’s all due to the fabulous, hard-working volunteers who share our vision of providing valuable resources for young musicians by donating their time and talents to ensure a successful event.”

Pokorski also credited gala co-chairs Shana and Tim Arthur, whose dedication to promoting the fine arts in the area led them to offer their services as gala co-chairs for the second year in a row.

“The gala’s ultimate success was a result of the incredible support we received from the YTA committee and YTA Circle members, as well as the invaluable assistance from members of the Conroe Service League and our major donors, Streater-Smith Honda Nissan, Carol and Doug Aycock, City of Conroe, Spirit of Texas Bank and ExxonMobil,” Shana Arthur said. “We couldn’t do it without these fine people, businesses and organizations putting in the considerable time and effort an event of this caliber requires.”

Honorees for the evening were the late J. Ross Martin III and his brother Guy Martin, two gentlemen each representing a unique devotion to fostering excellence in up and coming musical talent.

Following the dinner, long-time supporter of YTA and owner of the Gun Emporium, Emmett Kelly, who served as the gala’s master of ceremonies, kicked off the live auction with the introduction of auctioneer Lady Lyn Howard, who took the stage and got things started, garnering lively bidding on items that included a five-course dinner for 10 at FrameCraft Lampros Gallery, prepared and personally served by owner and chef Peter Lampros and his staff; dinner for four with State Rep. Will Metcalf; an elegant fur vest from Sakowitz Furs; a night on the town which includes two tickets to the Houston Symphony’s 2016-2017 classical performance of Mahler’s “Symphony No. 1,” a weekend night stay at The Magnolia Hotel-Houston and a $150 gift certificate for dinner at a downtown restaurant; and a week in a private summer home located on historic Nantucket Island, Mass.

As part of the gala, those attending joined many of the area’s music lovers, nearly filling the Crighton Theatre where they experienced award-winning classical music as the finalists performed for a panel of highly qualified jurists at the Finalists' Concert and Awards.

The celebration continued with an After-Party in the gala pavilion that included a luscious assortment of gourmet desserts provided by Conroe Service League, which this year celebrates 60 years of community service. The After-Party also provided a chance to meet and greet the Young Texas Artists as well as champagne to toast them, live music and dancing.

For more information about the Young Texas Artists Music Competition, visit youngtexasartists.org. For information about sponsorship opportunities for future events, contact Susie Pokorski at susiepokorski@gmail.com or 936-756-7017.