oscar night at the tampa theater
jonathonThis post was written by guest writer Joey McChesney - I only took the photos for the evening. Thanks Joey!
No tag for this post.Oscar night at the historic Tampa Theater was a spectacle straight out of Hollywood. The event integrated many Hollywood traditions and elements into one glamorous, fun-filled evening.
Tampa was one of 49 cities to host an official Oscar viewing party, and all proceeds go directly to charity. The host of the evening was Roan Jivers, AKA Pat Fenda, who greeted the guests who arrived by limousine. Pat Fenda is a local icon. Not only is she a woman who can juggle knives, she is a hilarious impersonator. Ms. Fenda has performed around the world and began her company, Strictly Entertainment, in 1984 in South Tampa.
The veteran performer by far was the star of the evening. Jack and Jill, the penguins from the Florida Aquarium, were definitely the happiest feet to make the strut down the red carpet. When the pair left their autographs behind, the humble Ms. Jivers even offered her assistance scooping the remnants off the carpet.
The night was a bit windy, but the temperature was favorable for such swanky attire. The guest/celebrities were decked to the nines in high-end gowns and tuxedos. Tampa Bay broadcasting personality Jack Harris was on hand to serenade the crowd as well. He was gracious as always, making the guests feel adorned at the pseudo-Hollywood event. The cosmetics team from Neiman Marcus provided touch-ups and wind therapy to all the dames as they entered the enchanting 80-year-old theater.
The theater was even more elegant than usual, filled with gourmet hor devours and bubbly of plenty. The caterer of the evening, Rita Carlino, was a shining star
herself. Her delicious spread left the taste of Hollywood gold in the guests’ palettes. Rita is one of Tampa Bay’s culinary masters. Her radiant energy shines through with her creative masterpieces. Rita Carlino also left the guests with the taste of Hollywood glitz with her scrumptious Hollywood goodie bags.
The evening brought the magic and excitement of the Governor’s Ball right here to Tampa. From the silent auction, to the actual Oscar viewing ceremony, Tampa’s elite were given the star treatment. The gala was a hit and the illuminating Tampa Theater marquee shined brighter than ever. This was an event that left the guests’ hearts glowing from an evening of glam and giving.
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February 27th, 2007 at 8:06 am
That top photo is especially wonderful.
Do you have a flickr page?
February 27th, 2007 at 8:57 am
I sure do! http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathon/sets/
…and thanks for the complement.
February 27th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
You are the most talented photographer I’ve ever known. You can capture beauty in everything. You are truely the Best. Ever!
February 25th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Hi, lovely article and post. I just was a little confused about the bit about the ‘touchups by Neiman Marcus’ bit.
I was the person stationed on the red carpet providing glamour to those who wanted a little attention. However, I am not a representative of NM. I am from Paul Mitchell the School in Tampa, and I would love if that could be appended.
That is, of course unless you were speaking of another team. I didn’t see anyone else. I have massive Paul Mitchell pride and want my school name to be out there. I am sure you understand. Aaaaand you can’t really blame me for wanting to have my credit, either, since I did it all with my two hands.
Beautiful pictures. Sure was fun, and you were right, the weather was amazing.
Amber Paulson, stylist- Paul Mitchell the School.
p.s. Funny thing is, I used to work for NM like way back in the day. I mean WAY back, 4 years ago, but still, no affiliation what so ever.
-A
February 25th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Hey Amber!
You may not have noticed that this article is about the 2007 event.