Party Pics Archives - Boston Magazine Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:00:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://bomag.o0bc.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/10/cropped-boston-magazine-favicon-32x32.png Party Pics Archives - Boston Magazine 32 32 “I Laughed So Hard, I Thought My Pants Would Never Dry” https://www.bostonmagazine.com/life-style/2026/03/20/comics-come-home-andrew-gn-parties/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:00:57 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?p=2817955 Two men and two women dressed in formal evening attire stand together against a gradient background of purple and red. The man on the left wears a dark green velvet tuxedo jacket with a white shirt and a patterned bow tie. The woman next to him wears a long-sleeved green dress with a lace-up front detail. The woman next to her wears a strapless dress with a blue bodice and a red skirt, accessorized with long blue earrings. The man on the right wears a dark blue velvet tuxedo jacket with a white shirt and a black bow tie. All four are smiling.

Cochairs Justin and Molly Cook and Kitty and Peter Creighton. / Photo by David Tucker

It’s a good sign when Boston’s swankiest socialites are willing to schlep up to Salem for a gala. It’s an even better sign when the gala is completely sold out a month in advance. Nearly 800 guests in black tie descended upon the Peabody Essex Museum for its annual shindig, which began with a cocktail reception and continued with a seated dinner prepared by chef Lydia Shire, followed by a live auction that was actually lively, and a paddle raise where everyone actually raised their paddle. (That explains why more than $1 million was raised.)

The evening’s focus was the museum’s current fashion exhibition, “Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World,” showing the Singapore-bred, Paris-based designer’s work and on view until April. (Run, don’t walk.) Before everyone retreated to the galleries for after-dinner drinks and dessert, there was a fantastic runway presentation by such local talents as Diana Jaye Coluntino of Just Add People and Candice Wu of bridal-gown fame.

Front and center were honorees Susan and Appy Chandler; cochairs Peter and Kitty Creighton and Molly and Justin Cook; jewelry designer Jade Gedeon; James Bond’s long-lost brother, Brian Kelly; filmmaker Nelse Clark; Marblehead party pair Allison and José Juves; the unfairly good-looking Chad Flahive and Patrick Weiss; concert pianist Cameron Stowe and interior design master Duncan Hughes; godfather of design Jay Calderin and his handsome other half, Rob Frye; and Dover lovebirds John and Sarah Ehlinger.

Some attendees opted to go upstairs to “ooh” and “ahh” over Gn’s designs, which have been worn by everyone from Princess Kate and Queen Rania of Jordan to Kris Jenner and Madonna.

Reading the exhibition’s title, one guest said sardonically, “Fashioning the World? I can’t even fashion myself.”

Two men dressed formally at an indoor event. The man on the left is wearing a black tuxedo jacket with silver buttons, a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and a colorful tartan kilt. He also has round glasses and a bald head with a beard. The man on the right is wearing a black velvet suit jacket with a black shirt and a black bow tie, along with rectangular glasses and a beard. The background features colorful lighting with red, purple, and orange hues, and other people are visible in the background.

Rob Frye and Jay Calderin. / Photo by David Tucker

A female aerial silk performer is suspended in mid-air, holding onto two long blue silks. She is wearing a patterned leotard and has her legs extended in a split position, with the silks wrapped around her feet. The background features purple lighting and curtains.

An aerial performer entertained guests. / Photo by David Tucker

A smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a shiny gold patterned dress stands next to a smiling man in a black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie. The background features purple and pink lighting with blurred people and architectural elements.

Michelle Smyth and Jason Williams. / Photo by David Tucker

A woman wearing a traditional light pink hanbok with floral embroidery stands next to a man in a dark suit, white shirt, and red patterned tie. Both are smiling, and the background is illuminated with purple lighting and decorated with black butterfly silhouettes.

Jaehee Cheong and Korean Consul General Kim Jae-Hui. / Photo by David Tucker

A smiling woman with curly dark hair wearing large turquoise earrings and a white outfit stands next to a smiling man in a black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie. The background features purple and pink lighting.

Jade Gedeon and William Kiester. / Photo by David Tucker

A joyful woman dressed in a sparkling, light pink gown with intricate beadwork and voluminous tulle sleeves is dancing at an event. She has a large pink flower accessory in her dark hair and is smiling brightly. The background shows other guests in formal attire under vibrant pink and purple lighting.

Amy Brooks. / Photo by David Tucker

A male musician with light hair is performing on stage, playing a cream-colored electric guitar and singing into a microphone. He is wearing a black leather jacket and dark pants, with stage lights and smoke creating a vibrant background.

Conan O’Brien. / Photo by Scott Eisen

He Who Laughs Last

Very few people could pull off a 60th birthday celebration at the TD Garden. Bruins great Cam Neely is one of them. His eponymous foundation took over the arena for the 29th annual Comics Come Home, an all-star lineup that raised more than $1.5 million for cancer care. The evening coincided with Neely’s milestone birthday, and performers included emcee Denis Leary; Brookline homie Conan O’Brien; the reliably outrageous Sarah Silverman; and the incomparable Lenny Clarke. The celebration continued the following morning, with a birthday brunch at Rochambeau attended by Neely’s wife, Paulina; Newbury Street threads peddlers Alan and Bê Bilzerian and their designer daughter Lana; party pair Patrick and Kristina Lyons; car czar Barry Lundgren; and equally fabulous others. As my father used to say: “I laughed so hard, I thought my pants would never dry.”

An older man with gray hair is singing or speaking into a microphone while pointing with his left hand. He is wearing a dark, patterned shirt and is illuminated by stage lights with a purple and blue background.

Lenny Clarke. / Photo by Scott Eisen

A woman with dark hair tied back in a ponytail is smiling while speaking into a microphone. She is wearing a black outfit with a large red flower accessory pinned to her chest. The background is dark with blurred lights.

Sarah Silverman. / Photo by Scott Eisen

A woman in a white sleeveless dress with a deep neckline stands next to a man with gray hair and beard wearing black glasses and a dark patterned suit. They are both behind a clear podium with microphones, illuminated by bright stage lights in the background.

Paulina and Cam Neely. / Photo by Scott Eisen

Three people smiling at an indoor event: an older man with white hair wearing a dark blazer and shirt, a woman with short blonde hair wearing a dark top and a necklace, and a woman with short curly hair wearing a patterned yellow, black, and white jacket with a yellow beaded necklace. The two women have name tags, one reading "Susan" and the other "Rev. Dr. Gloria White-Hammond." The background features blue curtains and warm lighting.

Jim and Susan Swartz with Reverend Gloria White-Hammond. / Photo by Jill Person Photography

The Kids Are All Right

The city’s only nonprofit private pediatrics practice, Boston Community Pediatrics, celebrated its fifth anniversary with a party at the SoWa Power Station. The evening attracted a high-wattage crowd, including a lovely group of honorees: philanthropists Lynne and Gary Smith; righteous reverends Ray Hammond and Gloria White-Hammond; health equity crusader Demond Martin; and nurse extraordinaire Jasmine Tinker. The evening raised nearly $1.5 million and offered proof that the organization’s founder, Robyn Riseberg, has done the seemingly impossible: creating a workable and equitable model for excellent childhood healthcare.

Two women smiling closely together; the woman on the left has blonde hair, wears a black blazer, gold earrings, and a sparkly top, while the woman on the right has long dark dreadlocks, glasses, a blue patterned scarf, and a black top.

Robyn Riseberg and Grace Porter. / Photo by Jill Person Photography

Two women smiling and posing together at an indoor event. The woman on the left has long dark hair, wears glasses, a black blazer, and a patterned black blouse. The woman on the right has short gray hair, wears large earrings, and a sparkly blue top with a circular design. The background shows other people seated and red banners with white text.

Abigail Ross Goodman and Lynne Smith. / Photo by Jill Person Photography

Four people dressed in business attire stand closely together, smiling at the camera. The background features large red banners with white text and circular black-and-white photos, suggesting a formal event or conference setting. The lighting is warm and the atmosphere appears lively.

Peter Ross, Lori and Matthew Sidman, and Gary Smith. / Photo by Jill Person Photography

This article was first published in the print edition of the March 2026 issue with the headline: “Project Runway.”

]]> Where the Crowd Skews Young—Or Maybe You’re Getting Old https://www.bostonmagazine.com/life-style/2026/02/20/boston-winter-2026-parties/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:00:06 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?p=2815525 Four people stand closely together indoors at an event. From left to right: a woman with long dark hair wearing a fitted black dress with sheer sleeves; a man with glasses, short hair, and a beard wearing a dark suit and light checkered shirt; a woman with short blonde hair wearing a dark sequined top and matching pants, holding a small purse; and a woman with long hair tied back wearing a flowing dark blue dress with textured detailing. The background shows other attendees and tables with chairs.

Liz Kelleher, Michael Schlow, Kim Carrigan and Gretta Monahan. / Find the Cause Breast Cancer Foundation photos by Michael Blanchard and Shannon Powers

Unlike most cancer charities, Find the Cause Breast Cancer Foundation isn’t racing toward a cure—it’s trying to prevent the disease by determining the environmental factors that cause it. That mission drew a surprisingly robust and stylish Wednesday-night crowd to the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport for the 2025 Prevention Party.

The silent auction included items like a Gucci bag, fine wines, and a three-night stay at Wings Neck Lighthouse, and the lush floral tablescapes were worthy of Martha Stewart. Prominent among the the throng: honorary event committee members Katie Lee Biegel, Marcy Blum, and Brooke Burke; party cochairs Gretta Monahan and her husband Ricky Paull Goldin; honoree and environmental health expert David Sherr; board chair Peter Zschokke; award recipient and tech investor Tommy Wynn; ultra-glamazon Emma Pickard; hotel honchas Barbara Lootz and Jennifer McMahon; investment bigwig Dalia Nuwayhid; podcast host Kim Carrigan; and one woman who asked a friend, “Why haven’t I seen you?” To which the answer was: “We haven’t been on the same continent in six months.”

Looking around, another guest observed, “This crowd skews young,” to which a friend said, “Or maybe you’re just getting old.”

Meanwhile, when a photographer asked a woman, “Which is your best angle?” she responded, “It doesn’t matter. They all need Botox.”

The chicken Marbella was surpassingly delicious, and the speaking program blessedly brief. When it was finally time for the live auction (which included a Taylor Swift autographed guitar), one guest turned to the man next to him and asked, “Are you bidding on anything?”

“I’m bidding on being in bed by 10 p.m.,” he said—and given how perfectly the evening flowed, it’s a safe bet that it was lights out at 10 past.

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and looking to her right. She is wearing a black sequined top and large, sparkly bow-shaped earrings. In the foreground, there are blurred candles and colorful flowers, suggesting a formal or festive event. Other people are visible in the background, seated and dressed formally.

Renée Moran. / Find the Cause Breast Cancer Foundation photos by Michael Blanchard and Shannon Powers

Three people dressed in formal attire stand together, smiling. The man on the left wears a dark suit with a white shirt and a pink tie. The woman in the center wears a shiny gold dress and holds a clear glass award. The man on the right wears a dark blue plaid suit with a light-colored shirt. Behind them is a blurred background with flowers and a screen displaying text.

Tommy Wynn, who accepted the 2025 Corporate Partner Award for PSG, and his parents, Tricia, and Tom Wynn. / Find the Cause Breast Cancer Foundation photos by Michael Blanchard and Shannon Powers

A man and a woman standing close together indoors at an event. The man has white hair and a beard, wearing a light blue blazer over a white shirt. The woman has blonde hair, wearing a black dress and a silver necklace. The background shows tables with chairs and floral arrangements, with colorful draped curtains.

Paul and Sue Butka. / Find the Cause Breast Cancer Foundation photos by Michael Blanchard and Shannon Powers

Two women are sitting closely together at a table, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a white blouse with a dark blue floral-patterned jacket. The woman on the right has short curly brown hair and is wearing a light gray knit sweater with dangling earrings. On the table in front of them are a white decorative object, a glass with a straw, a lit candle, and a bouquet of pink and purple flowers. The background shows a softly lit event space with tables, chairs, and floral arrangements.

Dru Lindgren with her mom, Sherie Philpott. / Find the Cause Breast Cancer Foundation photos by Michael Blanchard and Shannon Powers

A smiling man and woman sitting at a table during a formal event. The woman has long blonde hair and is wearing a strapless black dress, while the man is wearing a beige blazer over a light blue shirt. The table is covered with a light blue tablecloth and has several glasses of water and wine. Other people are visible in the blurred background.

Kelsey Philpott and Evan Tarbox. / Find the Cause Breast Cancer Foundation photos by Michael Blanchard and Shannon Powers

A man wearing a black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie is smiling and engaging in conversation with two women. One woman on the left is wearing a black outfit, and the other woman on the right is wearing a white lace top and holding a glass of white wine. The background shows other people and a softly lit event setting.

2025 Prevention Partner Award honoree David Sherr. / Find the Cause Breast Cancer Foundation photos by Michael Blanchard and Shannon Powers

Three women posing together indoors at a party or event. The woman on the left is wearing a sparkly silver dress with a black leather jacket and white shoes, with her hair tied up. The woman in the middle is wearing a short, silver, sequined dress and silver high heels, with her dark hair down. The woman on the right is wearing a fitted black dress with a slit and a watch on her left wrist, with long dark hair. The background features a bar area with stools, silver balloons, and a white truck decorated with more silver balloons.

Mariah Gale, Kristina Tsipouras Miller, and Ifrah Akram. / Photos by Mariah Gale, Vail Fucci, and Stephanie Dozois

No Testosterone Needed

What started out as a grassroots women-centric business networking organization, Boston Business Women has grown into a behemoth with 53,000 members (more than a sold-out Fenway Park). To celebrate both its 10-year anniversary and its tremendous success, it hosted the Silver Soirée gala at Garage B, the funky event space at the Charles River Speedway in Brighton. Proud founder Kristina Tsipouras Miller was front and center, along with the likes of powerhouse Diana Vertus, the multi-talented Savannah Fitzgibbons-Bachand, and others of an equally high-octane ilk. More proof (if any was needed) of who runs the world.

Two women posing together indoors at an event. The woman on the left is wearing a white sleeveless dress with black speckles and has long braided hair. She is smiling broadly with her hand on her hip. The woman on the right is wearing a white shirt with a silver sequined overlay and has short hair. Behind them is a white vehicle with a white umbrella and a large cluster of metallic silver balloons. The background features large windows and purple lighting.

Claudia Thompson and Diana Vertus. / Photos by Mariah Gale, Vail Fucci, and Stephanie Dozois

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a black pinstripe blazer is drawing colorful flowers on a white piece of paper using a blue marker. She is seated at a reflective black table with a clear acrylic tray holding the paper. On the table, there is a white desk lamp, a container of silver glitter labeled "LEOBRO," and some additional markers. The background is dimly lit with several people and decorative elements visible.

Live painter Giovanna Chaisson. / Photos by Mariah Gale, Vail Fucci, and Stephanie Dozois

A smiling woman with wavy blonde hair wearing a bright pink blazer with feathered cuffs over a silver dress stands in front of a backdrop made of reflective silver tiles and large silver balloons, illuminated with purple lighting.

Elizabeth Pehota. / Photos by Mariah Gale, Vail Fucci, and Stephanie Dozois

Two women smiling and posing closely together at a festive indoor event. One woman has blonde hair, wears a black jacket, and holds a drink and a pink phone. The other woman has brown hair, wears a gray plaid blazer over a black top, and is smiling broadly. The background features decorative silver balloons, hanging lights, and other people dressed in party attire.

Lena Germand and Marianna Zaslavsky. / Photos by Mariah Gale, Vail Fucci, and Stephanie Dozois

Four men wearing matching dark blue shirts with the logo "mahaniyom" stand behind a table covered with a blue and red tablecloth. The man on the far left is smiling and making a finger heart gesture. On the table, there is a sign that reads "Mahaniyom" and describes "Smoked Duck Wraps" with spicy smoked duck salad on Boston lettuce. The background features colorful paintings and overhead lighting.

The crew from Mahaniyom. / Photos by Vail Fucci, MelOPhoto, and Gustavo Soto

Food, Glorious Food!

More than 800 people converged on the Artists for Humanity EpiCenter for Boston magazine’s lip-smacking event Taste, which featured delicious little tidbits from 30-plus restaurants featured in the November issue’s “Top 50 Restaurants.” As the crowd grazed, chefs like Mida’s Douglass Williams schmoozed with the guests, and DJ Mike Amado amped up the festivities. Everyone seemed to understand the assignment: Sip. Nibble. Repeat.

A smiling man wearing glasses, a brown backward cap, and a beige t-shirt holds a small ice cream cone with a scoop of white ice cream toward the camera.

Douglass Williams. / Photos by Vail Fucci, MelOPhoto, and Gustavo Soto

Two older adults wearing white chef jackets and colorful chef hats stand in front of a black backdrop with "Boston Magazine" logos. The person on the left wears a green hat and pants with sports-themed prints and holds a blue tote bag. The person on the right wears a red hat with a sports logo patch on the jacket. Both are smiling.

Lynne and Gary Smith. / Photos by Vail Fucci, MelOPhoto, and Gustavo Soto

A woman wearing a black dress with embellished straps, a "Miss Boston" sash, and a jeweled crown stands in front of a backdrop with repeated "Boston Magazine" logos. She has dark hair styled in an updo with loose curls framing her face and is smiling.

Miss Boston Tess O’Riordan. / Photos by Vail Fucci, MelOPhoto, and Gustavo Soto

This article was first published in the print edition of the February 2026 issue with the headline: “Flipping the Script.”

Previously

]]> The Kowloon 75th Anniversary Party Was Mai-Tai-Riffic https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2025/12/17/kowloon-75-years-boston-2025-galas/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:00:01 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?p=2809850

Lion dancers. / Mikaela Blenida

Several Route One landmarks, like the dinosaur putt-putt and Hilltop Steakhouse, have sadly gone the way of the dodo, but the Kowloon Restaurant endures in all of its tiki glory. To celebrate its diamond jubilee, its owners, the Wong family, pulled out all the stops, hosting an epic 75th-anniversary block party to benefit the Joey Fund.

A massive area of the back parking lot was transformed into an open-air fantasia of red carpet and red lanterns, with a commemorative mai tai in a can, endless lo mein, a limited-edition fortune-cookie sneaker by Brett Battaglia of Tagz Footwear, and a musical lineup that included Tavares and Starship.

On hand were such eminences as former ambassador and current New Hampshire senatorial hopeful Scott Brown (who also performed with his band, the Diplomats); diamond dealer Donna DePrisco; sportscaster Mike Lynch; celebrity patriarch John Cena Sr.; Revere pastry king Daniel Luberto; casting agent extraordinaire Angela Peri; fitness guru Steve Cardillo; interior designer Lisa Davis; Dan Andelman of The Phantom Gourmet; music promoter Adam Klein; Mr. Sid haberdasher Barry Segal; and one woman shouting at her husband in Italian, which probably got the attention of every guy named Vinny within a 20-mile radius.

Needless to say, the food and drink flowed copiously, with the famously addictive Saugus Wings being devoured at an alarming rate, and the crowd socialized like it was their full-time job. The bands got everyone onto their feet, and in fact, the evening’s only missed opportunity was that Starship failed to alter the lyrics to their 1985 hit from “We built this city on rock ’n’ roll” to “We built this city on egg foo young.”

Former ambassador and Senate candidate Scott Brown. / Mikaela Blenida

Tavares gets the crowd on their feet. / Mikaela Blenida

Andy, Bobby, Linda, Lisa, Stanley, and Donald Wong. / Mikaela Blenida

Fortune-cookie sneakers by Tagz Footwear. / Mikaela Blenida

Stanley Wong and Italian race-car driver Rino Piscitelli. / Mikaela Blenida

Comedian and emcee Tony V works the crowd. / Renée Gannon

The Musicians Are Coming!

The North End Music & Performing Arts Center celebrated its ninth annual Soiree on the Paul Revere Mall, raising major dinero to support its mission of providing inclusive and affordable arts programming. Front and center were the evening’s honorees, actor and board member Doug Bowen Flynn, and EdVestors executive Ruth Mercado-Zizzo. The crowd there to fete them included City Council head honcha Ruthzee Louijeune; Boston Lyric Opera’s Bradley Vernatter and Ishan Johnson; and NEMPAC board member Tchad Cort. They were serenaded by jazz maestro Stefano Marchese, youth performer Soleil Desai, and NEMPAC’s cast of Annie Jr., who sang the schmaltzy classic “Tomorrow” before a dance party helmed by Big Night Live’s DJ Kareem.

Ruthzee Louijeune and Tchad Cort. / Renée Gannon

Boston Lyric Opera’s Bradley Vermatter and Ishan Johnson chat with a guest. / Renée Gannon

Peggy Levy, Andrea Waldstein, and Harold Stahler. / Renée Gannon

Steven Santoro and Lidia Vitiello. / Renée Gannon

Cochairs Jesse Baker, Teri Bishoff, and Alexis and Chris Egan, flanking executive director Jen Mergel. / Michael Blanchard

A Marvelous Night for It

$2.3 million is nothing to sneeze at, and that’s what the Esplanade Association raised at its 16th annual Moondance Gala, held in a gorgeously decorated tent along the Charles. Spotted among the crowd: cochairs Jesse Baker, Teri Bishoff, and Alexis and Chris Egan, and the über-generous Doran family, who made a $500,000 matching gift to help fund the Maryann Thompson Breezeway at Charlesbank’s new pavilion. Dinner and a live auction were followed by dancing, and the only person noticeably absent was Van Morrison.

Bidding in the live auction. / Michael Blanchard

Jen Mergel with David Doran and Maryann Thompson. / Michael Blanchard

Maura Connolly, Billy Evers, and Jeryl Oristaglio. / Michael Blanchard

This article was first published in the print edition of the November 2025 issue with the headline: “Here’s to the Year of the Rabbit.”

]]> Photos: Hannah Florman Fine Jewelry Sip + Shop Event https://www.bostonmagazine.com/life-style/2025/12/12/photos-hannah-florman-fine-jewelry-sip-shop-event/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:03:38 +0000 Sip + Shop with influencer Kira Kirby hosted by Hannah Florman Fine Jewelry at the Brownstone.

Photography by Jameis Ricker.

A woman wearing a red, off-the-shoulder, midi-length dress with a fitted bodice and flared skirt. She has long, wavy dark hair and is accessorized with layered gold necklaces and bracelets. She is standing indoors in front of a white fireplace decorated with green garlands and small gift boxes. There are framed jewelry sketches on the wall behind her, and a large mirror to her left reflects part of her dress and arm. She is wearing pointed nude flats with embellishments.

A wooden table displaying various jewelry items, primarily rings, arranged in velvet-lined trays and cases. Two gray cases on the left hold multiple rings, while two pink trays in the center also showcase rings. Behind these, a glass case contains more rings. On the right side, two sets of rings are displayed under glass domes on black bases. A small gold-framed mirror, a notepad with pens, and a white floral arrangement in a vase are also on the right side of the table. The background features white curtains and a window with a view outside.

Two women are in the foreground, with one wearing a light gray fur-trimmed coat and the other in a red dress fastening a necklace around the first woman's neck. The setting appears to be a cozy, well-lit room with modern decor, including a large mirror with wooden framing and a chandelier with white and brass light fixtures. Several people are in the background, engaged in conversation.

Three women are smiling and interacting in a jewelry store. One woman in a gray checkered top is showing a ring on her finger, while the other two women, dressed in black and white outfits, look on admiringly. The store has a light, modern decor with abstract wall art, greenery, and displays of rings in glass cases on the counter. Two glasses of orange juice are also visible on the counter.

Two young women are standing side by side indoors, each holding a glass of orange-colored drink. The woman on the left has long dark hair, is wearing a black top and black shorts, and accessorized with hoop earrings and bracelets. The woman on the right has long reddish hair, is wearing a gray plaid long-sleeve top and a black skirt, and is holding a small black handbag. Behind them is a wooden arch with decorative items and a framed artwork on the wall.

A man and a woman standing close together indoors. The man is wearing a maroon ribbed sweater and black pants, while the woman is dressed in a red fitted dress with cap sleeves. The woman has long, wavy dark hair and is accessorized with gold jewelry. Behind them, a mirror reflects another woman wearing a gray plaid blazer, black skirt, and black heels. The background includes a decorated garland with pinecones and pink boxes, a framed black-and-white photo, a white orchid plant, and some books on a shelf.

A rectangular clear container filled with assorted red, pink, and white gummy candies and white chocolate pieces spelling out "HF X KIRA KIRBY" on top, placed on a large gray book with gold lettering. Nearby, there is a tray of small round cookies and a stack of white napkins with a circular "HF" logo.

Three women are engaged in conversation indoors. One woman on the left wears a red dress and holds a glass of champagne. The woman in the middle wears an off-white top and a light, sheer skirt, holding a water bottle and a beige handbag. The woman on the right, seen from the back, wears a black long-sleeve top and black pants, carrying a black handbag. Behind them is a tall mirror decorated with greenery and small wrapped gifts.

A woman with long, wavy dark hair wearing a fitted, sleeveless red dress with a square neckline. She has subtle makeup and is accessorized with gold jewelry, including layered necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. She stands in front of a white mantel decorated with greenery, small lights, and framed artwork on the wall behind her.

]]> “Can We All Agree That Kale Only Belongs in a Wood-Chipper?” https://www.bostonmagazine.com/property/2025/11/07/boston-summer-parties-2025/ Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:00:30 +0000

The crowd on the Common. / Liesl Clark

A drag show on Boston Common? Well, sort of.

In As You Like It, Rosalind spends most of the play dressed as a man, trying to seduce another man, which would have been triply queer in Shakespeare’s day because everyone on stage would have been a man.

Be that as it may, the Opening Night of Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s free summer production on the Common began with a VIP reception at the swanky steakhouse Boston Chops in Downtown Crossing. Nearly everyone partook in the age-old Boston tradition of complaining about the weather, and drinks (including the night’s signature cocktail, the Lovers Dreamsicle) were followed by a lip-smacking dinner, although one guest did say, “Can we all just agree that kale belongs only in a wood-chipper?” Then it was time to scurry over to the Parkman Bandstand for the show.

Tonya and Ben Mezrich. / Liesl Clark

Present and accounted for: cohosts Tonya and Ben Mezrich; big-time benefactors Bill and Susan Poduska; mistress of music Janet Goff; blockbuster movie producer Kris Meyer; Tony-winning theater producer Spring Sirkin; author/equestrienne Christy Cashman (who was a bit tardy to the party, but better late than never); and retired Concord Academy faculty member Max Hall, whom another guest described as, “my kid’s absolute all-time favorite teacher, despite the fact that he taught science.”

Artistic director Steven Maler addressing guests at dinner. / Liesl Clark

Mike Kennealy and Bill Poduska. / Liesl Clark

Kris Meyer and Spring Sirkin. / Liesl Clark

Guests making their way over to the Common. / Liesl Clark

Actors Michael Underhill, Nora Eschenheimer, and Clara Hevia at the post-opening party. / Liesl Clark

Following the performance, an after-party took place back at the restaurant, where the cast cut loose and everyone congratulated everyone else on a job well done.

The evening’s most amusing exchange: One man said, “We didn’t make it to the gala this year,” to which his female friend indignantly asked, “Why not?”

“Because we were at your house,” he answered. “Oh,” she said. “I guess I’d better write them a bigger check.”

Kim and James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Cynthia Curme. / Michael Blanchard

Midsummer Night’s Dream

The hills were alive with the sound of music when the Boston Symphony Orchestra hosted its Summer Celebration at Tanglewood. All the glitterati of the Berkshires were there, among them: the incomparable Yo-Yo Ma; legendary crooner James Taylor and his other half, Kim; cochair Cynthia Curme; mega-patron Barbara Hostetter; Philanthroposaurus rex Darren Walker of the Ford Foundation; his Boston counterpart, Lee Pelton of the Boston Foundation; and former Governor Deval Patrick, to name a mere smattering. Cocktails and dinner were served under a tent behind Highwood Manor, followed by a performance of Romeo and Juliet accompanied by Prokofiev’s score. In short, one enchanted evening.

Lee Pelton and Reverend Gloria White-Hammond. / Hilary Scott

Smitty Pignatelli, Allyce Najimy, and Deval Patrick. / Hilary Scott

Composers Thomas Adès and Carlos Simon. / Hilary Scott

Barbara Hostetter and Darren Walker. / Hilary Scott

Justin Petty, Colette Phillips, Maria DeSimone, and Leverett Wing. / Flavio D Photography

Bon Appetit!

A Taste of Ethnic Boston celebrated culture, community, and cuisine at the Grand in the Seaport, where more than 400 guests gathered to graze on food prepared by 20-plus of the city’s finest restaurants, with flavors from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Hosted by power player Colette Phillips as part of her Get Konnected! networking series, the event attracted Eastern Bank CEO Bob Rivers; nightlife czarina Corean Reynolds; and do-gooder Saskia Epstein. Music by Justin Petty on steel drums and rapper Najee Janey accompanied the excellent eats.

Joel Parra and Myriam Michel. / Flavio D Photography

A display from Antojitos Gourmet. / Flavio D Photography

Tasty bites from Love Art Sushi. / Flavio D Photography

Estella Restaurant owners Lillian and George Brandao. / Flavio D Photography

This article was first published in the print edition of the October 2025 issue with the headline: “All the World’s a Stage.”

]]> Photos: Compass 10 Year Anniversary Celebration https://www.bostonmagazine.com/life-style/2025/11/03/photos-compass-10-year-anniversary-celebration/ Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:16:05 +0000 In October, Compass proudly celebrated 10 incredible years since launching in Boston. Compass marked this milestone with a fantastic event at Coquette to honor a decade of growth, innovation, and helping clients find their place in New England. CEO Robert Reffkin and President Neda Navab joined the celebration, making it a night to remember. Here’s to the next decade of success!

Compass would like to gratefully acknowledge their generous sponsors – Boston magazine, Drone Home Media, Lead Gen Lab, Modern Luxury, Edensign, David Camiel Law, Mastodon Moving, Wayfair, Sonja Selami Law Offices, and Touchstone Closing.

Photography by Drone Home Media. 

 

]]> Photos: The Prevention Party https://www.bostonmagazine.com/life-style/2025/11/03/photos-the-prevention-party/ Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:06:08 +0000 The Prevention Party benefiting the Find The Cause Breast Cancer Foundation held at the Boston Omni Seaport Hotel.

Photography by Michael Blanchard. 

 

]]> Turning the Newbury Boston Hotel into Babylon (in the Best Way) https://www.bostonmagazine.com/life-style/2025/08/08/april-2025-galas/ Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:00:54 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?p=2800122

Gloria and Kenda Coleman. / Photo by Lindsey Williams

The décor at the Green & White gala gave the Hanging Gardens of Babylon a run for their money, transforming the Newbury Boston hotel into a mythical forest grove. Guests arrived down a long hallway lined with flowers, plants, and mosses and emerged through a giant arch of white feathers emanating from one of the swans from the Swan Boats across the street. The ballroom boasted towering magnolia trees in full (if faux) bloom.

The annual black-tie fundraiser for the Friends of the Public Garden attracted a gorgeously dressed crowd who honored the theme in different ways. Ashley Bernon-Miller chose a stunning green sheath by Badgley Mischka, while Christy Cashman opted for eye-popping emeralds and diamonds. Prominent among the throng: cochairs Jack Yeaton, Gloria and Kenda Coleman, and Victoria Sullivan; the dazzling Denise Dunbar; shoe designer to the stars (as in Lady Gaga) Thom Solo; real estate guru Michael Harper; musicians extraordinaire Mira and Anthony Goto; City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune; and whirling dervish Laura Baldini, who had to Google her dress to figure out that it was Alexander McQueen from 2007.

The evening raised major shekels for the care and upkeep of the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall, and the party raged well into the wee hours, thanks to DJ Deja.

Overheard on the way in to dinner:

“You moved away from Boston for a while, didn’t you?”

“Yes, to New Zealand.”

“Well, that’s about as away from Boston as you can get.”

However, the evening’s best comment came from the man who introduced himself to someone by saying, “All you need to know about me is that I’m a guaranteed good time.”

Jennifer Poveromo bidding in the live auction. / Photo by Lindsey Williams

Denise and Stephen Dunbar. / Photo by Lindsey Williams

Wayne Gaffield and Peter Jones. / Photo by Lindsey Williams

Gettin’ down on the dance floor. / Photo by Lindsey Williams

Michael and Karen Rotenberg. / Photo by Lindsey Williams

Eric Doroski and Armine Hovhannissian. / Photo by Arlan Fonseca

Walk in the Park

Meanwhile, the Armenian Heritage Park on the Greenway celebrated its Let’s Party for the Park! fundraiser, an elegant evening held at the InterContinental Boston hotel that attracted the likes of investing giant Leon Semonian; tree-shaker extraordinaire Barbara Tellalian; Storica Wines cofounder Zack Armen; former state Representative Rachel Kaprielian; and Zanzibar Capital boy wonder Eric Doroski, to name a few. Guests went home with a baseball cap that said, “Let’s Meet at the Park.”

Charleen Mosesian Onanian (right). / Photo by Arlan Fonseca

Leon Semonian. / Photo by Arlan Fonseca

Anoush O’Connor and Armina Manoukian. / Photo by Arlan Fonseca

Kay Hanley. / Photo by Drea Catalano / 13 Photography

Rock On

Still taking top honors for best nonprofit name is the Foundation to Be Named Later, which celebrated its 25th Hot Stove Cool Music fundraiser with an all-star lineup, including Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick; Boston music icons Kay Hanley, Greg Hawkes, Bill Janovitz, and Will Dailey; and Red Sox legends Big Papi, Pedro Martínez, and Manny Ramírez. The party started Friday with a surprise 80th birthday party at the Hotel Commonwealth for baseball scribe Peter Gammons and continued Saturday at the Paradise Rock Club, after which everyone was thoroughly knackered.

Band Eddie Japan. / Photo by Drea Catalano / 13 Photography

Robin Zander of Cheap Trick. / Photo by Drea Catalano / 13 Photography

Peter Gammons and Paul Epstein. / Photo by Drea Catalano / 13 Photography

Lenny DiNardo and Bernie Williams. / Photo by Drea Catalano / 13 Photography

This article was first published in the print edition of the June 2025 issue with the headline: “April Galas Bring the Flowers.”

]]> Photos: Friends of the Public Garden Summer Party https://www.bostonmagazine.com/life-style/2025/07/10/photos-friends-of-the-public-garden-summer-party-2/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:21:33 +0000 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/?p=2803450 Every year, as the weather begins to warm, more than 200 park supporters gather to celebrate summer in the city and our beautiful, historic parks at our Summer Party, with the Friends of the Public Garden! This two-hour cocktail party gives our guests the opportunity to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while raising funds for our continued maintenance of Boston’s #threeparks.

Photography by Jan Trousilek.

Eno Akpan, Jeanne Oliver-Foster, Shanda Foster

Event Sponsors Bill Logan, Stacy Sheehan with Young Friends co-chairs Courtney and Caroline Barry

Gloria Coleman and Courtney Barry

Guests enjoy live music

Lauren Schultes performing live music

Sally Cheffy and Tremana White

Sandra Gilpatrick puts flowers in a guests hair

]]> Photos: Franklin Unveiled: Launch Event with Boston Magazine and Boston Home https://www.bostonmagazine.com/life-style/2025/06/13/photos-franklin-unveiled-launch-event-with-boston-magazine-and-boston-home/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 17:51:19 +0000 Under beautiful sunny skies, the Franklin Building held a launch event on June 11, 2025 co-sponsored by Boston magazine and Boston Home. The celebration marked the unveiling of our elegant, 250-unit Franklin Building at Hancock Village and featured an array of highlights — from a guest appearance by Miss Massachusetts USA 2024 Melissa Sapini, to a vibe-creating performance by world-renowned steel drum musician Justin Petty.

Attendees enjoyed the unique opportunity to test ride electric luxury vehicles courtesy of Lucid Motors, and ventured on tours to the brand-new, on-site SolBe Learning preschool. Guests checked out the impeccably styled Jordan’s Furniture Dream Apartment Home model unit along with the many activity spaces and gathering spots throughout the building.

Boardeaux Boston catered an exceptional charcuterie spread, while buzz-worthy social media moments were captured by The Exodus Experience roaming photo booth. Generous prize drawings were held throughout the evening to round out a truly memorable celebration for Hancock Village’s newest addition.

 

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