Hobnobbing with Helen: Philharmonic fun

Blackberry pie, a la mode.

Doesn’t that sound oh-so-summery and too divine for words?

That was dessert at the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society’s annual business and dinner meeting held on the evening of June 12 at the Masonic Lodge on Lakeview Road in Orcutt.

Before you utter the words, “Oh my gosh, boooring,” let me assure you, dear readers, it was not. Nice people, good food, and a guitarist who played background music during the social hour. The room resonated with positive vibes. We were happy campers.

click to enlarge Hobnobbing with Helen: Philharmonic fun
PHOTO COURTESY OF SANTA MARIA PHILHARMONIC
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Maestro Michael Nowak (left) is the conductor and music director for the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society, and Lynne Garrett (right) is a board member and vice president of marketing for the society.

Adding to the pleasantness of the evening was the ample supply of Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards merlot and pinot noir at a serve-yourself bar. Of course, there were white wines, but the reds were the stars of the show. The tickets for the dinner were $25.

The likes of Bodil Prescott, Nancy Johnson, Franca Lockard, Mary Lou Rabska, Bill and Diane Borad-Mirkin, Tom Drummond, and board member Lynne Garrett chatted with friends. The turnout of more than 70 surprised me. Carol Houchens, flutist with the philharmonic’s orchestra and the board’s outgoing treasurer, explained, “Our patrons are very loyal.”

Yes, I believe they are, Carol. At my table were board member Roland Miller and Dorothy Davis, and Jim Enos.

Lodge members Dick Dixon and Edward Hawes were in command of the kitchen and prepared the buffet meal of tri-tip, beans, garlic bread, and a fabulous salad dotted with dried cranberries and sprinkled with raspberry vinaigrette. Can these guys cook or what?

Houchens gave us a financial “state of the union” summary. The good news is that the philharmonic is not in pathetic circumstances. However, keeping the musical ship afloat is an ongoing challenge, and to those of you with a song in your heart and a passion for culture running in your veins, please consider donating soon.

Board president and local judge Jed Beebe made opening remarks and introduced the philharmonic’s conductor, Maestro Michael Nowak, who gave us a preview of exciting coming attractions. When he mentioned that Copeland’s “Appalachian Spring” will be on one of the 2016-17 season programs, I said to myself, “Be still my heart.” That is obviously a personal fave. Program content for the coming season is listed on the philharmonic’s website, santamariaphilharmonic.org.

Nowak reminded the audience that the Philharmonic’s Rendezvous Series will continue. This series consists of several musicales, given over the course of a season at a private home or setting much smaller than a church or concert hall.

click to enlarge Hobnobbing with Helen: Philharmonic fun
PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS
FOR THE MUSIC: Left to right: Santa Maria Philharmonic flutist Carol Houchens, President Jed Beebe, and board member Diane Borad-Mirken at the Philharmonic’s annual business and dinner meeting on June 12 at the Masonic Lodge in Orcutt.

I went to the last one of the current season on the afternoon of June 4 at a lovely home in Elkhorn Estates. While two violinists (one of which was Maestro Nowak), a flutist, and a cellist graced us with their gifts, through large glass sliding doors, I watched a hummingbird hard at work and palm and evergreen trees swaying ever so slightly in a breeze. In the background was a view of the foothills. I experienced all this while sipping Cambria Winery chardonnay.

Does it get any better than that? On most days, I think not.

Tickets were $75 and included, along with the wine, a lovely buffet of dolma (stuffed grape leaves), pita bread, hummus, cheese, nuts, a charcuterie plate, and baklava.

The 40 or so attendees included Phil and Cristine Sinco, Robert and Sandra Dickerson, Lynda Gantt and Jerry Stinn, and Patti Kirchof.

If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at [email protected].

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