Wildlife Photograph

Stars come out for Symphony in the Park

Saturday July 14, 2007
David Keith is guest artist, Sherri Lee to be honored

Sunday, September 9, will mark Ijams Nature Center’s 22nd annual Symphony in the Park. Symphony is not only Ijams biggest fundraiser, but it is also one of the highlights on Knoxville’s social calendar. In 2006, the event was the most successful ever, generating $78,000 in net proceeds for the nature center.

 

This year's guests will enjoy a gourmet meal, prepared by The Lord Lindsey, while enjoying the beautiful musical sounds of the Knoxville Symphony Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Maestro, Lucas Richman. Fascinating silent and live auctions, featuring many unique items and experiences, will appeal to all tastes and budgets. Last year, both auctions generated an impressive total of $40,000 for Ijams. 

 

Since the event began in 1986, a long-standing tradition has been to feature a well-known member of the community to perform a number with the orchestra. Last year, UT Men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl delighted the crowd by guest-conducting. This year, we are excited to announce Knoxville-native and renowned actor, David Keith as our special guest. David is perhaps best known for his strong supporting role in the movie, "An Officer and a Gentlemen" (1982), which also starred Richard Gere. Since then, David has starred in numerous movie roles such as "U-571" and TV shows such as "Law and Order: Criminal Intent" and "The Class."

 

Our special honoree this year is Sherri Lee. Sherri, a former biology teacher at Webb School, co-chaired the capital campaign that resulted in the park’s expansion and construction of the visitor center in the mid-1990s. Sherri also

created Symphony in the Park as a fundraiser for Ijams when she represented the Junior League in 1986. Sherri became an Emeritus member of the Board of Directors in 2003 and remains a great inspiration and champion for Ijams to this day.

 

Tickets for the event are $95 per person. Tables of ten (10) tickets are $900. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Kimberly at 865-577-47617 ext. 23 or kdmytro@ijams.org

- By Paul James, Executive Director

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