Black Tie Untied

+ What a novel idea
Ringling College of Art and Design held their annual Evening at the Avant-Garde, Saturday, March 23, on its campus. Each year, guests are encouraged to partake in the chosen theme by being creative and dressing up. This year’s theme was “A Novel Idea” which brought a variety of favorite book characters to life thanks to the crafty and creative minds of those who attended the evening’s event. Some of the most popular costumes included characters from The Great Gatsby, Mary Poppins, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. One group even showed up with name cards on with numbers and shades of gray — a tribute to the popular book series, "50 Shades of Grey."

Dr. Larry and Pat Thompson’s anticipated costume reveal did not disappoint as the couple showed up in style — in a horse-drawn carriage! Dr. Thompson dressed up as Sherlock Holmes and Mrs. Thompson was Dr. John Watson.

Those who attended enjoyed listening to live music by Goodbyeddie, having their pictures drawn by Ringling students, bidding on auction items and enjoying a lovely dinner. See more photos of the event online and in next week’s Observer.

+ Rocking night
More than 500 guests ventured out to The Concession Golf Club for Forty Carrots Family Center’s 3rd annual Firefly Gala Saturday, March 23. The evening, chaired by Ariane Dart, kicked off with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner and a live auction. However, guests were eager to get to the main event: a live concert by Pat Benatar and her guitarist husband, Neil “Spyder” Giraldo. The couple rocked out for more than an hour, featuring hits “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Invincible.” See the video below for highlights from the concert.