Bash Magnifique!

On Saturday night, we headed downtown to the historic Decatur House for Chamber Dance Project's annual gala benefit Bash Magnifique.

We snapped Chamber Dance Project's artistic director and founder Diane Coburn Bruning with featured jazz vocalist Lena Seikaly and the evening's pianist and fellow vocalist Barry Gurley. 

The 1920s jazz-themed gala fundraiser offered a sneak peek of Chamber Dance Project's 2017 season and an opportunity to meet some of the artists. Here, gala committee member Christina Duemler and her husband, Euler Hermes North America CEO Jochen Duemler, surround Chamber Board president Cynthia Shoup Schiffrin.

We joined VIPs at the "Meet The Artists" reception prior to the main event. Here, arts patron Carmen Liebeler with featured ballet dancer Luz San Miguel and fellow dancers Ashley Murphy and Andile Ndlovu. 

Following the reception, guests headed downstairs to the tented courtyard and ballroom for the silent auction, buffet dinner and performances. Here, National Park Foundation's Stephanie Linehan joins RedPeg Marketing's Ryan Hayes and gala chair Charo Abrams. 

Guests enjoyed an amazing evening of performances with live music and various guest artists. Here, Chamber Dance Project supporters Peggy Conley, Carole Randolph and Linda Awkard. 

Proceeds from the gala support the company and its community engagement programs, which include donating 100 season performance tickets to local kids and families via social service agencies and other free and low-cost opportunities to connect with the arts. Here, therapist Hani Miletski joins Caroline Crabbe and Washington Fine Properties' Traudel Lange. 

Beth and Charlie Kohlhoss join gala committee member Deborah Sigmund and Bruce Neal.