All your senses will take the plunge at the cliff top Mediterranean style villa of restaurateur Beau Theriot. The sights, from panoramic Lake Travis views to interiors resplendent with fine art and antiques, will enchant. The tastes, a Tuscan feast prepared by Austin Catering, will beguile. The sounds, from Austin Symphony Orchestra conductor Peter Bay, opera singer Sarajane Dailey and musician friends, will enthrall. The wheels, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, will transfix. This evening will truly be una bella notte.

 Hosted by: Deb & Tom Feo, Lorrie & John Groover, Julie & Shawn Mack, Ann & Hector Morales, Karin & Sonny Morgan, Gail Page, Venus & Bill Strawn, Felicia Teel & Craig Hester, Beau Theriot, Teresa & Jim Tracey

 Special Guests: Peter Bay, Sarajane Dailey

 Sponsors: Premier Tents & Events, Kristin Stephens, Austin Catering

Go behind the scenes of the most celebrated western miniseries of all time, Lonesome Dove. During this intimate evening on the campus of Texas State University, meet acclaimed screenwriter and photographer Bill Wittliff during a private tour of the Lonesome Dove archive of The Wittliff Collections. Then, enjoy dinner and conversation with university President, Denise M. Trauth. It will be an indelible experience.

 Hosted by: President Denise M. Trauth & Dr. John Huffman

Special Guests: Sally & Bill Wittliff

Fu·sion: a blending of fine food provided by Uchiko, merged with pairings of exceptional Napa wines, tantalized by stimulating conversation, then combined with the ambience of soft music by Christy Butterfield and panoramic views of the Barton Creek Fazio Golf Course and the Hill Country. In other words, a night you will never forget!

 Hosted by: Kat & Vic Brooks, Wendy & Brad Fluke, Amy & Steve Harren, Linda & Congressman Michael McCaul, Stephanie Nick & Greg Hurd

Post up for an evening of beautiful surroundings, delectable dining from 34th Street Catering and winning stories from Texas Longhorn basketball coach, Rick Barnes. The lakeside home of Sandra and Joe Aragona serves as the home court for tales of passes, pivots, plays, and Longhorn legends. Enjoy an evening of shooting the breeze with Coach Barnes and go home a winner.

 Hosted by: Sandra & Joe Aragona, Maria & Sandy Fleschman, Dionne & Bobby Green, Elaine & Everett Heinze, Desiree & Wayne Hollingsworth, Mary & Jim Kozlowski, Debbie & Chris Pacitti, Tess & Greg Peters, Donna & John Pigg, Cynthia & Jack Selman

 Special Guest: Coach Rick Barnes

Bernie can’t come to our party, but you can! The eponymous 2011 black comedy directed and co-written by acclaimed director, Richard Linklater, starred Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughey. Based on a true story, the movie was filmed in the small East Texas town of Carthage. Come meet Danny Buck Davidson (the District Attorney who prosecuted the real Bernie), Mr. Linklater and Kay McConaughey (mom of Matthew and a member of the Bernie cast) as they bring the colorful story to life again for party guests. Think of it as a high spirited reality show, with a Texas twang.

Hosted by: Ruthie & Gene Burrus, Jennene & Ray Mashburn, Anita & Earl Maxwell, Mary Scott Nabers, Gai & Gerry Newkirk, Catherine & Kyle Parks, Sharon Schweitzer Robinson & John Robinson, Kathy & Randy Taylor, Diane & Jerry Turner, Terry & Jim Whorton, Cindy & Scott Wilson

Special Guests: Danny Buck Davidson, Richard Linklater, Kay McConaughey

Join producers Charlie Jones of C3 Presents and award winning chef-restaurateur Tim Love for an exclusive sneak peek of the 2013 Austin FOOD & WINE Festival. Chef Love has earned national acclaim for his Lonesome Dove Western Bistro and Love Shack restaurants in Fort Worth. Along with other top festival talent, he will prepare a mouthwatering multi-course meal with wine pairings and discussion by Master Sommelier Devon Broglie. Guests will also consume the insider scoop through a candid culinary Q&A, topped off by tequila shots.

 Hosted by: Jesse Herman, Melanie & Charlie Jones, Emilie & Tim Love

 Special Guests: Devon Broglie, Chef Tim Love

On a frigid, stormy day in February of 1686, a small French sailing ship lost control and ran aground in Matagorda Bay. The riveting story of French explorer Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and his ship, La Belle, is the star of this evening. Authors James E. Bruseth and Toni S. Turnerwill plumb the depths of their book, From a Watery Grave, to bring to life a fascinating tale of nautical adventure and archeological innovation.

 Hosted by: Martha & Richard Coons

Special Guests: James E. Bruseth, Toni S. Turner

The wine cellar of Larry and Deborah Peel would be at home in any of the world’s finest restaurants. Lucky you—you can stay right here in Austin while you treat yourself to a selection of superb vintages paired with a gourmand-worthy meal prepared by Executive Chef Elmar Prambs of TRIO at the Four Seasons Hotel. Cheers!

 Hosted by: Meri & Rob Hagelberg (General Manager, Four Seasons), Deborah & Larry Peel, Elmar Prambs, (Executive Chef, Four Seasons)

Written and directed by Steven Dietz, the most-produced American playwright who happens to live in Austin, the world premiere of Mad Beat Hip & Gone was created for the opening season of ZACH’s new Topfer Theatre. The story takes place during the late 40s and early 50s when kids trying hard to be hip went on the road in search of “mad days” and “gone kids.” With live jazz and exuberant theatricality, this valentine to American wanderlust chronicles the glory days of the beats. Start the evening with cocktails in the Serra Skyline Lounge, followed by dinner “by the bite-style” prepared by Austin Catering and pre-curtain remarks by Dietz. The finale will be the play itself.

Hosted by: Mary & Rusty Tally, Bobbi & Mort Topfer, Deanna & Jeff Serra, Janna & Mitch Jacobson

Special Guest: Steven Dietz

Batter up for an evening of baseball lore and culinary conversation. Coach Augie Garrido, championship coach of The University of Texas at Austin baseball team, joins Chef David Garrido, the top toque of namesake Garrido’s restaurant, for a winning night at the lakeside home of Dr. David and Mary McCarron. The victory will be all yours during this double play of fabled confab and food.

 Hosted by: Anne & Don Greenway, Sydney Langley, Mary & David McCarron, Angela & Howard Moench, John Patton, Kathie & Ronny Platt

 Special Guests: Coach Augie Garrido, Chef David Garrido

You can’t get more Texas than this. World famous Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar•B•Que of Llano will serve up some of Texas’ best BBQ, along with beer and margaritas. Nine-time Grammy Award winning King of Texas Swing and lead singer of Asleep at the Wheel, Ray Benson, will entertain guests with an intimate concert as the sun sets over the Texas Hill Country. And the most famed Texas Longhorn of them all, Bevo, will be available for candid portraits on his home turf.

Hosted by: Betty & John Baker, Linda & Hugh Brown, Meg & Robert Denyer, Carol & Jim Donovan, Rebecca & Christopher English, Esther Fields & Dominic DeKeratry, Georgetown Health Foundation, Linda & Andy Mahaffey, Mary Beth & Cliff O’Meara, Larissa O’Neill & John Sherman

Special Guests: Ray Benson, Bevo

Before the newest The Great Gatsby movie hits the theaters this spring, you can make a splash at The Driskill for an evening of Gatsbyesque dining, dancing and entertainment. The Roaring Twenties will come to life in a lively, lavish evening that Jay Gatsby himself would find fetching. So break out your own version of summery whites and sparkles and spats. This party will be one snazzy, jazzy affair.

Hosted by: Melanie Belt & Demetrius McDaniel, Patty Chandler, Kathlene & Dave Crist, Jane & Michael Driscoll, Tobie Funte Flannery & Bill Flannery, Susan & Clint Hackney

Photographer-reporter Robert Godwin has chronicled Austin’s social scene for decades. Come celebrate the release of his new book, Austin’s Faces of Philanthropy: A Photographic History. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres as you mingle with Austin’s most generous influentials while viewing Austin’s luminous skyline from West Lake Hills. Find your photograph and have your pen ready to exchange autographs with other benefactors of our community.

 Hosted by: John Hogg & David Garza, Charmaine & Gordon McGill, Marina Sifuentes & Tad Davis

Special Guest: Robert Godwin

Catered by: Green Pastures

Slake your thirst for craft beer, slow smoked brisket and blues-inflected classic rock during this soulful evening. Singer-songwriter Charlie Mars and his acoustic guitar will provide the live soundtrack. Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew will provide the food, prepared by legendary pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick. And Thirsty Planet Brewing Company will serve up delicious draughts, under the guidance of brewmaster Brian Smittle, in the mellow atmosphere of its brewery.

Hosted by: Shana & Brady Anderson, Julia & Andy Hawthorne, Rita & Ravi Jhaveri, Deanna & Bratcher Runyan, Tammy & Brian Smittle, Thirsty Planet Brewing Company, Theresa & Ken Treviño, Karen & James Willis

Special Guest: Charlie Mars

Your senses will soar to new heights when Chef Larry McGuire, the force behind Perla’s, Clark’s Oyster Bar, Elizabeth Street Café, Lambert’s, Fresa’s and the recently reimagined Jeffrey’s, lights up the evening with over the top fare at Frank and Margaret Krasovec’s home high above Austin at the Four Seasons Residences. Following the cocktail hour, ride the lift to the 32nd floor Skyline Penthouse to savor Chef McGuire’s dinner selections. You do not want to overlook the rare opportunity to “toast the town” from the top!

Hosted by: Margaret & Frank Krasovec

Special Guest: Chef Larry McGuire

Styled by: Suzanne Court Events

Touted by Food & Wine Magazine as a Top 10 Best New Chef and fêted with many other honors, Chef David Bull will prepare an imaginative 5-star dining experience in The Austonian’s Congress Restaurant. Expect an inspired evening of haute cuisine featuring local seasonal ingredients served in a sophisticated, intimate space. If we had to use one word for this evening, it would be “sublime.”

 Hosted by: Wendy & Shannon Kratzer, Dinah & Ryan Street

Special Guest: Chef David Bull

While the Allied forces fought to save Europe in World War II, a small heroic army of art professionals fought to save the cultural heritage of Western Civilization. Author Robert Edsel has uncovered the remarkable story of the Monuments Men (and women) who tracked down millions of cultural objects in three non-fiction books. Join Mr. Edsel for a captivating look at the art detectives who rescued everything from a Leonardo masterpiece to stained glass from great European cathedrals.

Hosted by: Marilyn & John Blewett, Nancy & Jim Edsel, Evelyn & Robert Hootkins

Special Guest: Robert Edsel

Enjoy a tasting menu with Top Chef and James Beard Award winner Chef Paul Qui in his exclusive tasting room at his newly built flagship restaurant, Qui. Chef Qui will pull inspiration from the season and his travels across the culinary world using local ingredients to create a unique menu. You will sit at the 10-seat bar top and interact with Chef Qui while he and his talented team prepare your meal as you sip wine and beverage pairings specially selected to enhance each bite.

Hosted by: Eddie Safady, Dinah & Ryan Street

Special Guest: Chef Paul Qui

Admiral Bobby Ray Inman’s many titles shape a quick summary of his storied career: Director of Naval Intelligence, Director of the National Security Agency, Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Chairman and CEO of Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC), Member of the Board of the Council on Foreign Relations and currently Lyndon B. Johnson Centennial Chair in National Policy. In remarks bookended by cocktails and dinner, Admiral Inman will focus his global perspective on the challenges and opportunities in a turbulent world.

Hosted by: Suzanne & David Booth, Susie & Kenny Jastrow

Special Guests: Nancy & Admiral Bob Inman

Get ready to be wined and dined—Texas Hill Country style! Experience some of Texas’ most notable wines in premium style as you are chauffeured by coach limo to the stunning 90’ Fall Creek Falls on Lake Buchanan. You will be treated to noshes and Fall Creek vintages on the way as rancher and winemaker Ed Auler relays the winery’s history and the Indian lore of the land. Arrive at the spectacular Falls for a Texas-chic dinner prepared by Austin Catering while taking in the scenery and live country tunes. The evening would not be complete without a stop by the winery for dessert on the vineyard patio.

Hosted by: Susan & Ed Auler, Becky & Damon Holditch, Marquee Event Group, Kristin Stephens, Austin Catering, Joan & Bill Talley, Transportation Consultants

Special Guests: Rick McCrae, John Steinman