Spirits of Summer 2023, a dazzling event curated by the Crescendo Club, offered an extraordinary blend of music and innovative cocktail creation. This distinctive soirée, exuding sophistication and vitality, delivered an immersive experience, enticing attendees into a symphony of sounds, tastes, and animated energy.
Welcomed by the gorgeous “Birth of Apollo” statue, a water fountain that paired with the building and the red carpet gives all the Bond Movie’s vibes, the guests started arriving at the Schermerhorn Symphony in the heart of Downtown Nashville.
Crescendo Club surprised us with an event that was equal parts elegant, fun and engaging. Upon entering Laura Turner Hall, we were immersed into a world of elegance and fun! The choice of standing up instead of sitting was a very smart move, and it proved to be pivotal in the dynamic of the crowd. We may have not known each other, but this setting led us to mix and mingle.
Greetings were exchanged, introductions made and Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez kicked off the night with the ionic bond theme while we were served the first cocktail of the night. We were instructed to start enjoying our drink when the music started so as to make it a multi sensory experience and most of us listened.
As the night progressed the same cycle repeated itself, we’d hear from the Mixologist what inspired the drink, what went in it and then we can watch them skillfully mix it. Servers would go around offering the cocktail, The conductor would present the next piece and we’d enjoy the experience once again.
This “flow” allowed for breaks in which we could have some snacks and exchange opinions with other guests. I must acknowledge the staff at the door as well as the servers who were beyond polite and accommodating which in turn made for a great experience. Although this was a competition, I must say all drinks were phenomenal and I’d advise you to visit all of the mixologists that participated.
A little bit about the mixes. The pairing of the first drink with the music was exceptional! A martini inspired cocktail with the iconic 007 theme song. The second mix was sweet and fruity giving “Dr.No” vibes. The third cocktail, paired with a mysterious sounding tune (although not from a bond movie) changed styles completely, away from the sweetness and into the savory with a olive oil drizzle and sprinkle of coarse salt. And closing the night, we were served a very refreshing, somewhat dry and citrus mix that took us all by surprise, in a great way!
As the event was nearing its end we voted for our favorites to the tune of “The pink panther”. I will be in attendance once again next year and I will encourage you to do so too. This is an experience like no other and you will also be supporting the Nashville Symphony, a 501 ©(3) nonprofit organization committed to inspire and engage a diverse and growing community with extraordinary live orchestral music.
The Performers: The Nashville Symphony | Enrico Lopez Yañez, conductor.The Mixologists: Ryan Barrentine, from The Fox Bar and Cocktail Club; Bode Craig, from Otto’s Bar; Ty Parker from The Green House; and Jonathan Vereecken from The Optimist.
