The following is by guest host extraordinaire Brian T. Wilson, Art Advocate, Freelance Fundraiser & Creative Consultant.

This was just my second time attending the Red Chair Affair but this was the 7^th of this kind to kick-off the Central Florida Arts and Cultural season! The lobby of the Bob Carr was packed with patrons and showcased pre show music, dance and even live painting!

Backstage there was a VIP event – Bidding on decorated red chairs, art and packages and more- this year there was a private performance by Tod Kimbro. (Check out the Central Florida Top 5′s chair here!)

Autumn Ames, the Executive Director of the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Central Florida gave a very heartfelt welcome and thanked the donors as well as the many arts groups here in Florida.  The Arts & Cultural Alliance serves over three hundred in seven counties!

I love exposing people to new art as well so I invited two friends to attend each of us was truly delighted by different presenters.   Just based on what we all enjoy seeing and comfort levels of art we each had different favorites.

It was a very enjoyable and exciting night, from Florida Opera Theatre, Orlando Ballet, to side hurting funny Sak Comedy Lab to inspiring Voci Dance.  The idea is to inspire you to want to go out and buy another ticket or to be exposed to a new company to support.

John DiDonna board member of Arts & Cultural Alliance and 2011 Red Chair Affair directed stated, “The reason I love this event and have done it for 6 years is it is the one night that all these incredible groups can come together and share together on the same stage. It is WONDERFUL watching them all in the wings watching the other groups and loving supporting them so much. THANKS FOR COMING!”

It’s not too late to get the Orlando Arts Sampler 8 shows/events for just $99! They will sell out – a great gift!

And here’s Thomas Thorspecken’s Rehearsal sketch à and click here find out more about the Red Chair Project.