In The Mix

(l-r) Jaden’s Ladder co-founder Oneta Bobbett and Jenn Penton from TNT’s “Boston’s Finest” at the “Bright Lights, Big City Black & White Gala.”

Bright Lights, Big City …

The world of sports and music came together in support of Jaden’s Ladder annual fundraiser “Bright Lights, Big City Black & White Gala,” held in the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton Hotel. NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk, former NBA power forward Charles Oakley, and 2013 finalist from the NBC’s “The Voice” Will Champlin all attended this year’s bash, and Champlin sang several songs including a heart-felt version of Etta James’ “At Last.” Hot 96.9’s DJ Roy Barboza was back on the wheels of steels and Coach Willie Maye of NESN returned as master of ceremonies. It was a fun-filled evening and, when it was all said and done, $100,000 was raised for Jaden’s Ladder. Truly a great night for a great cause!

Then it was on to the newly opened Savvor Restaurant & Lounge in Chinatown for a bit of late-night noshing. The restaurant and lounge, located in what was formerly District Nightclub has been renovated and given new life. It’s spacious, colorful, fun and a good spot to meet up after work or for a night on the town. On this night, there was live music by the Woo Factor and they provided the perfect blend of jazz as a backdrop to the night. Add this new spot to your list of places to check out!

A Night at the Museum….

It was an evening of art and food at the preview reception for the Museum of Fine Arts’ newest exhibit “Quilts and Color” The Pilgrim/Roy Collection. The evening began with a hearty meal for a few hundred of us in the New American Café. There was a little something for everyone ranging from beef to salmon to a delicious barley mixed with kale, all accompanied by fresh greens and clam chowder, with complimentary wine and champagne flowing throughout the evening. The art-lovers were spoiled by the beauty of the museum surrounded by the glow emanating from Dale Chilhuly’s “Lime Green Icicle Tower” sculpture. After dinner, it was time to see the exhibit.

The quilts were absolutely gorgeous. The array of colors and intricate patterns were simply amazing. Most of the quilts are over 100 years old. Incredible!

The night ended very sweetly with desserts of bite-sized glazed chocolate donuts, strawberry shortcake and, my favorite, dark chocolate with maple walnut in a mini cone with bits of crispy pieces of bacon drizzled on top, served to everyone.

Just Dance …

This month’s “First Fridays” at the Institute of Contemporary Art was an absolute blast! The huge, eclectic and fabulous crowd of young and old, white, black, Asian and other, artists and professionals types, all mingled and drank throughout the lobby. DJ Knife kept the atmosphere fun and light-hearted from the moment one stepped in the door, spinning a blend of hip hop, pop and R&B that kept the crowd moving all night. There was also a special performance by the Boston Ballet called “Of Trial” by Jeffrey Cirio and a chance to get one’s hands dirty with Body Work, a hands-on art activity. Coloring for the grown-ups! Plus there were spotlight talks and an exclusive mini-lounge for ICA members, MINI Cooper owners and some other VIPs. Looking forward to the next one on May 2!

Coming up …

The Sinclair presents comedian W. Kamau Bell and his “Oh, Everything” Tour on Wednesday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20 in advance; $22 day of show. It’s an 18 and over show. www.sinclaircambridge.com

On Thursday, April 17, and Friday, April 18, Jose James returns to Scullers Jazz Club for one show each night at 8 p.m. Tickets: Show, $30; Dinner/Show, $70. To purchase go to www.scullersjazz.com.

The Talk’s Aisha Tyler performs stand-up comedy at The Wilbur on Saturday, April 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets: $25.00. Buy online at www.ticketmaster.com.

If you would like me to cover or write about your event, email me at inthemixwithcolette@gmail.com.