Music in the Mansion

One of the blessings of living in a small town in the sense of community we enjoy every day... purchasing eggs from the same vendor at the Farmers Market, recognizing the teller in the drive-through window at the bank, and the opportunity to serve on boards for local organizations and non-profits. One of the latest boards I've had the priveledge to serve is the Rippavilla Mansion board. I love history and architecture and southern culture and they all converge in Maury County, Tennessee, in many places, but none as charming and rich as Rippavilla. 

I was excited to join Paige Liggott's Special Events Committee even before I had attended my first board meeting. She and the other ladies were working on a new fundraiser for the home called Music in the Mansion.

It's designed to provide a new dining experience to share with friends, a great anniversary or birthday celebration location for your significant other and a new way to enjoy a historic site.  This fun fundraising treat offers the opportunity to enjoy slow-cooked southern country vittles along with good music in the same rooms that were once occupied by Civil War generals such as Confederate Generals Nathan Bedford Forrest and John Bell Hood and Union General Bull Nelson.  We might even be joined by one of the home’s resident spirits.

I've reserved my seat. Join me! 

The dates for these special evenings will be Saturday, June 30, August 25, October 27, December 29, and in 2013, February 16 and April 27. Tickets for the events are $75 per person, per event. Seating will be at tables of six. You can bring five friends with you or have the opportunity to meet new folks with shared interests.

To begin the special evening, there will be a social time on the patio – weather permitting, in the carriage house gift shop or sun porch in the home. You’ll enjoy the evening’s signature drink with a fruit and cheese platter.  Moving into the double parlors of the mansion you can eat your fill from the bountiful buffet.  Wines, tea, water and coffee will be served with your meal. With coffee and dessert, you’ll settle into your seat for an intimate musical concert.

The June 30 event will feature Lacey Brown, Top 12 finalist in 2010’s American Idol.  Lacey’s voice has been described as sweet with haunting tones and a hint of Brenda Lee. Since debuting on Idol, she has appeared on David Letterman, Ellen DeGeneres, the Today Show, Access Hollywood and E.  She’s shared the stage with Christina Aguilera, Alice Cooper, Janet Jackson and others.  Her debut EP “Let It Go” will be available for purchase at the end of the evening.  For more on Lacey, visit www.thelaceybrown.com.

 

Your signature drink for the social time will be Susan Cheairs’ (original mistress of the home) Good Ol' Summertime Fresh Fruit Elixir.  Or you may choose wine, beer or tea for your beverage.

Your buffet evokes a wonderful Southern Summer Supper – fried chicken, baked ham, country cooked green beans with new potatoes, squash casserole, fried okra, sliced homegrown tomatoes, rolls, peach cobbler and Key Lime tart with a whipped cream topping. Yummo!

Social time begins at 7; dinner buffet at 7:30 with music at 8:15 p.m. Seating is limited so make your reservations by June 27 at 931-486-9037.  Credit cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

This beautiful home has been standing for more than 150 years.  Its walls hold memories of many families’ celebrations.  Add your memories to theirs by partaking of Music in the Mansion.  For more information and directions, visit www.rippavilla.org.

And Thank you to Kathie Fuston for the use of her beautiful photos of Rippavilla after the storm.