D’Andra Simmons (pictured) knows how to get people to attend a party. Just have Peter Duchin, the darling of New York cafe society, not only show up, but play a few tunes on the ivories. And that’s what happened Thursday night at Galerie Zuger for the announcement of JLD’s plans for the upcoming year. What an announcement it was!
Just as the place was in over-fill capacity, the crowd learned that D’Andra would be chairing all three upcoming major events for the JLD. Like a general marching into battle, she already had her strategy in place. The biggy would be the February 26th gala at the Hilton Anatole with the theme being “Into Africa” and Peter as the headliner. Introducing the very debonair and ever-charming Peter, she asked, “What do you do?” As he sauntered over the piano, he replied, “It depends on the time of day.” Then with a twinkle in his eye, he told the crowd, “I’ll just play a couple of tunes and you all can talk and mingle and network or whatever. . . ”
Peter told some guests earlier in the evening that he was there because “they asked me to be here to play a song or two, so they’d know what they’re getting into.”
Actually, he’s been a favorite of the Dallas society crowd for decades. But he also admitted that “I always support the Junior League. They help the inner city, which is terribly important these days.”
Why, oh, why, do we suspect another reason is that Peter’s son, the equally adorable Colin Duchin‘s (pictured left with Peter) recent relocation to Dallas may have had something to do with Colin’s “friendship” with D’Andra? Those Simmons girls have always been known for having great taste in men and raising a heck of a lot of money for charities.
Another secret to the everyone-showed-up attendance was D’Andra’s mum, Dee (pictured right with Lara Tafel) in a delicious leopard-print silk outfit. Having just left the Wednesday’s Child Alliance announcement party over at Eddie V’s, a caravan of Dee’s buds (Carmaleta Whiteley, Weldon Ward, Carol Seay and Lee Bailey) pulled up. In transit with Lee at the wheel, Carol switched from a rehab shoe to a rehab boot because her doctor is only allowing her an hour for the shoe. And speaking of Lee, she must have gotten word of the “Into Africa”-theme announcement and wore a leopard-pattern sundress. Wise decision with the crowd raising the temperature in the room.
Already on hand were Dee’s husband Glenn and Ginger and Doug Simmons (pictured). That Ginger was quite adorable snapping shots of everyone.
Also on hand were Connie and Denny “Mr. Jet Linx” Carreker, who reported that he’s “riding the wave up” as business improves for the personal jet company. . . Pat Holder, who is now publisher of Grand Luxe Magazine. . . Lydia and Dan Novakov joining Linda and Bill Custard for introductions with Peter.
In addition to the gala, D’Andra will mastermind JLD’s Nov. 12th “Casino in Casablanca” at the Hall of State and the April “Catwalk to Kilimanjaro” Fashion Show. Ah, but it’ll be a piece of cake for this young lady.
Suggestion: Start shopping for safari wear. Pith helmets may become a trend.
Carmaleta Whiteley says
J so glad you followed the caravan of fun and joined us for a wonderful evening of
duchin
Carmaleta Whiteley says
J & G so glad you followed the caravan of fun and joined us for a wonderful evening of
duchin
Juliette says
Love Peter, and love D’Andra! She will throw an over-the-top party, for sure!
dave Savoy says
I do the DUCHIN (Dad) and the crowd loves it….those 1929’s and all the way up to the 70’s does the job….’talk’ about compliments….well– Carmen Cavallaro copied and added to DAD Duchin’s style and LIBERACE copied Both of them and into His ‘style’….thanks to LIB for keeping it active and of course; Peter…just reading his book….sounds just like my Life…..Savoy(ME)