Byron Russell

Dinner Host – Musician – Conductor – and yes, Marathoner

Monte — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:26:40 +0000

To imply Utah Symphony Music Director Maestro Thierry Fischer is able to multi-task would be a gross understatement… Last weekend, prior to a concert featuring pianist Conrad Tao (in lieu of a very ill Louis Lortie) performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 (which was followed-up with an incredibly impressive Prokofiev Sonata movement as an encore – WOW!), the Maestro co-hosted, with Utah Symphony President & CEO Malia Tourangeau, a private dinner at The New Yorker with Mame Huntsman, then conducted an evening of classical war-horses, and was still capable of running the Salt Lake City Half Marathon the next morning. Wagner’s Ring Cycle – you have met your match.

Utah Museum of Natural History hosts NPR’s Ira Flatow

Monte — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:54:55 +0000

It was an evening of cocktails, light food fare, multi-million year-old bones, and the wit and intelligence of NPR Science Correspondent Ira Flatow – the award-winning TV journalist and host of Talk Of The Nation: Science Friday®. Mr. and Mrs. Zeke and Analecia Dumke (IV) were incredible hosts, as usual – although it is difficult to fully appreciate decaying skeletal structures with samples of such beautiful living species standing so close by…

Alta Club Engineering Breakfast Forum

Monte — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:56:51 +0000

April 18th ended the last of the 2013 Alta Club Engineering Breakfast Forums. After a second successful season of discussions ranging from nuclear energy, to oil and Iraq, and featuring University super-stars like Dr. Vivian Lee, University of Utah President David Pershing appropriately capped things off with an informative presentation and lecture focusing on one of the world’s top teaching, research and job creating universities, aka the UofU. Even at 7:15 a.m. it was standing-room only – a great success. On behalf of the Alta Club, I extend a personal and very special thank you to Alta Club member and University of Utah Department of Mechanical Engineering Research Professor, Sidney J. Green.

Westminster College Trustee Emeritus Spring Social

Monte — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:19:14 +0000

On April 17, 2013, College President and Mrs. Brian and Debbie Levin-Stankevich hosted their first Westminster Emeritus Board dinner at the Dumke Estate on Walker Lane in Holladay – their new home. Enlisting continued support, advice, and friendship from this group of highly influential civic leaders and private donors continues to broaden the overall support and evolution of Westminster College, which was founded in 1875 and is a nationally recognized liberal arts college. The evening started with mingling and cocktails, and ended with a talented group of five men singing a marvelous collection of cappella numbers….harmonies which literally trumped dessert!

Mary & Martha – Malaria No More – Utah Film Center

Monte — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:34:30 +0000

The non-profit organization Malaria No More teamed up with Utah Film Center recently to present a pre-screening of HBO’s production MARY AND MARTHA, which officially premiered April 20, 2013, on HBO. Directed by Phillip Noyce and written by Richard Curtis, this highly emotional and almost too informative film features two-time Oscar® winner Hilary Swank and Oscar® nominee Brenda Blethyn, and is the story of two mothers who forge a unique bond and embark on an epic journey of self-discovery after traumatic events in Africa bring them together. Following the screening, a Q&A was moderated by Malaria No More’s Mame Huntsman. Did you know that every 60 seconds a child in Africa dies from this preventable and highly curable disease…?

Stand-up with McAdams

Monte — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:31:27 +0000

Frida Bistro welcomed nearly 300 people for laughs, delicious food, and libation. Mayor Ben McAdams (flanked by his lovely wife Julie) got things started with signature orange–this time standing in orange sneakers, with a microphone and his self-deprecating sense of humor. A mix of professional PG-Rated comedians sandwiched between a bipartisan collection of politicians giving stand up comedy a try, gave comfort knowing that they have another profession. Sen. Todd Weiler, Rep. Jennifer Seelig, Sen. Jim Dabakis, Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck, Michelle Mumford, Spencer Stokes and Rep. Greg Hughes were great sports, at times funny and definitely entertaining. Utah Eagle Forum Executive Director Gail Ruzicka unfortunately was unable to attend, but provided highlights for the evening.

Espresso with Chief Burbank at Nobrow

Monte — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:54:04 +0000

Nobrow Coffee‘s move from 3rd and 3rd to 9th and 2nd is attracting all the right people – namely Donald Dunn from The University of Utah Development office, Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank, and Greg Hardy from Chevron. Chief Burbank, known to walk the streets frequently, has found Nobrow on his path occasionally. Joe, the master barrisata at the cafe, prepared the best brew for all of us on his state-of-the-art (and very expensive) machines during our meeting (see below). It was the perfect espresso shot and/or coffee, and setting to learn more about Chief Burbank’s passion for the Salt Lake Police Foundation, which he founded to improve the community through youth programs and other community outreach.

A Legislative Update in Emigration Canyon

Monte — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:20:20 +0000

ACLU Executive Director Karen McKreary, and attorney now ACLU Board Member Rusty L. Andrade, were two of many on hand to enjoy the hospitality of the John and Catherine Netto, and listen to the ACLU’s staff attorney Marina Baginsky Lowe discuss progress (or lack thereof) with the recent Utah Legislative session. Featured below is that sharp albeit edgy ACLU Development Director, Anna Brauer.

Plenty of room at ‘The Cramer House’

Monte — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:11:56 +0000

Inspecting the restoration progress of The Cramer House with The La Porte Group architect, Melvin Grossgold. Built in 1890 by a Mr. Cramer, a florist who sold and distributed flowers for retail downstairs, and lived upstairs (an old-fashioned home/office scenario). Just a few generations lived in this home until the Salt Lake City RDA purchased the building over a decade ago and it is now being meticulously restored for a world-class restaurant on Floral Street.

Multicultural Commission at WSU

Monte — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 23:02:27 +0000

Newly installed Weber State University President Charles Wight invited the Utah Multicultural Affairs Commission on campus to learn about the successes of multicultural outreach at Weber through the direction of Dr. Forrest Crawford, and many others. Lt. Governor Greg Bell, and alumni of the university led the meeting, directing the commission to engage in a variety of partnerships with the University. The two newest commission members are Jose Enriquez Ph.D, Latino’s In Action, and Lucy Cardenas, Red Iguana.