Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue Gala raises funds to benefit YTA Music Competition

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - The numbers are in, and Susie Pokorski, chair and executive director of the Young Texas Artists Music Competition (YTA), is pleased to report that the fourth annual Bach, Beethoven & Barbecue gala, held March 14 in a Texas-themed tent just outside the historic Crighton Theatre in downtown Conroe, raised over $100,000 to benefit the competition that provides career development opportunities to deserving young classical musicians.

"The success of this event helps sustain our efforts toward assisting up-and-coming classical musicians, giving them access to cash prizes and performance opportunities that they might not otherwise have," said Pokorski.

Pokorski credits gala co-chairs Shana and Tim Arthur, the YTA committee, YTA Circle members, the Conroe Service League and generous donors, including Streater Smith Honda Nissan, Carol and Doug Aycock, and a long list of generous patrons for the successful evening. Honorees for the evening were long-time YTA supporters Shirley and Lee Pruitt.

It was Texas all the way, with Bill Mock and the Texas Fiddlers entertaining as guests mingled, danced and enjoyed Texas-style barbecue with all the Lone Star trimmings.

The "Texas Forever" live auction was filled with Texas-chic items: Texas gear, including a pair of stunning western boots; an elegant fur vest from Sakowitz Furs; and a Remington rifle donated by Emmett Kelly with the Gun Emporium. Other highlights included an adorable black lab puppy from SPCA of Montgomery County; a luxury car getaway from Audi North Houston and The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center; a night on the town with tickets to the Houston Symphony and a stay in the Magnolia Hotel; and a chance to talk Texas with Texas Rep. Will Metcalf and Megan Metcalf over dinner at the Red Brick Tavern. Topping it all off was a Longhorn handbag donated by Beth Younger Purpich, owner of JulieBeth Handbags.

After the gala, the Texas evening moved into the Crighton Theatre where eight finalists performed before a panel of globally connected jurists and an enthusiastic audience at the Finalists' Concert and Awards. The celebration continued with an After-Party in the gala tent with dessert, champagne, live music, dancing and a chance to meet and greet the Young Texas Artists.