CHARLOTTE CONCERTS' CROWN JEWELS BALL

Board member Gail Brinn Wilkins in a custom Luis Machicao gown. 

The Crown Jewels Celestial Ball was out of this world. Hosted by Charlotte Concerts, a nonprofit musical arts organization founded in 1931 and still going strong, the fundraising gala celebrates its mission of bringing world-class concerts to the greater Carolinas region and providing music programs for area students, especially those in underserved schools.

Leslie and Bruce Schlernitzauer were honorary chairs of the black tie gala at Quail Hollow Club. During a fun moment, Gene Hoots crowned the couple, officially making them the king and queen of the ball. The evening also included a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, a performance by the Marvin Ridge High School Men's Choir, dinner and dancing to the Doug Burns Big Band Orchestra.

On March 20, Charlotte Concerts showed its commitment to musical education in area schools -  and received rave reviews - by presenting its inaugural Musical Showcase featuring the best orchestra, band and choral ensembles from Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. It was a smash hit and a date has already been set for next year's showcase (April 23, 2018).

Charlotte Concerts also just announced its upcoming 2017-2018 season: The New York Philharmonic String Quartet (Oct. 5); Gil Shaham and Akira Eguchi (Oct. 20); The 5 Browns (Jan. 18); and The Gershwin Project (Feb. 15); Details: 704-527-6680; www.charlotteconcerts.org.

Claire Campbell

Bruce Schlernitzauer, longtime supporters Sam and Carolyn McMahon, and Leslie Schlernitzauer.

Tony and Stephanie Ansaldo. 

Sonja Gantt and Mitch Gibson. 

Gene Hoots crowns Bruce and Leslie Schlernitzauer as the king and queen of the ball. 

Guests get ready to bid on fabulous live auction items. 

The auctioneer in action. 

The Marvin Ridge High School Men's Choir. 

The Doug Burns Big Band. 

Randy Coble and Claire Campbell. 

Gail Brinn Wilkins and Howard Freese.

Dr. Vincent Voci and his wife, Sandra. 

SHOWCASE YOUR CREATIVITY

A charming tablescape from Leslie Harris of The Farmhouse Interior Design at the 2016 Festival of Tables. The deadline is quickly approaching for designers to showcase their creativity at this year's event, which will be held April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sheraton uptown.

The Salvation Army's annual Festival of Tables fundraiser on April 18 features beautiful tablescape creations by talented designers along with a silent auction, luncheon and an inspiring talk by Kelly Davis, wife of Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis and the executive director of the Thomas Davis Defending Dreams Foundation.

Hosted by the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, proceeds from the event benefit homeless women and children and provide scholarships for children in the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs. Tickets are $45. To purchase a ticket, click here.

If you're a designer who wants to showcase your creativity while helping out a great cause, the deadline to be a Festival of Tables Decorator is March 18. To register, click here.

A panel of judges from the media and design communities, including Charlotte Observer Food Editor Kathleen Purvis, will pick winners in both individual and professional categories. There's also a People's Choice Award voted on by attendees.