The Black Tie Gala Experience 2K17 just passed a few days ago on the weekend of October 13-14 in Atlanta, Georgia (my almost hometown. So, I might as well own it. I am gonna publicly state here one – I live “primarily” in Virginia.) Consequently, I sat home sulking about not being able to be in Atlanta this year for the event. My Atlanta homies were sure to remind me “all weekend” of what I was missing. They kept me in tune with how the affairs of the event went. Certainly, my friends did not miss a beat to include me in all the conversations about what to wear and what time I would possibly just show up for the weekend. (LOL) Gabraelle “Gabbi” Lane gave me the 411 on how The Brothers of Atlanta made this a weekend that I should not forget or miss again. What a beautiful group!
A Memorable First Time
Why did you attend the Black Tie Gala? Was this your first time?
Yes! This was my first year. I heard so much about the event and every year they seem to sell out super early. Sadly this year, I was late in deciding to attend and had to put a team together to hunt down a weekend pass.
What was the most memorable night of the gala weekend and why?
Saturday was definitely the most memorable night. Everyone was absolutely GORGEOUS!!! All of the men were super well-dressed and handsome and the women were beautiful. Really what I enjoyed the most, was meeting the out-of-town folks and the music!!!
The Best Part and The Worst Part
What did you like the most?
This might get me in trouble. But a lot of times, the fun of an event can be lost during the recognition part of the program. It can take soooo long to get through everyone who did anything to put the event on. The Brothers of Atlanta did an awesome job of recognizing those who put on the wonderful event—they made the recognition a fun part of the evening—and then getting back to the dancing.
What did you like the least?
Ok, I will admit, I was a bit tardy in getting to the Saturday event. (Gabi has never been early for any event as far as I know.) But, I did get there in enough time to get food and it was wonderful. However, when I got up to dance to one song that turned into three songs, the wait staff cleared my plate and it was too late to get another plate. So I will make sure when I attend next year, (and buy my ticket early) to get there early enough to eat without worrying about my plate being taken away.
An Evening to Step. An Event For Giving
So, this is a charity event. What charity does the gala support and how was the money raised?
Yes, the men handed out a scholarship to the Barack Obama Academy in Decatur, GA. I am not sure how the money was raised.
How does the gala compare to other weekend events you have been to?
This event was well executed from start to finish. It wasn’t pretentious, the host committee was extremely welcoming and friendly. And the little touches–like having a nameplate at the table, and a red carpet–were really nice. The best part, it was a perfect size. Enough people to make it packed but not so many that I felt overwhelmed.
It’s not often that we see a black-tie dress code for steppers events, did that make a huge difference in your fashion choice for any night and why?
Hmmm… well, I was curious if people really did stick to the black-tie dress code so I looked through the previous year’s pictures and then asked around. At first, I was going to put on a cocktail dress because the thought of sweating out my gowns did not sound appealing. Almost everyone I spoke to said they were wearing a tux or gown. I figured I had better elevate my game. However, I decided to go a bit retro. I found a beautiful jumpsuit at Nordstrom that spoke to me. Of course, I had to get it! LOL. It turned out to be absolutely gorgeous – one of my new favorites!
Who were the DJ’s and how was the music?
My all-time favorite, DJ Sampsonite played on Friday and Short T Smooth was on Saturday. They both did their thing. I felt like every song was “my song’ and I probably sang more than I danced. I apologize to those who were in earshot! LOL
Looking Forward to the Next Black-Tie Gala
What suggestion would you make to the hosts for them to top what they did for this year’s event?
I don’t have any suggestions other than keep doing what you are doing because it is truly a great event. Next year, I will be the one to do something different! I will get my ticket early and arrive at the event much earlier!
Will you attend and encourage your friends to attend next year?
Most definitely! I have already sounded the alarm for folks out of state to get their tickets early! And have encouraged my folks locally to get a table.
OH! …. AND…
Finally, A big thank-you to the organizing committee and their spouses/ significant others. It was a great weekend and wonderfully executed so I know it took a lot of time, effort, and sacrifice. I appreciate every moment they spent planning this event and I look forward to attending next year!
Well, okay, already Gabi! I see I really missed out on a weekend of fabulosity and fun. Most importantly, it was for a good cause. Thank you for a beautiful, candid, and thorough recap of the weekend. For next year, I am getting my event ticket early and being a better travel planner for the Black Tie Gala 2K18. I already have my dress!
