It wasn’t a Hollywood or New York red carpet moment, but locals like Shreveport Symphony conductor Michael Butterman and wife Jennifer and Gregory and Heidi Kallenberg, walked the red carpet Feb. 23 in the middle of the 600 block of Texas Street.

They were among 300 arriving for Robinson Film Center’s “The Robbys – a Red Carpet Party” held inside Robinson and under a tent outside. (The 600 block of Texas was shuttered for the gala. The party ended there with dancing to hot party band Windstorm and fast-paced stage theatrics: Hopping, jumping, running – you name it – and fans followed suit.)

The $150-a-person Robinson fundraiser is traditionally held on the eve of the Oscars.

A peek at the event: Artists Robert Trudeau and Talbot Hopkins jumping high in the air for a paparazzi photo op … Revelers ordering omelets by kitchen staffer cook Hernandez Anderson, who at the end of the evening, had lost count of how many he prepared … “Red Carpet Ready” was the dress code and Dr. Lindsey Pennington’s slim pink frock with feathery fabric puddling at its hemline was among the most interesting of many gorgeous ensembles … “A Lady in Red”- Robby Chair Anna Gleason emceed with attorney Tom Pressly IV, who is running for state representative Dist. 6, now held by now by term limited Tom Carmody … Hot silent auction item: Naming a menu item for the Abby Singer menu … Title Sponsor: SWEPCO, whose employees now include former Times Feature Ed Michele Marcotte.

And, there were the awards: “Best Bling”- Amy Quinn; “Best Heart Throb”- Alex Kennedy; “Leading Lady,”- Pennington; “Best Duo,”- the Kallenbergs; “Papparazzi Pick,”- Niema Longstratt; “Life of the Party,”- Jeff Hendricks; “Best Coif,”- D.J. Yoshi.

“It was a big success, an increase over last year,” said Robinson executive director Meghan Hochstetler, The event raised more money than last year.

Mayoral Watch

…  In recent weeks, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins was spotted chowing down at Big O’s in West Shreveport with Caddo D.A. James Stewart Sr. … And a week or so later at the Petroleum Club with oil man Holly Hollenshead, businessman Dr. Bob Robinson and former City Councilman Oliver Jenkins. … Then,  there was Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker sharing lunch with  Hollenshead, Robinson, Don Usry and Duke DeWare, of Jefferson, Texas, at the Shreveport Club.

Maggie Martin is a Times reporter/columnist. She can be reached by calling 820-7404. Email: mmartin@shreveporttimes.com.

Original Article was on the Shreveport Times