Sylvia and Alvin Richard Sylvia Richard next to her birthday cake Sylvia and Alvin Richard Sylvia’s “Cotton Club” Birthday Extravaganza From the moment you stepped out of your car you knew this was going to be a special kind of party. Guests were met by doormen donning black tails and top hats to escort you to the front door and out of the rain. The Historic Carver Theatre was transformed into Sylvia’s “Cotton Club” Birthday Extravaganza, 1930’s, Harlem, New York. Even the lobby welcomed you into a different era. Sylvia’s champagne signature drink was served, guests stepped on the red carpet for pictures and were greeted by her party ambassadors. Then on to the grand entrance…... a glitzy, lighted chandeliered arch ushered you into the Extravaganza. You felt as though you truly traveled through time into the glamour of days long ago. From head to toe, all the guests were dressed for that era and set the tone for the night’s revelry. The room was draped dark with a twilight stage backdrop. It was adorned with white plums, crystal candles and centerpieces topped with fresh flowers galore. The tables were dressed with sequin tablecloths and chairs covered in black with accompanying silver sequined back covers. And then she entered, Sylvia Scineaux-Richard..…..in a white, French hand embroidered organza gown trimmed with sequins, pearls, and rhinestones with a headpiece to match custom designed by Harold Clarke, Couturier Atelier. Alvin Richard escorted his wife wearing a custom white brocade dinner jacket with silk satin lapel and silk tuxedo pants topped off with a white fedora. The food was era specific, hot and delicious. The menu was marvelous including shrimp and grits, collard greens and corn bread, mac and cheese, standing rib roast, candied yams and delectable side dishes and desserts. The birthday cake was epic and set on the stage five layers high designed to match the venue. Cocktails flowed all night. From beginning to end music filled the room with sensational sounds of a variety of New Orleans own entertainers and musicians. Michael Ward, Wanda Rouzan, Sharon Martin, The Mystics, Real Love, and James “Twelve” Andrews. The night was capped off with world renowned saxophonist, Donald Harrison, and the Congo Square Nation along with the Indians. And certainly, no party is complete without the New Birth Brass Band leading the second line. It was a concert-like experience that partygoers won’t soon forget. Sylvia’s family and friends danced the night away. 14 | BREAKTHRU MEDIA | breakthrumediamagazine.com S E P T E M B E R / O C TOB E R 2 0 1 7
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