Alyssa Cwanger, Post-Gazette photos Jim and Kathe Patrinos Click photo for larger image.

With Kathe and Jim Patrinos as chairs, of course Pittsburgh Opera's Maecenas XXI was going to have a Greek theme. And so Mediterranean Blue it was, from beginning to end a spectacular affair Saturday evening at the Benedum.

You could almost hear the waves of the Aegean lapping against the floorboards onstage, where blue lights bathed the tables covered in subtle metallic blue linens. Suspended above them were giant balls of flowers in blues, greens and whites (Tim Condron Florist), with Shelly Lipton's vision driving the overall design that included masses of votives and flickering candlelight everywhere.

More than 450 guests (many in blue gowns) were entertained by belly dancers as they sipped champagne in the lobby. Then the Grecian Odyssey Dancers escorted everyone to dinner, where the troupe performed several rousing folk dances that ended with the Patrinoses, Electra and Jim Agras and other Greek opera lovers leaving their tables to join them.

Shirley Verrett Click photo for larger image.

The towering trio of opera general manager Mark Weinstein (with Susan Marsee), artistic director Christopher Hahn (with Ron Booth) and music director John Mauceri (with delightful Betty) welcomed the guests and presented international opera star Shirley Verrett with the Renaissance Award. MARC USA chairman Tony Bucci (with Linda) and president and CEO Michele Fabrizi received the Maecenas Award for their contributions to the performing arts.

The Duquesne Club catered an exquisite dinner (Moroccan carrot soup, grilled lamb chop and loin tournedo and lemon yogurt mousse) before the Pat Patrick Orchestra from Nashville encouraged everyone to work it off on the dance floor.

Hoping to win the raffle for a mink donated by Karen Peter and Saks Fifth Avenue were opera chair Nadine Bognar, ball co-chairs Carol and Joe Massaro, Patricia and Attila Molnar, Lou and Veronica Guarino, Barbara Mistick, Clyde Jones III, Carol Word and Bill Trueheart and guests such as Stanley and Marcia Gumberg, Tom and Sandy Kazas, Bill Dietrich and Jane Treherne-Thomas, Congresswoman Melissa Hart, state senators Robert Jubelirer and Jane Orie, state Rep. Sam Smith, Marshall and Wallis Katz, Dr. Loren and Ellen Roth, Anita and Ross Dacal, Mike and Debbie Barbarita, Kevin and Kristen McMahon, Dr. Michael and Rose Kutsenkow and many more.

	Belly dancer Kari Merlina Click photo for larger image.

The East Club Lounge of Heinz Field was the setting for Wednesday's An Illumination of Legends presented by Community College of Allegheny County Educational Foundation. The 2005 honorees were John "Jack" Kraft (Lifetime Legend Hall of Fame), the Pittsburgh Steelers (represented by Dan and son Art Rooney) and David Malone (Legendary Friends), James Holmberg (Legendary Administrator), Art Crivella (Legendary Alumna) and Mary Elizabeth Castelli (Legendary Student).

Jerry Greenfield of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream fame was the guest of honor Wednesday at a thank you reception for donors of $1,000 or more to the United Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh's Annual Community Campaign. An inspirational speaker who touts his radical brand of entrepreneurship. Greenfield addressed guests including Ted and Carol Goldberg, Nancy Ostrow, David Burstin, Sanford Ehrenreich, Edwin and Rita Perlow Langue and Marvin and Hannah Kamin at Congregation Beth Shalom.

The red-carpet premiere of "Come Away Home" served as a benefit for the Children's Home of Pittsburgh Wednesday at the SouthSide Works Cinemas. Producers Stephen Zakman and Robert Slane joined director Robert McKeon, actor Paul Dooley and others at the event, which was followed by a cast party celebration.

Shepherd Wellness Community honored five good friends Wednesday at its Annual City Theatre Benefit for people living with HIV/AIDS. WQED's Michael Bartley was honorary chair for the event, which included a reception and performance of "The Underpants." Recognized as "Friends of Wellness" were Herb Beatty, Bill Kaelin and Donny Thinnes and Mel and Beverly Pollock received the Distinguished Service Award.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier Valley's Fourth Annual Garden Party was in full swing on the green Saturday afternoon. Guests drank champagne with artist Michael Strueber as they celebrated his current exhibit and moved into a tent for dinner and a live auction. All those flowers donated by local florists turned spring into summer!

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More pictures in the SEEN photo journal