THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 6, 1995 TAG: 9507010201
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
The drums of the Caribbean All-Star Steel Band will pound away just steps from an Egyptian sarcophagus. Between rhythms, guests can check out paintings by the masters and Tiffany lamps.
Tonight's show will be the first of four live performances in the Chrysler Museum's ``Cool It At The Chrysler'' summer concert series. Every Thursday evening in July the museum will host a live band in its Huber Court, a two-story atrium inside the front entrance.
``We have all new groups for this year, a little something for everyone,'' said Susan Hume, who is on the board of For Art's Sake, a museum support group that helps sponsor the events.
The lineup continues with rock by the Killroos on July 13, rhythm and blues by the Rhythm & Blues All Stars on July 20 and jazz from Against All Odds on July 27. The shows run from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is $3 for Art's Sake members and $6 for the general public.
This marks the fourth year for the series, organized as an after-work, air-conditioned alternative to TGIF. The shows are a part of an annual roster of concerts and gatherings designed to increase museum membership and generate funds.
``The summer series are our most popular parties,'' said Becky Anthony, museum membership and annual fund officer.
If past shows are an indication, more than 300 guests can be expected for each event. Live music - dancing is optional - a cash bar for beer and wine, and a selection of free munchies draw a mix of downtown professionals, students and members of the local art community. Several of the museum's galleries will be open.
``It's a nice place to meet people who have broader interests than those you might meet at Town Point or in a bar,'' said Bill Jolly, chief executive officer at St. Mary's Infant Home in Norfolk. ``Plus, there's not much else going on on Thursday.''
Most patrons are from Hampton Roads, but some come from as far as North Carolina, Hume said. Ages range from 18 to 45. Garb varies from coats and ties to sandals and shorts.
The For Art's Sake group has raised $5,000 for the museum this year. The funds are used to help support the changing galleries and exhibits. Promoting museum awareness and membership growth also are priorities.
Including families, there are approximately 9,500 museum members. Basic individual membership begins at $35 and includes benefits such as advance notice and discounts to exhibitions and special events, eligibility to participate in the Chrysler foreign travel program, and discounts to the gift shop and cafe. by CNB