GreenSpaces takes to the skies for new fundraiser
Sunday, January 1, 1905
Main event on roof of Bijou parking deck. 215 Broad St.IF YOU GO
* What: The Rooftop Hop, a GreenSpaces fundraiser.* When: 6-11:30 p.m. Saturday; main party begins at 8.* Where: Main event on roof of Bijou parking deck, 215 Broad St. Satellite parties at various locations (see box).* Admission: $45, Bijou party only; and $150.* Phone: 648-0963.* Website: www.therooftophop.com.
For its inaugural fundraising event, GreenSpaces has its head in the clouds.
The fledgling nonprofit addresses environmental challenges by promoting sustainable building practices in the region. GreenSpaces' fundraiser, The Rooftop Hop, will give attendees a bird's-eye view of the city and some of the organization's projects Saturday through a series of open-air parties atop six downtown buildings.
"A lot of other cities were having rooftop parties, and we thought, 'We're the Scenic City, so why shouldn't we do one, too?' " said GreenSpaces director Anj McClain, laughing.
The evening will begin with five "satellite" parties hosted at buildings that were the site of GreenSpaces projects or from which those projects can be seen. All satellite parties are accessible via an all-inclusive ticket and will offer light hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
An all-inclusive pass also includes admittance to the main party atop the Bijou parking deck. Separate, main-party-only tickets also are available that include food all night and two drink tickets.
Attendees to the main party will enjoy sweeping downtown vistas and music provided by local blues artist WTM Blues Band and Nashville-based neo-funk artist Space Capone. Food at the main party will be provided by St. John's, The Meeting Place, The Blue Plate, Taco Mamacita and Urban Stack with specialty cocktails prepared by Easy Bistro.
In case of light rain, the Rooftop Hop will be shifted under a tent or covered areas atop the parking deck. If the weather becomes severe, the party will be moved to the Creative Discovery Museum.
McClain said she expects 350 to 400 guests at the event, and proceeds from the evening will contribute to GreenSpaces' general operating fund.
The Rooftop Hop has been in the works since summer. By getting off the streets, it should offer attendees a unique perspective on downtown and recent forward-thinking urban developments, McClain said.
"Why wouldn't it be on rooftops?" she asked. "Really the idea is to show off different rooftops and the view from different rooftops and just to have a good time.
"This is our first fundraising event, and we thought we needed to do something different."
Contact Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6205. Follow him on Twitter at @PhillipsCTFP.