
Imagine arriving at a party where the Rolling Stones are playing live on scaffolding over the entrance. Better yet, imagine what it's like to be a Rolling Stone. Friday night, more than 1,100 guests didn't have to use their imaginations. Cindy and Rich Engler did it for them, planning a party based on their years of experience in the world of rock 'n' roll. Mr. Engler was half of DiCesare-Engler, the city's premier music promoters for decades.
As chairs of the Mattress Factory's 2009 Urban Garden Party, the Englers devised an All Access theme that translated into a total blast. Then again, this annual event is famous for fun and for being as colorful and enlightened as the installation art museum it supports.
While passing the paparazzi and groupies who greeted the hordes, the first stop was backstage and a hot tub filled with sexy models (just like the one Guns 'N Roses once requested). Jell-O vodka shooters were offered on the way to the VIP party, where Bob Sendall and his (almost) All in Good Taste served lamb burgers from trays placed on a naked woman. That whet a lot of appetites. A fashion show with more naked women (hey, I have that same outfit!), some hunks and a few drag queens led a parade into the garden, thoughtfully ringed with enough flat-screen TVs to keep every Pens fan happy. More than 50 local restaurateurs and purveyors donated fare for the bash, including the booze that was served from the sunroofs of a stretch limo. Belly dancing, pole-dancing, dancing dancing, fab costumes and the best people watching ever. Did I mention dessert and Talullah's perfect almond tortes? It went late, fueled by the Pens victory and a lot of other stuff, and it raised $160,000.
Spending the night together were Mattress Factory co-directors Barbara Luderowski and Michael Olijnyk (aka The Illustrated Man), board chair Anuj Dhanda, Chip and Lynn Desmone, Bill Spence, Sara Radalet, Carey Joensen, Will and Yasso Snyder with Alice Snyder, Charlotte Kelly, Steve Hough, Jim and Laurie Bly with Alana Bly, Franco Harris and son Dok, Henry Simonds, Barbara Mistick and daughter Tory, Richard Parsakian, John and Candace Craig, Nathan Schwartz, and many more.