Social Diary Magazine

(This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed) (Any breach of this copyright will result in liquidated damages ($500 and up per usage ) plus any attorney fees to collect those damages. These liquidated damages will not limit any other remedy available.)

The Brandes Halloween Ball....

A Night in 'The Dark Forest' of Tanya and Charles Brandes

'Crafted for the Most Daring Souls'

(page 11 of 12)

More Links page 1 ....page 2 ......page 3 ....page 4 ......page 5 .......page 6 ......page 7 ......page 8..... page 9......... page 10......page 11 .....Thursday & Friday Preview / Rehearsals

"I am so fortunate to work with a client that has as much passion about artistic experience as I do... And a production design team that is focused on perfection... This is an endeavor of the heart. We get the pleasure of working with Tanya & Charles for so many months, to create memories for a lifetime. How could I not love what I get to do? Its amazing!!" - Janice Dodge, Sr Event Designer, ShowTec, Inc., Producer of The Brandes Halloween Ball

Insight Into The Brandes Hallween Ball

Nights 1 & 2

As the moonlit night shifted to daylight, it was time to journey home, and wonder the next day if this 'Midsummer Night's Dream' was true..... Was The Brandes Halloween Ball real. It was rather unbelieveable after all.... The Dark Forest, the Grimm twists, The Conservatory Ballroom, .... the incredible details....

And then looking about, you see in your home, the parting gift, a book, Grimm's Fairy Tales, where happily ever after is reality.

In the case of The Brandes Halloween Ball happily ever after is real. And it was the next night too.....

The following night over 300 special military guests came to enjoy The Brandes Halloween Ball hospitality. The military are very special to Tanya and Charles Brandes for all that they do, so this was the Brandes' way to thank them.

Tanya and Charles had this to say regarding the military. "We have great respect for our troops. Some of our best friends are active duty or former military personnel. Too often, gatherings are for somber occasions. We wanted to host a fun evening for active duty and wounded men and women of the military, to express our appreciation for their service to the USA. "

(Fyi, Tanya as a medical doctor has gone to help at military bases abroad.)

Through their Foundation, Tanya & Charles support local and international initiatives in education, science, the arts, and the principles of liberty and freedom. "

As such a lot of artistic value was put into this event. The seeds of which lay in Tanya's childhood. "I have great childhood memories of Halloween. Our LA-based, film industry family created our neighborhood's best 'trick-or-treat' house. Our home came alive every October with ghosts in the trees, lightning on the roof, and all manner of creepy things. It was a happy time for our family to be together.

Now, we enjoy sharing fantasy and art with our friends from around the globe. It is the one time per year that we bring family, friends and neighbors together in our home."

And as Artistic Director, Tanya Brandes did that down to the smallest detail with Producer Janice Dodge and a tremendously talented team from ShowTec.

Two years in the making, and 10 months of production with a core of 70 people that grows to 366 in the last days before the event, Tanya explains some interesting details.

"We do not consider this event a 'party." We consider it a celebration of art, theater, dance, and music."

"We begin with 'blue sky,' broad concept discussions." Tanya brings her theme/ concept/ inspiration. "We begin brainstorming. The team brings together photos, sketches, ideas, color palettes. This is a fun, energetic time. We progress from here to storyboards, to-scale partial mock-ups, script-writing, casting, choreography. The artistic team works closely and collaboratively throughout the process: From the overarching vision to the smallest nuance, we work together."

Overhead 3-D site maps are taken so that conceptual ideas will fit with the terrain and the architecture.

Tanya continues "This process is much like other creative endeavors: Like looking at a blank canvas or a blank page, I know what I want to paint/write, but I don't always know the steps in-between. I sleep with a sketch pad beside my bed. I take my sketch-pad on airplanes and in hotels. I draw and write when it comes to me. At times, nothing comes at all. Blocked. Frustrated. I wonder why I committed to this in the first place, and fear that it will never be quite right. Some scenes / vignettes are more difficult than others. In 2008, the most difficult were "Sloth" and "Gluttony". In 2010, the most difficult were "Hansel & Gretel" and "Cinderella." Both years, the stories most difficult to script became our own (and our guest's) favorite! Janice Dodge has a brilliant artistic mind, and is to be commended for getting our team to the next step in these scenes. We have a great time collaborating and sending 2am emails.

Set building, casting, choreography take many months. "

Tanya is hands on for many aspects soundtrack editing. In particular lighting for its design and visual depth perception. There are many late, late nights the week before 'show-day'.

As Tanya and Charles say "We build the space. Our performers and guests bring the magic."

The Social Diary applauds Tanya and Charles Brandes

for their known and

'under the radar philanthropy' and kindness.

p.s. -

* All materials for The Brandes Halloween Ball were used with the environment in mind. Building materials, floral arrangements, any unused catering, etc. were donated, re-purposed or recycled. This is a priority for the Tanya and Charles Brandes as well as the producers.

* Many guests were inspired to employ arts' organizations such as

The Old Globe Theatre, the La Jolla Playhouse, and the Lamb Player's Theatre for their costumes

Please enjoy the following photos and make sure to visit the Pre-Production Page for incredible behind the scenes Details and Photos.

Be advised strictly no downloading, publishing, broadcasting, printing, or copying of photos or content.Please email purchase requests of photos you are in.

Above and Below, Incredible Hosts, Tanya and Charles Brandes

Harry Cooper having some bloody red wine!

Richard & Ann Jaffe ready for a 'bite'

Scott Johnston with the incredible host, Charles Brandes

Tiffany and Jim Mahoney

Valerie Cooper with Meaghan Hunt

A sexy sprite ...

Tanya Brandes with Bonnie Saldivar-Jones

Above and below the 'Icy / Hot Duo', Deni Jacobs and Meaghan Hunt

Jeff Jacobs with Werewolf, and Werewolf disguised host, Charles Brandes, and Hal Jacobs

Little Red Riding Hood surveying a lot of happy guests

Richard Jaffe with Charles Brandes

Colette Royston with the Forest Warrior

Hugh Davies and Lynda Forsha

David Copley and Colette Royston

Charles Brandes and an elegant Guest from Times Past

Margo with The Brandes Halloween Ball Artistic Director and Hostess... Tanya Brandes!

Little Red Riding Hood with Dean Cummings

Above and Below, Mad Hatter Hugh Davies and Little Miss Alice in Wonderland Lynda Forsha with Fanged Friend

Tanya with her Viking Gods!

Soul Searching...

Denise Hug with Scott Johnston and Jennifer Keslik Bell

Two Beautiful Lasses!

The Scene

The Squad

Brian and Maureen Behmer

'Dark Forest Souls' Harry Cooper with Richard Kerr

Valerie Cooper getting a 911 foot massage from Scott Johnston....

Jennifer Keslik Bell with Richard Kerr

The Bar Scene in the wee hours....

It's getting light out.....Time to turn into 'Pumpkins'

More Links page 1 ....page 2 ......page 3 ....page 4 ......page 5 .......page 6 ......page 7 ......page 8..... page 9......... page 10......page 11 .....Thursday & Friday Preview / Rehearsals

reported by Margo Schwab

photoshopped by Scott Johnston

Please join us for fun informative updates on Twitter and Facebook

Home

The Buzz!!

Scott Johnston .... Scalped??

Email Commentary to be added

Party Archives

Home

* Margo Schwab, MBA< more formally known as Margaret E. Schwab, has produced, written, interviewed and photographed for various media organizations since 1989. Schwab attended Holton Arms School, La Jolla Country Day School and La Jolla High School. Schwab has a B.A. from Scripps College, spent a business internship with S.A.I.C., Science Applications International Corporation, and earned a Masters of Business degree, M.B.A., from the University of San Diego by way of Claremont Graduate School . Schwab additionally took college courses from Harvard University, and Syracuse University. Schwab volunteers for numerous charity organizations. She also continues to support animal organizations and the prevention of people and animal abuse. Schwab is the editor of The Social Diary.

Margo Schwab and Scott Johnston of The Social Diary are pleased to announce partnerships with the Arthritis Foundation of San Diego County, Country Friends, the San Diego American Heart Association, and the San Diego Humane Society.

Margo Schwab and Scott Johnston are both members of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club (Margo Schwab since 1974) and both are new members of the University Club.. Margo Schwab and Scott Johnston are also credentialed by the Chief of Police, William Lansdowne.

San Diego's The Social Diary would like to say a special thank you to our advertisers.

Valerie and Harry Cooper supporting the San Diego Opera

Valerie and Harry Cooper supporting The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Giuseppe Restaurants and Fine Catering

Jacqueline Warfield of Warfield Fine Art

Carol Bader Designs / Del Mar Hat Company

Yigal Azrouel

Nancy's Nails on Pearl Street in La Jolla

Nicole Miller La Jolla

H. Moradi Fine Jewelers on Prospect Street in La Jolla, now 2 locations!

Pamela Pogue of Juelerie

Diana Cavagnaro of Designer Millinery

Jordan of Jordan Art Couture and Animal Fashions by Jordan

Lizz Russell of The Lizz Russell Collection

Gary Parker of WineSellar & Brasserie

Owner and Chef Pasquale of Cafe Milano

Kevin Smith of Extreme Pizza in La Jolla

Jeremiah Sullivan of Neptunic Sharksuits

Drs. Sue and John Morizi of The Animal Hospital of La Jolla

Eugene Ladopoulos of Mistra Estates Olive Oil

Warning ** photos, video and writing on this site are the

no reproduction of any part or parts is allowed without written permission by The Social Diary

WineSellar & Brasserie

858-450-9557

Restaurant, Gary Parker's Wine Club,

Wine Store and

~ Wednesday & Saturday wine tasting's ~

Check out Gary Parker's Pick... a 2007 Clos de la Roche, Grand Cru...for $54 WineSellar Club Price, this Pinot Noir is STELLAR!

Click Ad above for Special Promotions!!

_________________________

For Advertising, please

your inquiry.

Ask about our new mini & front page maxi ads!

_________________________

Ralph Starkweather

World Class

Commercial and Portrait Photographer

credits include:

Photographing Ansel Adams

at Ansel Adam's Home.

Cassius Clay aka Mohammed Ali

....need we say more

SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY AND SPCA
GAINES STREET CAMPUS
5500 GAINES STREET
SAN DIEGO, CA 92110
(619) 299-7012
www.sdhumane.org

Kima would like to thank her supporters, who helped raise over $130,000

'The Social Diary is a delight to partner with!

As a result of their contributions to our organization, our 2009 Arthritis Walk event revenue increased by 50%!! I am very much looking forward to our continued partnership.'

- Andrea Muir, Development Director, Arthritis Foundation

Jordan Art Couture

Animal Fashions by Jordan

909-534-1495

Where the locals go

for Homemade Pastas, Raviolis, and Sauces

Cafe Milano
711 Pearl St, La Jolla
858- 454-3806

The Social Diary

Team

Scott Johnston, Margo Schwab and Kima!

Click Ad above for Special Promotions!!

MY PERFECT PET.NET

Kima's choice:

FRESH FROZEN REAL FOOD

FOR REALLY HEATHLY EATING

FOR YOUR DOG

ALLERGAN FREE

HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE

_________________________

For Advertising, please

your inquiry.

Ask about our new mini & front page maxi ads!

_________________________

Ralph Starkweather

World Class

Commercial and Portrait Photographer

credits include:

Photographing Ansel Adams

at Ansel Adam's Home.

Cassius Clay aka Mohammed Ali

....need we say more

SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY AND SPCA
GAINES STREET CAMPUS
5500 GAINES STREET
SAN DIEGO, CA 92110
(619) 299-7012
www.sdhumane.org

Kima would like to thank her supporters, who helped raise over $130,000

'The Social Diary is a delight to partner with!

As a result of their contributions to our organization, our 2009 Arthritis Walk event revenue increased by 50%!! I am very much looking forward to our continued partnership.'

- Andrea Muir, Development Director, Arthritis Foundation

WineSellar & Brasserie

858-450-9557

Restaurant, Gary Parker's Wine Club,

Wine Store and

~ Wednesday & Saturday wine tasting's ~

Jordan Art Couture

Animal Fashions by Jordan

909-534-1495

Where the locals go

for Homemade Pastas, Raviolis, and Sauces

Cafe Milano
711 Pearl St, La Jolla
858- 454-3806

The Social Diary

Team

Scott Johnston, Margo Schwab and Kima!

Photoshopping and Photography Services

available by The Social Diary

619-384-7333

email TheSocialDiary.com