The “Doc” is in the House … and All That Jazz!” The Social Book Unveils Its Houston Treasures at Doc’s Houston Jazz Club!
What could be better than spending a night listening to a 12-piece top-flight jazz band play holiday standards, while dining on a five-star four-course meal in a ballroom decorated to the “nines,” and sharing the evening with 250 friends and colleagues who have helped build the city in innumerable ways? Almost nothing! That is how lucky Houstonians chose to spend their Sunday night recently, as 12 Houston individuals and couples were celebrated when The Social Book unveiled its 21st class of Houston Treasures honorees and two Legendary Treasures at the newly renovated Doc’s Houston Jazz Club, housed in the space that formerly occupied the historic Tower Theatre.
At The Social Book’s event, Scott Evans, Jeff Henry and Sami Shbeeb, along with Houston Treasures Creator Warner Roberts, inducted the chosen honorees into the illustrious group in a packed two-level ballroom themed “… and All That Jazz,” for obvious reasons, with forest green and gold, which complemented the room’s ambience. Receiving well-deserved accolades were Nichole & Benny Agosto, Jr., Nancy Ames & Danny Ward, Susan Christian & Laura Spanjian, Marilu Garza, Janet Gurwitch, Melissa Juneau, Sippi & Ajay Khurana, Robin & Danny Klaes, Larry Martin, Jo Ann Petersen, Joy Sewing and Lisa & Jerry Simon. Legendary Treasures are those previously honored as Houston Treasures who have continued their good works. Taking bows in this group were Deborah Duncan and Betty Hrncir. Initially, the third Legendary Treasures were Laura & Dave Ward. Sadly, one day before the event, Dave Ward passed away. The decision to honor them was postponed until next year, and a moment of silence was held to honor the deceased “Voice of Houston.” Past Houston Treasures honorees always assist The Social Book by filming tribute videos to introduce the incoming class’s lifetime achievements and welcome them onstage to receive their awards. Those introducing the new Houston Treasures were Hon. Susan Soussan introducing the Agostos, Kelli & Martin Fein welcoming Nancy Ames & Danny Ward, Honorable Annise Parker inducting Susan Christian & Laura Spanjian, Leisa Holland-Nelson Bowman introducing Marilu Garza and the Khuranas, Mary & Tony Gracely “greased” the festivities by creating a hilarious video using the Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta characters from Grease to bring the Klaes into the group, Pamela Lockard Sterlekar inducting Larry Martin, Honorable Bill King and Jane-Page Crump saluting Jo Ann Petersen, Phyllis Williams and Rosemary Schatzman affirming Joy Sewing, and Honorable Bill King confirming Lisa & Jerry Simon. “Social Book Salute” honorees are always a surprise, and those receiving their just rewards for all the good they do for the community were the mother/daughter team and owners at More than You Can Imagine, Vicki Rizzo and Mauri Oliver. All honorees were presented with the Neiman Marcus “Houston Treasures Award,” a crackled-gold and cobalt-blue ceramic bowl presented in a stunning gift-wrapped presentation.
Social Book partners Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston’s new Boxster was showcased front and center at the venue; Flowers by Nino created beautiful holiday floral centerpieces featuring signature white and red roses, ornaments, and decorative ribbons; EB, Inc.’s green-and-gold linen and décor palette set both levels in shimmering shades of each; Cake artist Gina Gutierrez and her team at Cakes by Gina created a five-foot display cake with a three-foot gold fondant saxophone in honor of “Doc” Watkins along with many strategically placed hand-painted fondant poinsettias; Chris Swanson and his Firefox Video team filmed the tribute videos at the home of Warner Roberts, which were shown as they were introduced on stage; As always, Elsie Smith Design beautifully designed the invitation, envelope, and evening program; For the twenty-first year, C&M Moving and Storage was our white glove moving company of choice; and social photo guru Daniel Ortiz captured the evening’s best memories. Generous attendees supported the young children at The Mission of Yahweh by bringing Christmas toys for them to enjoy.
The evening program began with Warner Roberts lovingly welcoming the crowd, recounting the history and purpose of the Houston Treasures, and inviting several prominent individuals to share the microphone, including Reverend Mary Gracely to give the invocation; “Doc” Watkins to express his appreciation for Houston and to note that once he discovered Ella Fitzgerald had performed in this sacred space, which was once the historic Tower Theatre, he chose to open his second club in Houston; and wine sponsor Boisset Collection sent their Master of Wines Clare Tooley in from Napa Valley to speak about the estate vintages served with the evening’s four-course dinner. Wine author and sommelier Denman Moody has partnered with The Social Book over these many years and his relationship with Jean-Charles Boisset, whom Denman proudly calls “The King of Napa Valley,” helped bring this illustrious winery to the dinner.
The Doc’s Houston Jazz Club’s team, including DOO Peter Skountzos, G.M. Manuel Guzmán-Lopéz, and Executive Chef Jose Avila, along with their service team, presented three delectable courses. The first course featured a charcuterie presentation, piping-hot Braised Short-Rib Empanadas, and Mozzarella-Stuffed Arancini, served alongside a second course of a mouth-watering Caesar Salad. The entrée course stole the show with Prime Striploin and a 72-hour-marinated Herb Chicken Breast, accompanied by Silky Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Lemon Broccolini, all joined on the unique rectangular plate. Cakes by Gina did not disappoint with her fourth course—dessert. She showcased a four-layer Pumpkin Spice Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Buttercream. Four of the twelve honorees were announced during each course.
“Doc” and his 12-piece jazz band (including eight horns, a fantastic singer and Doc playing his $125,000 Steinway piano) delighted and entertained the attendees throughout the evening while portraits of 315 past honorees and an 81-person In Memoriam section scrolled on Doc’s giant 20-foot-wide by 10-foot-tall high-definition LED screen behind the stage.
The Houston Treasures honorees were presented with a treasure trove of gifts from The Social Book, Neiman Marcus, Doc’s Houston Jazz Club, Saks Fifth Avenue, Orveda, L’Opera Cosmetics, Flowers by Nino, Sloan/Hall, LOGIC Watches, Porsche River Oaks/Porsche West Houston, Local Foods Group/Lee’s/Milton’s/Maximo’s, Truluck’s, Wright Pawn & Jewelry, Tennis Express, Rustika Café & Bakery, Coolin’ Curve, More Than You Can Imagine, Warner Roberts, and Denman Moody, among others. The 21-item Treasure Chest for each honoree was valued at $5,300!
This newly repurposed space still evokes memories of yesteryear, as many in the crowd recall times spent here and the famous entertainers who once graced the stage. The club can accommodate a crowd of 250, and rentals are available for the downstairs, balcony, and private room, which makes it perfect for business and special events of all kinds. A five-star restaurant, a renowned chef, an experienced bartender at the lavish upstairs bar, and a complimentary valet (most of the time) will attend to your every need. Guest performers will filter in and out during the week, and once in a wonderful while, “Doc” will return with his full band, and that is always a night to remember, as there will be a “DOC” in the House!
Visit their social media on Instagram @docs_houston
Former “Houston Treasures” honorees in attendance (in addition to the aforementioned) were: Rose Cullen, Honorable Joanne King Herring, Lilly Andress, Cora Sue Mach, Sidney Faust, Diane Gendel, Ashley & Dr. Peggy Smith, Frank Billingsley, Nino Shbeeb, Monica Hartland, Andy Delery, Judi McGee, Linda Lorelle, Page Parkes, Gayla Gardner, Vicki West, Susan Hansen, Helen Shaffer, Kappy Muenzer, Leila Gilbert, Liz Jameson, Lara Bell, Cheryl Byington, Duke Ensell, Jo Furr, Gayla Gardner, Sharon Owens, Gigi Huang, Ernie Manouse, Ed McMahon, Michael Mithoff, Dr. Laura Murillo, Amy Pierce, Sherri Zucker, Susan Plank, Franelle Rogers, Hon. Arthur Schechter, Cissy Segall Davis, Alicia Smith, Nancy Strohmer, Hallie Vanderhider, Beth Wolff, Merele Yarborough, Tim Miller
One interesting note—At least one Houston Treasure from each of the previous 20 years attended!
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): John Hrncir, Chris Kase, Cheryl Boblitt King, Heidi Turney, Tony Bradfield, Stephanie Shbeeb, Les Eckert, Harry Gendel, Kevin Gilliard, Roz & Alan Pactor, Denman & Marijo Moody, Saula & Paolo Valente, Dick Hansen, Ghada Ali, Angela Hernandez, Ralph Burch, Heidi Rockecharlie, Hershey Grace, Shannon Hall, Angie & Cliff Roberts, Cliff W. Roberts, Dionne Breen, Charity Yarborough, Lou Gregory, Brian Corless, Brad Blume, Eric & Kathryn Brueggeman, Tracy & Valerie Dieterich, Kusum Patel, Kenneth Gayle, Lou Gregory, Mike & Candy Martin, Jody Merritt, Hershey Grace, Tony Gutierrez, Kim Padgett, Laurette Veres, Stuart Rosenberg, Jose Ocque, Jim Shaffer, Daniel Kouri, Patti & Tom Turner, Bobby Dees, Sonia Soto, Neiman Marcus Asst. G.M. Rosellen Welch
