On October 12th, 26 eager patrons gathered at A Chef’s Kitchen, on Prince George Street, expecting good food, good company, and good humor. They were not disappointed! Chef John Gonzales and his assistant prepared a delicious meal, blending their expert culinary instruction with historical and regional context, and with delightful humor. Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, paired wines, a four-course meal, and desert were included in the evening's offering. Skillet-baked cornbread, also referred to by Chef Gonzalesas “Life Changing Cornbread,” was prepared with attention to detail and ingredients to produce a mouthwatering moment--especially when slathered with warm honey butter! For those daring to try this and other dishes at home, ChefGonzales provided a twelve-page recipe booklet. One of the most popular of theEncore Affairs events, A Chef’s Kitchen always sells out quickly and will be among the offerings for 2019-2020. The League greatly appreciates the support of all who participated in this and other Encore Affairs events.

The final Encore Affair for last season was a fantastic affair. Marc and Wilma Sharp hosted the fabulous dinner featuring the renownedChef David Everett and his culinary team. Watching the chefs at work in the kitchen was just one of the great pleasures of the evening as the multi-course dinner was served in the Sharp’s beautiful home in Kingsmill. An evening to savor and remember. Many thanks to Marc and Wilma for their significant effort in hosting this event for the WSO League. The collage below highlights this terrific Encore Affair.

With Bill Gurley and The Fiddlesticks Band providing the background, nearly 50 attendees had a great fun filled evening. Sponsors Cruz Associates, Inc., along with Joe and Cindy Southworth, supported by FoodaTude food truck made sure everyone had a terrific evening. See a collage of the beautiful evening event at Virginia Beer Company.

The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra League (WSOL) combined an evening of great entertainment and dinner to raise $27,000 for the Williamsburg SymphonyOrchestra on April 21, 2018!

Along with Frank Cubillo headlining“An Evening of Sinatra with FrankSings Frank” and a stunning performance by student violinist, Caleb Song, a paddle raise for the WSO educational and performance efforts galvanized the generous supporters of the WSO to make this a spectacular evening.

Following a great dinner at TwoRivers Country Club, Frank Cubillo roamed the tables, singing and dancing with the diners, ending with a chorus line of attendees kicking to a great ‘New YorkNew York’ finale. A live auction followed with Rick Overy at his usual best and then Caleb Song performed to encourage donations for the paddle raise. The WSO masterclasses, Instruments for Kids, side-by-side concerts, guest artists, and musicians will all benefit from the generous contributions achieved during thisWSOL event.

The sold-out annual event had a significant waiting list indicating the strong and increasing support the WSO has in the Williamsburg area. Many thanks to the event committee for making this a terrific evening for all! \

A unique and imaginative Kingsmill home was the surprise venue provided byLiz Moore & Associates for a delightful Encore Affair fundraiser on May 11,2017. - "Mark Twain & the Magnificent Mystery House."

Actor Ryan Clemens, a Twain descendant attired as the 70-year-old humorist, entertained the 60 guests with droll stories and witty comments as well as fielded impromptu questions about his remarkable life. At the beginning of the evening, guests were treated to a delicious wine and buffet dinner along with tours of the remarkable home which embodied soaring ceilings, fieldstone and stunning redwood interiors, described by Tim Parker, listing realtor with Liz Moore & Associates. Then "Mr.Twain" was introduced by Paul Try, League President, who had arranged the event, supported by several League members.

Encore Affairs is the League's most popular fundraiser providing a diverse series of parties and special events that benefit the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra.