The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra hosted  its third annual Symphony Gala on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta. The evening included a performance by Grammy Award winner Steve Martin and bluegrass band the Steep Canyon Rangers with members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Proceeds will benefit the Orchestra and its Education and Community programs.

The 2013 Symphony Gala is chaired by Orchestra board member Tad Hutcheson, Vice President of Community and Public Affairs at Delta Air Lines, and his wife, Janin. The patron chair is Atlanta Symphony Associates member Julie Baringer. Atlanta Falcons Offensive Guard Justin Blalock, an ASO spokesperson for music education, has been named Honorary Chair of the event.

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Patron guests began their evening at 6:00 p.m. with a pre-concert cocktail reception — hosted by mixologist Greg Best of Buckhead’s acclaimed restaurant Holeman & Finch Public House — in the Stent Atrium at the High Museum of Art.

At 7:30 p.m., Mr. Martin — who in addition to being an award-winning comedian, actor, author, and playwright is also an accomplished banjo player — performed with bluegrass band the Steep Canyon Rangers and members of the Orchestra in Atlanta Symphony Hall.

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Following the concert, patron guests enjoyed a seated dinner in the Taylor Lobby of the High Museum of Art. Throughout the evening, patrons had the opportunity to bid on luxury items at a silent auction.

After dinner, dueling piano players The Andrews Brothers had patrons singing and dancing as they perform guest requests from their playlist of more than 1,000 songs from a variety of genres — including Broadway, pop, and classic rock. The lounge-style after party in the Stent Atrium  also featured cocktails, coffee, and desserts.

Proceeds from the 2013 Symphony Gala will benefit the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and its Education and Community Programs, which include programs such as the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra and Talent Development Program, as well as support partnerships with local community institutions and create a wide variety of musical and educational experiences for citizens of all ages.