Pretty in the Panhandle: SUFOM Tuxedo Junction 2012: A Night in Old Havana

Friday, May 11, 2012, The Bavarian Inn, in Shepherdstown, WV, was host to the Shepherd University Friends of Music (SUFOM) 4th Annual Tuxedo Junction.

The theme for this year's fundraiser "A Night in Old Havana" drew inspiration from 1950's Havana, Cuba--a time when clubs like The Tropicana were full of stylish stars, festive food, and music that kept the crowd moving well into the wee hours of the morning. I didn't catch sight of any Hollywood heartthrobs Friday night, but I can tell you that the crowd was stylish, the food festive, and thanks to the Shepherd University Mambo Kings, the crowd was most certainly moving.

The decor for this year's event was my favorite thus far. Throughout the Bavarian's main dining rooms, big, bold flowers adorned tangerine-hued tables, tapered and tied in hot pink trim. This simple, yet stunning display brought together 1950's Havana with this year's hottest color: the aptly-named Tangerine Tango.

Somewhere in between the seafood sampling, decadent desserts, and conga lines, guest found time to bid on silent auction items. This year's lot included both local and exotic treasures ranging from a castle stay to local artwork. Keeping with Tuxedo Junction tradition, a number of unique dining and cocktail experiences with the area's finest hosts and hostess were also up for grabs.

So, what was it like to spend a night in Old Havana? Let's just say, from the first mojito to the last mambo, Tuxedo Junction is the only way to kick off the summer social season in style.