By Holly Jackson

Contributing Writer

Themed “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” the recent Paramount and State Theatres’ music gala was a Texas-sized throw down that featured a two-block, tented fundraiser on Congress Avenue.

Native Texan and three-time Grammy winner Delbert McClinton was the headliner at the sold-out annual soiree.

Live music flowed from beginning to end. Local talent Brooklyn Lane started during the reception. The Gourds country band shined on stage as the opening act. Then McClinton played a combination of country, rock, pop, soul, and jazz from his five-decades long career. Skyrocket! finished with hits from the ‘70s and ‘80s, which had the crowd dancing on the double-yellow lane lines on the street.

More than 800 partygoers enjoyed Patron Tequila margaritas and Ulimat Vodka martinis donated from Twin Liquors. The InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel celebrated its 10th anniversary and served tamales, short ribs, chicken roulade and Berkshire pork. The Chocolate Bar created a customized, take-home dessert.

The expansive silent auction contained 300 items, including VIP tickets to the Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago, tickets to Wimbledon tennis in England and guitars signed by Kenny Loggins, George Thorogood, Mavis Staples and Wynonna.

Executive director and Westbanker Ken Stein again led the exciting live auction. Westbankers, sponsors and committee members John Paul and Eloise DeJoria bought a Gourds concert and barbecue at the Salt Lick Pavilion. Westbankers and sponsors Bob and Ann Irelan and board member and sponsor Patrick Cantilo purchased the largest package of a Caribbean cruise showcasing McClinton and other musicians.

“We are happy the gala was a huge success; we sold all tables and had the most successful live and silent auction to date,” said development director Maica Jordan. “The ambiance was great, musical acts were excellent, food and drinks were amazing, and we have six new Century Club members.”

Raising approximately $600,000 will fund the preservation and maintenance of the historic Theatres, Youth Outreach and Education Programs, and the development of the next season’s shows and film series. Operating under the umbrella of the Austin Theatre Alliance, the Paramount and State Theatres turn 94 and 74 years old, respectively, in 2010.

For more information, visit www.austintheatre.org.