Maybe this is the first time you’ve heard of Bravo Bravo or maybe you’ve heard about it, are excited for the event, got your tickets in hand but still aren’t quite sure what to expect. Whatever the case may be I’ve decided to write this blog to give newcomers and the curious alike a better idea about what Bravo Bravo is really like from the people who can tell you the best, past party-goers.
Linda Hyter, a Clinical Care Coordinator at Children’s Hospital first attended Bravo Bravo in 2008 “ It wasn’t what I was expecting” she said. The 38-year-old Detroit native found out about the event from former Bravo Bravo committee members, Alexis Lewis and Kyra Sanders, after trying to get involved in her community and was surprised by the festive nature of Bravo Bravo, which she admits she became addicted to. “ It was an open bar type feel and the first year I went they had body painting and me and my friends got half our faces painted with butterflies”, “You end up waiting the next year for it to come around,” she laughs.
“The atmosphere is upbeat and full of energy.” She said of the event. Hyter also spoke of the diversity of the crowd and how that added to the energy as people from all walks of life were coming together to mingle with one another and have a good time. “It was the best”, said Hyter. When describing the music scene Linda explained how there’s something for everyone as the event gives off different vibes and moods as guest travel around the opera house and encounter different types of music. “The event exceeded my expectations,” Zemen Marrugi, Event Planner and owner of Opal E Events explained. The 28-year-old had always been a fan of the opera house and attended various musicals and performances there in the past. Marrugi first attended Bravo Bravo last year after agreeing to become sponsor at the suggestion of her business partner.
“The event was really exciting, it was a good representation of the city and was so much fun.” She said. Zemen who invited her clients to last year’s event felt it was a good way to introduce people to the city and invite people to the event that you’ve never done business with. Like Hyter, Marrugi also felt the same about the events music scene. “No matter what your personality is, you’ll find something you’ll enjoy” she said after describing how at last years event the main stage transformed into a club like venue for live performances while the smaller rooms featured more coffee house performances and the hallways featured food and drinks from various restaurants and drink vendors from the local area.
Both Linda and Zemen believe that Bravo Bravo is an event not to be missed. To Linda, events like Bravo Bravo show people that they can make a difference in their community and still have a good time. She also believes that Bravo Bravo is one of the premiere events to be a part of in the city and the best thing about it is the people. She also feels coming to Bravo Bravo is a good start if you are thinking about become involved in the community and is a good place to network. Hyter says that ticket prices shouldn’t turnoff guest, as tickets are pretty inexpensive in comparison to other fundraising events. When I asked Linda what was her favorite Bravo Bravo moment she explained how in the last two years, it has become buying her ticket because she knows she’s all set for event from that point on and that she’s done her part to contribute to the fundraising goal.
Zemen who has a similar outlook believes that Bravo Bravo is one of those events you ought to attend once because it has become a nice tradition and a part of the city’s history. She also believes that people should share in the experience of the event because it’s a lot of fun and features a great combination of food and music.
This year Linda says she looks forward to seeing the fashions and visiting the different spaces designed around the different fashion capitals of the world. She also tells me she looks forward to seeing her boyfriend’s expression since it’s his first time. “Me and my friends have been hyping him up for the event but we feel like he doesn’t understand” she says. Linda recommends that women come dressed to Bravo Bravo a little sexy but tasteful. She also says that comfortable pumps are a must, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Zemen tells me she looks forward to mingling with the other attendees and seeing the transformation one of her favorite venues will make this year. For fashion tips she recommends that women have fun when deciding what to wear. She also says that they don’t have to be a fashionista and that a cool accessory or cute top will do the trick “Its not like you should be worried about making the fashion hall of shame” she says with a giggle “It’s for a good cause and everyone’s enjoying themselves”.
Bravo Bravo takes place Friday, June 4th, at the Detroit Opera House from 7:30 p.m to 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $95 for the month of May and $105 for the month of June. This year Bravo Bravo takes on a fashion theme and will feature more than 40 of Detroit's trendist restaurants and bars providing delicious food and the latest in libations. Each room of the opera house is filled with music, and features a variety of music by local bands and musicians. Proceeds from the event support Michigan Opera Theatre and the Detroit Opera House. For more information follow this link: Bravo Bravo Destination Fashion.
