MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Ballet’s Dinners for Tutu are back and this summer they are hotter than ever. Fourteen extravagant dinners will take place at the gracious homes, clubs and public venues of Milwaukee Ballet hosts May 31 through August 10, 2006.

“If upcoming Milwaukee Ballet performances have as much razzle-dazzle as Dinners for Tutu, audiences are in for a bang-up year,” Kathleen Arenz of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel raved of the 2005 Milwaukee Ballet’s Dinners for Tutu. Experience a memorable evening featuring a themed dinner presented by 31 of Milwaukee's most famous and talented hosts as they take you on a gourmet world journey.  From Studio 54 and cowboy round-ups to the Milwaukee Mile and sailing parties, this year’s dinners will please your spirit and your palate.

“It’s not just dinner. It’s entertainment and all for a higher cause, The Milwaukee Ballet,” Donna Baumgartner, vice-chair of special events for the Milwaukee Ballet, stated.

All proceeds from the dinners go directly to support Milwaukee Ballet programs and performances.  Each of the 14 dinners has a different theme and the seating is limited. Prices range from $75 - $500.  For reservations, contact Loretta Wilkes, lwilkes [at] milwaukeeballet [dot] org or 414-902-2101.

For more details and to view the complete menus of each event, visit www.milwaukeeballet.org.

Bunco Babies Para Ballet
Wednesday May 31 at 6:00 p.m.
Dinner and Bunco for 24
Hosted by Dani Turner
Ladies – Roll the dice and enjoy a wild game of Bunco at Brynwood Country Club complete with authentic margaritas and gourmet Mexican fare and fabulous prizes!
Donation: $75 per person

Poker Night
Thursday June 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Dinner and Poker for 16 (men only)
Hosted by Jim McCabe of the Milwaukee Ale House
Hold ‘em or fold ‘em, this will be a hands down winner of an evening. You will be sustained by a sumptuous dinner fit for a king.
Donation: $100 per person

Grill and Chill
Wednesday June 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Dinner and Class for 15
Hosted by Kathy & Ken Klein, Marija & Vesna Madunic, and Gloria & Dave Rosenberg
Summer is here! Fire up the grill, grab your tongs and leave the indoors behind. Held at Gourmet Outfitters in Brookfield, your gourmet grilling class will be led by Chef Ryan Whitman of Bjonda – Gracious Events.  Class will be followed by a dinner of grilled delights and selected wines.
Donation: $150 per person

Brokeback Barbecue
Friday June 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Dinner for 50
Hosted by John Anderson, Rick Derksen, Tony & Cookie Enea, Scott McBride, Jon
Schlagenhaft, Curt Stern, Susee & Jim Weichmann and Wade Weissmann.
Grab your shotgun chaps and jingle bobs and get on down to this country barbeque. The night includes live music, a giant bonfire, a horseshoe pit, a jumping demonstration and plenty of Jack Daniels. Yeeee-haaaa!
Donation: $125 per person

Gem of an Evening
Thursday July 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Dinner for 10
Hosted by Linda Richman and Cynthia & Jim Stoll at Lake Hill House
Take a Sri Lanka safari with world renowned designers and suppliers of colored gemstones, Simon & Laurie Watt. Your virtual tour will explore sapphire mines where you will view hundreds of superbly cut gemstones from around the world. Later, you will be refreshed with hors d’ouevres and libations with an international flare.
Donation: $100 per person

Tutu Trackside
Friday July 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Racing & Gourmet Picnic for 30
Hosted by Linda & Greg Marcus, Debbie & Brett Pape,
Jill & Andy Schlesinger, Diane & Randy Strauss
Special Thanks to Janice Graham & Steve Marcus, The Andrew Automotive Group, The Milwaukee Mile and Andy Randall, president, for special underwriting considerations. This is an opportunity to race at one of the premier venues in American motorsports. We’ll provide instruction, safety gear, six authentic race cars and plenty of tracktime for everyone!
A picnic prepared by students of Madame Kuony will be served trackside.
Donation: $500 per person

An Evening in Belgrade
Saturday July 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Dinner for 14
Hosted by MaryAnn & Charles LaBahn, Ryann Whalen & Desko Nikitovic
and Bonnie & Ned Timarac
Imagine moonlight dining on the Danube right in River Hills. This evening will explore the delights of Serbian cuisine.
Donation: $200 per person

Brunch on Broadway
Sunday July 9 at 11:00 a.m.
Brunch for 22
Hosted by Eli Rivera and Nick Rostagno
Spend a Sunday morning in the city! Observe art being created in the pottery studio of Dark Star Galleria, sip champagne and savor the menu of Chef David Lamb in Milwaukee’s hidden jewel, Ardor Pub & Grill.
Donation: $125 per person

Under the Tuscan Sun
Thursday July 13 at 11:00 a.m.
Luncheon for 10
Hosted by Elissa Franke, Linda Richman and Cynthia & Jim Stoll
Broaden your culinary skills with well known chef, Elissa Franke.  Watch and then feast as Elissa creates light and seasonal Italian cuisine using the best of Wisconsin’s harvest.
Donation: $100 per person

Glitterati a la Warhol
Saturday July 15 at 9:00 p.m.
Event for 90
Hosted by Dacy Abele, Tony Chakonas and Kyle Cherek
Factory flashbulbs and pop art all a block from the ballet. Chelsea Girls, Silver Mylar balloons and celebrities celebrating their 15 minutes of fame underneath our silver disco ball. Canapes enough to fill any Fashionista or would-be soup can collector. Best of Show cocktail the “glitterbullet”. Exclusive DJ spins, red carpet entrance and valet parking. Think Studio 54.
Donation: $75 per person

Dragonfly al fesco
Saturday July 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Dinner for 6
Hosted by Cheryl & Mark Brickman at their gorgeous Dragonfly Farm.
A night to delight ~ with garden walks, birds to watch, and scrumptious farm fresh cuisine.
Donation: $125 per person

Chef’s Table for Tutu
Thursday July 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Dinner for 12
Hosted by Scott and Beth Shully
Lake Como meets Provence.  Scott and Beth Shully will cook up a storm in the heart of their Theinsville kitchen with a seven course dinner inspired from their recent travels to Northern Italy and France. Specially selected wines from Shully’s Cellar.
Donation: $150 per person

Cuisine a la Calatrava
Thursday August 10 at 5:00 p.m.
Dinner for 12
Hosted by Mark and Kim Marotta
Spread your wings and soar into this wonderful evening. Cocktails and dinner will be served in the stunning Quadracci Suite at the Milwaukee Art Museum. If you would like to explore the art museum and the Masters of American Comics, exhibit passes will be provided.
Donation: $175 per person

Sailing into the Sunset
Date & Time – Guests Choice
Event for 4
Hosted by Ron Fedder
Enjoy Lake Michigan while sailing on the Fedderation. What better way to enjoy a warm summer evening than relaxing on a sunset cruise while sipping champagne and dining on galley gourmet? So slip on your nattiest sailing attire and come aboard.
Donation: $125 per person