by Jessie Lin
Everything from Easter and Mother’s Day gift to graduation and distinctive remembrances suitable all year long will be shop-ready as the Brazos Valley Symphony Society prepares a singular shopping experience for Bryan/College Station dwellers. Those in the know will present themselves Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, at The Brazos Center in Bryan to enter the shopping wonderland that is the inaugural Premiere Market. Sponsored by FedStar Credit Union and The Matthews Group, the Premiere Market will feature 50 of the finest merchants from across Texas with each offering specialty gift items, home accessories, the latest spring clothing, gourmet foods, designer jewelry and much more. Admission to the event is $5 per person and includes both days of public shopping.
Premiere Market is more than just a shopping sensation as all proceeds benefit the cultural and educational programs of the Brazos Valley Symphony. Lou Ellen Ruesink, merchant coordinator and Brazos Valley Symphony board member, suggests that shoppers come for lunch and enjoy an afternoon of fashioning collections suitable for themselves, others and their homes. Pies and treats created by Royer’s Café of Round Top will be available during shopping hours. Area school choirs and chamber groups, as well as Brazos Valley Symphony musicians, will perform for customers. A silent auction will offer the tempting possibly of a bargain on top-selling items from all vendors.
Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra is a community organization comprised of professional musicians from Bryan/College Station and across Texas that is financially supported by the Brazos Valley Symphony Society, a non-profit association. Each year, the orchestra performs five classical subscription concerts, a Holiday Concert, two Children’s concerts, the Symphony goes to school program, and a free outdoor Fourth of July performance at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. As a non-profit, the Symphony Society relies on fundraisers to support the many educational programs provided by the Brazos Valley Symphony in addition to the premium performances the orchestra fashions for audiences.Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra is a community organization comprised of professional musicians from Bryan/College Station and across Texas that is financially supported by the Brazos Valley Symphony Society, a non-profit association. Each year, the orchestra performs five classical subscription concerts, a Holiday Concert, two Children’s concerts, the Symphony goes to school program, and a free outdoor Fourth of July performance at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. As a non-profit, the Symphony Society relies on fundraisers to support the many educational programs provided by the Brazos Valley Symphony in addition to the premium performances the orchestra fashions for audiences.
“We have been working on [the Premiere Market] for two years,” says Ruesink. Though the Symphony Society hosts the annual Derby Day extravaganza, it has been seeking a new fundraising event for several years. Inspired by the Houston Ballet Guild Nutcracker Market, the Premiere Market will bring to spring the same exclusive shopping experiences holiday markets offer each fall. A judging panel has reviewed all vendors to create a top-shelf, Texas shopping experience: big-city markets such as Houston’s Bella Becho Book and Print Bindery with their award-winning, handcrafted photo albums, wedding photo albums and memory books; me&re Design, Dallas-based artists who will awe and tempt shoppers with their cheerful products ranging from iPhone cases to party favors, to name just two. A complete vendor list is available through the Premiere Market tab at the bvso.org website. Additional shopping perks available through some vendors will include the opportunity to place orders and design customized products for an upcoming party or soiree.
Through planning and process, explains Ruesink, the spring Premiere Market has been designed to gather Texas’ best shopping experiences and conveniently deliver them to Bryan/College Station’s front door.Through planning and process, explains Ruesink, the spring Premiere Market has been designed to gather Texas’ best shopping experiences and conveniently deliver them to Bryan/College Station’s front door.
Exclusive Preview Party
The eager shopper can beat the rush Thursday, March 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at an exclusive Preview Party sponsored by Sterling Auto Group that offers “first pick” of merchandise offered at this upscale shopping celebration. Complimentary champagne, live music by Eugene, Eugene and fine food from Christopher’s World Grille are included with the reservation. No invitation is necessary, but reservations are required for this private event, no later than 5 p.m., March 9 by calling the Symphony Office at (979) 696-6100. Previewers also may book online here.
Even before the Preview, some lucky shoppers will win free admission by following Premiere Market on Twitter @PremiereMarket or liking Premiere Market on Facebook.
For more information about the Premiere Market, the Preview Party and the March 3 “Afternoon of Magic” performance featuring Kaylie Kahlich’s debut with the Brazos Valley Symphony, visit bvso.org or call (979) 696-6100.
WHAT
The Premiere Market
WHEN
Preview Party, March 21, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Premiere Market Day 1, March 22, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Premiere Market Day 2, March 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE
The Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan
HOW
Admission is $5 per person for both days of Premiere Market public shopping and will be on sale at the door. Premiere Party reservations are $25 per person, available by calling the Symphony office at (979)-696-6100 or booking online through the Premiere Market tab at bvso.org by 5 p.m. March 9. For more information, contact the Brazos Valley Symphony Society at (979)-696-6100 or email market@bvso.org.
