Out & About

Tim McGraw chats with Larry King. (Rebecca D'Angelo - For The Washington Post)

A King-Size, and Heartfelt, Fundraiser

In honor of the new SATs, a math question: What's the common denominator of country star Tim McGraw, comedian Martin Short and the Budweiser Clydesdales? Answer: Talkmeister Larry King.

"So many people have asked me, 'Marty, why did you come here tonight?' " Short told the crowd at the Ritz-Carlton downtown. "Well, I believe you're born, you die, and in between you try to keep Larry King happy."

He asks, they come. Friday's annual bash for King's cardiac foundation fundraiser included his typically eclectic roster of stars and honorees, which meant a little something for everyone. Short was the little something, McGraw the sexy country crowd-pleaser, and satirist Mo Rocca and "Apprentice" winner Kelly Perdew were the celebrity auctioneers. Clydesdales (live and stuffed) and just-brewed beer came with honoree August Busch IV, and the Bible quotations were from investment banker and honoree Emanuel Friedman.

All from (and for) the heart. King had a heart attack in 1987 and now spends his spare time raising money for uninsured heart patients who slip through the cracks of the health care system. "What Larry does touches all our hearts," said Redskins owner Dan Snyder, who chaired the $1.3 million fundraiser for the second year. "He's always been so gracious. He doesn't have to do this. It's nice."

Dan Snyder greets Martin Short at the Ritz-Carlton Friday. (Rebecca D'Angelo - For The Washington Post)

The festivities included jokes about Michael Jackson, Dan Rather and Prince Charles from Short, and a spirited performance from McGraw, who gave a long, good-natured performance for a crowd of 600 people apparently clueless about country music. (Guilty.) The only broken hearts? Women who didn't realize McGraw is married to country star Faith Hill. Fortunately there were plenty of doctors in the house.

NABOB Toasts Talent

Vanessa Williams entertains the crowd Friday night. (Rebecca D'Angelo - For The Washington Post)

The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters awards dinner drew nearly 1,000 guests to the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel Friday night. The party always has fancy food, open bars, styling and profiling. But the real draw this year was actress-singer Vanessa Williams, who really is as gorgeous in person as she is on the screen. Plus, she's got a mean set of pipes and can still shake it like a Polaroid picture.

"I still get excited before I perform," said Williams, who was honored as Entertainer of the Year. The good news is everybody else gets excited when she performs, too.

From left, Denise Brown, Stephanie Evans and Gail and Howard Woolley. (Rebecca D'Angelo - For The Washington Post)

Other honorees included opera star Denyce Graves, activist Dick Gregory, actor-director Melvin Van Peebles and director-producer Michael Schultz. "I'm just glad they decided to do it before I was dead," said Schultz, who was honored for excellence in film. Graves was pleased but slightly taken aback by her lifetime achievement award. "I thought. 'Oh my God, am I that old?'" she teased. "I feel like it's just the beginning."

Hoops Spring Eternal

From left, Susie Kay, Rick Walker, Sabrina Williams and Candice Crump at Wednesday night's Dream party. (Rebecca D'Angelo - For The Washington Post)

The "Mayor's Tournament Party" Wednesday night at Dream nightclub was only missing one thing: the mayor. True, Tony Williams popped in for a few minutes early on, not that it mattered much to the hundreds of rabid ACC basketball fans who showed up to prove their school spirit. Each of the ACC schools' alumni associations commandeered a corner of the club and decorated it in their school colors. (Florida State even brought along its Seminole mascot.) The night's proceeds benefited local mentoring program Hoop Dreams. Executive Director Susie Kay said of the night: "Two thumbs up, totally." Slam-dunk, Susie.