by Patricia Greve

The weather was grim but the mood was bright on May 25, 2006, as Q friends, family, alumni, and associates gathered at Ann Arbor's /aüt/ bar to celebrate 25 years of collaboration, authenticity, and ingenuity.  The lively crowd included folks young and old, and travelers from across the country; but this diversity did not prevent the occasion from retaining a spirit of warm intimacy, with many guests expressing their pleasant surprise to find each other reunited unexpectedly through their connections to Q. 

The /aüt/ bar’s outstanding waitstaff kept our bellies full and our tastebuds happy, filling our glasses with gallant good cheer even amidst the thunderous downpour.  And the feast was not only for the palate: Joe Summers' Gypsy Jazz Trio treated our ears to some effervescent tunes inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt as people munched and mingled in the courtyard in front of the /aüt/ bar, which was decorated with white tents, charming paper lanterns and strings of lights, and tables elegantly set with linens and potted herbs, displaying QXXV’s theme colors of white, silver, and terra cotta. 

Q president Tom Rieke offered a champagne toast thanking everyone who has helped Q become the dazzling success it is today.  Q looks forward to another fabulous evening of celebration and camaraderie at the Barking Crab in Boston, on July 30.   We hope it will be as unforgettable as the first. 

To see more photos of the QXXV party, visit: http://www.qltd.com/qpeople/photos/qxxv/.