RON SWARNER: THE NIGHT WAS THE BEE'S KNEES >>>

In lean economic times, treating yourself to a glamorous night out can be hard to justify: Couldn't you have just as much fun drinking PBR at home? The answer is no, but it might mitigate some of the guilt if you knew the money went to a good cause. That's where last night's Star Chefs comes in. The $150-and-up tickets to Broadway Center for the Performing Arts - 1920s-themed "speakeasy" party benefited the Center's performing arts education program.

After dining on small plates prepared by Brix 25, Maxwell's Speakeasy, and A Grand Affaire Catering and nabbing impressive auction items in the Pantages lobby, patrons carried their drinks outside to the stage door where a password on their auction tags allowed passage into a magnificent 1920s nightclub - white tablecloths, low lighting, flappers, red hot jazz, and steak and lobster from El Gaucho.

Kevin Joyce, co-founder of Teatro ZinZanni in Seattle, hosted the night, controlling the flow of the silent and live auction and introducing his acrobats and trapeze artists who performed amazing feats about the stage.

David Fischer, Benjii Bittle and the brain trust behind the Broadway Center did an amazing job.

Kevin Joyce emceed the night.

Teatro Zinzanni's Caribe girls posed as flappers early in the evening.

Bourbon shrimp shooters prepared by chef Colin Dudley of A Grand Affaire Catering.

Broadway Center Deputy Executive Director Benjii Bittle policed the benefit.

Shredded duck confit with spicy grilled prawns by chef Matt Colony of Maxwell's Speakeasy +Lounge.

Marinated chicken and wild mushroom lettuce wraps with Rogue River blue cheese and romaine maki rolls crafted by chef Bryce Lamb of Brix 25.

El Gaucho bartender Silvia Tapia kept the wine glasses full.

Kate Shanaman kept me out of trouble. OK, she didn't.

Um. ...

Protesters picketed outside the Pantages Theater.

The Pantages stage was transformed into a 1920 speakeasy.

El Gaucho chef Kevin Daft prepared Chateaubriand with lobster and béarnaise sauce, mashed potatoes and asparagus as the main entrée.

Cory Tabuni performed feats of physical strength and balance.

The Caribe girls tossed the flapper outfits and took to the air.