A Milestone Worth Celebrating: Henry Davis’ 75th Birthday
There are celebrations that feel festive. Then there are celebrations that feel intentional.
Henry Davis’ 75th birthday at The Holland Omaha Performing Arts Center was designed to feel like the latter: refined, atmospheric, and deeply considered.
Hosted in Scott Hall, the evening embraced the architecture of the space rather than competing with it. The goal was not to overwhelm the room, but to sculpt it with light, texture, and natural materials.
Designing with Architecture in Mind
Scott Hall’s scale and clean lines allowed us to lean into a modern, minimal approach. We focused on strategic layers to create depth.
The architecture became part of the design story. Textured atmospheric lighting washed across the walls, casting soft, moody shadows that shifted throughout the evening. The result felt immersive without feeling heavy.
To further emphasize the space, we introduced rich dark blue velvet draping at the entrance of the doorways and along the opening of the second-level balcony. The draping was intentionally tailored rather than excessive, framing sightlines, welcoming guests into the space, and creating a visual frame for the live musicians who appeared during the celebratory ‘Happy Birthday’ cake moment. Navy tiebacks added structure and polish, allowing the architectural curves to remain visible while adding depth, contrast, and a subtle sense of drama.
A Palette of Warmth
The color story stayed intentionally restrained yet richly layered. Carbon black and graphite gray grounded the space, while walnut and natural maple introduced warmth through organic wood tones. Limestone cream softened the palette, allowing the glow of candlelight to feel luminous rather than stark.
Night sky blue appeared through tailored velvet draping and subtle design accents, adding depth and quiet drama. Touches of calla lily in a deep, almost inky purple brought a sculptural richness to the floral compositions without disrupting the overall restraint.
Luxurious candlelight was layered throughout the space, from dining tables to architectural accents, creating movement and intimacy within the larger room. The warmth of the light softened the clean lines of the venue and invited guests to linger.
Sculptural Florals & Natural Materials
Florals were designed in a modern ikebana-inspired style, prioritizing negative space and form over volume. Each arrangement felt more like a curated art piece than a traditional centerpiece.
We incorporated six sculptural florals, situated evenly across the room for balance, accented with warm spotlights from the ceiling to creative dynamic highlights and shadows. Every detail worked together felt cohesive, elevated, and effortless.
An Event Rooted in Legacy
At 75, a birthday celebration becomes less about spectacle and more about impact. For Henry, that impact extended far beyond dinner.
Following the candlelit celebration in Scott Hall, guests transitioned into the concert venue where Henry hosted a benefit performance featuring Smooth Sound of Santana, a tribute band honoring the iconic rhythms and legacy of Santana. A long-time supporter of the group, Henry designed the evening not only as a personal milestone, but as an opportunity to give back.
The energy shift from refined dinner to live music was intentional. The warmth and intimacy of the birthday design gave way to move, sound, and celebration, creating a full sensory experience for guests.
Most importantly, the evening served a greater purpose. The concert was hosted as a benefit for Project Harmony, reflecting Henry’s enduring commitment to supporting meaningful causes in our community. It was a reminder that thoughtful design and intentional gatherings can do more than celebrate. They can create tangible impact.
Henry’s milestone was honored not with excess, but with atmosphere, music and generosity. A celebration that felt warm, architectural, and timeless.
The Vendor Team:
Planning, Design, Coordination & Production: 402 Events | @402events
Venue, Catering & Bar: The Holland Center | @operformingarts
Photography: Trin Jensen | @trin_jensen
Cinematography: Kriha Films | @krihafilms
Florist: Bouquet Omaha | @bouquetomaha
Band : Smooth Sounds of Santana | @smoothsosig
DJ: DJ JAB | @djjabomaha
Cake: The Confectionist | the_confectionist_
Custom Fabrication and Rentals: Catalyst Event Rentals | @catalysteventrentals
Linens and Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | @bbjlatavola
Rentals: United Rent-All | @uraomaha
Benefiting Organization: Project Harmony | @projectharmony
