In the heyday of the grand hotels, big bands would fill ballrooms with ballads and Broadway tunes nearly every night, while dancers dressed to the nines would fox-trot the night away. These days, though, folks who might fancy such an evening out could only experience it at the movies.
But in March, a group that brings back the 1920s, 30s and 40s is hosting an event that re-creates a gala night out in one of America's most celebrated hostelries.
The beautiful Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley opened in 1927 – right in the midst of the Art Deco Era. The Ahwahnee has delighted guests from American presidents to European royalty, and discriminating travelers from all over the world; its setting is awesome, its quality unsurpassed.
The Art Deco Society of California will bring the hotel's storied past back to life with a two-day series of events reminiscent of the period – most notably a Grand Ball on the evening of March 17. The Grand Ball will feature dancing to vintage music by the world-renowned Royal Society Jazz Orchestra with vocalists Carla Normand and Frederick Hodges, and a floor-show performance by the ADSC's own Busby-Berkeley-style revue, The Deco Belles.
The two-day program will also offer instruction in dances of the period; hair and makeup workshop; lectures and demonstrations on the art, architecture and culture of the period; and a Vintage Fashion Show of original clothing from the Art Deco Era.
All aspects of the event are being produced by the Art Deco Society with attention to period detail and authenticity, as well as the sense of fun and adventure captured in the screwball comedies and lavish dance musicals so many remember.
In addition, the top-notch chefs at the Ahwahnee Dining Room are creating an Art Deco Vintage Dinner, featuring dishes and delicacies popular in the past. Served in the soaring dining room, and serenaded by glamorous songstress Ann Gibson accompanied on the Steinway grand piano by Yosemite music man Tom Bopp, diners will truly taste the best of the past.
NEW INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS
SCHEDULE. The first program is at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday March 16; the TEA DANCE, with the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra, starts at 3:00. So plan to arrive in the Valley by early afternoon. Naturally you're looking forward to getting dressed up Deco style for all of the programs. But for the Tea Dance, if you cannot check in until later, don ' t worry about how you ' re dressed, just come over to the Ahwahnee; you can change there --or just come and dance as is! The entire schedule (as we now know it) is posted below.
DRIVING. Please plan to take the " low road " -- Highway 140 -- and to BRING CHAINS. Although Highway 140 is kept clear year-round, there can be snow in the mountains this time of year, and the Park Service often checks to make sure you have chains when you enter Yosemite National Park. So for your own safety, and to prevent problems at the Park Gate, make sure you have your tire chains in the car before leaving. Re Highway 140, the most direct route is: 580 East to 5 South to 140 East. The only confusing part is getting through Merced, as 140 becomes part of the surface street system; just follow the signs and you ' ll be fine. March is still Winter, so please drive carefully!
CLOTHING. Of course you ' re all looking forward to getting dressed up Deco style for all of the programs! You can wear vintage (or vintage-look) clothing in the style of the 1920s, 30s or 40s -- whatever suits you best. Daywear for the lectures, day or cocktail attire for the Tea Dance, and formal wear for the Dinner and Ball. HOWEVER, it IS Winter so do plan to bring warm clothing and sturdy shoes as well, for the trip in, and for getting back and forth from the Lodge (if you are staying there) to the Ahwahnee. We are working on arranging a shuttle, but you should plan to drive until/unless we hear confirmation. There is a coat check at the Ahwahnee where you can leave your outdoor clothes. The large ladies room, should you need a place to change, is on the mezzanine level, accessible by stairs or elevator (walk into the front door, turn right, through the lobby, and you ' ll see first stairs then elevator).
