Le Bal des Vampires

presented by PEERS

Saturday, November 1, 6:30PM-Midnight

Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda

Tickets must be purchased in advance – see website for details

$30 before October 13, $35 after

http://www.peersdance.org/vamp14.html

http://www.well.com/user/cwj/bangersandmash

pictures from previous years’ events:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/whiteboots/sets/72157625334800146

http://ladyleandra.smugmug.com/2011/11-12-11-PEERS-Le-Bal-People/20346801_CkHdg8#!i=1609545600&k=6vPxXwR

“Waltz the night away in a beautiful candlelit ballroom with the San Francisco Bay Area’s most glamorous Undead at the 21st Annual Le Bal des Vampires.

Suggested costume is evening dress of the century and country of your ‘rebirth’. This may include dress uniform, period costume (authentic or fantasy) or vintage or modern evening dress. There is no dress code for the ball (We certainly don’t expect Spike to attend in black tie!), but you will see some of the most gorgeous and creative costumes of the social season at Le Bal des Vampires.

This year there will once again be simultaneous dancing on two separate floors:

Our band in the elegant upstairs ballroom is the stylish but always dashing chamber ensemble Bangers and Mash. As usual, haunting waltzes dominate the program, but the evening will feature a variety of dance music from across the centuries – from 18th century Baroque contredanses to 19th century Victorian rotary and Viennese waltzes, polkas, and mazurkas; to elegant early 20th century tangos, blues, and fox trots and even some classic rock and roll Swing. Please note that the band’s first dance set will start at 7:45PM sharp – 15 minutes earlier than usual. The dance sets will be unusually long, even by Bangers and Mash’s high standards, so if you do plan to dance, please be certain to wear shoes or boots you can actually dance in.

For those preferring a more modern style of dance music and free-style dancing as well as partner dancing, join us downstairs at the Nightfall Club (located in the hall’s atmospheric Ratskeller) for a wonderfully varied repertoire of dark music to stir the blood and spirit from 6:30PM to Midnight. Hosted by our remarkable DJs, Dark Moon and Persephone, Nightfall also features a no-host (cash) bar and light refreshments for our mortal guests. Since only snacks are provided at the ball, we strongly suggest dining before the ball. For those interested in dining out, there are a variety of restaurants within easy walking distance of the Lodge, especially on nearby Park Street.

Our half-time show in the ballroom is a performance by the celebrated Theater of the Vampires. Not recommended for the faint of heart or for those who take the genre too seriously, but highly recommended for fans of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes! You may also enjoy quiet conversation, Tarot readings, and photography opportunities in the Victorian Parlor.

Our 21st Le Bal des Vampires will be a night to remember. We suggest ordering your tickets early!”