What'll I do.......

[Dragon Soldier]

Good day Guys 'n' Gals,

Very glad to have found this little niche of style on the internet.
Fancy a little brainstorming?

My principle interest in The Golden Era has, for as long as I can remember, been World War II, however as constant dripping wears away stone I've found myself being drawn into other aspects of life back in the day.

For a little bit of fun and just to see what will happen I've arranged to hold a lttle soiree in a local hostelry (Belfast, Northern Ireland) towards the end of January. If it's in anyway successful I could be persuaded to make it a regular happening.

I'm thinking shades of U.S.O event with a big band swing vibe, a little dingy jazz club, a sprinkling of film noir soundtrack and maybe just a smidgin of the burlesque.....

Now.... Anyone have any ideas? (I'm actually stuck for a good name to begin with).

Also appreciate any notions on how to make things just a little "special".

Music has been arranged (although I'm open to suggestions for the playlist)
Dance instructors will be on hand (what styles should they demonstrate? - I've been told that Lindy Hop is a good starting point)
Dressing the part will certainly be encouraged - Your bestest threads or a finely turned Class 'A' please.

Where do I go from here, eh?

 

[PADDY]

What about you big man?

How's the craic then? I'm in Belfast (well Holywood) over the New Year. Am originally from the province, but now on the Scottish borders. Staying for a wee while in NI for an old school dinner that we have annually.

Now, this might interest you, as our old Boy's 'do's' are like something from the 1930s and held in a private gentlemens' club on Royal Avenue, Belfast. This club (ULSTER REFORM CLUB) is a time warp. You wouldn't know it was there from the outside (all very undercover). You go through an old door into a foyer and there is a wrought iron lift/elevator (for my American cousins!) from the 20's. It takes you up to a land of oak panels, old regimental/university/club shields, ironed copies of the Times, Telegraph, waiters in uniform..etc. Leather chesterfields, bar...et al. It's like a London club, such as Garricks or Whites. If I was having a vintage party, I'd have it there, but you need to be a member, and with my not working in NI right now, it seems pretty pointless. I might just have a birthday party there (vintage themed) at some point when I'm feeling flush!

Where are you planning to have this event? prey tell..!! If in Belfast, I'd be thinking of hiring somewhere like THE EMPIRE, as I can remember going to a salsa evening and a band and two singers from Dublin came up to play on stage as folk danced on the floor!! It's a great venue and being an old church, has that vintage feel! Plus it's a safe'ish area of town with plenty of hotels and B&Bs for those travelling to stay at! (could arrange a special deal with a local hotel!).

If you want that sort of HANGER DANCE feel to it, then have netting on the ceiling holding all the red/white/blue balloons (mmmm, in Belfast that has a significance all of its own!! think about it), lots of bunting flags, stars and stripes, recruiting posters. Get an instructor to come and teach some folk the basic steps (just gets people involved!) and the dance teacher might do it for free as it's free advertising for him/her!!

I'd get onto the likes of the Ulster Tatler to come and do a write up and photos too!!

Have the bar staff dress up in their white tux's..etc to look like something from the 30s/40s. I could go on for ever with something like this, but I'll let someone else take the floor!!!

Welcome on board, nice to see another Ulsterman here :beer:

 

[Dragon Soldier]

Great Minds etc.... The Empire is my preferred venue and subject to getting the dates I want, likely to be where it's at. (In more senses than one).
So far the management seem pretty switched on so, fingers crossed.

The USO "hangar dance" would be my personal choice of styling, but in deference to the tastes of others I'll likely make it a little less "military" in style. That said, I'll be donning Class A's for the occasion and with any luck we'll have a Jeep or Jimmy out front on the night.

Another venue I've been looking at with an eye to future events is Cafe Vaudeville. It's relatively new so you might not know it, it's in the old insurance building on Arthur Street (off Cornmarket) and is really rather classy. they have a website http://www.cafevaudeville.com/, but unfortunately, no dancefloor!
I do have a definite notion about it but I'm not entirely sure Belfast is quite ready for what I have in mind..

Thanks for the input, I'll be working hard on this one over the Christmas period and will let you all know about any developments. All advice/hints/suggestions appreciated.

 

[Ken]

Unfortunatly I will probably be back in Scotland by New Year but I hope it all goes off well. (I am originally from Holywood myself).

Ken