At holiday time in San Miguel, there are always music-themed events, but rarely is there an extravaganza like the Big Band Ball. On Sunday, December 15, at Mesones 101, in the combined spaces of Johnny’s Piano Bar and Hotel Casalinda, a twelve-piece swing orchestra, with an expanded horn section, will back up four top singers in an evening of swing music and dancing.
The wall behind the bandstand at the piano bar will be removed to create a large open space inside and outside the bar for dining, dancing and live music.
The scheduled band singers are María Sánchez, Johnny Favourite, Fil Formicola and Tuti Lennon, but special guest performers are certain to pop up.
The official starting time is 6:30pm, but if you arrive at 6:00pm, you can participate in a free ballroom dance lesson courtesy of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio.
The swing band will be led by Johnny’s multitalented pianist and music director, Osmar Aquino, and the music to be performed will include swing standards such as “Moonlight Serenade,” “Sing Sing Sing,” and “Jump, Jive an’ Wail,” among many others.
Last year’s Big Band Ball at the Real de Minas was a huge hit, but on that occasion food had to be purchased separately from the hotel. This time around, your general admission ticket entitles you to a buffet dinner. There are also thirty spots available inside the club itself, which for the occasion will become a VIP lounge, with an open bar and a more robust dining experience.
As was the case last year, the Big Band Ball is a benefit for Casa Hogar, one of the most commendable nonprofit organizations in San Miguel de Allende. Casa Hogar is a social assistance center for girls between the ages of 3 and 17 who lack parental care or a safe, loving home environment. Many have been abandoned or victims of domestic violence. If you’d like to bring a children’s Christmas gift to donate to Casa Hogar, please do so.
The recommended attire for the Big Band Ball is festive and fancy.
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