Calendar of Events

Friday, January 7, 2011

The Edwardian Ball 2011: January 21 and 22 at the Regency Center in San Francisco

Edwardian Ball 2011 ad

Every year for the past ten years, the Edwardian Ball has happened in San Francisco to the delight of those who love burlesque, cabaret, the arts, costumes, and alternate, participatory events.

Edwardian Ball 2010 photo
Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

The Edwardian World's Faire 2011 will be on on Friday, January 21 from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tickets range from $28.00 general admission floor to $75.00 VIP reserved balcony. These tickets are available online at edwardianfaire2011.eventbrite.com. The Eleventh Annual Edwardian Ball will be on Saturday, January 22 from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Tickets are $38.00 general admission floor (other levels sold out). Tickets for this night may be purchased in advance online at edwardianball2011.eventbrite.com. Tickets may be also picked up without service fee at Dark Garden, 321 Linden Street in SF (map), and at Distractions, 1552 Haight Street in SF (map). All events will be at the Regency Center in San Francisco, 1300 Van Ness at Sutter (map).

Edwardian Ball 2010 photo
Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

What is the Edwardian Ball? Firstly, Edward Gorey was a writer and artist, and it is his life and works that are celebrated at this event. That's where the "Edwardian" comes from. What is it all about? Here is how the official Edwardian Ball website (edwardianball.com) describes the event:
THE EDWARDIAN BALL is an elegant and whimsical celebration of art, music, theatre, fashion, technology, circus, and the beloved creations of the late, great author Edward Gorey. Set in “Edwardian” times, this multi-media festival has grown over the past decade from a small underground club night into an internationally recognized event, even earning the blessing of The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust.
But I suppose that really doesn't describe the entirety of the event. Being that the event engages so many of the other senses, it must be experienced rather than just read about.

Edwardian Ball 2010 photo
Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

On Friday, the Weekend kicks off with the Edwardian World's Faire. There will be displays of steam machinery by Kinetic Steam Works, music from the Eric McFadden Trio and Shovelman, an Edwardian Midway, a fashion show by Dark Garden Corsetry, circus acts from City Circus and Flynn Creek Circus, performances by Vima Vice Squad, Wiggy Darlington and F'Risque, ballroom dancing, and more!

Edwardian Ball 2010 photo
Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

There will also be an Edwardian Vendor Bazaar happening both days of the event. Vendors will include Topsy Turvy Design, Dismal Things, Hey Sailor! Hats, Toadstool Farm, and many more which you can see at the Ball's website. It's truly an amazing assortment of vendors. And during the day on Saturday from noon until 6:00 p.m., it's free admission to the public!

Edwardian Ball 2010 photo
Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

On Saturday, it's the 11th Annual Edwardian Ball itself. The co-hosts for the Ball will be Rosin Coven and the Vau de Vire Society. They will present Edward Gorey's "The Eleventh Episode" with original music, dancing, and circus antics. There will also be performances by "Belle of the Ball" Jill Tracy, Fou Fou HA!, DJ’s Miz Margo & Delachaux, The Gomorran Social Aid & Pleasure Club and Le Can Can Bijou. Plus see Kinetic Steam Works, the portrait studio, the gaming parlour, Hall of Fine Arts, and the Cabinets of Curiosity & Natural Wonders.

Edwardian Ball 2010 photo
Photo by nightshade, theblight.net

As you can see, there's quite a few acts that will be performing at the Edwardian Ball that have made appearances at burlesque shows around the Bay Area. It's an event where people who like to make and wear their own costumes, participate in their entertainments, celebrate bygone eras, and who like to mix and experiment with different styles like to go to see and be seen, marvel at the expressed creativity, and dance the night away!

And for those of you in Los Angeles, the Edwardian Ball will take place at The Music Box in Hollywood on March 5. See edwardianball.com for details.

(Edited January 10 & 11, 2011: Added Ball advertising image, edited introductory paragraphs.)
The Edwardian Ball 2011: January 21 and 22 at the Regency Center in San FranciscoSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

No comments: