New London High School commons will be transformed into a Jazz nightclub Saturday, Oct. 20, for a “Night at the Cotton Club Big Band Dance and Dinner.”
The New London Band Boosters have been hosting this event for 12 years. In the year 2000, the Jazz band started performing in public at many functions, and brought in guest performers for the crowds. This Cotton Club evening was created as a way to fund those guest performers. The event first started in the middle school gymnasium, but since the new high school was built, has been arranged cleverly in the commons area.
Local businesses have been generous with their donations for the meal over the years, which helps with the main objective of the evening, to raise funds for the Jazz bands.
The morning of the show, Jazz Band I members prepare the room for the show. Many have commented that it feels like a night club once they are done, complete with dark curtains, shimmering accents and mood lighting.
The night starts out with fancy hors d’oeurves and socializing. Jazz II members are waiters and waitresses. A delicious dinner and dessert follows, prepared by talented chefs who also double as parents of the jazz band students. Music from The Swing Time Big Band will fill the room as guests dine.
After dinner, a dance floor is arranged in this setting for anyone who wants to swing to the music. Under the spotlights to provide after dinner entertainment will be the New London High School Jazz I band, directed by Adam Hardt. The Jazz I band will perform traditional pop tunes from the 1930s and 1940s.
Tickets for “Night at the Cotton Club Bid Band Dance and Dinner” on Oct. 20 are $15 per person and can be purchased at Festival Foods or Island Music in New London or call Adam Hardt at 920-982-8420, ext. 1099, to reserve seats.