Live jazz, sparkling champagne, and “black tie creative” attire will mark the second annual Snow Ball in Jersey City on Jan. 24. Presented by Art House Productions (AHP), an organization dedicated to promoting the arts in the Hudson County community, the event is sure to provide for an enchanting evening in support of the local art scene.
The third annual event will start at 8 p.m. and run until midnight in the Art House Productions’ indoor rooftop space at Hamilton Square, 1 McWilliams Place, in Jersey City. Last year’s event welcomed upwards of 150 people, and founder and executive director of AHP Christine Goodman is expecting a similar turnout this year.
What to expect
Guests will indulge in fine wine and champagne provided by Bar Majestic, the intimate wine and tapas bar on Grove Street in Jersey City. Light fare will be provided for guests by LITM, the downtown bar and restaurant on Newark Street in Jersey City, as well as from Madame Claude Café, and Eyes Café.
Light jazz by Jersey City’s own Bryan Beninghove Trio will have guests swinging away on the dance floor.
“Bryan is a really talented guy,” Goodman said, “and definitely has a good following. We’ve been trying to book him the last few years, so this is a long time coming.”
Later in the evening, DJ George “Soul” Fernandez will spin a wide range of danceable tunes from soul to funk to rock.
A silent auction will be held with plenty of great goodies donated by members of the community, including: original arts, high-end perfume, jewelry, dinners for two, and a couple weekend getaway.
Getting creative
The ball is “black tie creative,” which allows guests to add a little bit of spunk to the traditional tux and gown.
According to Goodman, creativity is key.
“Being an arts organization,” Goodman said, “we wanted to encourage people to get creative dressing up, which could be costumes, or vintage, or old wedding dresses, or traditional formal wear. It’s a great excuse to go shopping.”
But, Goodman insists buying something is not mandatory.
“Last year,” Goodman said, “one of our guests made his tie out of duck tape.”
Supporting the scene
This year’s Snow Ball honoree is the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation/Urban Enterprise Zone Program, which will be honored for its exemplary support of Art House Productions, most notably as a major sponsor of the popular Jersey City citywide arts festival, JC Fridays.
This year’s proceeds will help fund all of the upcoming projects AHP is planning for the coming year.
“The proceeds will fund the upcoming events,” Goodman said, “our plays, performance events, and JC Fridays.”
Tickets are available through their website or at the door the night of the event. The cost is $50 in advance and $60 at the door. For more information on AHP and the 3rd annual Snow Ball, or to buy tickets, visit: www.arthouseproductions.org.
The Snow Ball will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Art House Production’s space in Hamilton Park, 1 McWilliams Place, sixth floor, in Jersey City. For more information, please call (201) 915-9911 or visit: www.arthouseproductions.org.