The annual Snow Ball is back in Jersey City. On Saturday, Jan. 26, Art House Productions presents a gala event for art lovers and locals with food, music, and more.
This event is a celebration of the dynamic arts scene and community in Jersey City and will help support upcoming multi-media theater productions by Art House.
Champagne, live music
The evening, which is from 8 to 11 p.m., kicks off with live music, champagne, delicious tasting of appetizers. The band Las Vandelays, a Hoboken-based quartet, will play a wide range of music including: originals, samba, rhumba, popular covers, and more.
In addition, DJ Dancing Tony will play during the late night portion of the party – spinning for the crowd to end the night with dancing.
The exclusive food sponsor for the event is LITM, the hip, downtown bar and restaurant on Newark Street in Jersey City. They will serve platters of food including: bruscetta, cheese and fruit, pasta, and more, which will offer selections for vegetarians.
Additionally, there will be a selection of desserts.
The exclusive liquor sponsor for the event is Bar Majestic, the intimate wine and tapas bar on Grove Street. They will offer a selection of wine and champagne for the event.
Dress to impress
The ball is “black tie creative,” which allows for personal interpretation of the traditional tuxedo or gown. According to Christine Goodman, director and founder of Art House Productions, at last year’s ball, guests showed their enthusiasm with some unique formal wear.
“I thought that it really brought the Art House spirit to the event,” said Goodman. “It gave people the opportunity to have fun. They were able to pull stuff out of their closet that they haven’t been able to wear, like a wedding dress and costumes.”
Goodman said that any interpretation is fine, but also traditional suits and gowns are acceptable.
Supporting the arts
This year’s ball will help fund the upcoming theater projects of Art House Productions, which was recently awarded a proclamation from Mayor Healy for their work with “JC Fridays,” a seasonal free arts event in Jersey City.
“We are really excited about honoring people who have been supportive of Art House,” said Goodman. “This is our way to thank them for everything they’ve done.”
Goodman said they are honoring Hamilton Square and Exeter Properties, who continue to support the arts, including providing space for Art House Productions.
“I think they are a tremendous example how the arts and business can work together to make a positive impact on the city,” said Goodman.
Goodman said that they also have a great committee to help coordinate this year’s event. The committee includes: Chairwoman Kate Kaiser, Holly Tienken, Liz Long, Rachel Rood, Paula Orozco, Judy Nunez, Cat Hect, Lexie Levin, and Roland Ramos.
The group is responsible for space design, volunteer coordination, event planning, and decorating, said Goodman.
Silent auction Like last year, there will be a silent auction for people to bid on during the festivities.
There is a wide range of items to satisfy different tastes including: a romantic getaway to the Marriot and Agora Spa, tickets to Carnegie Hall, gym memberships, bodywork, original art, acting classes by Art House Productions and more.
In addition, many local restaurants will offer gift certificates.
Proceeds from the auction will help fund upcoming theater productions by Art House.
According to Goodman, this spring, Art House Productions will present an original theater piece.
“We are building an original piece – similar to The Heist Project – where we bring in a large group of collaborators,” she said.
The Heist Project was a celebrated multi-media production that combined theater, film, music and art into a living, breathing new art form.
Goodman said that everyone involved in the project will bring their creativity to the project. The show will open in the spring.
And …
Goodman said that they are hoping to continue the tradition of the Snow Ball, which helps to spread awareness about innovative theater.
“We had a great response last year,” said Goodman. “It seemed like everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a reasonable ticket for a good cause. There was a great energy around the event.”
Tickets are available through the website or the night of at the door. The cost is $60 per person and 150 people are expected to attend.
“The tickets are going fast, so I would encourage people to buy them ahead of time,” said Goodman.
The Snow Ball will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Art House Productions space in Hamilton Square, 1 McWilliams Place, sixth floor, in Jersey City. For more information, call (201) 915-9911 or visit: www.arthouseproductions.org.