"Bootleg Ballroom: A Speakeasy Club at the Center for the Arts" is set for Jan. 28
When is a nightclub not a nightclub? Or maybe the question should be: When is not-a-nightclub a nightclub?
Answer: When it's an arts center posing as a modern-day speakeasy.
That's the best description for what will be happening at the Northampton Center for the Arts on Jan. 28, when the venue holds its annual fundraiser, this year titled "Bootleg Ballroom: A Speakeasy Club at the Center for the Arts."
This year, the Center is transforming its ballroom into a speakeasy dance club. Those attending are invited to leave their "prohibitions" at the door and don swanky duds in the style of Gatsby or gangsters. Music will be provided by the jazzy swing rhythms of The O-Tones, and attendees will be treated to a few decadent dishes, as well as the Bathtub Brew Bar, which organizers call the "home of the Moonshine Martini."
Unlike old-time speakeasys, there is no secret password required, but tickets are $25 per person. (The bar is a cash bar, however.) Tickets are available at the door and payable by cash or check to "NCFA". For more information, call the Center at (413) 584-7327 or email them for advance reservations, if you are interested in tables for six to eight people.
The fun starts at 7:30 p.m. and all proceeds go to support programs at the Northampton Center for the Arts. The Center is located at 17 New South St.
SCOUTING REPORT
East Mountain Country Club will feature a dinner buffet and comedy show on Jan. 21. The went will showcase the talents of James Dorset, Brian Beudoin, Mark Shea, and Sarah Blodgett. Tickets are $35 and the doors open at 6 p.m., with an 8 p.m. showtime. Call (413) 568-1539 for reservations. East Mountain Country Club is at 1548 East Mountain Road in Westfield.
One of my favorite bands, Spanish for Hitchhiking (which doesn't play out nearly enough) will perform at The Basement in Northampton on Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. Goldwater II (A duo format of Goldwater) will open the show. The Basement is at 21 Center St., with the entrance around the back.
Readings at Rao's will celebrate its first anniversary on Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. The monthly event features local artists sharing their creative works of poetry, prose, as well as other theatrics. Rao's is at 17 Kellogg Ave. in Amherst.
Looking for a place to try out your fantasy of being a standup comic? Try Bishop's Lounge Comedy Open Mic, which occurs every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.. Sign up for comedians begin at 7 p.m. and comics perform on a first come, first served basis but with accommodations made for those coming from a substantial distance. Bishop's is at 41 Strong Ave., on the third floor.