Mardi Gras with the Big Band

Anyone who remembers the Wimberley Valley Big Band’s Mardi Gras Dance in 2020 will soon be dusting off his or her dancing shoes when they hear the news about the Moonlight Swing Dance happening on March 24.

This fund-raiser for the WVBB, led by Doug Gillory, will start at 7 p.m. and end at p.m., and will be held in the Pavilion Room on the ground floor of the Messina Inn. Pat Gillory, who plays keyboard, said, “The band will open with ‘Moonlight Serenade’” The long playlist will include other “old favorites” such as “In the Mood” and “string of pearls”. Listing some other selections, she added, “and a little more up-to-date tunes will include ‘Yesterday’, ‘The Moon River Waltz’, and ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’. Of course, there will be a couple of classic rock tunes and Latin numbers, as well as waltzes. This should be a great night of music.”

Another feature of this special evening will be a silent auction. A few of the items to be sold will be two golf packages at local golf clubs, a dinner certificate for Trattoria Lisina, a “combo package” from Hays City Store, an overnight stay at Prow’d House B&B in Wimberley, and from Mad Roosters, a beautiful handmade quilt and quilt stand.

Gillory said, “Weather permitting, the Pavilion will be open. If the weather turns inclement, the Pavilion will be enclosed and heated.” She continued, “As with most Wimberley Valley Big Band events, table snacks will be provided along with water and soda setups, and patrons are invited to BYOB responsibly.” Noting the purpose of this fund-raiser, she said, “Proceeds from ticket sales for this event all go to raise operating funds for this nonprofit community-based and all-volunteer band.”

Gillory concluded, saying, “Invite your friends and neighbors to come and enjoy this festive evening of great big band music.”

Tickets are $30 each or $200 for a table of 8. Tickets sales are limited to maximum occupancy of 125 attendees. Tickets can be purchased on-line at wimberleyvalleybigband.org , or contact the WVBB at [email protected]. The Messina Inn is located at 1000 Cypress Creek Lane in Wimberley.