'Evening of Romance' offers a valentine to Count Basie on Feb. 14

Tickets are on sale for the Purdue Jazz Band’s third annual “Evening of Romance” which will be held on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, at downtown Lafayette’s Holiday Inn Select City Centre Hotel.

The cabaret-style event, which recreates the atmosphere of big band dance clubs - where couples came to enjoy music, dancing, food and each other’s company - offers seating at candlelit tables surrounding the dance floor. In honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Count Basie, being celebrated in 2004, a selection of Basie’s favorite dance tunes will flavor the evening.

The Purdue Jazz Band, directed by M.T. “Mo” Trout, and Lafayette singer Sara Suppinger will perform for the guests’ dancing and listening pleasure.

The event starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, in the hotel’s grand ballroom and runs to approximately 10:30 p.m. At intermission a dessert buffet will be offered and the Purdue Jazz Combo will perform on the hotel mezzanine. Gourmet coffees and a cash bar complete the romantic experience.

Seating is limited and all seats are reserved. Tables accommodate eight. Couples and individuals wishing to sit together as a group need to make reservations at the same time. Tickets are $17.50 per person (plus a 50 cent box office fee) which includes the dessert buffet. Tickets are only on sale through the Purdue box office; call (765) 494-4933 or (800) 914-SHOW. A sell-out is anticipated so make reservations early. If last-minute tickets become available, they will be sold at the door.

Those interested in completing their Valentine’s experience with an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Select can call (765) 423-1000 or (800) 423-1137 for information on rates. To reach Sarge Oak restaurant at the hotel call 742-5230.