'Evening of Romance' offers a valentine to Artie Shaw on Feb. 12

Tickets are now on sale for the Purdue Jazz Band’s fifth annual “Evening of Romance” which will celebrate Valentine’s Day on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 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.

Directed by M.T. “Mo” Trout, the Purdue Jazz Band with vocalist Courtney Rohen, a junior social studies major from Grand Rapids, MI, will perform for the guests’ dancing and listening pleasure. Romantic jazz tunes will set the mood for the evening which includes a musical tribute to recently deceased big band leader and jazz clarinetist Artie Shaw.

Shaw became famous in the swing era when his version of Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine” became the number one hit in the nation in 1938. He is also known for “Stardust.”

The “Evening of Romance” starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, in the hotel’s grand ballroom and runs to approximately 10:30 p.m. At intermission a dessert buffet will be offered and a 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 $1.00 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.