'Roaring Twenties Party in the Park' to close St. Charles ArtsFest
The St. Charles Arts Council, in partnership with the St. Charles Park District, is showcasing some of the terrific arts programming going on during the "All-City, All-Arts Event - ArtsFest | St. Charles - ALL of the ARTS, ALL over TOWN."
On Sunday, Sept. 20, from noon to 5 p.m., the pavilion stage at Pottawatomie Park will be home to the "Roaring Twenties Party in the Park," boasting the nationally celebrated Chicago vintage jazz band The Fat Babies, special performances by The Galaxie Girls, vintage auto exhibitions, picnic and pie baking contest, dance lessons and plenty more special treats for the eyes and ears.
Don your best Charleston era Sunday afternoon attire, pack your lunch and lawn games, and join Tri-City Swing and The Galaxie for the afternoon as they celebrate this immersive cultural experience for all ages. Step back in time and step out in style.
Nicolle Wood of The Galaxie says it is "a celebration of the history and culture of the 1920s, inviting guests to bask in the glory of music, dance, fashion and food. The authenticity is carefully researched, and the resulting event is not one to be missed."
This is the second year for the "Party in the Park." Last year's inaugural event was enthusiastically greeted by the community. Dr. Steven Smunt, chairman of the St. Charles Historic Preservation Commission, raved, "The Party in the Park was an unforgettable experience reminiscent of the early 20th century, when people flocked to city park pavilions on Sunday afternoons to hear band concerts and to socialize with neighbors. Dixieland Jazz, swing dancing, antique cars, and party goers wearing the latest prohibition era styles all combined to create a unique nostalgic experience. What fun!"
Holly Cabel, director of parks and recreation for St. Charles Park District, was instantly captivated by the event. "When walking into Pottawatomie Park, it was like being transported back in time. The historic cars, jazz music and dancers, authentic historical picnic groups and people dressed in historic clothing really made for a wonderful enjoyable afternoon for families. This was a wonderful event filled with hundreds of people laughing, dancing, eating and having a great time at Pottawatomie Park."
St. Charles Alderman Maureen Lewis and her husband, Phil Lewis, a Kane County Board member, both lifelong residents of St. Charles, enthused, "This is wonderful! It's EXACTLY what the Pottawatomie Pavilion was designed for - a classy cultural event. We just love it!"
To learn more about the event, contact Kevin Greene or Michelle Marquardt at (512) 731-4774 or (614) 580-8576 or at TriCitySwing@gmail.com or visit www.roaringtwentiespartyinthepark.com.
Come to town for the "Roaring Twenties Party in the Park." Pack a Roaring Twenties Picnic lunch, and/or sample the delectable offerings of local artisanal food purveyors. When the party's over, take time to wander around the city to enjoy all of the art programming going on all over town, and enjoy dinner in any of St. Charles' dozens of restaurants. Or consider a late summer drink or a bite to eat at the restaurant outdoor patios.
From Sept. 11-20, the arts council and the park district, along with their arts and civic partners have organized an event featuring multiple artistic disciplines in venues all over the city. ArtsFest | St. Charles will feature visual art galleries/studios, music, spoken word performances, dance, live theater, and more.
East side, west side, and downtown - residents and visitors will be treated to an incredible array of arts programming. ArtsFest | St. Charles is truly ALL of the ARTS, ALL over TOWN.
For more information about this fantastic week of art, visit StCharlesArtsCouncil.org or call (630) 443-3794 or email info@StCharlesArtsCouncil.org.
About the St. Charles Arts Council:
The St. Charles Arts Council is a 501(c)(3), registered nonprofit corporation whose mission is to create an organization that serves and promotes the arts and cultural activities in St. Charles, to the mutual benefit of the arts and the community. The arts council is staffed entirely by volunteers. For information, call (630) 443-3794 or info@StCharlesArtsCouncil.org.
About the St. Charles Park District:
The St. Charles Park District is a special purpose government unit. It is the mission to enrich the quality of life of park district residents through excellence in programs, parks, facilities, and services. This is the mission of the park district as expressed by the park board. The mission represents the fundamental statement of purpose and is the point of reference for all decision making.
About Tri-City Swing:
Tri-City Swing was started in January 2013 by husband and wife duo Kevin Greene and Michelle Marquardt. Its mission is to bring to the communities of St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia the joy of swing dancing and dancing to vintage jazz music.
About Nicolle Wood and The Galaxie:
Nicolle Wood, entertainment director of The Galaxie, has culminated two decades of production, artist booking and community development into one concise and ever-growing collection of the most talented and professional performers Chicago has to offer.
Having been the artistic director of the brick and mortar The Galaxie, a 10,000-square-foot space that housed dance and performance studios, artist work spaces, creative community offices, shop areas and gallery space, Wood developed a collaborative community that saw the development magnificent happenings in a space where "expression matters".