1) Who is the featured entertainment?
The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra was founded in the 1930’s. Following swing hits like “Amapola” and “Green Apple” featuring Helen O’Connell, their records continued to hit the top of the charts throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s. Although Jimmy Dorsey passed away in 1957, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra has continued to play sentimental favorites for decades and is still in great demand around the world.
Today’s bandleader Bill Tole has recorded with legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and many others over the past four decades. He even portrayed the part of Tommy Dorsey in the movie "New York, New York" in 1977, starring Liza Minelli and Robert DeNiro. Nancy Knorr is the featured vocalist. She recreates the elegance of Helen O’Connell and the 1940's with her vocal ease.
More information and music samples are available on our website:
www.uss-hornet.org/calendar/bigband/
2) How much do tickets cost?
Cabaret seats cost $85 per person. These premium-reserved seats are located in front of the stage and along the main dance floors; each seat offers a great view of the stage and easy access to the dance floor. Each table seats 8 guests. Unless you order 8 tickets, you will be seated with other parties.
Reserved seats cost $65 per person. This section is located off to the side of the dance floors and in front of General Admission seating; there is a limited view to the stage. Each table seats 10 guests. Unless you order 10 tickets, you will be seated with other parties.
General Admission tickets cost $45 per person. The seating is located behind all reserved tables, and is available on a first-come basis on the night of the event. If the event has not been sold out, General Admission tickets are $50 on the day of the dance.
3) Are there any discounts on ticket purchases?
Because Mother’s Day is the next day after our dance, we are having a Mother’s Day Early Bird Special Offer: Purchase tickets before March 31st and save $5 off each ticket at all levels.
Starting April 1st, Museum Members Only will receive their usual membership benefit of $5 off Premium Reserved or Reserved tickets with a limit of 4 tickets. Offers cannot be combined.
4) Are tickets refundable?
This is a fundraiser for the USS Hornet Museum; refunds cannot be honored.
5) Are tickets tax-deductible?
The dances are a major fundraiser for the museum and approximately 20% of the ticket price is tax-deductible.
6) When will tickets be available?
We are taking orders now and will begin mailing tickets starting the week of March 14.
7) Will tickets be available at the door?
If space is available, General Admission will be offered for $50 at the door.
8) How can I order tickets?
Tickets can be ordered weekdays by calling the USS Hornet Museum 510.521.8448 ext 282 on weekdays between 9:00am and 4:00pm. For your convenience, event tickets can also be purchased on-line through the USS Hornet Ship’s Store: http://store.yahoo.com/usshornet/nextdance.html. The museum does not charge any service fees.
9) Is a meal included in the basic price of the ticket?
No, but food and beverages may be purchased separately at the event. Keep in mind that our concessionaires accept cash only.
10) What food will be available for purchase? How much does it cost?
Englund’s Catering is again providing their popular “Hot Sandwich Plate” for $15 per plate. The meal includes choice of Beef Tri-Tip or Smoked Turkey sandwich, and two side salads. Cost is $15/person; cash only.
11) Is there a bar? How much do drinks cost?
There will be several cash bars on the main deck selling a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Beverage prices generally range from $2.00 for sodas to $6.00 for spirits.
12) Is there an ATM machine onboard?
There is no cash machine onboard the ship, so please be prepared. Food and beverage concessions do not accept credit cards, and the Ship’s Store and Ticket Desk accept credit cards for purchases only.
13) Is there plenty of parking? How much does it cost?
Yes. There is plenty of FREE parking across the street from the pier.
14) Does the ship go anywhere?
No. The engines do not function and the ship remains permanently tied to the pier.
15) What time should I be there?
The gates open at 7:15pm. Free dance lessons will be provided from 7:30pm until 7:55pm. The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra will play from 8:00pm to midnight.
16) How late does the evening go?
The event ends at midnight. The doors will remain open for arrivals until 10:00pm.
17) Will we be able to tour the ship?
The ship will not be open for tours during the dance. If you would like to tour the ship on another day, save your ticket stub for free museum admission until June 30, 2011.
18) How should I dress?
We suggest semi-formal and business attire; no jeans or sneakers. Swing/Military period costumes are encouraged.
19) Will the ship be heated?
Yes, if the weather requires it, there will be heating aboard ship. Please keep in mind that this is a large ship and can be drafty. We recommend that you bring a jacket or light sweater to enjoy the evening stars.
20) How many people attend these dances?
We sell 1,000-1,200 tickets for each dance. We have one of the largest dance floors in the Bay Area and are able to accommodate up to 1,500 guests. Reserved tickets usually sell out two weeks before the dance.
21) Is this just for couples or can singles come too?
Both singles and couples are welcome at our dances. There is generally a good mix of the two as we have several singles groups and dance clubs that participate. For the convenience of our guests, a “singles” section is provided near the third dance floor.
22) Are children allowed?
Teens are welcome to enjoy the dancing, but children under 12 are not allowed. Keep in mind this is a nightclub atmosphere and there are no special activities planned for children. Also, there are no ticket discounts for children.
23) Is this a safe and secure event?
Yes. We have enough security personnel to provide a comfortable, reassuring, and safe evening for everyone on board.
24) How do I get to the ship?
Directions will be mailed with the tickets and are posted on our website at www.uss-hornet.org/visit/car/. We can also be found by using an address mapping system such as Mapquest: 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda 94501.
25) Are there hotels in the area that you can recommend?
26) Are there restaurants in the area that you can recommend?
West Alameda Restaurants
Pasta Pelican (Italian) 510.864.7427
Pier 29 Waterfront Restaurant (Seafood) 510.865.5088
East Ocean Seafood (Chinese) 510.865.3381
Otaez Mexican Restaurant 510.521.9090
Everett & Jones (BBQ) 510.814.6149
Park Street Restaurants
Aroma Restaurant (California Fusion) 510.685.4484
Pappo’s (Mediterranean) 510.337.9100
C’era Una Volta (Italian) 510.769.4828
Asena Restaurant (Greek) 510.521.4100
Gold Coast Grill (American, Greek) 510.522.5388
27) When will the next dances be? Who will be playing?
The next scheduled event is our annual Monster Bash on Saturday, October 29th. This is a family event with entertainment for all ages. The Cocktail Monkeys will perform hits from the 60’s thru today’s hits; there will be a special area for children’s activities; and a costume contest for all ages.
The next swing dance will be held on New Year’s Eve. The featured band is 3 O’Clock Jump -- a 16-piece classic Big Band that plays songs made famous by Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Harry James, and others.
Please check our events page for updates: www.uss-hornet.org/calendar/upcoming/.
