1) Who is the featured entertainment?
Stompy Jones is a sextet renowned for their jumpin’ rhythm, swing and jazz style.
Romano Marchetti Orchestra is a 5-piece band that specializes in 20’s though 60’s music including waltzes, polka, latin, jazz, and classic standards.
More information is available on our website: www.uss-hornet.org/calendar/bigband/

2) How much do tickets cost?
Admiral’s Seating costs $75 per person. These premium-reserved seats are located in front of the stage and along the main dance floor. 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.

Captain’s Seating costs $55 per person. This section is located across the dance floor from the side of the stage; there is a limited view to the stage and dance floors. This is a good choice for those who want to have a seat waiting for them no matter what time they arrive. Each table seats 10 guests; unless you order 10 tickets, you will be seated with other parties.

General Admission costs $40 per person in advance. The seating is located behind all reserved tables, and is available on a first-come basis on the night of the event. This is a good choice for those who plan on dancing most of the night. If the event has not been sold out, General Admission tickets are $45 at the door.

3) Are there any discounts on ticket purchases?
Museum members receive a $5 discount on each ticket purchased.

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 25% of the ticket price is tax-deductible.

6) When will tickets be available?
We are taking orders now and will begin mailing tickets the week of February 1. Reserved ticket purchasers may add friends to their table up until that date.

7) Will tickets be available at the door?
If space is available, General Admission will be offered for $45 at the door. Reserved seating usually sells out one week before the dance.

8) How can I order tickets?
Tickets can be ordered by calling the USS Hornet Museum at (510) 521-8448 x 282 on weekdays between 9am and 3pm. For your convenience, tickets can also be purchased on-line through the USS Hornet Ship’s Store: http://usshornet.stores.yahoo.net/dance.html. The museum does not charge any service fees.

9) Is a meal included in the basic price of the ticket?
Food and beverages are not included in the ticket price and 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 will be providing a special Valentines Dinner Plate for $15 per person. The dinner plates include choice of Beef Tri-Tip or Smoked Turkey, and side salads.

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 range from $2 for sodas to $6 for spirits.

12) Is there an ATM machine onboard?
Yes, there is now an ATM on board the USS Hornet. It is located adjacent to the admissions desk.

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 7:30pm with dance lessons. The Romano Marchetti Orchestra will perform from 8:00pm until 9:45pm followed by Stompy Jones from 10:15pm until midnight.

16) How late does the evening go?
The event ends at midnight. The doors will remain open for arrivals until 11:00pm.

17) Will we be able to tour the ship?
Tours will not be offered during this event. If you would like to tour the ship on another day, save your ticket stub for free museum admission until February 28, 2009.

18) Are there raffle or auction prizes?
To help raise additional funds for the museum, we will be raffling tickets to the Glenn Miller Orchestra dance scheduled on September 12. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10.

19) How should I dress?
We suggest semi-formal and business attire; no jeans or sneakers. Black Tie is optional. Swing, Military and other period attire is welcome.

20) Will the ship be heated?
Yes, 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.

21) How many people attend these dances?
There are usually 800-1,000 guests at 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 one week before the dance.

22) Is this just for couples or can singles come too?
Both singles and couples are welcome at our dances. For the convenience of our guests, a “singles” section is provided near the third dance floor.

23) 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 -- there are no special activities planned for children and there are no ticket discounts.

24) How do I get to the ship?
Directions will be mailed with the tickets. Directions are also posted on our website at www.uss-hornet.org. We can also be found by using an address mapping system such as Mapquest: W Hornet Ave & Ferry Point, Alameda, CA.

25) Are there hotels in the area that you can recommend?
Hawthorn Suites is located only 5 minutes from the ship. To get a special rate that includes breakfast, mention that you will be attending the “USS Hornet Valentine Dance” when making your reservation.

26) Are there restaurants in the area that you can recommend?
For the convenience of our guests, Englund Catering will provide a meal that can be purchased in advance. Other recommendations include:

27) When will the next dance be? Who will be playing?
The next event will be held on the Fourth of July with concert and games on the Flight Deck. The next swing dance will be with The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on September 12, 2009. Please check our events page for updates: www.uss-hornet.org/calendar/upcoming/

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