With a successful capital campaign in the books, its very own signature beer shelf-ready and a new show all about the undead set to premiere in a matter of weeks, the Baltimore Rock Opera Society is ready to party. Tonight, the city’s DIY rock opera collective will do so in Roaring ’20s fashion with live bop, vintage cocktails and sumptuous attire for its annual Swanktacular fundraiser.
The event’s “Bootlegger’s Ball” theme harks back to a strange and infamous period for the United States when producing, selling, transporting and consuming alcohol was illegal. Zion Lutheran Church will thus transform into a glitzy speakeasy with jazz playing, a smartly dressed crowd filling the room and the finest of drinks being poured.
The group will also be serving its newly canned Chuggernaut, a Kölsch-style ale made by The Brewer’s Art that will otherwise only be sold at showings of the spring production “Incredibly Dead!” or exclusively at The Wine Source and Remington Wine Company.
Come ready to dance. Live entertainment includes music from local jazz ensemble the Hot Club of Baltimore (for VIP guests only) and a set for all from the 10-piece Bedlam Brass band. BROS members will also be performing a jazz cabaret, delivering some of their greatest hits–presumably with some swing.
Beyond proceeds from sales of tickets—each of which is good for admission, food and access to an open bar–BROS will be raising money through a “truly silent” auction of custom flasks and fascinators made by its own member designers.
As for dress code (per the BROS website): “Outlandish ’20s attire is encouraged, but as always the only official dress code is to keep it swanky.”
VIP admission $160 (starts at 7 p.m.), regular admission $108 (8 p.m). Runs until midnight. Zion Lutheran Church, 400 E. Lexington Street, baltimorerockopera.org. Tickets available here.
