The Hippodrome, a historic Richmond theater that first opened nearly 100 years ago, brought some of the mid-20th century’s biggest starts to Richmond in the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, featuring appearances by Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, Ethel Waters, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Moms Mabley, James Brown, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, and many more! Now, for the first time in many years, it has reopened, with the goal of bringing live entertainment, special events, full service dining, and a high end VIP night club to its storied location on 2nd St in Jackson Ward.
The Hippodrome, a historic Richmond theater that first opened nearly 100 years ago, brought some of the mid-20th century’s biggest starts to Richmond in the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, featuring appearances by Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, Ethel Waters, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Moms Mabley, James Brown, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, and many more! Now, for the first time in many years, it has reopened, with the goal of bringing live entertainment, special events, full service dining, and a high end VIP night club to its storied location on 2nd St in Jackson Ward.
As part of their 2012 Grand Opening Series, this Saturday night the Historic Hippodrome Theatre presents the RVA Bootlegger’s Ball, a tribute to the era during which the Hippodrome Theatre first came to prominence. This event will bring the Prohibition era to life–but without the restrictions! The festivities will begin at 8 PM and last all night, featuring entertainment from local musicians Ameera, No BS! Brass Band, The Big Payback, and PLF DJs The Reinhold and Mr. Jennings.
This event is a benefit for Richmond Unite and Cocktails For A Cause, and Black Tie or Period-specific dress is requested. Get ready to party like it’s 1929!
WHAT: RVA Bootlegger’s Ball At The Hippodrome!
WHO: Ameera, The Big Payback, No BS! Brass, The Reinhold, Mr. Jennings
WHERE: The Hippodrome Theatre (536 N. 2nd St.)
WHEN: Saturday, February 4, 8 PM
ADMISSION: Advance tickets $75, VIP tickets $125, available at rvabootleggersball.com. Purchase now–no tickets will be sold the day of the event.
To get you warmed up for the sounds and festivities you’ll be partaking in that night, we’ve got a special encore presentation of Mr. Jennings’ Speakeasy Mix, a set of retro-inspired electro-swing tunes that should evoke the potent mix of illicit Prohibition-era thrills and modern party vibes that the Bootlegger’s Ball is all about. Enjoy!
