Sep. 5: The 11th Annual Art Deco Festival - RMS Queen Mary

Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche at the 10th Annual Art Deco Ball (Photo: Chris Launi).
Click here to view photos from the 10th Annual Art Deco Festival

On Saturday, September 5, I'll join the Dean Mora Orchestra and special guest vocalist Mary Stanford at the 11th Annual Art Deco Grand Ball, “an exquisite vintage affair to remember with a delectable four-course historic menu,” aboard the legendary Queen Mary. In addition to tours, lectures, cocktails and dances, the Festival also makes an important contribution to ongoing efforts to preserve the original Art Deco design elements aboard the ship. Proceeds from the Grand Art Deco Ball will go to updating the Queen Mary Story Tour with new exhibits from the historic archives. Presented in association with the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles.

Dean Mora and his Orchestra

with vocalists Damon Kirsche and Mary Stanford

at the 11th Annual Art Deco Festival

Saturday, September 5, 2015, 7PM - 12AM

RMS Queen Mary, 1126 Queen's Highway

Long Beach, California 90802

Damon Kirsche and Mary Stanford

“Cruise” back in time to the Golden Age of Travel for a weekend aboard one of the greatest Maritime Monarchs in history. Drink, dine, dance and discover the opulence of this by-gone era immersed among the largest collection of Art Deco in the World.

The Queen Mary boasts some of the grandest and intricate interior designs ever accomplished on an ocean liner. Influenced by the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 30s, her strong curves and geometric forms represent elegance, glamour, function and modernity. Art plays a prominent role in the décor of the ship. Further enhanced by the use of over 50 different types of woods from all over the world, The Queen Mary earned her nickname, the "Ship of Woods." With elaborate murals, paintings, sculptures and wood carvings found throughout the ship, it’s no wonder she is widely considered one of the best examples and landmarks of Art Deco style in the world.

To buy single tickets or find more information on the entire festival, visit the Queen Mary.com.

May 16: The Avalon Ball, Catalina Island – Dean Mora, The Avalon Ball Orchestra

Damon Kirsche the 11th Annual Avalon Ball (Photo: Dave Welch – more photos)

On Saturday, May 16, Kayre Morrison and I will join Dean Mora and the Avalon Ball Dance Orchestra as we return to the Casino Ballroom in Avalon to present society dance orchestra tunes from the 1920s and '30s, at the 13th Annual Avalon Ball, presented by The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles:

"Now in it's 13th year, the Avalon Ball is an fantastic journey into the past when Big Bands played for huge audiences which were broadcast to the nation in the Art Deco Casino Ballroom built in 1929 and located in the city of Avalon on Catalina Island.  Completely restored just a few years ago, the ballroom retains its original romantic style--a lavish medley of rose-hued walls, an arching, fifty-foot ceiling with five Tiffany chandeliers, an elevated stage, raised seating areas around the dance floor, and a vintage, full-service bar in back. This magical night features an evening of dancing to music from the 1920s and 30s performed by Dean Mora & the Avalon Ball Dance Orchestra. Immerse yourself in glorious Deco opulence gliding across the 10,000 square foot dance floor surrounded by romantic ocean views."

Ferry tickets can be purchased through Catalina Express.
For tickets and more information, visit the Art Deco Society website.

Art Deco Casino Ballroom in Avalon on Catalina Island, built 1929.

The Avalon Ball

at The Casino Ballroom

Featuring Dean Mora

and the Avalon Ball Orchestra,

with vocalists Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche

Saturday, May 16, 2015

6:00 – 10:00 PM

1 Casino Way

Avalon, CA 90704

Mar. 27: Dean Mora's Latinaires at the Cicada Club

Friday, March 27 at 9 PM

DEAN MORA'S
LATINAIRES

at Maxwell DeMille’s 

Cicada Club

in the historic Oviatt Building (1928)
617 S. Olive Street • Los Angeles, CA  90014

Dean Mora returns to the Cicada Club in the historic 1928 Art Deco Oviatt Building in downtown Los Angeles with his “Latinaires” dance band: Dance to the Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Mambo, Conga and more! Dine and dance to the great Big Band Latin and Swing music of the 1930s and '40s. Featuring singers Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche and special guest Rebekah Del Rio.

21 and Over - Fine Dining - Full Bar - Valet Parking - Vintage or Evening attire suggested.

TICKETS: $15 in ADVANCE / $20 at the DOOR, 

or $59 DINNER PURCHASE

(includes Admission)

Buy your TICKETS in advance.

Dinner reservations: 213-488-9488.

ClubCicada.com

Feb. 14: In the Mood: Love in ‘30s at The Ebell of Los Angeles

The Ebell Club of Los Angeles and

 The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles

present 

In The Mood:

Love in the ‘30s

featuring 

Dean Mora’s California Poppies

with Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche, vocalists

February 14, 2015 at 8:30 PM

at The Ebell of Los Angeles 

743 South Lucerne Boulevard • Los Angeles, CA 90005

The Ebell of Los Angeles (Photo: Paper Moon)

You are invited to transport back in time to the 1930s for a Valentine’s Day elegant evening of dinner and dancing, in a beautiful historic building.

Admission: $60 (Ebell and ADSLA members), $75 for non-members

$25 for Ebell and ADSLA members for dancing only (starts 8:00PM), $30 for non-members

Entertainment: Dean Mora’s California Poppies, playing jazz of the 1930s.

6:00 Cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres

7:00 Three-course gourmet dinner created by Executive Chef Louis Pechan.

8:30-12:00 Dean Mora’s 9-piece 30s band with singers Damon Kirsche and Kayre Morrison. 

Executive Chef Louis Pechan will prepare a three course tribute to the 1930s, complete with soup or salad, entrée, and dessert/coffee. Wine included. Served in our elegant Italianate Dining Room. Vintage silver service on display. Our resident mixologists will concoct two signature cocktails to continue the 1930s theme.

Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche with Dean Mora’s California Poppies at The Ebell of Los Angeles (Photo: Paper Moon)

Exhibition Dances: Walter Nelson and Sheila Murphy-Nelson will dance an exhibition fox trot and Denise Parga and Stephen Ginsburg will dance an exhibition tango during the band break.

Photo Op: Have your vintage photo taken with a special Paper Moon Valentine background. Save the picture of you in your elegant costume. $12 for your special Polaroid photo

Dance Class: Wednesday, Feb 11, 7-9:30 at the Ebell of Los Angeles, $10 per person. 

Reserve TICKETS by calling 323-931-1277. Walk-ins okay. 

Attire: Vintage 30s attire or black tie

Walter Nelson, experienced teacher of Jazz Age (1920s-40s) ( the “Modern Dances”) will conduct a class on tango, fox trot and waltz. In the Jazz Age, almost everyone danced, so they danced in a way almost anyone could do. The class will make use of films of the time, and hopefully dispel many widespread misconceptions. He will focus on the styles practiced by “regular folks”, and not exhibition dancers like Fred and Ginger. The emphasis will be on things you can put to practical use Saturday night at In the Mood: Love in the 30s.

Visit the Facebook Event page.

Dec. 30: New Year’s Eve “Eve” Party at The Cicada Club

December 30, 2014 at 8:30 PM

NEW YEAR'S EVE "EVE” PARTY

at Maxwell DeMille’s Cicada Club

featuring

Dean Mora and his Orchestra

with singers Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche

Dean Mora and his Orchestra bring in the year one night early with great dance music from the 1920s through the 1960s.  Featuring singers Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche, with a special appearance by The Lindy Sisters!

TICKETS at CICADACLUB.COM.

Nov. 29: Dean Mora’s Latinaires at the Cicada Club

DEAN MORA'S
LATINAIRES

Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 9 PM

(Doors open at 6 PM)

Dean Mora's Latinaires return to the Cicada Club in the historic 1928 Art Deco Oviatt Building in downtown Los Angeles. Dance to the Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Mambo, Conga and more! Dine and dance to the great Big Band Latin and Swing music of the 1930s and '40s. Featuring singers Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche and special guest Rebekah Del Rio.

Damon Kirsche and Kayre Morrison, lead vocalists

Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club

The Historic 1928 Art Deco Oviatt Building
617 S. Olive Street • Los Angeles, CA  90014

21 and Over - Fine Dining - Full Bar - Valet Parking - Vintage or Evening attire suggested

TICKETS: $15 in ADVANCE / $20 at the DOOR OR $59 DINNER PURCHASE (INCLUDES ADMISSION CHARGE!)

Buy your TICKETS in advance.

Dinner reservations: 213-488-9488.

Visit: ClubCicada.com

Aug 30: The 10th Annual Art Deco Festival - RMS Queen Mary

On Saturday, August 30, I'll join Dean Mora and The Queen Mary Orchestra and fellow vocalist Kayre Morrison as we return to The Art Deco Grand Ball, "an exquisite vintage affair to remember with a delectable four-course historic menu," at the Tenth Annual Art Deco Festival aboard the legendary Queen Mary.

In addition to tours, lectures, cocktails and dances, the Festival also makes an important contribution to ongoing efforts to preserve the original Art Deco design elements aboard the ship. Proceeds from the Grand Art Deco Ball will go to updating the Queen Mary Story Tour with new exhibits from the historic archives. Presented in association with the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles.

Dean Mora and the Queen Mary Orchestra,
with vocalists Damon Kirsche and Kayre Morrison,
at the 9th Annual Art Deco Festival (photo: Paul Liles)

The Art Deco Grand Ball

at the 10th Annual Art Deco Festival

Saturday, August 31, 2013, 7PM - 12AM 

Dean Mora and The Queen Mary Orchestra

with Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche

RMS Queen Mary, 1126 Queen's Highway, Long Beach, California 90802

“Cruise” back in time to the Golden Age of Travel for a weekend aboard one of the greatest Maritime Monarchs in history. Drink, dine, dance, and discover the opulence of this by-gone era immersed among the largest collection of Art Deco in the World.

The Queen Mary boasts some of the grandest and intricate interior designs ever accomplished on an ocean liner. Influenced by the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 30s, her strong curves and geometric forms represent elegance, glamour, function and modernity. Art plays a prominent role in the décor of the ship. Further enhanced by the use of over 50 different types of woods from all over the world, The Queen Mary earned her nickname, the "Ship of Woods." With elaborate murals, paintings, sculptures and wood carvings found throughout the ship, it’s no wonder she is widely considered one of the best examples and landmarks of Art Deco style in the world.

Pack your vintage duds and celebrate the luxury and grandeur immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary classic The Great Gatsby at the 10th Annual Art Deco Festival presented by the Queen Mary in association with the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles.

Tickets start at just $25 for an Art Deco Day pass. Get an all-inclusive Art Deco Grand Passport for $469. To buy single tickets or find more information on the entire festival, visit the Queen Mary.com.

Jul 25: Mora's Modern Rhythmists 20th Anniversary Party

Damon Kirsche, Dean Mora, Kayre Morrison, Jim Ziegler and Denny Hardwick
at the 20th Anniversary Party of Mora's Modern Rhythmists at
Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club (Photo: Dave Welch, Photos With Class)

Mora's Modern Rhythmists celebrates its 20th Anniversary playing classic jazz and swing tunes of the 1920s and early 1930s. Using period arrangements and transcriptions from the original recordings, Mora's Modern Rhythmists has established itself as one of the foremost interpreters of early big band and society swing orchestra music.

Friday, July 25, 2014
MORA'S MODERN RHYTHMISTS'
20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
The Cicada Club, 617 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014

For upcoming performances, visit morasmodern.com.

Jun 18: Mora's Modern Rhythmists at the Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles

Next Wednesday, June 18 at 8 pm, I'll join Dean Mora and his Orchestra and Kayre Morrison as Maxwell DeMille presents “The Lullaby of Broadway: A Tribute to the 1930s Movie Music of Harry Warren and Al Dubin,' prior to a screening of the Warner Brothers' hit film "Footlight Parade," as part of the LA Conservancy's "Last Remaining Seats" — and those seats are in the opulent Orpheum Theatre (opened in 1926 and restored to its original glamor) and only $20!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Mora's Modern Rhythmists
The Last Remaining Seats Series
presents Warner Bros 1933 movie musical "Footlight Parade"
The Orpheum Theatre, 842 S Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90014

Dean Mora's 10-piece dance band returns to the historic 1926 Orpheum Theatre for a tribute to the classic songwriting team of Warren & Dubin prior to the screening of "Footlight Parade," with vocalists Kayre Morrison, Damon Kirsche, Richard Halpern, and Johnny Crawford, along with tap dancing legend Chester Whitmore! Part of the Los Angeles Conservancy's "Last Remaining Seats" series.

UPDATE: Here's a video of our performance at the Orpheum!:

 

For more information on the series, read: Los Angeles Times' 'Last Remaining Seats' to show classic films in historic L.A. theaters.

May 17: 12th Annual Avalon Ball, Casino Ballroom, Catalina Island

Featured vocalists Damon Kirsche and Kayre Morrison
at the 10th Annual Avalon Ball (Photo: Dave Welch – more photos)

On Saturday, May 17, Kayre Morrison and I will join Dean Mora and the Avalon Ball Dance Orchestra as we return to the Casino Ballroom in Avalon to present society dance orchestra tunes from the 1920s and '30s, at the 12th Annual Avalon Ball, presented by The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles:

"Now in it's 12th year, the Avalon Ball is an fantastic journey into the past when Big Bands played for huge audiences which were broadcast to the nation in the Art Deco Casino Ballroom built in 1929 and located in the city of Avalon on Catalina Island.  Completely restored just a few years ago, the ballroom retains its original romantic style--a lavish medley of rose-hued walls, an arching, fifty-foot ceiling with five Tiffany chandeliers, an elevated stage, raised seating areas around the dance floor, and a vintage, full-service bar in back. This magical night features an evening of dancing to music from the 1920s and 30s performed by Dean Mora & the Avalon Ball Dance Orchestra. Immerse yourself in glorious Deco opulence gliding across the 10,000 square foot dance floor surrounded by romantic ocean views."

Ferry tickets can be purchased through Catalina Express.
For tickets and more information, visit the Art Deco Society website.

Art Deco Casino Ballroom in Avalon on Catalina Island, built 1929.

The Avalon Ball

at the Casino Ballroom

Featuring Dean Mora

and the Avalon Ball Orchestra

with featured vocalists

Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche

Saturday, May 17, 2014

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

1 Casino Way

Avalon, CA 90704

2/21: Dean Mora's Latinaires at the Cicada Club

Dean Mora's Latinaires return to the Cicada Club in the historic 1928 Art Deco Oviatt Building in downtown Los Angeles. Dance to the Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Mambo, Conga and more! Dine and dance to the great Big Band Latin and Swing music of the 1930s and '40s. Featuring singers Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche.

DEAN MORA'S
LATINAIRES

Friday, February 21 at 9 PM
(Doors open at 6 PM)

Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club

The Historic 1928 Art Deco Oviatt Building
617 S. Olive Street

Los Angeles, CA  90014

ClubCicada.com

21 and Over - Fine Dining - Full Bar - Valet Parking

Vintage or Evening attire suggested

TICKETS: $15 in ADVANCE / $20 at the DOOR
OR $59 DINNER PURCHASE (INCLUDES ADMISSION CHARGE!)

Buy your TICKETS in advance.

Dinner reservations: 213-488-9488.

12/19: "In the Holiday Mood" with Dean Mora and His Orchestra

Dean Mora brings his 13-piece band to the Colony Theatre for a concert of favorite big band and holiday tunes, with vocalists Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche, and special guest performers The Lindy Sisters, Johnny Holiday, and more! Dean Mora and His Orchestra, one of the most accomplished vintage-styled bands in the country, have performed popular dance band music all over Los Angeles in places like The Hollywood Derby, Hollywood Palladium, Biltmore Hotel, Wilshire Ebell Club, Orpheum Theatre, Jazz Bakery, Queen Mary and many more.

Don’t miss what will surely be one of the highlights of the holiday season! “Sing, Sing, Sing,” “White Christmas,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” and many more festive favorites of the 1930s and '40s!

IN THE HOLIDAY MOOD
Dean Mora and His Orchestra
December 19 at 7:30 PM
The Colony Theatre • 555 North Third Street • Burbank, California, 91502

TICKETS: $20-30 • Visit: colonytheatre.org • Call: (818) 558-7000

10/31: Vintage Halloween Costume Party with Dean Mora and His Haunted Orchestra

Dean Mora's acclaimed orchestra presents an evening of dance music from the 1920s and '30s, featuring star vocalists Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche. Dance to the Lindy, Jitterbug, Foxtrot, Tango and the Waltz to the finest tunes of the era as Dean Mora and His Haunted Orchestra takes you on ghostly musical journey!

Thursday, October 31, 2013
Vintage Halloween Costume Party
featuring Dean Mora and His Haunted Orchestra
at Maxwell Demille's CICADA CLUB
617 South Olive Street
Los Angeles, California 90014

Doors open 6pm - Showtime 8pm
Fine Dining - Full Bar - Valet Parking - Vintage Costumes suggested!

 Damon Kirsche, Kayre Morrison and Dean Mora
at the Vintage Halloween Costume Party, October 2013
(Photo: Dave Welch)

PURCHASE TICKETS
Pre-Sale Tickets $25 / $40 at the door.
Your $69 Dinner Purchase includes Admission Charge.
For dinner reservations, Call 213-488-9488.
For more information, visit clubcicada.com.

The Battle of the Big Bands (Coast to Coast) – Dean Mora vs. George Gee!

The Battle of the Big Bands begins! 

This summer, Kayre Morrison and I join Dean Mora and Mora's Modern Rhythmists as we duke it out with The George Gee Orchestra from coast to coast!

Round 1 in Los Angeles

Saturday, June 29, 7 PM to Midnight, PDT

at Culver City's Veterans Memorial Auditorium)

Battle of the Big Bands 2013 – George Gee vs. Dean Mora (West Coast Edition) 

Join the Facebook Event Page!

Round 2 in New York

Thursday, July 4,  7 to 10 PM, EDT

at Lincoln Center's 25th Anniversary of the Midsummer Night's Swing series in Damrosch Park

Battle of the Bands: The George Gee Swing Orchestra vs. Mora’s Modern Rhythmists | Midsummer Night Swing 2013 | Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Join the Facebook Event Page!

Round 3 in Washington, DC

Saturday, July 6,  8 PM to Midnight, EDT

at Glen Echo's Spanish Ballroom

George Gee vs. Dean Mora "Big Band Battle" Finale in DC on July 6 - George Gee Orchestra

Join the Facebook Event Page!

05/31: Dean Mora and His Latinaires

On Friday, May 31, Dean Mora and His Latinaires return to the Cicada Club, located in the historic 1928 Art Deco Oviatt Building in downtown Los Angeles, featuring Kayre Morrison and Damon Kirsche with special guest Rebekah Del Rio. 

Dance to the Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Mambo, Swing and more! Dine and dance to the great Big Band Latin and Swing music of the 1930s and '40s.

Visit CicadaClub.com for full details.

DEAN MORA AND HIS LATINAIRES

Celebrate MAXWELL DEMILLE'S ANNUAL 39TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
Friday, May 31, 2013 at 8:30 PM (Doors: 6 PM)

Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club

The Historic 1928 Art Deco Oviatt Building
617 S. Olive Street

Los Angeles, California

ClubCicada.com

21 and Over - Fine Dining - Full Bar - Valet Parking

Vintage or Evening attire suggested

PRE-SALE TICKETS: $18
($1.99/TICKET SERVICE FEE)
DOOR TICKETS: $20.

Buy your admission in advance.

Dinner reservations: 213-488-9488

5/11: The Avalon Ball

Featured vocalists Damon Kirsche and Kayre Morrison
at the 10th Annual Avalon Ball (Photo: Dave Welch)

This Saturday, I join Dean Mora and the Avalon Ball Dance Orchestra singing songs of the 1920s and '30s with fellow vocalist Kayre Morrison at the 11th Annual Avalon Ball, presented by The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles:

"On May 11, 2013, the 11th Annual Avalon Ball will allow you a glimpse of that glamorous bygone era.  Table-hop with a cocktail you purchased at the vintage bar, or enjoy the ocean breezes high above the moonlit waves, admire the sea-themed medallions set into rose-colored walls under an arching fifty-foot ceiling studded with Tiffany chandeliers, or join the dancers on a 10,000 square foot circular floor as Dean Mora and his Avalon Ball Orchestra play hits from the 1920s and 30s."

Ferry tickets can be purchased through Catalina Express.
For tickets and more information, visit the Art Deco Society website.

The Avalon Ball

at the Casino Ballroom

Featuring Dean Mora

and His Avalon Ball Orchestra

Saturday, May 11, 2013

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Avalon, CA