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

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

The Avalon Ball on Catalina Island

The Avalon Ball is one of my favorite annual events with Dean Mora's orchestras. It's a twenty-six mile ferry ride from Long Beach, but Catalina Island is a world away. The Avalon Casino (casino in the Italian sense—a "social gathering place"—no gambling, please) is an Art Deco masterwork. French doors ring the ballroom and open onto a balcony walkway framed by Moorish arches (pictured below) for fresh air and moonlit strolls...

The Avalon Ball is presented by The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, with Master of Ceremonies Maxwell Demille. Dean Mora and the Avalon Ball Dance Orchestra, along with fellow featured vocalist Kayre Morrison and me, will present live music from the 1920s and 1930s.

Los Angeles Magazine writes: "Expect plenty of silk, chiffon, and crepe de chine around Santa Catalina this month as the Avalon Ball unfolds in the island’s casino. The cavernous art deco hall was designed to accommodate more than 1,000 energetic jitterbuggers. At the ball its cork-cushioned floor will be packed with Jazz Age enthusiasts in vintage finery showing off their moves to the music of Dean Mora’s 12-piece orchestra. Just don’t let the pre-Depression time warp give you the willies."


The Avalon Ball
May 15, 2010

6:00 - 10:00 PM


Tickets are available for $38 for ADSLA members and $48 for non-members. For tickets and more information visit the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles.