The Santa Barbara Birth Center will host “A Night of Cabaret de Paris” from 6 to 9 p.m. this Friday, May 11, at The Savoy nightclub, 409 State St.
Built in 1889 (the same year the Moulin Rouge debuted in Paris), the historic Savoy is an apropos setting for just such an ooh-la-la fundraising evening.
The French have given the world many fabulous things — champagne, Chanel, croissants and Cabaret (a nightclub offering live, often risqué, entertainment). So watch your step on Friday! There will be “Fire Fingers” by Nikole, and Autumn Phillips and her Gypzy Suite Performers performing an aerial hammock dance overhead. Phillips will also perform a body/hand balancing dance with Danilo Lambo. The tour de force Hip Brazil by Vanessa Isaac will give a French twist to their dance routine, as will Nebula Dance Lab and Fusion Dance Company. Complimentary spa treatments by Zen Diva Spa will soothe the soul.
Recommended dress is cabaret chic, s’il vous plait. For those who are into dressing up, use Liza Minnelli’s character Sally Bowles in the film Cabaret as your fashion inspiration. Think boas, bows, feathers, flapper dresses, sequins, suspenders and tuxedo jackets.
“But Cabaret attire doesn’t have to be overly sexy or elaborate,” said Talina Hermann, Cabaret co-chair along with Jill Jeffries Chase. “A little black dress is perfect. For men, a simple suit will do. Maybe add a bowler hat or bow tie if you have one. We’re even going to have a few boas for guests at the door. All you have to do is show up and have a good time! And remember to wear dancing shoes!”
The silent auction is not to be missed with party books galore. Raffle prizes include a gorgeous strand of freshwater pearls from A.H. Gaspar Jewelers, a sterling silver necklace set with rubies from Daniel Gibbings Jewelry and a Hoe Nalu Stand Up Paddleboard package from Upright Sports. And if you don’t win, c’est la vie! It’s all for a good cause.
“Parents in need of a night on the town — and let’s face it, that’s all parents — book a babysitter! It’s officially date night,” said Chase, a mother of two. “If you play your cards right, there might be a French kiss in it for you at evening’s end.”
To purchase Cabaret tickets, click here or call 805.680.4414. VIP tickets are $100 and include Cabaret entertainment, one raffle ticket (valued at $20), dedicated VIP bartender, complimentary cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and spa treatments. General admission tickets are $50 and include Cabaret entertainment, passed hors d’oeuvres, one drink ticket and complimentary spa treatments. Raffle tickets are $20 or six for $100.
For Sponsorship inquiries, email SBBC Executive Director Julie Schneiderman at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
All Cabaret proceeds benefit the Santa Barbara Birth Center, Santa Barbara County’s only option for families with low-risk pregnancies who seek a gentle, family-centered birth in a home-like setting. The Birth Center not only provides complete birthing, pre- and postnatal services to mothers, but serves as a family and community resource for pregnancy and childcare education, support and counseling. Click here for more information.
— Wendy Jenson represents the Santa Barbara Birth Center.
