Next hosts Birmingham’s Big Night Out

BIRMINGHAM —  Join Birmingham Next in enjoying the music, food and ambiance of the big band era at  Birmingham’s Big Night Out.

Next is a 50 and older community center located in Birmingham and includes surrounding communities, including Beverly Hills, Franklin and Bingham Farms.

“This is an inaugural event that we are hoping to repeat year after year as the reputation grows and it becomes an event that the community looks forward to participating in, because it is quite unique,’’ Next Executive Director Christine Braun said.

Next will fill the Daxton ballroom Oct. 20; the doors open at 7 p.m.

“It is a community celebration; it is a fundraiser for Next; and it is a nice night out for members and other people in the community to enjoy some entertainment,” Next board member Stuart Jeffares said.

At 7:30, Mark Randisi and the 16-piece Motor City Jazz Orchestra will begin playing music reminiscent of crooners such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

“I am most excited about that moment when everybody’s all together and that band hits the first note and just lightens up the room,” Jeffares said.

Next hopes to replicate the ambiance of an evening out at a dancehall in the 1940s and ‘50s.  Candlelit tables will surround the stage and dance floor in this intimate setting.

Throughout the night, dancing, appetizers and desserts will be available to guests.

The Birmingham Shopping District will give out $25 worth of Birmingham Bucks with each ticket. This can be used by guests for dinner prior to the event, or sometime before the end of the year.

“That is just another way that the shopping district has embraced the event and promoted it to make it something that the retailers in the downtown area can also get behind,” Braun said.

Next has been planning this event since early this year to make every detail perfect.

“I think we have been very fortunate to have sponsorships, which has been a big part of our success,” Braun said.

Sponsors of this event include Daxton, Max Broock, Hazel’s, Forest, La Strada, Adachi and the Birmingham Shopping District. Guests are encouraged to start off their evening at one of the Pre-Event Dining Partners, which are all within walking distance.

​​To purchase tickets, visit birminghamnext.org or by call Next at (248) 203-5270.

Tickets for the front row dance floor/stage seating cost $150 and general seating costs $75.