The Loose Marbles rarely play clubs. To find them, they’re often found in New Orleans at the corner of Royal and St. Louis Streets when the police have barricaded Royal to all but bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Or take a walk around Jackson Square with your ears open. Or walk down Frenchmen Street one evening when all the clubs are rocking, and look for a big crowd standing in the street. From blocks away you can hear their singer, Meschiya Lake, who rocks back on her heels, lifts her chest, and opens her throat like an air-raid siren to croon in a thrilling, pre-microphone style that is easily audible above the band. We find ourselves fortunate to bring their show to Portland to the Bossanova.

The Bossanova Ballroom is a hall that was once known to swing dancers as the Viscount Ballroom. This beautiful Victorian Ballroom carried the torch for live swing music in Portland for many years before switching gears to become cowboy themed. The cowboy phase is now over and the club has been de-cowboy’d to re-embrace it’s classic Victorian charm. In celebration, we’re welcoming bands that play the classic style of jazz that began in the Victorian town of New Orleans to bring an event that’ll truly take you back in time.

Pete Krebs and his Portland Playboys is a sextet that’s made up of some of the best musicians that have worked with Pete in his course of being a busy member of Portland’s musical community for over 20 years. This All Star line-up includes David Langenes on guitar, Keith Brush on bass, Farnell Newton on trumpet, James Mason on violin, and Sam Henry on drums. Together they make a sound that both respects the early days of jazz, and carries the torch for new music in the old style.

These groups will be coming together for one night only and will put on an unforgettable show. All ages are welcome, and full bar is available. Guests are encouraged to wear a mask for this New Orleans style Swing Time Masquerade.

If you buy your tickets in advance, instead of at the door, you will save some cash. Tickets can be purchased online, or at the regular Thursday and Sunday dances.

Swing Time Masquerade
Loose Marbles - Pete Krebs and his Portland Playboys
Bossanova Ballroom
722 E Burnside, Portland, Oregon
Saturday August 9th
Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm
Cover: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
All ages welcome - Full bar available

This event is sponsored in part by the Portland Lindy Society and Stumptown Dance. We love working together to make big events happen! Tickets can also be purchased at any of the weekly dances.