Black and White Ball

Black and White Ball

Early June in odd-numbered years

This biennial ball, which began in the 1950s, has been the biggest one-night fundraising event for the arts held in the United States, drawing some 16,000 black-tie partygoers to San Francisco's Civic Center area for music, dancing, food, cocktails, and socializing—all for the benefit of the San Francisco Symphony's education and outreach programs. From 9:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m., attendees can walk throughout the several-block area to catch an eclectic mix of live music—classical, jazz, rock and roll, blues, swing, funk, reggae, salsa, country—performed by more than 30 groups in 13 indoor and outdoor venues. They can also feast on hors d'oeuvres prepared by nearly 90 of the city's fine dining establishments. In addition to the black and white attire of the revelers, black and white decorations adorn the venues. The high-energy Bash Before the Ball, presented by the San Francisco Symphony's young professional's group, Symphonix, provides a pre-ball warm-up.

CONTACTS:
San Francisco Symphony, Davies Symphony Hall
201 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102
415-552-8000; fax: 415-431-6857
www.sfsymphony.org

SOURCES:
FunAlsoRises-1998, p. 121