Symphony Night Fever to boogie down in Springfield

Never mind the flu bug. A new form of Saturday night fever is about to spread.

The cure is mirrored balls, open-collared shirts with big gold chains, platform heels and boogie shoes.

Can you dig it? I knew that you could.

The spirit of Studio 54 will be transferred to the Kuss Auditorium stage when Symphony Night Fever strikes.

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s annual Grapes & Escapes fundraiser will let cool cats and foxy mamas strut their stuff starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.

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Paul Valente, who is chairing the event with his wife, Cindy, lived through the disco era and knew it would be a fun to resurrect for Grapes & Escapes, known for its elaborate themes.

He was inspired by a segment on a recent morning show revisiting the filming locations of the blockbuster film “Saturday Night Fever” that made John Travolta a superstar. It’s a theme all ages could enjoy.

“The young people are really excited about it,” Valente said. “The ‘Saturday Night Fever’ soundtrack is still incredible; my wife just said, ‘Wow.’”

Part of the fun is dressing in costumes from the period. While he couldn’t find a white three-piece suit, Valente will pay homage to Travolta’s Tony Manero with a costume of a paint-shop worker like Travola wore in the film.

“The dancing will be fun for everybody, and so are the costumes — it just all fits together,” Valente said.

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The evening will include hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, including premium beers and fine wines. Another special feature for an extra fee is a bourbon and scotch tasting.

Dinner will be on the Kuss stage, and an added special treat will be one of the fast foods the characters in “Saturday Night Fever” take in after a night on the dance floor.

The Street Players, who are fast becoming known as the house band for Grapes & Escapes, will perform live as everybody hits the dance floor.

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Another highlight of the event is the chance to bid on 15 live auction packages worth several hundred dollars up to $8,500. These include activities from here in Springfield to adventures in Columbus and to exclusive bed and breakfasts and a trip to Cancun, Mexico.

For those unable to attend, the packages can be proxy pre-bid at the Springfield Symphony Orchestra's website.

Funds raised from the auction will go toward various symphony programs.

All RSVPs are requested by Monday, Jan. 29.


WANT TO GO?

What: Symphony Night Fever

Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 South Fountain Ave., Springfield

When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m.

Cost: $95 a person

More info: 937-325-8100 or go to www.springfieldsym.org/event/grapes-escapes-symphony-night-fever/

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