1) Who is the featured entertainment?
The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra is the most popular and sought-after big band in the world for both concert and swing dance engagements. The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all the bandleaders back in the Swing era of the ‘30s and ‘40s. In the Mood, Chattanooga Choo Choo, A String of Pearls, Moonlight Serenade, and Tuxedo Junction were all major hit records.
More information and music samples are available on our website: www.uss-hornet.org/calendar/bigband/
2) How much do tickets cost?
Cabaret seats cost $98 per person. These premium-reserved seats are located in front of the stage and along the main dance floors; each seat offers a great view of the stage and easy access to the dance floor. Each table seats 8 guests. Unless you order 8 tickets, you will be seated with other parties.
Reserved seats cost $68 per person. This section is located off to the side of the dance floors and in front of General Admission seating; there is a limited view to the stage. Each table seats 10 guests. Unless you order 10 tickets, you will be seated with other parties.
General Admission tickets cost $45 per person. The seating is located behind all reserved tables, and is available on a first-come basis on the night of the event. If the event has not been sold out, General Admission tickets are $50 on the day of the dance.
3) Are there any discounts on ticket purchases?
Museum members receive a $5 discount off any ticket purchase (limit 4 tickets).
A $5 discount is also available to groups of 40 or more who purchase tickets with one payment transaction.
4) Are tickets refundable?
This is a fundraiser for the USS Hornet Museum; refunds cannot be honored.
5) Are tickets tax-deductible?
The dances are a major fundraiser for the museum and approximately 20% of the ticket price is tax-deductible.
6) When will tickets be available?
We are taking orders now and will begin mailing tickets starting the week of August 17.
7) Will tickets be available at the door?
If space is available, General Admission will be offered for $50 at the door. Reserved seating usually sells out two weeks before the dance.
8) How can I order tickets?
Tickets can be ordered by calling the USS Hornet Museum at (510) 521-8448 x 282 on weekdays between 10am and 3pm. For your convenience, tickets can also be purchased on-line through the USS Hornet Ship’s Store: http://store.yahoo.com/usshornet/nextdance.html. The museum does not charge any service fees.
9) Is a meal included in the basic price of the ticket?
Food and beverages are not included in the ticket price and may be purchased separately at the event. Keep in mind that our concessionaires accept cash only.
10) What food will be available for purchase? How much does it cost?
To be determined
11) Is there a bar? How much do drinks cost?
There will be several cash bars on the main deck selling a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Beverage prices generally range from $2.00 for sodas to $6.00 for spirits.
12) Is there an ATM machine onboard?
Yes, there is a cash machine onboard the ship. It is conveniently located near the admissions desk.
13) Is there plenty of parking? How much does it cost?
Yes. There is plenty of FREE parking across the street from the pier.
14) Does the ship go anywhere?
No. The engines do not function and the ship remains permanently tied to the pier.
15) What time should I be there?
The gates open at 7:00pm. Jim Truesdale, former Fred Astaire dance instructor, will provide free dance lessons from 7:15pm to 7:45pm. The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will play from 8:00pm to midnight. The Singing Blue Stars will perform a tribute to the Andrew Sisters during intermission.
16) How late does the evening go?
The event ends at midnight. The doors will remain open for arrivals until 10:00pm.
17) Will we be able to tour the ship?
The Flight Deck will be open (weather-permitting) but tours will not be offered during this event. If you would like to tour the ship on the day of the dance or on another day, save your ticket stub for free museum admission until September 30, 2009.
18) How should I dress?
We suggest semi-formal and business attire; no jeans or sneakers. Swing/Military period costumes are encouraged.
19) Will the ship be heated?
Yes, if the weather requires it, there will be heating aboard ship. Please keep in mind that this is a large ship and can be drafty. We recommend that you bring a jacket or light sweater to enjoy the evening stars.
20) How many people attend these dances?
We sell 1,000-1,200 tickets for each dance. We have one of the largest dance floors in the Bay Area and are able to accommodate up to 1,500 guests. Reserved tickets usually sell out two weeks before the dance.
21) Is this just for couples or can singles come too?
Both singles and couples are welcome at our dances. There is generally a good mix of the two as we have several singles groups and dance clubs that participate. For the convenience of our guests, a “singles” section is provided near the third dance floor.
22) Are children allowed?
Teens are welcome to enjoy the dancing, but children under 12 are not allowed. Keep in mind this is a nightclub atmosphere -- there are no special activities planned for children and there are no ticket discounts.
23) How do I get to the ship?
Directions will be mailed with the tickets and are posted on our website at www.uss-hornet.org/visit/car/. We can also be found by using an address mapping system such as Mapquest: 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda 94501.
24) Are there hotels in the area that you can recommend?
Our preferred hotel for this event is Hawthorn Suites, located on Webster Street in Alameda. Make reservations early and mention that you will be attending the “Hornet Swing Dance” to get a special discount.
Alameda Hotels
Hawthorn Suites, 510-522-1000
Marina Village Inn, 510-523-9450
Coral Reef Motel, 510-521-2330
Oakland Hotels
Executive Inn, Oakland Embarcadero 510-536-6633
Homeward Suites, 510-663-2700
Waterfront Plaza, 510-836-3800
Jack London Inn, 510-444-2032
25) Are there restaurants in the area that you can recommend?
West Alameda Restaurants
Pasta Pelican (Italian) 510-864-7427
New Zealander (Pub Pies & More) 510-748-6075
East Ocean Seafood (Chinese) 510-865-3381
Katsu Sushi House (Japanese) 510-749-8461
Everett & Jones (BBQ) 510- 814-6149
Park Street Restaurants
Aroma Restaurant (California Fusion) 510-685-4484
Pappo’s (Mediterranean) 510-337-9100
C’era Una Volta (Italian) 510-769-4828
Asena Restaurant (Greek) 510-521-4100
Gold Coast Grill (American, Greek) 510-522-5388
26) When will the next dances be? Who will be playing?
The next scheduled event is our annual Monster Bash. This year it will be held on Halloween night. This is a family event with entertainment for all ages. The Cocktail Monkeys will perform hits from the 70’s and 80’s; there will be a special area for children’s activities; and a costume contest for all ages.
The next swing dance will be held on New Year’s Eve. The featured band is 3 O’Clock Jump -- a 16-piece classic Big Band that plays songs made famous by Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Harry James, and others.
Please check our events page for updates: www.HornetEvents.com
