quick thought experiment: If F. Scott Fitzgerald could rejoin the land of the living for one night on Saturday, would he rather: 1) stand in line to see the new “Avengers” movie; or 2) a win a pair of tickets to the Fresno Art Museum’s big fundraiser titled “The Grand Gatsby Speakeasy and Casino Night”? The event is 7-11 p.m. Saturday, April 27.
I don’t think there’s any question. Not only would Fitzgerald be intrigued by the obvious allusion to one of his celebrated novels, he’d also perk up at the thought of 1920s decor and gaming tables, silent movies in the Bonner Auditorium, specialty craft cocktails, craft beer from Full Circle Brewing Company, a cigar bar, light hors d’oeuvres from Mama Mia’s and Elbow Room, and musical entertainment with a 1920s flair, including singer Olga Bergstrom. (She’ll be wearing a slinky, jet-black and red silk flapper dress.) And, besides, if he really wants, Fitzgerald can catch “The Avengers” at a matinee.)
The museum will feature swanky 1920s decor. A highlight will be numerous Pop Laval photos and large posters of the period on display, giving a local flavor to the history.
Tickets to the event are $40, but I have a last-minute giveaway opportunity for you. You can win a pair of those tickets by entering. (And no worries if you don’t have a spare flapper dress hanging in your closet for last-minute social invites; dressing up is encouraged but not required.) The best part, of course, is that all proceeds go to the museum. If you’d rather make your attendance a sure thing rather than rely on Lady Luck, you can buy tickets right now.
The contest is open only to members, donors and individual sponsors of The Munro Review. Tax-deductible memberships start at $5 a month, and you can make a one-time donation of as little as $3. (Paid memberships help keep the site running, and paid members get special members-only benefits. Please consider a paid membership in support of independent, local arts journalism.) A free membership option is available. For details on how to join, go to the Membership and Sponsorship page. No purchase, donation or membership is necessary to enter the ticket giveaway.
To enter this giveaway, leave a reply on this post (see below) answering this question: If you could visit any decade for just one night, what would it be? (Or if you’re too shy about telling us about your longtime fantasy of going back to 1973 so you can wear macrame sweater vests, just tell us why you’d like to attend.) The winner will be picked at random and notified by email. This is a very tight turnaround: The deadline is 9 p.m. Friday (in other words, tonight!) I’ll email the winner before midnight.
The Munro Review has no paywall but is financially supported by readers who believe in its non-profit mission of bringing professional arts journalism to the central San Joaquin Valley. You can help by signing up for a monthly recurring paid membership or make a one-time donation of as little as $3. All memberships and donations are tax-deductible.