Swinging with the symphony

COEUR d'ALENE - Pam Nordby sits down to talk about the Coeur d'Alene Symphony's Black and White Ball. Here's the first thing she says:

"It's fabulous, for one thing," she said.

Even more than fabulous.

"I love this event," said Nordby, Symphony board member and ball chairwoman. "It's been a beautiful thing since I've been going."

She's hoping lots and lots of people join her this year.

The Black and White Ball is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn. It's described as a chance to "skip the winter doldrums - enjoy an evening out with the Coeur d'Alene Symphony."

About 20 symphony members will play jazz, pop, rock and roll, and swing to give guests a chance to try out their best "dancing with the stars" moves. Even sounds of The Beatles and The Doors will fill the air.

Symphony member Jill Cathie said people shouldn't let the event's name fool them. Come one, come all. The crowd will include twentysomethings to those in their 80s, even 90s.

And don't sweat the small stuff, like what to wear.

"Dress is formal, but don't stay away because you don't have something to wear," says a press release. "Come in whatever makes you feel good, or use this excuse to go buy something new. Any color is acceptable, black and white is only the name of the event, not a dress code requirement."

Cathie has played for seven Black and White balls. There are people who attend every year, she said, and love it.

But this year's format is different, she said. Dinner will not be included, as in years past. That allowed the price to be lowered to $25, so the ball is more affordable. Hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar will be available in the ballroom. There will also be a silent auction.

Tables of eight will be arranged around the ballroom, and people are encouraged to mingle and converse around the edges of the dance floor.

If you have friends you would like to sit with, just ask staff to arrange seating, 765-3833, or just go over and visit - you aren't required to stay seated during the music.

About 130 attended last year's ball, and organizers are hoping for more this year.

"It's more about the music and socializing with other people," she said.

For those desiring dinner, a deal - $50 for two for prime rib or salmon - has been arranged for ball attendees at Mulligan's inside the Coeur d'Alene Best Western Inn.

You could be dancin', yeah!

The Coeur d'Alene Symphony's Black and White Ball is 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn. It will be a night of socializing and dancing to a live orchestra. There will be a no-host bar. Tickets are $25. Info: 765-3833 and www.cdasymphony.org