From the swing music to the Cupid-inspired atmosphere, Jazzed for Valentine's Day will be a festive event to attend on Saturday, Feb. 8. Featuring the Bridgeport High School Jazz Band and ballroom dance instruction by Teresa Sestito, the annual dinner/dance will again be held at Bridgeport Conference Center.

 

All proceeds benefit the BHS Band.

 

“This is our largest fundraiser every year, so it supports anything the band is doing,” said Ruthanne Watkins of the BHS Band Patrons, event chair. “This year, we are trying to buy new uniforms for next year.”

 

Though the event is an ideal couples’ night to celebrate the holiday of love, it is open to everyone. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres and cocktail hour. It is hoped that the BHS Strings Ensemble will play during that portion of the evening. Dinner, prepared by the culinary staff of Bridgeport Conference Center, will be served around 7:30 p.m. with dancing to follow through 10 p.m. A cash bar will be open throughout the evening. A 50/50 drawing and silent auction featuring gift baskets and gift cards to local retailers and restaurants will raise additional funds for the band.

 

Dress is semiformal.

 

For Watkins and her husband, the dinner/dance is a nice evening to spend as a couple.

 

“We have children playing in the band. It feels good supporting the kids and it’s nice to have sort of a formal dinner to attend,” she said. “There aren’t many of those kinds of events here locally.”

 

Tickets for the 12^th Annual Jazzed for Valentine’s Day event are $50 per person. Tickets can be purchased at www.bridgeportmusic.org, by emailing bhsbandpatrons@gmail.com or reaching out through the Bridgeport High School Band Patrons Facebook page.

 

Deadline for ticket sales is Tues., Feb. 6.