The Big Band Alumni celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024. Photo: Regina Granados, courtesy of the Band.
Join the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles for no-host cocktails at the Art Deco Hollywood American Legion Post 43 with live music and dancing with The Big Band Alumni in the Cabaret Room and enjoy a cocktail at the “Art Deco Bar.”
American Legion Post 43 is truly an Art Deco gem. The 1929 building was built with the proceeds of the successful boxing enterprise that the veteran’s organization ran in Hollywood! Boasting many Art Deco features and decorative flourishes, the building is a treat to see when it is occasionally open to the public. Take advantage of such an occasion! The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles provided a grant to repair some of the gorgeous stained glass lighting fixtures with some of the proceeds from our Casino Moderne event.
The Big Band Alumni, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, features some musicians that are graduates of the greatest big bands of all time like Benny Goodman, Harry James, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Count Basie, Jimmy & Tommy Dorsey, and many others from the Big Band Era. It was created by musicians who were members of the big bands (largely) of the 1940’s who were responsible for the swing era.
The American Legion was formed by an act of Congress in 1919 following the devastation of WWI. The American Legion's emergence and rise to prominence was based on a mission to strengthen the nation through programs, services and advocacy that helped millions throughout the organization's first century. The American Legion has supported each generation (including the millions of veterans living in the Art Deco era), to this day.
Unlike our usual cocktail gatherings, there is a $20 admission fee that goes to the band and please note that the time is 2:00 - 4:00 pm. We will activate an RSVP system one month prior to the event to give the venue an idea of how many people will attend. Please ONLY RSVP if you actually intend to come. RSVP will not admit you to the event. Payment will be taken at the door by the band. We are taking RSVPs to make certain accommodations if it looks like it will be a large crowd. This will insure adequate bar staff and configuration of the rooms.
This event is not produced by ADSLA. For questions about the venue or the band, please consult their websites.
We look forward to conversations about historic Los Angeles, Post 43, vintage clothing and cars, home restorations and much more!
Traditionally, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles members gather once a month in an historic building with a bar, to socialize and revel in the beauty of historic architecture. It is our duty to patronize businesses in historic buildings! We welcome interested persons to join us. These are usually no-host cocktail gatherings that are open to members and non-members alike, and no reservations are required to attend. Some events will have a cover charge and some will be limited to members.
PARKING
Limited parking in the lot on the property. Drive up the driveway along the south side of the building. Usually there is free parking in the county parking lot between Odin and Milner where the Hollywood Heritage Museum sits. June 9 is the last day of the MGM 100 exhibit, so plan ahead and come early to take in the museum before cocktails. The Museum is open 11am to 3pm. The lot may be full as the museum will likely be crowded on the last day of the exhibit.
Please note that the Hollywood Pride Parade and Party are from 11 am to 8pm on Hollywood Boulevard between Vine and Gower, so please plan your route accordingly to avoid street closures. Highland will be open.
NO PETS ARE PERMITTED AT THIS VENUE.
THE VENUE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ELEVATOR AND IS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE.
IF YOU PLAN TO DRINK ALCOHOL, PLEASE BRING YOUR I.D.
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