Roaring 20's Jazz Bands and Great Gatsby History
If there is one event theme that has a timeless appeal and that can work to make any event truly memorable, it’s 1920s Great Gatsby and Prohibition.
An iconic era renowned for the prevalence of illicit gambling and speakeasies, flirty flapper dancers, dazzling dames and dapper gentlemen, and swinging jazz bands, the 1920s theme offers a wealth of exciting opportunities to be coordinated into your event in a number of different ways. This ranges from elegant décor and incredible outfits to deliciously decadent cocktails and themed entertainment that is sure to cause a sensation!
Set the scene for your 1920s theme
The speakeasies of Manhattan legend were hidden behind toy stores or entered through fake telephone booths. Ask guests to use the side door so they feel part of an exclusive secret.
Once inside the venue, your decor should exude glamour and decadence for a true Gatsby party.
1920s décorations
Two Colors: black and gold. Two iconic colors guaranteed to turn any event into a Gatsby themed party, there is so much that you can do with this color scheme.
Glitter. Gold glitter champagne bottles, glasses and photo booth props, table cloths, and table centerpieces.
Gatsby Attire
For the ladies, a 1920s flapper-style dress with plenty of sequins or tassels is a must. A glittering tiara or headband, gold arm bangles, long necklaces and sparkling shoes complete the outfit and will have you feeling a million dollars! For attendees with long hair, get some bobby pins or kirby grips in hand and find a youtube tutorial for a stylish up-do! P.S. Red lipstick is completely encouraged.
Gents need to embrace their flamboyant side and grab a pinstripe suit - waistcoat and tails with a top hat, braces, white gloves and cane are also an option.
1920s cocktails
Any one of our amazing cocktails artists and mixologists can create a custom 1920s themed menu. Request the ‘Bee’s Knees’, ‘Between The Sheets’, ‘Mint Julep’, ‘Highball’ and a personal favourite of ours the ‘Gin Rickey’ – 60 ml of gin, juice of ½ lime and top with soda! This delectable offering was featured in The Great Gatsby when Daisy orders her husband to make a cold drink before turning to Gatsby in his absence and declaring her love for him!
Great Gatsby Themed Entertainment
Why, hello old sport! Care to join us for tips on creating a 1920s party? We can help with organising the 1920s themed entertainment for your event. Below is a list of some of our most popular acts for Great Gatsby inspired events and how to incorporate them into your timeline.
Create a Great Gatsby Party Welcome
Set a sophisticated scene when your guests arrive with drinks served by 1920s themed Champagne dress hostesses. Dressed in flapper-style dresses, they create a sense of elegance, plus they are ideal ice breakers and encourage guests to interact.
As guests mingle, create photo opportunities with ambient entertainers, including 1920s Fash1920s Fashion Showgirls on Showgirls who combine cabaret with haute couture. Talking of photos, your glamorous guests will love showing off their roaring 20s costumes in a themed photo booth.
For extra ambience, music is a must: a jazz swing band will add style. Boasting an extensive song list, this group can offer smooth jazz standards to start your event before playing danceable arrangements of modern pop/top 40’s hits later in the evening.
Wait there is more…
Usher your guests from drinks to the next event chapter with a grand statement from the Gatsby Girls & Guys. Oozing glitz and glamour, these flapper girls and guys can perform a short song and dance routine to usher your guests to the next stage of your event. Available with different line-up options, your event transforms into a 1920s soiree. This glamourous group can also offer Charleston dance lessons later in the evening in their sequins and feathers.
Dinner is Served!
Keep the 1920s party going into dinner or the next stage of your event with stylish and classy entertainment between courses or breaks. A Martini glass performer adds a touch of burlesque glamour with a little bit of cheek from a professional dancer. Enjoy a themed cabaret show with some fantastic vocals and mesmerising routines. Your guests will be dancing in their seats with this fun and vibrant performance. These dancers can also customise the show to your needs.
Time to Party
Your Great Gatsby party gets into full swing as your party-goers head to the dance floor. Give the 1920s a modern twist with a postmodern jukebox-style jazz band, who offer scaleable line-ups with sax, vocals, keyboard and a double-bass. This speakeasy band performed for Liza Minnelli and can provide party guests with music ranging from swing and old-style jazz to vintage mixes of modern hits.
A Gatsby party is nothing without a bit of theatrics, and this internationally acclaimed flair bartender will create cocktails while juggling, twirling and throwing bar equipment in a blur of showmanship. This incredible act adds sparkle and glamour with acrobatics, Champagne, and a giant chandelier in keeping with the drinks theme.
The 1920s meets the 21st century with these LED Charleston Dancers. Traditional Charleston dance moves are performed to electro-swing beats by these fabulous flappers with dresses embellished with LED lights.