McMenamins History Ball

Ticket price includes light hors d'oeuvres (menu below*), glass of punch and keepsake dance card

Live music by Fireside Social Orchestra and Triplum
Sword fighting demonstration by Academia Duellatoria

This event is eligible for a just-for-fun McMenamins History Ball Passport stamp.

McMenamins History cordially invites you to our inaugural History Ball - a grand affair celebrating the historical costumes of the world before 1920, inspired by Bridgerton, Jane Austen, Chevalier, and more! Whether you love Renaissance fashion, the Court of Versailles, Victorian styles, or the Edwardian age, don your chosen fashion and dance the night away to classical ballroom music from the 19th century and beyond, performed by two live ensembles: Fireside Social Orchestra and Triplum.

Over the course of this magical evening, you'll get the chance to learn traditional English Country Dancing with dance caller Laura Hatch, watch a sword fighting demonstration from Academia Duellatoria, enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and fill out your keepsake dance card. There will also be free dancing, partner dancing, a photo station, and time for simply enjoying the music and the ambience. Plus, prizes will be given out to those wearing the most outstanding historical costumes, so make sure to dress to the nines!

Have questions? We have answers! Visit our History Ball FAQ page for more details.

Please note: While we take delight in the beautiful fashions and styles from history, we embrace and celebrate today's modern expressions of freedom, acceptance, and equality for all. Vintage style not vintage values! 

*History Ball Menu

• Antipasti
  Prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, marinated fresh mozzarella, feta, provolone, Greek olives, marinated & pickled vegetables, crackers, gluten-free rice crackers and baguette

• Mezza Platter
  Hummus, roasted red pepper aioli, dolmas, feta, yogurt dip, Greek olives, marinated onions, cucumbers, tomatoes and pita bread

• Deviled eggs
• Fresh fruit
  Melon, berries and tropical fruit

• Petit fours
• And one complimentary glass of punch (with or without alcohol)

Additional food and drinks available for purchase

Fireside Social Orchestra

Fireside Social Orchestra is a seven-piece ensemble from the Northwest specializing in the music of the 19th century, in the style of small orchestras featured in parlour and ballroom dances of long ago. Their large repertoire includes quadrilles from Foster's Social Orchestra published by Stephen Foster in 1854, music from the Aurora Colony, established in 1856, and other music from old Oregon, light classical music, waltzes, and more. Members include Gayle Neuman (violin, tenor horn), Phil Neuman (flageolet, tenor viola, tuba), Mark McCormick (cornet, alto horn), LeeAnn McKenna (flute, recorder), Nicole Buetti (bassoon), Cindy Markham (clarinet, recorder), and Laura Kuhlman (flute, recorder).

Triplum

Triplum is a Portland-based instrumental trio of bass clarinet, viola, and harpsichord, performing a repertoire spanning from medieval to ragtime music on historical instruments. Aage Nielson (bass clarinet, douçaine) performed for over twenty years with the Boise Philharmonic. Ben Neubaurer (viola, vielle) studied at Oberlin Conservatory. Jacob Breedlove (harpsichord, hurdy-gurdy) has a background as a multi-instrumentalist, puppeteer, and harpsichord builder, and is regarded as one of the foremost hurdy-gurdy players on the West Coast.