By DREYMA

BERONJA

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Marquette Fringe is inviting the public to an “enchanting evening” at the Ore Dock Brewing Company in Marquette Friday.

The inaugural ball kicks off at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

“One of our board members had this idea of wanting something early in the winter months where most things are focused on recreation, not a whole lot as far as the arts or something like this, a ball,” Marquette Fringe President Mike Bradford said. “We thought it (the event) would be a good placement in the annual calendar of things and it was also a third event in our annual calendar to kind of jump start our fundraising efforts.”

From now until May, Marquette Fringe will raise funds to go towards the annual Fall Phantasm: Festival of Myth & Fire at Lakenenland in Chocolay Township.

The Midwinter Ball will feature jazz music from 7-9 p.m. by Harry South and Ryan Dart Duo, followed by music from DJ Mayple from 9:30 to 11 p.m. Small bites to eat will be provided by Moon Rae Cakes.

Bradford said in addition to music and food, the event will feature tarot and oracle readings by Victoria Bullock, henna from Behennaed and a silent auction.

While the event is a ball, Bradford said the dress code is pretty broad.

“Our dress code is basically midwinter, so black and white,” he said. “There’s the usual suit or dress, any length is fine.”

Since the event is put on by Marquette Fringe, Bradford said “costume elements” are also welcome such as horns and furs to add more “flavor” to the event.

Tickets are on a sliding scale from $15 to $50 with kids 10 and under free.

“As far as this time of year, it’s hard to find opportunities to go out,” Bradford said. “This is something to provide people an opportunity to get out and see some live entertainment while at the same time supporting the local arts, because our entire mission is to try and provide equity and accessibility to the arts, both for creatives and the community at large.”

For those who are unable to attend the Midwinter Ball, another fundraising effort will occur in May with the Drag Show Menagerie.

All proceeds from the Midwinter Ball will go toward the production of the Fall Phantasm: Festival of Myth & Fire.

Limited tickets are available. To ensure entrance, tickets can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/MidwinterBall. Remaining tickets will be available at the door.

To learn more about Marquette Fringe, visit marquettefringe.org.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 548.

Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.