By Rebecca Faber | Arts and Society Contributor
The Absolut X event invite described this masquerade ball on November 19th as “a night of exceptional collaboration, bringing together artists from the worlds of music, art and cocktails at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.” Little did I know that my RSVP to the event was a passport to another world on this ordinary cool, autumn Tuesday night in Uptown.
The Aragon Ballroom was a perfect venue for such an event. Built in 1926 and hosting extremely successful daily events through the 1940’s, the strong, Moorish architectural style resembles a Spanish village. The large, lighted marquee on the outside of the venue announces its history, giving a feeling of the old, romantic days of the Naval balls and big bands that the venue once hosted. The inside of the ballroom almost feels like a soundstage from a production of Romeo and Juliet.
It would be easy, with such grand architecture, to let the beauty of the venue overtake the more modern vibe that this event was trying to create. But, romanticism was blended perfectly with a modern aesthetic to create a night of perfect collaboration.
The Absolut X event invite described this masquerade ball on November 19th as “a night of exceptional collaboration, bringing together artists from the worlds of music, art and cocktails at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.” Little did I know that my RSVP to the event was a passport to another world on this ordinary cool, autumn Tuesday night in Uptown.
The Aragon Ballroom was a perfect venue for such an event. Built in 1926 and hosting extremely successful daily events through the 1940’s, the strong, Moorish architectural style resembles a Spanish village. The large, lighted marquee on the outside of the venue announces its history, giving a feeling of the old, romantic days of the Naval balls and big bands that the venue once hosted. The inside of the ballroom almost feels like a soundstage from a production of Romeo and Juliet.
It would be easy, with such grand architecture, to let the beauty of the venue overtake the more modern vibe that this event was trying to create. But, romanticism was blended perfectly with a modern aesthetic to create a night of perfect collaboration.
This collaborative journey started upon entrance to the venue. The large, main hallway was saturated with blue lights, fans, and streams of sparkily silver delivering your passage out of the real world to women dressed in lights. There on the women’s silver platters were black and silver masks, everyone getting one for the taking. Masked up and ready to go, I climbed the grand staircase to the main ballroom, feeling like I was with the Phantom of the Opera.
The main ballroom was epic. In the middle of the Spanish village was a large, sculpuresque looking installation, surrounded by bartenders working away at the large, circular bar. In the middle of the action was the elevated DJ spinning not too loud music that was perfect for the mood. People were able to walk underneath an underpass under the DJ booth which was filled with smoke.
The main ballroom was epic. In the middle of the Spanish village was a large, sculpuresque looking installation, surrounded by bartenders working away at the large, circular bar. In the middle of the action was the elevated DJ spinning not too loud music that was perfect for the mood. People were able to walk underneath an underpass under the DJ booth which was filled with smoke.
While many were half-masked, this event brought individuals from all walks of life. The diversity was refreshing and it was inspiring to see music, art, and and cocktails bring everyone together in such a unique way.
The only element that wasn’t diverse was the drinks. As an Absolute Vodka sponsored event, only Absolute infused drinks were served. But, mixologist Lynn House from Blackbird did an amazing job of creating a menu that both catered to an audience of wide tastes and created a menu that fit the mood of the event. My favorite was the Absolute Grapefruit, a mixture of Absolute, grapefruit juice, and a grapefruit slice garnish.
The only element that wasn’t diverse was the drinks. As an Absolute Vodka sponsored event, only Absolute infused drinks were served. But, mixologist Lynn House from Blackbird did an amazing job of creating a menu that both catered to an audience of wide tastes and created a menu that fit the mood of the event. My favorite was the Absolute Grapefruit, a mixture of Absolute, grapefruit juice, and a grapefruit slice garnish.
Lighted art pieces around the perimeter of the room perfectly connected the cocktails with art, while also incorporating Absolute branding in a clever way. Famous artists, such as Paik, Warhol, Cameron, had their styles pasted on six-foot-tall lighted posters that looked like the signature Absolute advertisements. While this type of corporate integration can easily border on cheezy, it was tasteful and interesting.
Besides all the amazing music through the night, from Holy Ghost!, DJ AutoErotique, and DJ Zebo, the last great collaborative element of the night was an exhibit by Chicago visual artist Nick Cave. His interactive art incorporated manicans that allowed attendees to stick multiple-colored duct tape on the plastic bodies all night.
Besides all the amazing music through the night, from Holy Ghost!, DJ AutoErotique, and DJ Zebo, the last great collaborative element of the night was an exhibit by Chicago visual artist Nick Cave. His interactive art incorporated manicans that allowed attendees to stick multiple-colored duct tape on the plastic bodies all night.
As I made my way down the grand staircase, past the lighted ladies, down the blue hallway, and out the front doors, I felt myself returning to earth. I took the mask off and was again backlit by the amazing Aragon marquee on dark Uptown street. This event inspired me to retire my mask as an art piece on my bookshelf, sitting next to my CDs and a copy of Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
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