Steampunk is theme of upcoming Springfield Symphony Orchestra fundraiser

Students at Kuss Auditorium listen to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 during the Link Up: The Orchestra Swings music program. The students, in grades 3-5, were treated to an interactive performance with the orchestra and the jazz ensemble while exploring elements that contribute to the moment when the orchestra starts to swing. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Students at Kuss Auditorium listen to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 during the Link Up: The Orchestra Swings music program. The students, in grades 3-5, were treated to an interactive performance with the orchestra and the jazz ensemble while exploring elements that contribute to the moment when the orchestra starts to swing. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Mix corsets and top hats of the Victorian period with the rhythmic and danceable sounds of funk music and you have the right blend for a winter escape — one that could lead to future escapes.

“The Symphony Goes Funk with Steampunk” will bring these together for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s (SSO) 15th annual Grapes and Escapes fundraiser for an evening of tastes, drinks, sights, sounds and the chance to bid on getaways and other items, 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.

Grapes and Escapes gets the community out of the cold and onto the Kuss Auditorium stage where the SSO wants attendees to have not just a good time but an experience. Part of that appeal is a different theme each year and event chairs Sarah and Teddy Clemans looked back to the 19th Century for inspiration.

Steampunk is a movement inspired by science fiction and fantasy stories and technology of the time, spurred by the steam engine. Attendees are encouraged to dress in the fashions of the time to get into the spirit.

Sarah Clemans said Steampunk was original and versatile and suggests a complete 19th Century ensemble topped off with gears and googles or simply wear a top hat with a suit or dress

“Teddy and I have always been supporters of the symphony because we understand what a treasure it is to our community,” Sarah Clemans said. “This event is always one of the best in Springfield each year and we are looking forward to it.”

The evening will start in the Performing Arts Center lobby with specialty drinks, followed by the unique chance to eat a meal by Kohler Catering on the Kuss Auditorium stage. Then comes the opportunity to bid on one of around 20 unique getaways that will take high bidders to destinations far and near.

“We have some awesome escapes this year,” said Nuggie Libecap, SSO office manager and event coordinator.

These will include trips to the historic Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia, The Grand Hotel in Michigan, Ravenwood Castle in Ohio to golf trips, tours and Airbnb experiences.

The annual raffle will offer a treasure trove of raffle prizes including restaurant gift cards, fine wines and Steampunk-inspired trinkets and gadgets. Raffle tickets cost $25 each or three for $50.

Cap off the night by getting down with the funk on the dance floor to the live music of the Street Players band.

“There’s so much going on, it’s going to be fun, fun fun,” Libecap said.


MORE DETAILS

Event tickets cost $125 each and interested people should RSVP first. For more information on the event or auction items, go to springfieldsym.org or call 937-325-8100.

About the Author