San Francisco Black and White Ball 2008 - Featuring Seal

05/14/2008 Suge K. says:

swanky? more like faux swanky.

how swanky can you be when there are port a pots involved?

05/14/2008 J "Towel Rack" G. says:

That same seal that tried to pork that penguin?

05/14/2008 Suge K. says:

good point joe!  how swanky can it be if the guy's going to be trying to pork every guy in a tux???

05/14/2008 J "Towel Rack" G. says:

Ya Suge this sounds gross....like exotic erotic gone wild. Count me out. I'm going to the yellow and brown ball.

05/14/2008 Keane L. says:

How about swank janky?

05/19/2008 Scott W. says:

What are you guys, like 13?!?  Feel like I'm in the Jr. High School locker room after 9 AM gym.

05/19/2008 Lance H. says:

Scott, they are who they are. The B&W Ball is pretty friggin cool. I saw George Clinton there a few years ago. Yeah I wore a tux, but I had my Giants hat on, too.

05/19/2008 Kotori "C. Y." M. says:

Maybe, not sure yet.

05/19/2008 Rick "Mr. Smiley" G. says:

I think the Symphony messed up.  I was looking for a date for this event back in February or March..  Nada.  I don't think they started advertising until a month ago.  Not good.  I thought if they started advertising it a month ago, I would have another 2 months to decide.  July would be AWESOME!  Even late June would be cool too.

But now, I have this week to decide...  And I pretty much know the answer...  $400/pair tickets, tux, dinner, possible hotel..  Without hotel, that's almost $800.  With the economy the way it is, I don't think it's going to work very well.

I've been to the B&W twice before and it's really special.  The first time in '89...  That was the best...  Huey Lewis was singing..  Clarence Clemens on the sax...  And I had a really good date..  We had so much fun!  They don't have a karaoke band!!  That's such a bummer..  I always pay a visit.

Go with someone you know you'll have a good time with...  Don't go with someone you haven't dated a long time and want to impress her...  You'll probably regret it.  Go with a good, long-term friend, a group of friends, serious GF/BF and obvious, spouse.  I see packs of women going all the time.  

It's awesome if you can dance a waltz when the symphony plays one..  I did that the last time I went...  

Now THAT'S romantic!

05/19/2008 Rick "Mr. Smiley" G. says:

And I think having a Seal concert is a big mistake.  I don't think he's THAT popular.  If it was Prince, Chris Isaak or maybe even Huey Lewis..  That would pack 'em in more and make it funner.

05/19/2008 Jaime "Fuck it, Dude. Let's go Bowling" L. says:

holy shit its 400 a couple?

but is it WORTH IT. thats the real question.

05/19/2008 Beth V. says:

Completely. Totally.  100%.

('01 & '05 alumni)  Also, there's a discount for those under 30.  And groups.  It would be fairly easy to draft a group off the Events board, I should think.  i've got bridal party duty in another state, or I'd be organizing a group myself.

05/19/2008 Big J. says:

Going.

05/19/2008 Scotty "SAUCE" D. says:

just to see Heidi, SORRY SEAL:)

05/20/2008 Rick "Mr. Smiley" G. says:

Yes, $400 a couple.  I didn't see the "Under 30" pricing...  Maybe they're not doing it this year...

If you like dressing up...  And there's SO MUCH music..  I think it's worth it.  I just don't have someone right now that fits in any of my date categories...  $400 is $400..  It's a lot and IT IS SPECIAL..  Read my previous post....

And frankly, I'd want to buy a new tuxedo rather than rent..  That's $800 - $2400..  Yeah, I've already priced 'em...  I love dressing up and I could easily wear a tux 3 - 4 times a year.

05/20/2008 David D. says:

Think of it as a DYL for the rich.  Do you want to know someone rich?

05/20/2008 David D. says:

I haven't worn a tux since two years ago in South Africa.  It's just hanging in the closet.

05/20/2008 Amy "SassyPants" Z. says:

It's g oing to be a great party, but I won't be home yet.  The host committee for the event really knows how to plan a party so while I wouldn't pay to hear Seal because I don't like his music, I would pay to attend the party.

05/20/2008 Rick "Mr. Smiley" G. says:

I hope I'm wrong with attendance.  I'm a "Friend of the Symphony" and love 'em to death and want to see them prosper.

05/20/2008 Eric "Feel My Heat" W. says:

will Seal's wife be there?

05/20/2008 john-michael "The snozzberries taste like snozzberries." c. says:

I was there at the last one...it was great...and this is supposed to be better???
hmmmm I didn't care for the last minute hiatus they took during the last one.
And now a last minute announcement that it's back on....WTH!!!

I want to go but now I don't know if I can gather people fast enough for this. ARG!

05/20/2008 Nathan "Considerate Biker" F. says:

$400?  How many grams of coke does that include?

05/20/2008 Jessica "Jessica" V. says:

I went about eight years ago and it was pretty awesome.  But someone else was paying and I was underage.  Underage and fabulous.

05/20/2008 Gil "chickencat" S. says:

It used to be all the rage, sort of a prom for the whole city.  All the food and drink you want, all night long, plus concert acts in several venues - City Hall, Bill Graham, the Asian Art Museum, Symphony Hall, and lots of tents.  You get some great performances from people you wouldn't expect - Joan Jett ruled in 2003, and the Violent Femmes kicked ass in 2005.

Some good locals this year.  Boco do Rio, Marcus Shelby, everyone loves Pete Escovido.  

But overall the lineup looks weak, fewer performers.  Plus they're charging $200, plus $50 extra for the seal performance - $125 if you want a decent seat.  That's never happened before, it used to be all included for a lot less money.  $250 used to get you a VIP ticket.  They're not hyping the food or the venues so I'm wondering if the whole thing got downsized.

05/20/2008 Rick "Mr. Smiley" G. says:

I don't have a problem with $200 tickets..  If the music is really good.  Honestly, I only recognized Pete Escovedo..  I don't know these other bands.  I didn't see a karaoke band which is another bummer for me.  $50 for the Seal performance?  That's cool if you like him.  His popularity has definitely wavered in the last couple of years..

Joan Jett and Violent Femmes?  OMG!!!  That would've totally rocked!  Seal?  I think not.

Yeah, I haven't seen anything about the food either...  They usually pump that up...

05/20/2008 gwynnie p. says:

jessica, you are still fabulous.

sounds like a yawnfest to me, but in general it's a great tradition and i hope it keeps going so get on out there and support it if it's your thang.

05/20/2008 Leanna "Rivetingly Dysfunctional yet Appealing" W. says:

Sounds fancy and fabulous, I wanna go.

05/21/2008 Amy "SassyPants" Z. says:

If you want a real party, check out opening night Gala for the SF Opera on 9/5.  www.sfopera.com/bravo

I'm hosting a table so PM if you are interested

05/21/2008 J "Towel Rack" G. says:

What Gil said...they used to have better music acts...this year..eh... I wouldn't pay all that for that.

05/21/2008 Gil "chickencat" S. says:

They also aren't plastering the news with the latest stories of Stanlee Gatti's ideas.  Does that mean he isn't designing it this year?

05/21/2008 Michael "mikezilla" H. says:

I sure hope Heidi Klum doesn't sing like on the Victoria Secret TV Special.  I love Heidi but that was really cheesy.

05/21/2008 Kotori "C. Y." M. says:

Aw. Sounds like it went downhill for this year.

05/21/2008 Bud "Always missing the point" E. says:

Is it a big ball?  I like big balls.
http://www.youtube.com...

05/22/2008 Michael K. says:

I would like to attend this ball. Message me if you want to split a limo or two.

05/29/2008 jay h. says:

Um...I won tickets on Alice this morning.

I need to find a date and a dress in two days.

How fancy IS this ball?

05/29/2008 Jaime "Fuck it, Dude. Let's go Bowling" L. says:

i have a black dress and everything, but i can't afford the tickets :(

05/29/2008 Rick "Mr. Smiley" G. says:

jay h. says:

Um...I won tickets on Alice this morning.

I need to find a date and a dress in two days.

How fancy IS this ball?
================
You're so lucky!!!  Good for you.  Dress:  Neiman Marcus.  Fancy:  It's black-tie..  So it's tuxedo for men.  Women..  Really, just a simple, nice black dress that you'd wear for cocktails or better.  Something that you'd wear for clubbing or something too thin/spandex'y/short is not appropriate.

Jaime "Elite Sexii Nom Nom Panda" L. says:

i have a black dress and everything, but i can't afford the tickets :(
======================
I thought that's what boyfriends were for...  Or at least go dutch..

05/29/2008 Jaime "Fuck it, Dude. Let's go Bowling" L. says:

dutch!? i just paid bills! i'm flat broke until next week :(

06/02/2008 Rick "Mr. Smiley" G. says:

Who went?  Was it better or worse than in previous years?

06/02/2008 Skunky "la chupeta" G. says:

If it's a Black and White Ball, does that mean Heidi Klum came also??

06/02/2008 Jennifer H. says:

I had to sign up just to respond and get others' feedback... it was a HUGE disappointment.  I had always researched it in previous years and had looked forward to going this year...  First of all, from what I understand, the venue was MUCH smaller than it normally is... 3 buildings instead of 6?  Seal was the best part... he was great... late, but great.  They ran out of alcohol at the concert though!!!  How do you pay hundreds extra and run out of alcohol???  As for the party?  How do you run out of vodka and champagne at 10pm???  And how do people pay hundreds of dollars a ticket and get served mini hot dogs on a skewer and meatballs at best???  Honestly, the only way we got alcohol was because we were in the VIP section... but we wanted to be out with the rest of the crowd...  And when you can make brownies at home that taste better than a full service, black tie event, there's something wrong!!!  If we didn't get the tickets compliments of my boss (sponsor) I would have asked for our money back.  It was NOTHING like I was told the previous events were...

06/02/2008 Suge K. says:

jennifer, i went to that last one (what was it - 3 years ago?) and i thought it sucked ass.

06/02/2008 Cassie C. says:

Are you kidding me? You didn't even have to pay for your tickets and you are complaining that much? I had high expectations as well...and while it wasn't necessarily what I thought it would be, it was still a great time. The music was great and I think the more intimate feel was better. It wasn't meant to be a full dinner, I had many food items that were pretty good- and how can you not be happy with fresh organic strawberries, ice cream & ganache?  It was a really fun party that helped music education and that is the important part. I left at 12:30 and only encountered one bar that was out of Vodka (out of many). There were people of all ages and the outfits were great to see. A party is what you make of it, I wouldn't dream of asking for my money back!

06/02/2008 John "Shadowrider" H. says:

A friend who went said it sucked for the price, I'm hearing that alot.

06/02/2008 Sabrina "Sab" L. says:

That sounds fun... how much are the tickets? I love Seal, hehe.

06/02/2008 Suge K. says:

i heard that it used to be a much better event. when i went the last time, it was just a big drunken disaster.

06/02/2008 Stanley ""I'll be your Huckleberry"." D. says:

I swagged tickets from a client.....just don't know if I have the time to make it...

Seal is great live, saw him two years ago in Paris, and was a fantastic show, worth every Euro....!!!!!! I highly recommend it!

But a formal black and white is quite expensive to attend...I could see women dropping $500-WTF on an appropriate gown, and accessories....men can get away with a rented Tuxedo at the least....(sometimes it is good to be a man...lol)
So, guess if you have to shell out that kind of money to attend ladies, you should stick it to your date....$400 for tickets will PALE in comparison to decent formal ware....!

IMO

06/02/2008 Suge K. says:

stanley, your client must really like you.

the concert WAS saturday.

06/02/2008 Stanley ""I'll be your Huckleberry"." D. says:

was it???

Well..shite....I guess I don't need to worry now...LMFAO

Thanks....I lost my phone Friday due to deceleration trauma, and till i get the new one..my schedule is all mucked up....

One less thing to worry about...

How was it? You attend?

(Note to self...new assistant!)

06/02/2008 Michael "The Dragon Slayer" M. says:

Is Heidi going to be there?

06/02/2008 Suge K. says:

michael, please try to pay attention, it WAS saturday.

stanley, i didn't go. i went to the last one and thought it was a shitshow.

06/02/2008 Mark "More Funkalicious Reviews in the 'Hopper'" A. says:

What Scott said.

06/02/2008 Gil "chickencat" S. says:

In years past the food, alcohol, and music never ran out of steam before you did.  There was also massive publicity.  Either San Francisco forgot how to have a party, or there's some internal politics and personnel issues going on with the Symphony and any Yelpers in the know aren't talking.

06/02/2008 Rick "Mr. Smiley" G. says:

Gil "chickencat" S. says:

In years past the food, alcohol, and music never ran out of steam before you did.  There was also massive publicity.  Either San Francisco forgot how to have a party, or there's some internal politics and personnel issues going on with the Symphony and any Yelpers in the know aren't talking.
============================== =
Dude, I totally mentioned this in a previous post...  The publicity sucked and they didn't give much notice...  That usually spells disaster/bad time.  I'm hearing more and more that it was one of the worst EVER!  

That's a shame since I have REALLY good memories...  Especially from the first time I went back in '89/'91.  It's been downhill ever since.  It was starting to look very elite/frat-boy with the dot com in the late 90's..  A drunk fest too...  So then I really didn't want to go.

The Symphony has been doing so well reaching out to younger/different segments of the population.  I hope they can repair the damage by 2010..

First Tatum..  Now this  :-(

06/02/2008 Stanley ""I'll be your Huckleberry"." D. says:

Damn...well....formals and such are an ongoing thing in Europe, and was hoping to attend something like this here...

Maybe next year...Pity previous year was not all that....

Oh well....maybe snag an invite to an Embassy function or Marine Ball.....either will ensure a great eat and drunk!

Suge, thanks for the heads up! Am feeling lost without my calender! Know a good PA?

06/02/2008 Suge K. says:

actually, stanley, i do.

susanna at planet simple
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
she's awesome!

06/02/2008 Stanley ""I'll be your Huckleberry"." D. says:

You rock Suge!

Thanks! Will ring her.

06/02/2008 Mr. Bananas C. says:

will I have to wear shoes?

06/02/2008 Jennifer H. says:

Cassie, after booking and paying for a room and transportation and finding a sitter for 3 for the weekend... I would most certainly say I DID pay for the event!  In this day and age, time is more valuable than cash...  Unfortunately those are items I can't get a refund for... so yes, I am extremely disappointed in the event.  The music that WAS there was great, no doubt, but we went to enjoy the DJ Af... but he was late and cut short... all that set up for 30 minutes of his talent?  sad... and a waste of time and money... can only be thankful it wasn't as much money as others had to spend...

06/02/2008 Cassie C. says:

JH-

I agree, time is more valuable, I am sorry yours was wasted. I guess a 5-10 min cab ride was no biggy. Time is what you make of it and attitude definitely helps.

06/02/2008 Keane L. says:

I have a friend who had a great time (free ticket).