For the Antigo Times

The Langlade Area Arts (L.A. Arts) invites the public to its sixth annual Snow Ball fundraiser, entitled “An Evening of a Shimmering Blue Winter Wonderland,” to be held on Saturday, February 18th at North Star Lanes Banquet Hall, beginning at 7:00 PM. The evening features music from one of the hottest, most popular, and most-sought-after bands in Wisconsin – Hip Pocket.

North Star’s banquet hall will be transformed by New York designer and Antigo native Jeremy Doucette. As the Director of Production Design for RWS & Associates Entertainment, a full-service production firm based in New York’s Times Square, Jeremy plans to bring to Antigo a treasure trove of scenic materials that he has collected over the years and from the many corners of the earth that he has traveled with his company. Those of us familiar with the popular L.A. Arts Snow Ball will be mesmerized and delighted to experience the magic of theatrical design that will draw us into a magical, winter wonderland in the newly-transformed ballroom and entertainment center, now full of class and glamour.

L.A. Arts is proud to bring in Hip Pocket as its entertainment for the evening. Hip Pocket is a hot, ten-member band with a blazing four-piece horn section and a rocking rhythm arrangement led by local percussionist Mike Fittante complimented by the lead vocals and keyboard playing of his brother Joe. The female leads of Denise Sauter and Heather Brooks blend their voices together in tight harmonies as the band performs a variety of contemporary sounds including classic rock, R & B, and even some spicy Cajun and country rock tunes. This high-energy band will be sure to have everyone out on the dance floor.

Throughout the evening, guests will be treated to a variety of sweet desserts and savory hors d’ ourvres, and a cash bar will feature signature cocktails. There will be a silent auction, with delightfully themed gift baskets and various art works provided by AVA (Antigo Visual Arts) along with other surprises throughout the evening of great music and dance.

L.A. Arts is a non-profit organization formed in 2009 to develop an arts center for Antigo and Langlade County artists. The vision is to create a cultural center for the Langlade County community to enjoy and celebrate the “lively arts.” This arts center would unite the various local and established organizations of visual artists, musicians, theater, and dance by providing a performance area along with a gallery to offer a myriad collection of artwork along with providing classroom space for workshops to allow the continued growth of the arts in our community.

Whether you are a couple looking for a glamorous evening, or a single person looking for that someone special; L.A. Arts will provide you with a most unusual and memorable evening. Advance tickets are $40.00 each and are available at the Antigo Daily Journal and Neve’s Floors to Go, Furniture and Mattress Gallery. Tickets will also be available at the door.