Fezziwigs's topics - tribe.net

Can I get along with the American Waltz?

2008-08-12T21:00:43Z

I can waltz American style, so my sis says, and Polka a fair bit. Can I get along with just knowing the American waltz style and the Polka? Or should I learn Viennese, just in case?

posted in Fezziwigs - 2 replies

new to fezziwigs

2008-08-06T07:59:27Z

okay so i would like to participate in fizziwigs this year but i have some questions about costume. im wondering if anyone has any patterns they would recommend and what sort of style dress i should make. if anyone has some pictures of their costume that would be more than helpful. thank you!

posted in Fezziwigs - 4 replies

Free PEERS Event - The Impressionists' Picnic Dance, Saturday, August 2

2008-07-26T00:41:13Z

If you’ve always been curious about PEERS events and are interested in trying one out, our next dance might actually be a good one to try: It’s absolutely free! Here’s our latest event update:

THE IMPRESSIONISTS’ PICNIC DANCE
-A Picnic in the Park with PEERS
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Location: Lincoln Park
1450 High Street, Alameda
(Near the Rose Garden)
Suggested Set-Up Time: 11:00 am (or earlier)
Picnic Luncheon begins: 11:30 am
Formal Dancing: 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Band: Bangers & Mash (David Strong, Stan & Susan Kramer, & guest artist Charlie Hancock)
Admission: Free!
Website: http://peers.org/picnic.html

Le Salon des Refusés invites painters, models, artistic subjects, and interested members of the artistic-minded public to join us for an outdoor picnic, fete, and dance in shady, picturesque Lincoln Park.

Guests are urged to bring a period-looking picnic and plenty of beverages to sustain them through an afternoon of elegant but lively dancing. Since the picnic tables at Lincoln Park are at the opposite end of the park from the Rose Garden, where we shall be gathering, we suggest bringing blankets to spread on the ground for your picnic luncheon, and chairs or tables if you wish them.

Just for clarification: This event is not a potluck. Do bring your own luncheon! Our own chefs and their kitchen staff will be on holiday. To add to the fun and ambience of the event, we urge our fellow picnickers to make their picnic sites look as 19th century and picturesque as possible. For inspiration, we highly recommended the BBC miniseries, “The Impressionists,” which will also give you some great costume tips.

Mid to late 19th century dress (1860-1900) is admired but not required, and “artistic” costume, Pre-Raphaelite attire, or modern dress is also perfectly acceptable. Given the changeable nature of our lovely Alamedan Parisian weather, you may find it useful as well as ornamental to wear a hat or bonnet and bring both a parasol and a wrap. Since this is, after all, an informal event, straw boaters or even berets may take the place of top hats and fancy bonnets. Above all, please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes you can dance in outdoors.

After the luncheon, the always elegant Bangers & Mash will play an afternoon of 19th century waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, and French and English country dance music for your dancing pleasure (All pattern dances will be briefly taught or called). We are also pleased to announce that there will also be a special dance performance by the always delightful Alameda Vintage Dancers, who will be performing two excerpts from their “Renoir Suite.”

Artists, both professional and amateur, are encouraged to set up their easels and to invite their models. Witty, artistic conversation and elegant flirtation are also encouraged.

This event is a thank you to all of our devoted fans, and we will not be charging a fee for admission. Donations for our brilliant and hard-working musicians will be gratefully accepted, however, both before and during the event. To make an advance donation, simply go to the event website at http://peers.org/picnic.html, click on the PayPal icon and follow the directions.

If you have any questions, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

any Fezziwig ladies attending Bastille Day Ball 7/12?

2008-07-09T06:22:28Z

Ladies,

I need to ask a favor. If any of you are attending the Bastille Day Ball this Saturday 7/12 will you please email me?

Thanks!
Todi
live_music_junkie@yahoo.com
Fezziwiger 1978-88

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

EMERALD CITY BALL - SATURDAY, JULY 5 (FUN UPDATES)

2008-07-03T02:41:43Z

Tickets are still available for PEERS’ Emerald City Ball and will be sold at the door for $20.00 each. We have a few other fun updates on the ball that we’d like to share with you:

The Emerald City Ball
(sponsored by the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Doors Open at 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m. (Edwardian and Ragtime Dances)
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: The Divertimento Dance Orchestra
Tickets at the Door: $20.00
Ball Website: http://peers.org/emerald.html

We're off to see the Wizard at a ball in the glorious capital city of Oz. Come join us in honouring the singular courage of Dorothy Gale and her intrepid companions as they prepare to embark on their dangerous mission to the West.

There is definitely no need to stress about costumes for this ball. You have a huge range of choices: Fantasy costume, period costume (Medieval to Edwardian), or a combination of the two is admired but not required and, of course, green attire and costumes inspired by the Oz universe will be very welcome. While the ball is technically set in 1900, the citizens of Oz wear a variety of costumes ranging from Medieval gowns and tunics all the way up to late Victorian and Edwardian frocks and frock coats. Vintage or modern evening dress is also appropriate since the most unusual visitors do occasionally arrive in the Land of Oz.

Our Emerald City band is the Divertimento Dance Orchestra, a vintage dance band known for their elegance, authenticity and versatility. Dance music for the evening will range from graceful Edwardian ballroom dance music to the Great Wizard’s own favorite Ragtime tunes from his distant native star Omaha, Amerika. Dance waltzes, polkas, schottisches, reels, contradances, mixers and other popular turn of the century dances as well as the newer Ragtime one-step, two-step and tango. The Wizard will provide music for every taste (If you’re familiar with the 1939 film version of “The Wizard of Oz,” you will definitely recognize some of the tunes.).

For those wishing a brush-up in the latest dances, the pre-ball dance class will focus on the “new” dances of the Edwardian and Ragtime age: The lively One-Step, the sinuous One-Step Tango, the beautiful Hesitation Waltz, and the Turning Two-Step, an smooth and fun 1890’s alternative to the Polka.

The ball will also feature our famous No-Host (cash) bar, serving both alcoholic and soft drinks. The Wizard will also provide a complimentary light snack buffet (Your potluck contributions to the buffet are most welcome. The Emerald City is very expensive to maintain!).

For more information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org before Saturday.

Driving Directions:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Re-enactors needed

2008-05-01T05:33:21Z

on saturday may 17th i am in need of costumed Re-enactors for a celebratory event for Center School District in Antelope Ca (near Roseville).
Center School district is celebrating its 150th anniversary, i have been asked as a representative of my school to gather a group of re-enactors for a small stage segment. the goal being to give a glimpse of what may have gone on at a celebration when the school district was first formed (in 1858)
we will leading a version of stage coach that tells the story of Center School District, as well as teaching/ participating in a simple waltz

aside from the above 40 min. segment it has been asked that we walk around a bit at the beginning of the event. (8:30 am- 10:50 am. you do not need to stay any later than 10:50)

if you are interested in participating please contact me asap. through tribe or by phone (916) 770-9892
your help would be greatly appreciated... i would rather not be doing this alone
thanks,
Chelsea

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Music video UPDATE

2008-04-26T06:11:28Z

UPDATE!!!!

I have final information on my music video

I am filming on May 3rd near San Jose at Prospect High school

18900 Prospect Road, Saratoga, CA 95070

Call for Dancer's are at 11:30.

Practice and teaching will start at noon. I will come in and start Filming at 2:00 pm.

I will be in the back field filming my fighting scene till 1:30 hopefully. I am starting to film that scene at around 11. So when the Dancer's come onto the Campus, come to the back field first. When you enter the school parking lot, go towards the Flag post and continue to the parking lot . it is on the right side of the school.

I will be there At around 7:45 to start setting up. I will provide breakfast and snack foods throughout the day. I have the school till 4:30pm. There is a lot around for lunch and I didn't know what people would want for lunch. So I am just providing breakfast and snacks.

Call for fighters: 8:30am

Call for Dancers: 11:00

Lunch brake: 12:30 ( we will all have about an hour to go around and grab lunch together or separately.)

End Filming: 4:30 pm

Then those of us going to PEERS will grab dinner, and head towards PEERS.

~Thing you should bring~

If you are a male and you are in the War Scene, BRING YOUR REN FAIRE GARB!!! and bring an extra outfit just in case alright?

If you are in the Dance scene. Think Fezziwig's Tea Emporium. The Christmas Party at Dickens Faire. Ladies if you do not have a suitable outfit for this TELL ME! at least a day or two ahead so I can grab my extra skirts. Just bring a long sleeve white blouse or dress shirt, and I will have a skirt. if you have hoops that will help a lot. I only have 5 extra skirts and two already have been claimed. so PLEASE tell me if you need anything ladies.

Gent's. If you need costuming PLEASE tell me as well. I will see what I can come up with, I can spare at least One Vest that is a size Medium and if need be I can try to get whatever else is needed. BRING DANCE SHOES!!!

Now Call me on my Cell, And tell me if you are coming to help out.

My number is: 1(408) 497-7258

Call me by Thursday please! It will help a lot.

Ok I have the following people helping me on MAY 3RD.

Paula
Sonja
Joshua
Sarah
Joey
Jesse
Belle

If anyone is wishing to join this list PLEASE CONTACT ME!!! AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!

Thank you. If you want to bring extra costuming that would be lovely!!!

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Music Video Help?

2008-04-18T22:23:38Z

I have a Video Final and I need a cast and crew. I am doing a music video for my final. This music video is for a band I have been working with for about a year and they are called ' The Domino Effect '. Their Song ' Sympathies and Condolences ' is what I was asked to produce. I need a flexible cast and crew that are willing to give up a few weekends to help out. I am going to most likely be filming in San Jose for most of it. I will know for certain when i get a call back from the dance studios I asked to film at.

If you would care to donate, Help out, Be in this video, Keep me sane, or teach PLEASE CONTACT ME ON TRIBE!!!!

I need People. People willing to dress up in their Ren Faire attire and would be willing to have a war. I need about 5 people with two swords. And I am hoping that you are willing to help Teach a bit of sword Fighting to two of the band Members because they want to pop up randomly through out the music video. And I do Very much hope for people to supervise. I will have the band members most likely green screened into the shot so we can watch them and make sure that they don't kill each other.

I need People who are willing to dress up in regal attire, and walk through a garden. Very simple, Very fun and a pretty Place I plan to film at. Just contact me if you are willing to help out.

Now my favorite part. I need DANCERS!!! We are having a Dance scene where we have a ' ballroom ' filled with people dancing the Congress Of Vienna. Of course we are in need of people dressing up in Victorian attire. And I need people willing to teach a group how to Dance Congress!!! So Fezziwigger's are in High demand. I need a good chunk of people. I want at least 15 couples in this scene so I do hope at least 10 people who know Congress forwards and Backwards can come.

I also would like help with Camera and set work. If you can do anything involving Camera work, Audio, Lighting and semi light carpentry work, then PLEASE TALK TO ME!!!

I will have dates up soon. Hopefully in the next 5 weekends I will be filming. so PLEASE help out. I would really much appreciate it.

~ Dolly ~

posted in Fezziwigs - 1 reply

Music Video update

2008-04-16T21:45:20Z

I have a solid date finally for filming. May 3rd, which is a saturday and a PEERS night. This filming is for the Dancing of Congress of Vienna Waltz, And the War scene. So people in either scene will need their outfits (Victorian and/or Renaissance clothing) and weapons. I will be waiting for people to contact me and tell if you can make it.

I still need some girls to dance and a few more males, I hope for at least 2 more girls and 2 more guys. For dancing.

For the war, I need at least 5 more people, males preferably.

If you can do both, then you are the made of awesome.

Contact me by e-mail: sukuu380@yahoo.com

Or contact me on tribe, Facebook, or Livejournal.

On tribe and facebook you can find me under ‘Dolly Evergreen’.

And on live journal you can find me under ‘sukuu380’.

You can contact me on AIM. Which again is ‘sukuu380’

Contact me, and if you can. Thank you for helping out.

and contact me for the address too. Tell me by this friday so I can list who can and can not come.

and Thank you again

~ Dolly Evergreen ~

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

research help

2008-04-08T01:48:56Z

im working on a school paper and im looking for any speeches given by queen victoria or others from the victorian era to or about americans. if anyone has any info or pointers on where to look that would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Laughing Moon Corset Class

2008-03-19T15:21:50Z

JoAnn Peterson & Barbara Muran, of Laughing Moon Patterns will be teaching a workshop on construction of the Dore corset.
Class is limited to 20.
Date: Saturday & Sunday April 5th & 6th.
Time: 10 - 5
Place: Vallejo Musical Theater
Old Historic Post office
823 Marin Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
Fees: $25 class (payable to Liz Martin)
$75 Kit - includes everything needed to make the Dore corset -(payable to Joann Peterson)

What to bring: Sewing Machine, don't forget your power cord or pedal. Extra machine needles, size 12 or 14. Zipper foot if you have one. Extension cord, thread, surge protector if you have one.
Usual sewing supplies, scissors, pins, hand needles, measuring tape, your favorite method of marking on fabric
Ruler, tape (the kind you use to wrap presents), pencil, a couple of pieces of paper- any kind will do
Tapered awl if you have one - teachers will have plenty

This is a 2 day workshop designed to be as flexible as possible for everyone's schedules.
You can come one or both days. This class is perfect for those of you who have been wanting to make your own corset but needed help with the fitting. Please bring or wear a t-shirt that you can fit your corset over.

Brown bag lunch is encouraged. We have refrigerator space & microwave access.

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Need Your Dark Garden Fix? 10% All Corsets In Stock! This Weekend Only!!!! Mar. 6-Mar. 8

2008-03-07T00:14:48Z

This means---Sweetheart Victorians and Waist Cinchers! It only applies to store stock--but drop by~~you may find something perfect!!!!

SF Fetish Ball Weekend Sale at Dark Garden Mar. 6--Mar. 8
Need a last minute costume for the San Francisco Fetish Ball Weekend? Once again, the extravaganza will unfold!!!!!

All Ready to Wear Corsets in stock are 10% off!
All hosiery is 10% off!!!

We've got what you need to fit in (or stand out)! We have a large
variety of Ready-to-Wear Corsets, skirts and fabulous mini top hats,
lingerie and hosiery, to finish the perfect ensemble. Something for
everyone, every size, available now!

The SF Fetish Ball Weekend is March 6th through the 8th.

Tickets and more info can be found at www.sffetishball.com/.

This sale is...
at Dark Garden Unique Corsetry
321 Linden
Hayes Valley
San Francisco

Hours: Mon-Sat 1pm -7pm

Thanks

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Tonight: Public Forum and NBC 11 News

2008-02-28T23:01:37Z

Here's an update to Kevin's missive of earlier today.

Tonight's Public Forum at The Bayshore Community Center
The plan for tonight's meeting is to gather at the

Bayshore Community Center
450 Martin Street
Gather starting at 6:00, Meeting at 7:00
(It's right behind the Cow Palace lower parking lot. Turn south at the Geneva Ave McDonald's and then turn right (west) at Martin Street.
www.ci.daly-city.ca.us/city_n...fo.html

We will have signs for people to carry tonight that read, "Stop The Bulldozers, SaveTheCowPalace.com".

This is the moment. A very strong showing tonight will send a strong message.

Note: if you're having trouble with any of the contact information for the City of Daly City, please see this site:
www.dalycity.org/city_serv...ectory.htm

KNTV News Tonight
Two very nice fellows from NBC 11/KNTV (cable channel 3) just came to my house and interviewed me for tonight's news, airing at either 5:00 or 6:00... on about an hour's notice. Set your DVR's, VCR's, etc.

Please forward this email to all your lists!

Cat

PS You can leave comments on the Chronicle article at
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/ar...mments/view
Some people have reported technical problems posting, try another browser if you encounter them. Of course we may be overwhelming the site...

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Cow Palace Front Page News - Public Forum Tonight!

2008-02-28T19:58:43Z

Hello!

Note: Kevin says We will have signs for people to carry tonight that read, "Stop The Bulldozers, SaveTheCowPalace.com".

Check out this mornings chron (link below). The article is very well written and it drives home important nostalgia (family) vs. big development theme which is critical to our success. We are NOT DONE. Hit the Chronicle comment board. We want to flood it.

www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi

Also, if you are so inclined, please take a minute right away to call the Daly City Manager and tell her she is wrong...

Daly City Manager Patricia Martel has just gone on record as saying the Cow Palace contributes NOTHING to the community. This is dead wrong.

Help us get two hundred calls to her office as soon as possible. Flood her lines. Christmas, dogs, trains, ice skaters, circuses, Globe Trotters, and millions of dollars in income to hotels, restaurants, gas stations and jobs contribute nothing.? Right.

PROGRAM INTO YOUR CELL AND CALL ALL DAY, EVERY DAY:

(650) 991-8127 and (650) 991-8092.

While you're at it, call Senator Yee's office again and again...and again.

(650) 340-8840 Local Office, 415) 557-7857 SF office, and 916) 651-4008 Sac office. Call 'em all. Senator Yee measures public opinion every day! He is a math guy. Make him count you. Make his staff rue the day he tried to cancel Christmas and destroy California history!

Plan to show up tonight Thursday 2/28/08 at the Daly City public forum if you can, or ask someone you know in the area to come. Kevin will be there at 6:00, the meeting starts at 7:00.

www.ci.daly-city.ca.us/city_n...fo.html

The Bayshore Community Center is a very new building with a library. It's right behind the Cow Palace on the hill...

Please forward this email to your list at the risk of being redundant.

This is the moment. A very strong showing tonight will send a strong message. We will be sure the new media is there. Attire: Daly City Resident circa 1980 to present. If you can organize costumes like giant flowers, trains, cheer leaders, Elvis...even a few Dickensian characters, go for it. Can someone get Martin on a plane from London please? ... We can work on a big costume thing for the next forum (see below) which will keep the issue in the media. Just showing up tonight is the important thing.

Thank you!!! >>>PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL<<<

We CAN win this.

COW PALACE DESTRUCTION PUBLIC FORUMS:

Tonight, 7 o'clock: Bayshore Community Center, 450 Martin St., Daly City
March 8, 10 a.m.: Visitacion Valley Community Center, 66 Raymond Ave., San Francisco
March 8, 11 a.m.: Bayshore Community Center, 450 Martin St., Daly City
March 25, 7 p.m.: Saddleback Homeowners Clubhouse, 1800 Saddleback Drive, Daly City

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Save the Cow Palace and the Dickens Christmas Fair

2008-02-24T23:32:51Z

URGENT MESSAGE FROM RED BARN PRODUCTIONS ABOUT THE DICKENS FAIR AND THE COW PALACE

State Senator Leland Yee Ph.D., under pressure from the Daly City Council, is proposing to “surplus” the Cow Palace and sell it to Daly City. Daly City will then sell most of the land to condo developers and pocket the profits. Letter writing WILL stop this. Senator Yee has ONLY heard from Daly City. Let him know you oppose selling the Cow Palace!!!

Here is a link to Senator Yee's website and his press release on the legislation he submitted Friday February 22nd to the State Legislature, (no voting date is set - but it could be soon). This bill wrongly proposes to SELL the Cow Palace to Daly City!
http://dist08.casen.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={EFA496BC-EDC8-4E38-9CC7-68D37AC03DFF}&DE={49C40B5B-DD5B-48FD-A292-B04E80714184}

We must defeat SB1527 or the Dickens Fair will likely die.
It would take years, if it’s even possible, to relocate and resurrect the Dickens Fair.
Red Barn Productions has studied all the venues that could physically host the Dickens Fair and there are NO other places that currently work. All are either too expensive, too small, are unavailable between Thanksgiving and Christmas OR require unaffordable retrofits in order to be permitted for public assembly. So,
Save the Cow Palace and Save The Dickens Fair. It's that simple AND serious.

Here's the scoop:

The Cow Palace has a perfectly good plan to meet the needs of the local community and Daly City by providing them 13 acres of its’ unused land. Yes, rock concerts bring public problems, according to Daly City, but they also bring public $$$ to the local community. Senator Yee's Legislation SB1527 is doubly wrong. It proposes we, as California State Citizens, sell OUR Cow Palace to Daly City so they can bulldoze it and profit by selling it to private developers. If that isn't bad enough, SB1527 also deprives us of our RIGHT to use a facility that WE own!!

This is like selling off a chunk of Golden Gate Park because a nearby neighborhood proclaims “unanimously” it needs more space for development. It doesn't work that way. We get to vote too...by writing letters and emails and calling his office. Officials can't just decide to take a public asset and sell it…unless it is truly “surplus”. The Cow Palace is not “surplus”. We must stop this proposed sell-off of our property.

Here's what you can do to stop SB1527 and SAVE THE COW PALACE:

#1 Act Quickly. Senator Yee may believe he is serving the public, but he has only heard from Daly City. Let’s give him the other 99% of the picture before he gets any further down this road.

Write a Letter
Write to Senator Yee today. Quickly. Early letters are more powerful. Send personal letters to the address below the sample text at the bottom of this notice. Get it in today’s mail, so he receives it on Monday or Tuesday.

Write an Email
Personal emails may be sent via his website “contact” at page: http://legplcms01.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.aspx?district=SD08
Emails are not as good as snail mail letters, but they are also effective. Be sure to write in “SB1527” as it is so new it is not on his issue list. …

Call the Office
You can pick up the phone and call his office, see http://dist08.casen.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={1317EB89-B124-4498-9C50-9A0EA3C89E91}

YOU DO NOT NEED TO MENTION THE DICKENS FAIR. SIMPLY VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION TO SB1527. That’s it! Give reasons only if you want. The important thing is to contact him NOW.

#2 IF YOU LOVE THE DICKENS FAIR, forward this message to groups, friends and individuals and ask them to contact Senator Yee immediately.

#3 IF YOU LIVE in Senator Yee’s District #8 - see map on his site: http://www.sen.ca.gov/ftp/SEN/senplan/SENMAPS/MAP08_300.JPG
…Contact him AS one of his constituents, (District 8 includes most of San Francisco in the West and South, and goes most of the way down the Peninsula). It is a very large district!

Sample Letter:

Dear Senator Yee,

As a California Citizen, and resident of (…your city…), I object to your proposed legislation to “sell the California Cow Palace”. While you may be responding to the needs of Daly City, please respect my rights to use this public facility. It may need work, but how many California public buildings need upgrading? If you want to help Daly City bring in new supermarkets and shopping to the area, let the Cow Palace deal directly with developers and Daly City to make use of the 13 acres the Cow Palace doesn't need. This will preserve my rights while helping the lives of local area citizens. It will also continue the flow of millions of dollars into the local economy annually. These revenues, generated by me and many thousands of others who use the Cow Palace, also help pay for police to patrol the area year-round as well as during big events.

Please reconsider SB1527. There is a better way to help Daly City and Bayshore than destroying the Cow Palace. I use it every year and plan to continue to use it for many years to come. It is not “surplus”; it is a vital community and cultural asset.

Thank you,

Signed,

(you)

Mail letter to both his office addresses:

Senator Leland Yee, Ph.D.
Re: SB1527
State Capitol, Room 4048
Sacramento, Ca. 95814

Or call 916-651-4008

Senator Leland Yee, Ph.D.
Re: SB1527
300 South El Camino Real, Suite 630
San Mateo, Ca. 94402

Or call 650-340-8848

This information is also posted at http://www.cattaylor.com/cowpalace.html
Please contact Kevin Patterson at kevin@redbarnproductions.org if you have questions

posted in Fezziwigs - 2 replies

SALE AT DARK GARDEN UNIQUE CORSETRY

2008-02-07T20:44:45Z

Happy Valentine's Day from Dark Garden! To celebrate this fun holiday with something longer-lasting and better for you than chocolate, come down to the store and get 10% off all accessories, and 10% to 30% off selected garments! We have beautiful jewelry, satiny gloves, and sexy hosiery to dress up your new corset purchase. We have just gotten in the cutest array of ruffly panties and sheer mesh garter belts, as well as parasols and fans perfect for a romantic photo shoot! To suit your needs, we are offering 10% off all custom corset orders during this time as well.
Need a last minute gift? Gift certificates purchased between February 8th and 14th will include a coupon for 10% off a custom corset order.

posted in Fezziwigs - 1 reply

Costume construction classes move to Tuesday nights!!!

2008-01-28T02:14:55Z

Hopefully this will give everyone enough information to decide. Please PM me with your request to reserve a space.

Start Date: Tuesday Feb 19th
Time: doors open 6:30 pm, Class begins at 7 pm. Please call if you are running late.
Place: Vallejo Musical Theater
823 Marin St.
Vallejo Ca
Fee: $20 per class with pre-registration (4 classes), $65 if you pay the whole class up front, $25 drop-in based on availability. There are a few work scholarships available, please contact me privately to discuss this option.

Requirements/materials needed: sewing machine, sewing machine needles size 10, sharp pins, 3 sharpened pencils, sewers tape measure, extension cord/strip plug, seam ripper, good scissors for fabric cutting,

There will be a materials fee of approximately $50 but this will include fabric, thread and pattern.

Class limited to 20 participants

For more info please go to the Dickens costume construction tribe
tribes.tribe.net/yesimadeitmyself

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Costume constrcution classes to start soon

2008-01-21T04:26:25Z

So now that we've all put away our Dickens and the Christmas stuff - are you ready to start thinking about DCF 2008?
Here's the tentative line up for classes;

Chemise and Drawers
Hoop skirt/petticoat
Corset
Garibaldi blouse
Skirt
Swiss belt
Dress
Classes in men's items will be coming as well as a class on distressing clothing and over hauling thrift store finds.
I have talked with Lynn Combs and it looks like Wed nights will be the best. She has graciously offered us space at Vallejo Musical Theater. We'd start at 6:30 or 7 and going till 10 each night. If we can pull it all together starting in mid Feb would be marvelous. I would like to do a large buy for the muslin upfront - that way we can get a really good deal on good quality muslin.
I am not sure how long each section will run as it will depend on class size and also the skill level. There will be a nominal charge to cover the space and also the instructor's time. You will be able to pay on a weekly basis or for the entire section for a slightly reduced rate. Fabric will need to be purchased and prepped ahead of time.

Now give me you feedback. What do you think? What is a class like this worth to you? You will receive personalized classes in learning to sew, professional help with fitting and an environment that will be fun and relaxed. And when it's all said and done your new Dickens clothing will be completed and already approved.
Plus - they don't call it a stitch and bitch for nothing! "Therapy" and opinions will be offered up for free! <grin>

IMPORTANT: this is not just for season sewers. I believe that everyone can learn to sew. You will need a sewing machine - we will have extras at the class but having one at home will be great to keep the classes moving. I am researching the ability for people to rent or borrow machines as well.

Please reply to the Dickens costume construction tribe for this post!
http://tribes.tribe.net/yesimadeitmyself
thanks
Liz

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

we will live forever!

2008-01-05T23:08:17Z

We have made it on to U tube I am sure this isn't that surprising, but still
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn69PoKXwZE

posted in Fezziwigs - 2 replies

Crinolines San Jose area

2008-01-01T19:56:54Z

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/clo/525084640.html

crinolines/petticoats $35

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Thank you!

2007-11-28T16:33:56Z

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone at Fezziwigs, for making me feel completely at home again, even though I was only at faire for one day. I was wonderful to see you all and participate in the joy and excitement that is Christmas eve at Fezziwig's warehouse. I finally got to see what it was like from a customer's point of view and it was lovely. I had an extraordinary time, but now I miss you all far too much.

Ever yours,

Whitton Frank

posted in Fezziwigs - 2 replies

Facebook

2007-11-11T10:30:35Z

Of late, with the problems and frustrations of Tribe, many of us have created Facebook accounts, if we didn't already have them. There's now a forum for Fezziwiggers on Facebook: Fezziwig's Tea Emporium. Come in for a nice cuppa!

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Help Help assistance!

2007-11-10T19:26:14Z

Desperately seeking a ride to Rehearsals this Sunday, can anyone help? I live in San Jose. Message me here if you can!
sincerest thanks,
Mr S. Rutherford

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Shoppers Guide to Dickens Costume (emails)

2007-10-16T19:18:53Z

From Mrs. Summerson (Ammy):

In the real world, there's Evangline's in Old Sacramento. From September through Halloween, they have the costume mansion open, and it's no crappy Spirit shop. Nope. They have lots of nice stuff. They have multiple styles of parasols. They have pocket watches for $12.95. They have gloves for men and women. You won't find a Dickens costume there, but you will find accessories. My personal favorite find on this year's pilgrimage was 50's style crinolines for $14. The best price I'd found online was $38, so this was a treat. Also, I found the gorgeous pair of heels I was wearing yesterday. It's a weird mix of traditional crappy Halloween costumes and some really nice stuff. In years past, they've gotten used tail coats from the local tux shops and sold them off for $39 apiece.

As for online, there's a lot.

For the gents, I've had excellent luck with the prices and selection at the Wild West Mercantile. Beyond that, they've got great customer service. I once had a question on which size to order, so I called up, and they got out a measuring tape and gave me exact measurements so that I could choose with confidence. Get on their mailing list for deals on shipping and frequent sales. Their Bargain Corral almost always has a nice pair of trousers or a non-pointed waistcoat.
http://www.wwmerc.com/cgi-bin/Category.cgi?category=1100&type=store

The boots mentioned yesterday are Justin Lacers paddock boots. Searching for Justin Lacer gets the best results on eBay:
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&from=R10&_trksid=m37&satitle=justin+lacer&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=94305-4144&sabfmts=1&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=11%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search
The beauty thing about these boots is that they come in a range of colors. Right now there are blue, burgandy, black, purple and red available. Cynthia got a pair in green. They're good sturdy boots that look period and won't leave your feet in agony after a day of fair.

Corsets. I have had the pleasure of a Dark Garden corset in the past, but I shrunk out of it, and couldn't possibly afford their current rates. At Baycon one year, I stumbled across the chap who sells Timeless Trends corsets. For $99, it's the most well-made item you'll ever find in its price range. It's an underbust corset, which isn't technically correct, but it does give you much more of the Victorian silhouette than you can achieve with any other inexpensive option.
http://www.timeless-trends.com/
Once in a blue moon, they have clearance corsets for as little as $49, but don't count on it happening in time for Dickens.

As previously mentioned, Cumberland River Sutlery has dresses in waist size 24-50 inches. My simple dress was just $99, and looks to be just the sort of workhorse I need.
http://shop.vendio.com/victorianattire/home.html
For Dickens, the simple day/camp dress is best. Do not get a ball gown.

Beyond that, scrounge through your local thrift store for shawls and scarves and other touches to make your costumes come to life. Remember, you need a hat and coat/shawl to leave the warehouse and go out into the rest of the fair (because it's cold outside silly!). Don't forget about those details when you're putting things together.

posted in Fezziwigs - 13 replies

Waltz Into Works

2007-08-23T23:13:55Z

I'm helping Miss Monica throw a fundraiser dance for Works/San Jose. It's a local San Jose art gallery, and this month they're showing Exacto Knife artwork. It's a great organization, and they're offering space for dancing. So if you can make it, it's just a $10 donation for admission and it should be a hoot. Dancing and set lists in the style of Friday Night Waltz, and since there's no Friday Night Waltz this week, it's perfect!

Dance Party Fundraiser @ Works/San Jose
Thursday, August 30th, 7:30 - 11:00pm

Come join us at Works/San Jose gallery to enjoy a
night of dancing for a good cause!

Waltz, polka, swing, cha-cha, tango, and more--all in
a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by contemporary
art. See the current show, "Exact-o!" and celebrate
all forms of art & creativity at this event.

Waltz lesson will be given at 7:30, open dancing at
8:00. Dances for all will be taught throughout the
night.

$10 donation to Works for admission

Works/San Jose
451 South First Street
San Jose, CA 95112
email volunteer@workssanjose.org for more info!

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Potential New Fezziwiggers??

2007-07-30T19:54:38Z

I've posted a picture meant for laughs, really....

http://people.tribe.net/regfoghorn/photos/d1d7625b-b1fa-4465-9ff7-e74c9380d3b8

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Nice to meet you all!

2007-07-29T07:11:36Z

I had fun at the first rehearsal today. I look forward to the many more. :-)

I just wanted to say that, and to introduce say as I just joined the tribe.

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Nice picture

2007-07-19T20:15:19Z

I really like this picture:

http://picasaweb.google.com/tsgeisel/FNW7607/photo#5084519862245581586

The fact that you can see through the dancer wearing the "Death Shall Not Release You" shirt really makes the picture for me.

Who is the lead in the picture? Hard to tell from the back, with that much blur.

Tom

In the Friday Night Waltz Tribe
"Using Parking Meters" wrote:

I've got a few pictures from the 7/6 FNW in Palo Alto up on my photo-sharing site: picasaweb.google.com/tsgeisel/FNW7607

Huzzah for digital cameras. And if some of them look excessively "artistic", well, it's a new camera and I was trying a few things.

posted in Fezziwigs - 5 replies

A great thanking to you.

2007-07-02T15:45:59Z

For myself and all the attending members of the Adventurers Club I would like to thank you and your lovely wife, Mr. Fezziwig for a wonderful party on Saturday. You have a beautify home and it felt like one. The members of your Fezzi crew are fine folks. Even the invasion by Otherbookistan was well received. And also a sighting of a very unexpected body from the lone star state was to be seen.
Thanks again!

posted in Fezziwigs - 2 replies

Help for a friend's costume

2007-06-30T04:44:02Z

My friend Rita is going to try to be in Fezziwigs this year, and her mother is a very good seamstress who will be having a lot of time on her hands soon because she's going to have heel surgery. She's asked me about costuming info, only I'm not the right person to ask really. So, I am posting an ad for help on costuming. What I know so far is:

The dress will be a party dress for a mid-middle class working person. They are planning on buying a 4 bone hoop*. The mom is very skilled when it comes to sewing, but she doesn't really know what patterns or style bits to use, though since she is a librarian, she would have some information at her fingertips.

The mom just generally needs the complete overview of how to make a Dicken's Fair costume: What's period and what isn't, what's mid-middle class and what isn't, some good corset shops, which fabrics, colors, and patterns to stick to, ETC.

She doesn't have a budget in mind, she wants to know what the "average" cost is first.

Her email is: killian@plsinfo.org

* The hoop in question is at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180116211796&ssPageName=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX_Stores&refitem=180115168497&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget

Thanks a bunch,

Mary who was but no longer is Miss Mary Rivers

PS She's having surgery on a week from this Wednesday, so she would like this info fairly quickly. If you would please get in touch with her soon I would be very grateful.

posted in Fezziwigs - 4 replies

I couldn't resist.

2007-06-28T17:10:06Z

Blame Sandi - she posted the picture....

"Victorian Bandstand"

We're goin' waltzin' (One!) We're goin' waltzin' today.
Where things are poppin' (Two!) the Fezziwig way.
We're gonna drop in (Three!) on all the music they play.
On the Bandstand (Bandstand!)

We're goin' polk-in' (Poke!) We're gonna polka around.
And we'll be clingin' (Cling!) And floatin' high as a cloud.
The bellss are ringin' (Ring!) My mom and dad are so proud.
I'm on Bandstand (Bandstand!)

And I'll jump, and hey, I may even show them my handstand.
Because I'm on, because I'm on the Victorian Bandstand.
When we waltz real slow I'll show all the guys in the grandstand.
What a waltzer I am, I am on Victorian Bandstand.

We'rll do the Schottishe (Hop!) (There you go!) We'll be hoppin' on Four.
Then we'll Congress' (Pop!) (What a show!) on the Fezziwig's floor.
Sing Hallelujah (Kings!) (Forever!) before we walk out the door.
On Victorian Bandstand (Bandstand!)

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Morris Humor

2007-06-22T18:36:24Z

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article1969254.ece

Lord Chancellor’s men ‘morris dance while Rome burns’
Richard Ford Home Correspondent

The prisons are bursting and the judges are threatening revolt but the weighty matter of morris dancing has been on the mind of Justice Ministry officials and their boss, the Lord Chancellor.

To the hilarity and astonishment of other Whitehall departments, among the submissions for Lord Falconer of Thoroton to mull over is whether a team of morris dancers from his department could name themselves the Lord Chancellor’s Men.

Making sure that the issue received the attention it deserved from Lord Falconer, one of his private secretaries sent a two-page “submission” to his boss. The submission, seen by The Times, is worthy of Whitehall officialdom at its best as it outlines the issue, recommendation, background, and consideration and handling of such a delicate matter of state.

Nick Goodwin, an official in Lord Falconer’s private office, explained the issue simply: “Whether to allow a morris side to name itself after your office”. The side is made up mainly of officials in the newly formed Ministry of Justice, with Mr Goodwin among the morris dancers, Tim Stamp, the head of statistics, on the violin, and Eirian Walsh-Atkins, of the information rights division, on the squeezebox.

With the newly formed morris side making their debut at Hackney church fête in East London on July 7, Mr Goodwin made the recommendation for Lord Falconer: “That you agree to the side using the name the Lord Chancellor’s Men,” the submission sent on June 7 said.

It added that given the side’s connection with this department, “they would like to name themselves after your office”.

He tells Lord Falconer that the morris side dance in the Cotswolds tradition and in the Bampton style, which involves “the use of handkerchiefs and sticks”. Clearly, Mr Goodwin had done some homework, as the submission went on: “As far as we can tell, no such request has been received by a previous Lord Chancellor. There do not appear to be any legal/ statutory constraints on you in granting this request. The decision is therefore one for your personal judgment.”

He then outlines the pros of morris dancing to help Lord Falconer as he wrestled with the submission. It added: “Morris dancing is currently one of the Icons of England on the Department of Culture Media and Sport site, alongside a cup of tea, a stiff upper lip and a bowler hat.”

How long Lord Falconer took to reach a decision is not known but he has delighted Mr Goodwin by agreeing that the morris side can call itself The Lord Chancellor’s Men.The submission has made the new ministry a laughing stock in other parts of Whitehall.

As the department dealt with prison overcrowding by announcing the early release of 25,000 prisoners a year, one official said: “Morris dancing while Rome burns.” Others could not believe that the submission was real, while one said that officials in the new department were clearly overworked.

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Another Dickens World Article

2007-06-17T07:24:53Z

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19211348/site/newsweek/

"Rats, Pickpockets, Fog—It’s Dickens World!"

Rats? We've got rats!

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Petticoats

2007-06-17T04:27:54Z

I'm currently unemployed, and I have a ridiculous traffic ticket to pay off. As most of you know, I also sew, and as most of you *don't* know, I have come across a windfall of beautiful white percale with a woven-in stripe, with which I plan to make Victorian petticoats. Lots of petticoats. Ooodles of petticoats. Do you need one? I can do anything from the simple to the extremely fancy; anything from 1840s on up to Edwardian. YES, this means I do Civil War and Dickens Fair eras. I also do bustle petticoats. Prices will vary based on how elaborate, but don't hesitate to drop me a line if you're at all interested - I need to pay off that ticket somehow, and unemployment checks just *won't* stretch that far.

Also, remember to come to a *full stop* before turning right against a red light, ESPECIALLY in the City of Milbrae, EVEN IF you're late to catch a train to go to a zombie flashmob. The picture of you in zombie costume as you roll through is probably not going to help your credibility if you take it with you to court. ::facepalm::

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Marin County Fair Dance Competition

2007-06-09T01:28:25Z

On Sunday July 1st, the Marin County Fair is hosting a dance competition entitled "Dancing Stars"
it is open to couples and groups of 3 to 6 people.

The dance styles are completely open, any style you want to dance, you can.

there is a small entry fee, and real prize money

for details goto: http://www.marinfair.org/pages/e-adancingstars.html

the entry Deadline has been extended to June 15th

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Simplicity Patterns on sale

2007-05-27T07:49:42Z

Just a quick reminder - Simplicity patterns are on sale for 99 cents at Joanns until Monday. There are a couple of really cool new patterns out this year as well as what I think is a re-release of a discontinued pattern: #5035 - gold brocade vest with the plaid pants.
happy shopping!
Liz

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Fezziwigs approvable outfits/regalia

2007-05-27T06:48:07Z

I just wanted to get an idea of what would be appropriate attire for a Fezziwiger to wear. I have noticed a few people in military clothing on the dance floor at time, though I do understand that they most likely weren't part of Fezziwigs (more then not, part of the Adventurers' Club or Queen's Regiment). Would it be unsuitable for a Fezziwiger to dawn Hussars, Crimean Officer, or other military uniform?

posted in Fezziwigs - 28 replies

We need someone to teach a waltz this weekend!

2007-05-18T04:57:32Z

Hello, all!

I know it's a long shot, but I was wondering if anyone might be available to lead a group waltz at our event this Saturday evening in Berkeley, the Fairy Mask Ball. It's a fundraiser for a pagan family camp, and we would love to have someone come and show us how to dance elegantly and simply (emphasis on the simple). I'm thinking about 45 minutes to an hour, tops. The event starts at 7 and we could do it anytime thereafter.

As a fundraiser, I don't have a lot of money to offer. In addition to the amazing time I guarantee that you'll have, I'm happy to donate $75 to you for your assistance. If you brought a partner, I'm sure I could swing $125 for the two of you.

If you aren't available but know someone who might be, please pass along their contact info to me.

Thanks!
Riyana
707-569-4606

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Fezziwig's 2007 Schedule

2007-05-05T02:17:23Z

Ok Folks, I know you've all been waiting for this so here it is, drum roll please, the 2007 Fezziwig Schedule.

Fezziwig's kickoff party. this year, I am inviting the people of Other Books and the AC to join in our partying.
Saturday June 30, at Casa de Fezziwig.

Rehearsals, Casa de Fezziwig, in Alameda, 2pm to 5pm:
Saturday July 28, Saturday August 25, Sunday September 23, Saturday October 13

Workshops / Rehearsals ,location unknown:
November 3,4, 10,11, 17

Dress rehearsal November 18th

Set dressing:
Wed November 21

Opening Day friday November 23

Five Full Weekends of Fair Fun:
November 24,25
December 1,2, 8,9, 15,16, 22,23

Tear down
December 26, Boxing Day (if we can)

PEERS 12th Night Party
January 5, 2008

Fezziwig's Cast Party:
January 26, 2008

I know that there are things happening on or near many of the rehearsal days, but i've attempted to minimize the problems.

posted in Fezziwigs - 7 replies

Victorian-era picnic - Fremont 5/20

2007-04-19T21:38:54Z

The Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild presents:

THE LITTLE WOMEN PICNIC
Sunday, May 20th, 2007 -- 12pm to 5pm
The Shinn House, Fremont, CA

Join Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth for an afternoon with the Little Women! The March family invites you to an afternoon at Orchard House for picnicking, croquet, and period games (probably many played at Fezziwig's!). Enjoy a beautiful early summer afternoon on the lawn, tour the beautiful Shinn House, and explore the Japanese garden.

Costume: costumes are required for this event. Suggested era is 1860-65, but 1850-1869 is also welcome. All social classes are welcome. Dickens Fair or Civil War costumes are perfect!

ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED.

For more information, including ticket info, see: http://www.gbacg.org/Current/LittleWomen.htm

Hope to see you there!

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

SJ Mercury article about Friday Night Waltz

2007-04-18T18:19:41Z

http://origin.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_5657657

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

PEERS Presents the Sleeping Beauty's Christening Ball

2007-04-17T22:43:46Z

This is a good place to show off your not-quite-right for Fair, but stunningly gorgeous costume pieces. Or to dress as you like.

The music will be Celtic Fusion from Avalon Rising, featuring our own, our very, very own, Cat Taylor.

$15 advance tickets are available until April 28th, and may be purchased by going to
peers.org/beauty.html
and clicking the PayPal link,

OR send check or money order to

PEERS
2144 B Buena Vista Ave
Alameda CA 94501

May 5th: PEERS' Sleeping Beauty Christening Ball
A Faery Tale Masquerade Ball

Saturday, May 5, 2007
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo
Doors Open: 6:45p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing Begins: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by April 28)
At the door: $20.00

Don't miss this magical May ball in honour of her royal highness the
Princess Aurora, the kingdom's long-awaited heiress. Fairy, fairy
tale, or fantasy costume is admired, not required and historical or
semi-historical costume (Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Regency,
Victorian, or Pre-Raphaelite) or modern evening dress is also
welcome. Masks and wings are optional. In the interest of dancing,
our fairies may want to avoid anything with a huge wingspan, but our
guests' creativity is encouraged.

PEERS is honoured to present one of the world's most glorious Celtic
Fusion rock bands - Avalon Rising - as our featured band, playing waltzes, polkas, jigs, reels,
country dances, and both traditional and original music for an evening of
both vintage ballroom dancing and free-style dancing. Some of the
dances will be highly structured (and will be briefly taught or
called at the ball) but there will be a number of dances in which the
guests may exercise their creativity. It's not uncommon to have a
polka, an Irish reel-athon or polka set, Swing and free-style rock
going on at the same time on the dance floor to the very same tune at
our fantasy and fairy tale balls! For a sneak preview of the
evening's magical music, we highly recommend any and all of
Avalon Rising's currently
available CD's.

Please see the band's website for more information:
www.flowinglass.com/avalon/

There will be both musical and dance performances and DJ dance music
at intermission. To sustain us through such a vigorous evening of
dancing, their Majesties will be serving a semi-period buffet of
sweets and savories. Gifts for the Princess and potluck contributions
to the buffet are also admired, not required.
peers.org/beauty.html

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

;-)

2007-03-29T17:25:11Z

;-)

posted in Fezziwigs - 12 replies

A little bit of history...

2007-03-22T23:14:58Z

The Black Velvet was created to commemorate the death of England’s Prince Albert in 1861.

It consists of:

* 6 ounces cold Guinness
* 6 ounces cold champagne (or sparkling wine)

Pour both ingredients into a beer glass, but do not stir.

Just thought I'd share the love. :)

posted in Fezziwigs - 7 replies

Patient dance partner needed

2007-03-09T06:09:51Z

As some of you may or may not know I am disabled. I hide it rather well most of the time however it is problematic when attempting to learn new dances. I need to find a dance partner who is willing to be patient with me while I teach my body to do things it isn't use to doing. If anyone is up for the job (or know someone who is) please send me a message off boards.

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

borrowing a small hoop skirt?

2007-01-10T00:15:58Z

My sister and I will be going to Peers next weekend, and she'll be wearing my old green outfit. But I had to dismantle my old hoops for wire for my current one.
Does anyone have a small hoop skirt (3-5 hoops) I could borrow for her for the evening? We are more than willing to go only part of the night with them if you're leaving before us or arriving after.

Thanx!

-babs
Fezzi SM

posted in Fezziwigs - 5 replies

Missing Bangers and Mash?

2006-12-30T18:41:29Z

Are you already starting to miss Dickens Fair?
The remedy is at hand: PEERS' Victorian 12th Night Ball (our Dickens Fair Reunion Ball) on Saturday, January 6.

Just a reminder that the deadline for purchasing advance tickets to the Victorian 12th Night Ball is TODAY, Saturday, December 30.

To order tickets online via PayPal, please go to the ball website at
http://www.peers.org/12th07.html
and click on the PayPal icon for instructions.

To order advance tickets, please send a check (must be postmarked December 30th!) for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501.

Tickets will be available at the door for $20 each

Here is our ball update:

A VICTORIAN 12TH NIGHT BALL
http://www.peers.org/12th07.html
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Location: The San Mateo Masonic Temple
100 North Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton)
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by December 30, 2006)
Tickets: $20.00 at the door

Dance, sing, feast and game at the season' loveliest old-fashioned holiday party - a 12th Night Ball hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig from Charles DickensA Christmas Carol. Bangers and Mash, the Bay Area' most irresistible country dance band will play a variety of waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, schottisches, reels, and country dances popular in the early and mid-19th century (As usual, all set dances will be taught or called and partners are not required. Introductions to partners will be cheerfully provided!). There will also be a pre-ball dance class from 7:00 to 8:00 pm on Victorian waltz and on the Lancers' Quadrille, our opening dance.

Intermission entertainment includes a guest performance by Mr.Charles Dickens himself, one of the most eminent authors and actors of his time, and a short performance by the Peerless Music Hall - an audience-interactive entertainment including racy, romantic, and highly danceable popular songs of the day - and featuring the Peerless Beauty Chorus. Gamers may enjoy either an intellectual game of whist or a rollicking game of Wink, and the evening will conclude with a glorious Hallelujah Chorus sing-a-long.

Suggested costume is evening or day dress from 1837 through 1870 (the heyday of Dickenscareer), any class. Modern evening dress is, as always, a completely acceptable substitute for period costume and there is no dress code for the evening. Ladies, if you're wearing a ballgown or evening gown, please be sure to bring a wrap since the ballroom will be cold before the dancing starts. Once we start dancing, the ballroom warms up beautifully!

For further information on the ball, please email peers@peers.org, call (510) 522-1731, or go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/12th07.html

DIRECTIONS TO THE BALL:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks, and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge is the large, 3-story Colonial style Edwardian building located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton. Street parking is readily available in the early evening.

PREPARATION FOR THE 12TH NIGHT BALL:
To learn and practice the rotary waltz and other delightful vintage dances before the ball, we recommend Friday Night Waltz (for details about their classes, dance parties, and balls, see their website at http://www.fridaynightwaltz.com/) and Persephone's Waltz classes (see her new waltz website at http://www.zootsuitswank.com/VintageWaltz/).

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Letter from a Patron

2006-12-29T03:04:04Z

Hello, dear Fezziwig'ers,
Some of you may have noticed an older man in a wheelchair sitting on the side of the dance floor this year. His name is Bob, and he's my dad. I'm writing to thank all of you for the kindness, affection and respect you've shown him, and to let you know what an extreme impact it has.
My father has ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease. It's a degenerative illness that affects your body, slowly paralyzing you piece by piece. At this point, he's completely paralyzed. ALS is always fatal, there's no treatment and no cure.
When I brought my dad to live with me in February, he asked me to start taking him to ren faires and he said "especially dickens!". I got season passes for the whole family, and we arranged all our holiday plans around our Dickens outings. Each week, we count down the days till we get to go back to Fezziwig's, where he sits in the front row and watches the dancing, performances and interactions with great delight. It may not seem like it, but he sees everything that goes on, and it's the high point of his week.
But most important of all, from time to time one of you sits down and chats with him, or walks by and gives him a pat on the knee. I can't even begin to express how much this means to him. At the end of the day while we're driving home, he tells me about each one that came to see him, every name and every word of every conversation, and it's the only time he ever truly seems happy.
Every word you say has impact, and it's all been positive. Thank you, thank you all so much for the gift of your compassion. You bring moments of joy into my father's world, with your dancing, your affection, your laughter. You let him forget his illness and live.
I haven't met most of you, but I love every single one of you for your good-hearted, welcoming inclusion. In my eyes and his, Fezzi's IS dickens, and we'll be loyal patrons forever.
With all my heart,
-"Miss Taylor"

posted in Fezziwigs - 11 replies

Fezziwig's History / Timeline

2006-12-23T04:19:31Z

I'm attempting to put together a history / time-line of Fezziwig's
I'd like to know who was in directing, who play which major characters, where was fair, what bands played, etc.

if anyone has info they'd like to toss in to the mix, please do so.

thanks
dave

posted in Fezziwigs - 10 replies

Last Minute I Know...BUT...

2006-12-16T08:08:27Z

Does anyone have a Darth Vader helmet I could borrow Saturday night? Come see me in London if you have one...I, and others would be grateful!

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

some one stole my Dickey

2006-12-07T04:12:02Z

Dickey |ˈdikē| (also dicky) noun ( pl. dickeys or dickies) informal 1 a false shirtfront. 2 dated chiefly Brit. a folding outside seat at the back of a vehicle; a rumble seat. • historical chiefly Brit. a driver's seat in a carriage. ORIGIN mid 18th cent.(denoting a petticoat): each sense probably having different origins; perhaps partly from Dicky, nickname for the given name Richard.

Hay Kids, I'm coming up this weekend to shoot video for next years podcast project called DickensTV.com
The goal is to show us as “a bunch of performers and participants that knows how to make fun of themselves."
I need you to get with me with your silly yet innovative ideas. Call or email me this week and represent the fresh and fun group we need the public to see us as.
if you want to see an example of how I cuts video for a project like this, go to
http://web.mac.com/ibevan/iWeb/DickensTV/Dickens%20%20%20Podcast.html
ibevan@mac.com
951-662-2600

better yet, go to
http://tribes.tribe.net/dickenstv
and join the chat.

Sincerely, Bevan

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Photos

2006-11-30T17:53:21Z

Seeing how many Fezziwiggers stopped by on Saturday... here's a link to the full set of photos of Quinn & my window.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14399838@N00/?saved=1

To get them in order, start on page 2 with the lower right corner. View them from right to left and from bottom to top. Repeat on the first page as well.

posted in Fezziwigs - 7 replies

Major Fezziwig question...

2006-11-28T05:00:48Z

What regiment did Major Fezziwig serve in?

Are there any other members of the Army (active or retired) in Fezziwigs? Where did they serve?

posted in Fezziwigs - 4 replies

Playing with Fezziwigs

2006-11-21T14:13:48Z

I understand that the generalized policy of Fezziwigs is for cast members to dance with paying customers where possible. My question concerns how strictly this might apply to non-Fezziwig cast members, and especially when the character might not be as socially acceptable as your typical Fezziwigs cast member.

To actually ask the question: Where do I draw the line between keeping in character and scaring away the customers?

posted in Fezziwigs - 5 replies

Anybody Home?

2006-11-21T02:17:40Z

Several of our brother (sister) groups at fair seem to do a good job of communicating on the tribe, but I've noticed that Fezziwig's seems very quiet.

my first question is: Is anybody out there? I'm wondering if we have enough current cast on the tribe to make worth the effort to do any of our here.

posted in Fezziwigs - 37 replies

Fezziwigs... Question

2006-11-01T04:08:02Z

I'm on the email list, however I can't see to get a response for my question; only the plethora of emails from the Fezziwigs members.

I want to join up with Fezziwigs, however I'm unable to make the rehearsals due to work. I'm also unable to make the full run (as it's looking right now, only Saturdays). Last year I made about six days out of the run (my first real time going to faire), in which five and a half were spent with Fezziwigs. I would more the like to make it back because it was such a wonderful experience. I am some what familiar with quite a few of the couple dances (such as the basic waltz, polka, schottische, and even though a lot of you seem to hate it, my personal favorite: Congress of Vienna Waltz… which I’m still trying to get just right), and can find my way around the set dances (+ games).

As for a character… I would be a well mannered young lad with an upbeat disposition, strong devotion to his Queen, Country and the people who live within it. With a heart full of joy, a soul full of song, no fear, no regret my name will be Marius Pontmercy... oh wait sorry that French. I’ll have to rethink the name, but the rest is set.

Any information would be most welcome.

Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

posted in Fezziwigs - 2 replies

Please humor me..

2006-10-31T05:43:17Z

Im sorry to have to ask, but was the big missive from cat already sent out? I didnt seem to get one and I wanted to make sure I got the needed info.
Thanks

posted in Fezziwigs - 1 reply

Ride Share in to Dickens Tribe

2006-10-20T06:23:18Z

Post your ability to drive fellow Dickenights to the The Great Dickens Christmas Fair.
Post your ability to host a house sleep over for fellow Dickenights on the weekends.

http://tribes.tribe.net/ride2share4dickens

Contessas pooper scooper

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

workshop questions

2006-10-19T18:49:13Z

for the past couple of years i have wanted to work at fezziwigs. i know the dances but i just have not been able to come and try do it. i was wondering if there were any spots open this year and if so when can i sign up. i might not be at workshops the first weekend but i will for the rest of the time. will i be able to do this?

posted in Fezziwigs - 2 replies

Mr. Dickens' Victorian Ball: A taste of Fezziwig's TOMORROW!

2006-10-06T17:51:07Z

Tickets are still available for Mr. Dickens' Victorian Ball
and will be sold at the door at $20.00 each.

Bangers & Mash, the official dance band from Fezziwigs' dance party at Dickens Fair, plays an evening of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwigs' favorite waltzes, polkas, schottisches, mazurkas, and set dances, including the Congress of Vienna and (of course) Sir Roger de Coverley. (Yes, "Lancers" will be danced if requested). As usual, there will be a pre-ball Victoran survival dance lesson, and all set dances will be briefly taught or called at the ball. Partners are not necessary, and if you come without one, we will be happy to introduce you to partners.

Intermission entertainment includes an audience-interactive performance by the Peerless Music Hall and - for those who dare - a scandalous game of Wink. For those who prefer cards, we will also offer tables for games of Whist and Speculation.

Punch and a light Olde English snack buffet will be served throughout the evening (Your potluck contributions will be much appreciated in Mrs. Fezziwigs' kitchen).

Evening or day dress from the time of Dickens' literary career (circa 1837-1870), or modern evening dress is admired, but not required. sIf your costume's not quite finished, please do come anyway! As Mrs. Fezziwig says, it wouldn't be the same without you.

If you have any questions about the ball, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

Directions to the Ball:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

Mr. Dickens' Victorian Ball
(Sponsored by PEERS - the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
www.peers.org/dickens06.html
Saturday, October 7, 2006
San Mateo Masonic Temple
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton)
San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45 pm
Dance Lesson: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Formal Dancing begins at 8:00 pm
Band: Bangers & Mash
Tickets $20 at the door
Get in the mood for the Dickens Fair and mingle with some of your favorite Dickens characters at this very Dickensian Victorian Ball.

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Please Support "The Great Race of London"

2006-10-02T05:32:13Z

TALLY - HO!

I am sending this out to all of you to ask for your help. I have been given the honor of directing a new show at this year's Dickens Faire - "The Great Race of London". We are going to be racing miniature vintage bicycles through the streets of our London in a madcap race that will try to bring all of us together with pranks...booby-traps...and other bits that would occur during this race. For an in-depth introduction to the show...check out the following link:

http://tribes.tribe.net/greatraceoflondon/thread/ba92247c-5fd7-4999-8768-d8bf11fcba95

I cannot, unfortunately, finance "The Great Race" out of my own pocketbook (as much as I would like to). The Great Race's estimated budget is around a couple thousand dollars (that includes props...sets...etc....PLUS those vintage bikes can get expensive). So I have a proposed solution ... I am selling t-shirts to raise money for the show...and so that we may pay tribute to our favorite faire figurehead - Mr. Charles Dickens himself...our own Robert Young! I designed the shirts to not only help raise funds for "The Great Race" ...but that we may also have a "civilian" shirt to show our Dickens Fair pride during our more...ahem..."normal" lives. My other goal is to greet Robert Young with an ocean of "Who's Your Daddy" shirts during our first day of this year's workshops. *wink*

The price of the shirts will be $20 a piece (all sizes). Men's t-shirts will be printed on Hanes Beefy-Tee's and ladies' shirts on American crew neck t-shirts.

If you would like to purchase an official "Who's Your Daddy?" t-shirt, please send a check ($20 per shirt) made out to the director (Peter Overstreet) to the following address:

The Great Race of London
c/o Peter Overstreet
1012A Oak St.
Alameda, CA 94501

Don't forget to include the name of the person who will be claiming the shirts, and the sizes you would like!

I am accepting orders now, and will be accepting orders until Oct. 6, 2006. I must give my printers time to process our order.

All proceeds from the sale of these shirts will go into the production of "The Great Race of London". Your support will be gladly appreciated.

Here is the Men's:http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/8d6/52c/8d652c70-5cb9-46f2-8ac2-4504b6e22245

Here is the Ladies':http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/64c/026/64c026c8-74ce-450d-8abb-7e03ac64bbbf

The shirts will be ready, and handed out during the first day of workshops. Just come and find me (I'll be the one with all the t-shirts...and probably my pith helmet on), and pick up your shirt. For those of you who, for whatever reason, cannot make opening day of workshops, I will have your shirts waiting for you throughout the workshop dates.

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to our own Robert Young, who has graciously allowed me to use his image for such a madcap scheme! (Big hugs to you, Robert!)

Thanks for the support and understanding!

See you at Fair!

-Pete Overstreet

posted in Fezziwigs - 2 replies

Looking for Games

2006-09-09T22:43:50Z

Hello, I am looking for some parlor games and such that could easily be played in between music sets at our Civil War Ball. Is there a Web site or book that I could use? Or perhaps, would any of you have suggestions?

Thank you!
Maria

posted in Fezziwigs - 9 replies

Fezziwig's 2006 Schedule

2006-08-28T22:42:08Z

Here it is boys and girls, hot out of the fevered mind of your humble director:

Season kickoff party is Saturday, July 22nd
Rehearsal #1 is Saturday August 26th
Rehearsal #2 is Saturday September 23rd
Rehearsal # 3 is Saturday October 14th
The location for the above events is my house, in Alameda

Workshops start November 4th and continue on Nov. 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th
Dress rehearsal is Nov 19th
final set setting is on Wed. Nov. 22nd

Fair opens FRIDAY Nov. 24th
Fair continues Nov. 25th, 26th, December 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th
Cleanup day is Monday Dec. 18th
Cast party is Saturday January 20th 2007

Have fun
Dave
Mr.F

posted in Fezziwigs - 5 replies

Up coming rehearsal

2006-08-23T00:19:39Z

I've just sent out a message about this weekend's Fezziwig rehearsal to the cast email list.
if you did not recieve it, and are interested in working Fezziwig's, and need to be placed on the email list, please email me, director at fezziwigs.org

dave
mr.f

posted in Fezziwigs - 6 replies

Waltzing, is it the only dance?

2006-08-16T04:39:20Z

forgive my ignorance on the dancing of Dickens but are there any other dances done at Fezziwigs?... or is Waltz the one and only dance performed there?

posted in Fezziwigs - 10 replies

Ride Share Tribe

2006-07-29T17:14:41Z

Need a lift from San Jose air port? or a ride from SanBernadino to Casa de Faire?
So I just started a Tribe, well Bevan is doing all the typing, not having any opposable thumbs and all.

http://tribes.tribe.net/ride2share4casa

posted in Fezziwigs - 1 reply

Fezziwigglers - Ancient History

2006-07-26T02:24:51Z

I'm in search of any Fezziwigglers of my vintage (1975-1977, possibly 1978, but I doublt it).

Just to recap, Dickens was at Army Street up until 1975, wasn't held in 1976, and reappeared at the Cow Palace in 1977 and 1978.

In 1979 is was over at Ft. Mason.

I worked the room at Fezziwig's in 1975 as a volunteer/stand around, and then was an official "dime-a-dance" boy in 1977 (with my friend Kathryn and Kristin - the Darling Dobsons). The Letchworth Boys were holding down the fort in David Springhorn's absence.

1978 is hazey, and in fact I think I might have been having a snit and not working that year (that's what my friend Sean Sharp says).

To be perfectly honest, I must have been so exhausted the whole time that I have very little actual recollection of those Dickens Fairs (you try dancing 12 hours a day, or so it seemed)

Any old timers out there still in possession of their facutlies?

posted in Fezziwigs - 1 reply

Anyone going to the Turkish Delight Vienesse Ball?

2006-07-25T16:56:48Z

I have never been to one of these, and none of my friends are available to go, so if I go I will be flying solo. I am a bit rusty on my dancing, I hope that won't be a problem.

Do alot of women go on their own? And do alot of people dress "period"? I would like to wear my 1860 ballgown, since it doesn't get much use. I would also like to use this as an opportunity to meet new people.

Thank you,
Maria

posted in Fezziwigs - 6 replies

In hope of joining

2006-07-21T22:53:10Z

Right now I have a full time job with all sorts of fun shifts. I am however looking to get into a new one before the start of the Nor Cal Ren Faire.

So I guess my question is, what do I need have, and what do I need to do?

posted in Fezziwigs - 10 replies

San Jose

2006-07-21T18:51:13Z

Anyone in the San Jose (Sunnyvale) area, that wouldn't mind walking though dances?

I really want to get the sep hope kick kick one down… Though I’m sure that’s not how it really goes.

posted in Fezziwigs - 1 reply

Can anybody give me a ride?

2006-06-23T05:31:50Z

Is anybody going to Cathleen's Quadrille class at the SF Folk Fest on Sat? (It's at 5 pm, for those who still somehow don't know).
I need a ride. Pleeease? I live near Oakland...

kthnxbai

posted in Fezziwigs - 0 replies

Lancers MUSIC Needed!

2006-05-12T16:18:20Z

Does anyone have the music to the Lancers quadrille on CD that I can borrow on Saturday?

posted in Fezziwigs - 2 replies