Hoyt Institute fundraiser will revive the Jazz Age

NEW CASTLE, PA.

The Hoyt Institute of Fine Arts, 124 E. Leasure Ave., will re-create the excitement of the Jazz Age with “The Savoy,” its 10th annual wine festival, on June 11.

The format will bring back the nostalgia of the Savoy Ballroom, a famous Harlem dance club that operated from 1926 to 1958.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served in the galleries from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a seated wine and tapas dinner from 7 to 9 under a tent on the East Lawn.

The menu includes filet of beef and portobello tapas, chilled diver sea scallop and shaved fennel salad, slow-roasted duck confit over butter crunch lettuce with a red wine and berry vinaigrette, chicken roulade with goat cheese and fresh spinach, purple Peruvian potatoes with rosemary and truffle oil, a Mediterranean filled artichoke heart and a selection of desserts.

From 9 to 11 p.m. Pittsburgh’s Neon Swing X-perience will replay the sounds of the jazz era.

In true speakeasy style, a cigar tent will be offered for gentlemen (or women) desiring a smoke and a stiff drink. More than a dozen wines will be featured, as well as a full bar and a brandy sampling.

Sponsors include Packer Thomas, Ellwood Group Inc., Medure’s, Giant Eagle, Klafter’s and Central Heating & Plumbing.

Admission is by reservation only, and seating is limited.

Tickets cost $75 per member and $100 per nonmember, part of which is tax-deductible.

To reserve tickets, call 330-652-2882 or visit www.hoytartcenter.org.

The event serves as the Hoyt Institute’s largest fundraiser of the year.

It supports free school, after-school and community programming such as the Children’s Summer Arts Festival, the After-School Arts program and the new Family Film Series to debut this summer.