Le Cancan Bijou
Once again, San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom will be transformed into a neo-vintage wonderland as The Edwardian Ball returns on Friday, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb. 1. The event, combining elements of a music festival, circus, art exhibition, and masquerade, serves as a tribute to writer and illustrator Edward Gorey. It’s a major happening on the Bay Area steampunk calendar.
This year’s ball is dubbed “Pop Up! Edition,” in honor of Gorey’s sole pop-up book, The Dwindling Party. It tells the “grimly mysterious” story of the MacFizzet family and their ill-fated visit to Hickyacket Hall.
Both nights will feature multiple performances related to the story, culminating in a full stage adaptation during Saturday’s show. Circus performers from Vau de Vire Society will act out the story while the Jazz Mafia Experience provides musical accompaniment.
Also performing on Saturday night will be Van Goat, Hubba Hubba Revue, Le Cancan Bijou, and Junk Parlor. Friday’s music lineup includes Parlor Tricks, Bela Ruino, alt-rock band Sgt. Splendor, and Inspector Gadje Balkan Brass.
Parlor Tricks describes itself as the “world’s first, foremost, and finest Industrial Ragtime Band.” Bela Ruino is an ensemble featuring former Rosin Coven violinist Lila Sklar. Rosin Coven, the Bay Area band that launched The Edwardian Ball in 1999, gave its final performances in 2023.
Kinetic Steam Works will be back on both nights. The Oakland-based art organization usually brings a steam-powered printing press along with one or two surprises. Past Edwardian Balls have featured a handcar track and steam-powered pencil sharpener.
Also appearing on both nights will be Dark Garden corsetry, Bad Unkl Sista, La Zuli Trio, Miz Margo, Speakeasy Syndicate, and Limbs Akimbo.
Peaches Christ and Tapper Dan will serve as the emcees on Friday followed by Sydni Deveraux and Sierra Camille on Saturday.
The attendees themselves will be part of the spectacle, many dressed in elaborate, whimsical outfits that range from steampunk and goth to 1920s styles.
The event will occupy every floor of the historic venue, which opened in 1909 as a Masonic lodge with Beaux-Arts styling. In addition to performances in the main ballroom, the Museum of Wonders art exhibition will occupy the top floor along with a secondary music stage.
The basement-level Social Hall will house the Vendor Bazaar, which will also be open for free daytime shopping on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
Tickets are still available for both nights. The event is produced by Paradox Media and Vau de Vire Society.
The Regency Ballroom is located at 1300 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco. See the website for more info.
