Swing into the 1930s: Jazz Nights at Elite Hall Celebrates 20 Years

LOGAN, Utah — The 1930s are coming to Cache Valley to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Jazz Night at Elite Hall.

This community event and fundraiser will return to Elite Hall, a historic building once declared “the best dance hall in this part of the country” by The South Cache Courier in 1915.

Jazz Night at Elite Hall features live music, dinner, and dancing on Utah's only spring-loaded dance floor. The event will start at 7 p.m. Feb. 13-15.

“This is a celebration of what students are doing and continue to do," said Ann Marie Birkholz, founder of Jazz Night at Elite Hall. “The musicians back in the 1930s and ’40s played this music. It's still here and we're still celebrating it.”

It’s all about the music, according to Birkholz and others who love this event.

“Celebrating bygone eras, and especially art and music, really enriches our lives,” Birkholz said. “It brings us together, and music does something that nothing else can. I’ve learned that over and over in my life — music is a golden thread that connects people and humanity in a unique and powerful way.”

Jazz Night has connected community members for decades by creating an evening that’s truly for everyone, a tradition upheld since it began in 2005.

It started as a tribute to the Big Band Era at USU. Jazz Night was — initially organized by Birkholz, who was a university employee at the time, to feature a gourmet dinner and live student performances by USU jazz bands and vocalists.

Over the years, it evolved into a community event, attracting over 600 people across three nights.

Jazz Nights now features a Firehouse Pizza dinner and a mocktail bar, offering drinks inspired by iconic songs from the 1930s and 1940s, such as "Moonlight Serenade," "Stardust," and "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles."

The evening kicks off with optional swing dance lessons provided by the USU Big Band Swing Club at 6 p.m., followed by live music from the USU Jazz Ensembles and general dancing from 7-10:15 p.m. For those who’ve worked up an appetite after dancing, an optional Firehouse Pizza dinner will be served on Friday and Saturday night starting at 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Advanced purchase of dinner tickets is recommended.

Tickets are $15 for dancing, $30 for dinner and dancing, and $10 for student dancing. With proceeds supporting the Larry Smith Jazz Fund and the Elite Hall Restoration Fund, Jazz Nights offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives while being transported back to the 1930s.

“This is a passion project for a lot of people, not just one person. It's just a unique, fun event for everyone,” Birkholz said. “And for me, the best part is seeing people have a good time together.”

To purchase tickets and learn more about this event, visit the website.