Live Shots: A glamorous trip back to the 1930s with Alex Mendham and his Orchestra - 48 hills

"Celebrating its centennial year, the Peacock Court ballroom served as an elegant and very appropriate backdrop to Mendham's Art Deco Dance Series. Stepping into the Peacock Court Ballroom was like time traveling-glittering crystal chandeliers, robin's egg blue walls, gold floor to ceiling accents, and of course the signature 1926 peacock emblazoned behind the stage all evoked a bygone era. Glamorous guests adorned with tuxedos, tiaras, a top hat or two, a monocle here and there added to the tableau."

"Using a copy of an 1932 RCA 44-BX stand up ribbon microphone with a custom-made NBC flag made especially for the venue, Mendham offered a nod to the history of the room. In the '30s, Bay Area band leader Anson Weeks broadcast from the Peacock Ballroom for KFRC and NBC's West Coast Network, inspiring Mendham's set list for the night."

"Adding their own spin on Jazz-era favorites such as "Shall We Dance," "Aint Misbehavin,'" "I've Got You Under My Skin," "I Came I Saw I Congad" (yes, complete with a conga line led by Mendham), "Puttin On The Ritz," and "These Foolish Things," Mendham channeled his big band ancestors and created a new generation of dance orchestra lovers. Mendham started promptly at 8:00 and stretched the 10:30 end time closer to 11:00, delivering a full evening of glamour and frivolity."

Alex Mendham and his Orchestra performed an Art Deco Dance Series at the Peacock Court ballroom of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel on October 25th during the venue's centennial year. The Peacock Court featured crystal chandeliers, robin's egg blue walls, gold accents, and the 1926 peacock emblem, creating a period atmosphere. Mendham used a 1932 RCA 44-BX stand-up ribbon microphone with a custom NBC flag as an homage to the room's broadcast history. The band played Jazz-era standards and led a conga line, with a lineup of brass, reeds, rhythm section, and guest vocalist Halsey Varady. Dancers enjoyed an extended evening of glamour, music, and movement.

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