Gala Celebration at The Edison Ballroom with Joe Battaglia’s 17 piece NY’s Big Band on New Year’s Eve.
By: Linda Amiel Burns
On December 31, 2018 thousands of people gathered in the Times Square area to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but to get to that area in with extra tight security and in the pouring rain was not easy.
My friend Carolyn Smith and I were invited to the famed Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street) by music impresario Len Triola and we were determined to get there to welcome in 2019. Many train stations were shut down, police were everywhere but we managed to get to 57th Street and told us to go to walk to 8th Avenue. There were barriers everywhere, and we finally got to 47th Street through puddles and blockades where we found several hundred people waiting to get into that block. It reminded me of the airport as police were letting only those staying at the hotel or with reservations in one at a time, checking our bags and purses. The journey took over two hours and we both live in the city!
Soaking wet we finally arrived at 7:30PM at The Edison Ballroom and were greeted by the General Manager Bill Kaelblein who said that so far there had been no cancellations. All I can say is that it was worth all the problems to get there and a treat to be able to welcome in the New Year in the gorgeous Edison Ballroom! The room was beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere brings you back to the exquisite settings of the movies of the 1930’s. Joe Battaglia and his 17 piece New York Big Band were on the bandstand and played music of the Great American Songbook while vocalist Theresa Sarno sang many of our favorites. When the Big Band took a break we were treated to the Latin Sounds of DLI (Direct Latin Influence). There was never a time that there was not great music going and people on the dance floor having a terrific time.
Chef Mina Newman’s 5 course menus was delicious with many choices and there was not a time that the champagne was not flowing. Thanks to our wonderful waiters who never stopped trying to please us. When it was nearly midnight, we were handed hats, noisemakers, festive leis and a large screen appeared in front of the band where we were able to see the ball drop in Time Square. We watched all those brave souls standing in the rain in ponchos (no umbrellas allowed) and we were glad to be indoors, having such a wonderful evening and bringing in the New Year in style!
Visit www.EdisonBallroom.com for more info on this lovely room for future parties and events. Great place to celebrate Valentine’s Day and dance to Joe’s Big Band in February.
