By
Susie Davidson
Advocate
Correspondent
BOSTON
- For Jewish singles tired of the flashing lights, the smoke, the thumping
house music, the meat market atmosphere, the claustrophobia,
the size five and under requirement and the preponderance of non-Jews, there is
an alternative to the Matzah Ball.
Continuing in his inimitably innovative manner, The J Connection and Boston Event Guide’s Jeff Popkin has organized JBalls in Boston for two age groups this year, at Sophia’s for 20s and 30s, and at Fire and Ice for those over 35. Both events will be packed with food, music, dancing, special happenings and, best of all, unpretentious, friendly faces.
“At J Connection events,” said Allison Cohen of
Cambridge, “I always see new faces and meet people from all over New
England.”
While
Popkin does not wish to malign the Matzah Ball or any other singles event, he
did feel there was a need for something a bit lower-key. “Year after year,” he said, “we were hearing the
same thing – people were tired of the smoke, the techno, the mob scene,
the mixed crowd found at the standard event.” He began the JBall four
years ago; since then, it has grown in attendance, largely by word of mouth. It has grown in other ways, too.
"Following last year's event,” he said, “we have a sucessful
marriage and baby boy!”
“I never thought I’d marry someone Jewish,”
blushed Pam Shore of Jamaica Plain. “Look what happened to me in one year
– engaged, married and baby, all from the JBall.”
“I would never go to a Jewish-sponsored event unless it was
sponsored by the J Connection,” concurred Allison F. of Cambridge.
The 20s and 30s Ball at Sophia's, which features three floors of
activity, will have a Latin twist. Salsa and meringue lessons will be offered
at 8:30 p.m.; the evening will also include hors d'oeuvres and a DJ playing top
40 and dance music.
The 35-plus party at Fire and Ice in Boston will include both
dinner and dancing. Attendees have the option of arriving at approximately 7
p.m. for an all-you-can-eat dinner featuring 65 items and a special dessert
buffet sponsored by Godiva, or starting the evening at 9 p.m. without the
buffet (should partyers be able to somehow forsake the promise of unlimited
Godiva).
“The J connection provides the best social outlet in
town,” said Shari Lyons of Brookline. “Don’t waste time at
over events,” added Scott Marder, also of Brookline. “The Jball is
the one not to miss!”
“Other events do exist,” said Popkin, “but it
appears that they have dwindled in attendance and have become regular nightclub
events. At our Balls, by comparison, we will be offering many amazing extras
for our guests to enjoy and participate in.”
At both events, these will include giveaways and door prizes, in
addition to a trip drawing. “The first 250 reservations,” said
Popkin, “get entered twice to win a trip to Club Getaway.” Lastly,
all guests will receive a free 30 day membership to the J Connection’s
Meet Your Match site.
“We do expect a sell out for both events,” Popkin
cautioned would-be attendees, “so do make reservations early, especially
if you are coming to the dinner!”
Popkin’s recent Chanukah parties were very successful. The
35-plus toy drive at the Needham Sheraton, he said, “really brought
everyone together to help others in need,” and the band Dick and Jane
rocked at his 20s and 30s party at the Rack. (Dick and Jane will be playing at
the New Year’s Eve “Resolution Ball Celebration” at the
Colonnade Hotel; for information, visit http://www.bostoneventguide.com/nye.htm.)
“And save the date of Feb. 9,” advised the
ever-scheming Popkin, “as we are planning the Boston leg of Club
Getaway’s cruise, which sails from Fort Lauderdale to the islands of Key
West, Cozumel, Meridia and Grand Cayman, aboard the deluxe Costa Victoria, one
of the newest ships at sea.”
The Dec. 24 20s and 30s J Ball Party at Sophia’s, 1270
Boylston St. in the Fenway (near Fenway Park), begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18
in advance and $25 at the door.
The Dec. 24 35-plus J Ball Party at Fire and Ice, 205 Berkeley St.
in the Back Bay (Copley or Arlington T), is $38 in advance and $45 at the door
for dinner. Dancing, starting at 9:00 p.m., is $18 in advance and $25 at the
door. For information, please call 617-338-4019.
To avoid lines, which occurred last year, guests may wish to
reserve advance tickets by Dec. 23 online at http://www.tjcboston.com, or to
mail checks made out to The J Connection by Dec. 21 to P.O. Box 488, Needham
Heights, MA 02494. Proper dress and ID are required.