BRATTLEBORO — On Saturday, March 3, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the Vermont Jazz Center, the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community will host a dance party featuring The Butterfly Swing Band (Joe LoMonaco, Scott Sizer, Ron Kelley, Mark Anagnostopulos, Lynn Lovell).
According to a news release, the “fun for all ages” will include a musical variety show, a costume contest with prizes, and drinks, food, and pastries (including hamantaschen, the special Purim delicacy). Entertainment includes Bard Owl, the acoustic duo of Breeze Verdant and Ann Landenberger, known for their driving rhythms and sweet harmonies.
Participants are invited to wear their wildest costumes and masks or to come as a character from the Book of Esther, which tells the story of Purim. That story will be acted out in a purim shpiel, a comical skit of what transpired on Purim and why it has become an important Jewish holiday.
There will be an opportunity to vent anger at evil and oppression by shaking groggers (noisemakers) at every mention of the name of Haman, evil advisor to the arrogant and self-centered king, and to cheer as one brave undercover Jewish woman saves the whole Jewish people.
Beer and wine will be available from a cash bar supplied by Windham Wines. Admission is by free-will donation, and attendees are invited to bring a nonperishable food item to benefit Groundworks Collaborative.