Jump Back Ball 0023 VIP Party

Glamorous women, well-attired men, martinis and gadgets. This year’s Jump Back Ball is one that would have put a smirk, if not a full-blown smile on 007’s face.

We started in the Palace Theatre lobby for the VIP party. JBB0023’s VIP sponsor was Chef Dante Boccuzzi, who wasn’t content just serving delicious food, but also impressed everyone with his playful presentation.

Dante Next Door’s Seafood Salad at the Jump Back Ball VIP party

The vegetarian sushi rolls, seafood salad with plump shrimp and scallop, and creamy polenta with tomato braised pork ragu were the highlights. Fresh ingredients and full of flavor.

However, it was little things like turning the sushi roll into a push-up pop and presenting the seafood salad in sardine cans that reminded me of the well-executed and enjoyable experiences we’ve had at his Dante Dining Group restaurants.

Ginko’s sushi push-up pops at the Jump Back Ball VIP party

In years past, I’ve filled up on food at the VIP party because I’d only want to grab a bite or two at the main event. However, one of the improvements to this year’s Jump Back Ball was a catered dinner by Driftwood and Chris Hodgson.

Every JBB guest was treated to crisp white asparagus, pieorgi, Shepherd’s Pie, and other hearty dishes, fuel for an evening of partying.

And that fuel was very much needed.

Playing Spy Hunter at Jump Back Ball

At JBB 0023, we played Spy Hunter, tore down the Berlin Wall, tested our flexibility – and sobriety – by navigating the laser gauntlet, and wrote down what we planned on doing before next year’s Jump Back Ball. “Become Batman” and “launch a comic book company” were my and Scott’s answers. Unfortunately, I think only one of those will happen before next February.

While our dance moves may not have been the best, the flutes of champagnes and various other cocktails helped (or at least made me care less). The champagne bar was my other favorite addition to this year’s Jump Back Ball and one I hope becomes a more permanent fixture.

These ladies and a glass of bubbly are two ways to make my dance moves much better

Although the main stage band Your Villain My Hero was enjoyable, we really rocked out with Pop Rocks who played out the rest of the evening in the State Theatre lobby. You’d think we’d be tired by 10pm after partying since six; however, they helped us gain our second wind.

Of course, a post about Jump Back Ball is incomplete without a look at the looks of the evening. To complement the State Theatre, which was dressed in an incredible light show, Jump Back Ball’s guests donned glittering and elegant garb.

My favorite part of Jump Back Ball’s decor was the emphasis on lights, which really highlighted the theatre’s beauty

I loved seeing a few of my fellow Oddjobs, a beautiful sari dress, Q, a martini shaker, and my Man with the Golden Gun in full white tuxedo. I even ran into Bond, James Bond, ornithologist – the one and only Clark Pope of Pope’s Kitchen, whose bloody mary mix was put to good use the next day.

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If you’d like to get involved with PlayhouseSquare Partners, the group that organizes and hosts Jump Back Ball each year, drop me a line. Or stop by our Partners Happy Hour this Thursday, March 6 at Battery Park Wine Bar.

The last couple of years I’ve ended my Jump Back Ball posts with a goofy picture of Scott. Until next year, I leave you with this:

Hey, mom!

Disclosure: I’m on the board of PlayhouseSquare Partners, the organization that hosts Jump Back Ball. I also blogged about the event as a Jump Back Ball blogger.

Got our tickets in the mail last week. Jump Back Ball is almost here!

12 days and counting until the curtains go up on another Jump Back Ball.

Between now and February 22, when Scott and I aren’t celebrating Valentine’s Day, our fifth wedding anniversary, and going to work, you’ll likely find us on the fourth floor of the Idea Center at PlayhouseSquare — painting, cutting, pasting, and perhaps (but hopefully, not) glittering.

It’s Jump Back Ball Shop Night season. And, as always, anyone is free to stop by, help out, and get a sneak peek at this year’s James Bond-themed decor.

At last night’s Shop Night, Scott and I had a chance to paint a few of the cloth banners celebrating the different Bond films.  Kimberly and I painted “happy trees” on a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. And I even got to use a nail gun for the first time. Once I overcame my fear of accidentally hurting someone with it, it was easy and fun.

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As Scott wrote in last year’s Shop Night guest post, you don’t need to be crafty like Q to help out. The only requirement: have fun!

We’ll provide you with a light dinner. And in case you need another reason to attend, every Shop Night you go to will get you a raffle entry for an overnight stay at the Wyndham Hotel the night of Jump Back Ball.

You still have 3 chances to attend a Shop Night and be entered into the Wyndham Hotel raffle. Join us between 5:30pm and 8:30pm at the Idea Center on:

• Wednesday, February 12
• Monday, February 17
• Thursday, February 20

You can also join us on Friday, February 21 for Set Up Day. If you’d like to help assemble the event’s decor throughout the State Theatre, begin arriving at the State Lobby after 9:30 a.m. If you can only stop by during your lunch hour, we’ll be there all day.

Still need Jump Back Ball tickets? Although general admission tickets are sold out, a few Sponsor level tickets remain. Sponsorships start at $1,500 which gets you 4 VIP tickets to Jump Back Ball. That breaks down to $375 per ticket, plus $1,220 of the sponsorship is tax-deductible. Head over to playhousesquare.org/JumpBackBall/sponsor.html for more information.

Already have your Jump Back Ball tickets? Check out my post on James Bond costume ideas.

Disclosure: I’m on the board of PlayhouseSquare Partners, the organization that hosts Jump Back Ball. I also blogged about the event’s kickoff party as a Jump Back Ball blogger.

What are you wearing to Jump Back Ball 0023: Shaken Not Stirred?

Jump Back Ball is less than two months away, which means it’s time to think about what to wear. If you usually go the dress-and-tux route for Jump Back Ball, but always wanted to try a costume, this year’s Shaken Not Stirred: JBB 0023 theme is perfect. It’s easy to take your formal wear one step further and turn it into a James Bond-inspired costume.

After scouring the internet, I’ve compiled my favorite James Bond costume ideas and broken them down into four categories. However, before we get to that, I have a quick Jump Back PSA:

Did you know you can still get tickets to Jump Back Ball?

This year’s general admission and VIP tickets sold out in less than two weeks. If you missed your chance to purchase a ticket and can’t wait til next year, there are still a few Sponsor level tickets. As far as event sponsorships go, it’s more affordable than you may think.

Sponsorships start at $1,500 which gets you 4 VIP tickets to Jump Back Ball. That breaks down to $375 per ticket, plus $1,220 of the sponsorship is tax-deductible. A $3,000 sponsorship ($2,440 tax-deductible) gets you 8 VIP tickets, plus a 1/4 page ad in the program, logo recognition in select promotional materials, and a listing in all season playbills,

So if you still need a ticket, head over to playhousesquare.org/JumpBackBall/sponsor.html for more information or go here to purchase a sponsorship.

Now, on to Jump Back Ball costume ideas!

Bond, James Bond

An elegant tuxedo or suit matched with a couple of gadgets, and you’re all set as James Bond. However, don’t think you need to stick to a classic black tux. Bond has sported many different suit and tuxedo styles over the years — from Connery’s white dinner jacket to Lazenby’s ruffled shirts. Just don’t forget to practice your British accent.

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Check out thesuitsofjamesbond.com for a detailed look at all of James Bond’s outfits and accessories, as well as Black Tie Guide’s 50 Years of James Bond Tuxedos, which goes through Bond’s evolving style in each of the films.

Bond Girls

Similarly, the right evening gown and hairstyle can transform your outfit into a Bond Girl costume. Learn more about every Bond Girl at 007James.com.  If a slinky dress isn’t your style, try Elektra King’s ski suit from The World is Not Enough. It’s not just gorgeous, but also perfect for our current sub-zero temperatures. 

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Here are a few more links for Bond Girl inspiration:

• Rent the Runway’s Most Iconic Bond Girls
• James Bond Skyfall Style Guide
  
• How to Dress Like James Bond’s Leading Ladies

James Bond Villains

Who says you have to be a good guy? I personally think it’s more fun to be bad:

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For more villainous ideas, peruse 007James.com’s Top 10 Bond villains and the James Bond wiki for the full list of foes.

Bond with a Twist

None of those costume ideas strike your fancy? Try one of these, which put a twist on the typical James Bond costume:

Switch it up: You don’t need to restrict yourself to playing a Bond girl if you’re a woman, or Bond if you’re a guy. If there’s a character you really like, go for it. I’m taking my own advice and going as Oddjob this year – matching a black gown, his trademark bowler, and a golf club as a nod to his caddying.   

Scuba Bond: If you can get your hands on a dive suit and don’t mind walking around in flippers all evening, dress up as James Bond from Goldfinger. Bonus points if you reveal a tuxedo under your divesuit halfway through Jump Back Ball. As Mythbusters confirmed, it’s possible to do this without messing up your tux. If you think the full suit is too much, try a scuba mask and snorkel.

Group Costume: Last year, our friends had a great time going as the suspects from Clue. If you’re looking for a group costume this year, look no further than MI6 and Bond’s allies. In addition to James Bond, you have Moneypenny, Q, M, M16’s Chief of Staff Bill Tanner, and CIA agent Felix Leiter. If you have a large group, you could even do Vintage vs. Reboot MI6 with everyone dressed up as the different versions of Moneypenny, Q, M, etc.

Eve Moneypenny from Skyfall

Blofeld’s Cat: Appearing in seven James Bond films, Ernst Stavro Blofeld’s cat didn’t care that his owner was an evil mastermind, as long as he was fed. If you’re looking for an offbeat costume for two people, you can go as this pair. 

James Bond Spoofs and Spinoffs:  From Austin Powers‘ Dr. Evil and Inspector Gadget‘s Dr. Claw to Get Smart and Johnny English, there are many James Bond parodies full of costume ideas. And then, of course, there’s James Bond Jr.

Bond, James Bond …Ornithologist??? When he wrote Casino Royale, Ian Fleming wanted an ordinary name for his extraordinary spy. As an avid bird watcher living in Jamaica, Fleming read the book Birds of the West Indies written by ornithologist James Bond. Fleming gave Bond a first edition of You Only Live Twice in 1964, signing it: “To the real James Bond, from the thief of his identity.”

James Bond, Ornithologist

I seriously pestered Scott about going as James Bond, Ornithologist for three weeks until he decided to do something else. It’d be an easy costume – a tweed suit, old bowtie, pipe, and a book made up to look like Birds of the West Indies. You could even get a fake bird to rest on your shoulder as a final touch.

Seriously, if anyone dresses up as James Bond, Ornithologist for Jump Back Ball, please find me. I want a picture with you.

Disclosure: I’m on the board of PlayhouseSquare Partners, the organization that hosts Jump Back Ball. I also blogged about the event’s kickoff party as a Jump Back Ball blogger.

Jump Back Ball 0023’s Ticket Kickoff is Nov. 7

With Halloween on Thursday, everywhere I turn I see costumes. Although my holiday plans this year may not include masquerading, I’ve been busy planning an outfit for another event: PlayhouseSquare’s Jump Back Ball on February 22.

This year’s theme is Jump Back Ball 0023: Shaken Not Stirred, and last month’s trip to the James Bond Villains exhibit at the International Spy Museum helped inspire Scott and me.

However, before we can put the finishing touches on our costumes, we need to get our tickets to Jump Back Ball — and so do you!

Tickets for last year’s Jump Back Ball sold out only one month after they went on sale. On the one hand, that’s fantastic for the event, which raises money for PlayhouseSquare; Partners has raised more than $2.5 million for the theatre district since 1991. On the other hand, it means your window for purchasing tickets is getting smaller and smaller.

Why should you attend Jump Back Ball? I think of it less as attending, and more of experiencing.

Yes, the dinner, open bars, and 2 bands make it worth the ticket price. However, there’s also the fact that you get to dance the evening away on the State Theatre stage, have fun playing games throughout the theatre, and take in the beautiful – and crazy – costumes some guests wear. Or dress up in costume yourself if tuxes and dresses aren’t your thing.

If you’ve never been, here’s my recap and photos from last year’s Jump Back 2 Spaces.

What happens at Jump Back Ball, doesn’t stay at Jump Back Ball

You can guarantee yourself a pair of tickets to this year’s Jump Back Ball by attending the Ticket Kickoff Party on Thursday, November 7. 

This year’s kickoff party will take place from 6 until 7pm at Cibreo Privado (1438 Euclid Ave., downtown Cleveland). PlayhouseSquare Partners can get their tickets early at 5:30.

Why Should You Go to This Year’s Jump Back Ball Kickoff?

#1 Save the most money on your Jump Back Ball ticket: Tickets will be their cheapest at the kickoff. General admission costs $150 for non-Partners and $200 for the VIP party sponsored by Dante. General admission prices will increase the next day by $15, plus a $3 per-ticket handling fee.

#2 Enjoy free appetizers and drink specials.

#3 See the brand-new Cibreo Privado. Cibreo has transformed the old E14th Street Theatre into a beautiful private dining and event room.

#4 Purchase a ticket and be entered to win free drinks, PlayhouseSquare loge tickets, free VIP party upgrades, a stay at the Wyndham the night of Jump Back, and more!

#5 The first 250 people to purchase tickets will also get a free long sleeve t-shirt that says “Will You be Shaken or Stirred?”

Save Even More: Join Partners and Jump Back Ball tickets cost only $115, an even bigger savings than in years past. Also new this year for Partners is an exclusive half-hour presale from 5:30-6pm and a Partners-only line to purchase tickets. That makes the 100% tax-deductible membership worth it to me every year (along with the other benefits of being a Partner like early ticketing, special event discounts and the knowledge that I’m helping PlayhouseSquare).

However, if you have any questions about Partners membership or Jump Back Ball, feel free to shoot me an email at clueintocleveland (at) gmail or stop by the ticket kickoff and ask me. I love talking about both.

See you next Thursday, Mr. Bond!

Jump Back Ball Set Up Day at the State Theatre

Another Jump Back Ball has come and gone. After months of hard work from Jump Back Ball co-chairs Maurie and Samantha and their committees, this Saturday’s Jump Back Two Spaces was an incredible evening of food, friends and boardgame fun.

An early wakeup to head to the Foodbank had me thinking I wasn’t going to make it through the night. Fortunately, after a relaxing hair appointment with Melanie at Dino Palmieri, I was ready to go!

Chef Jonathon Sawyer of Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat

We started Jump Back Two Spaces at the VIP party in the Palace. Chef Jonathon Sawyer and his teams from Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat really shined – showcasing the incredible food you’ll find on both of their menus.

The pulled pork and slaw steamed bun and caviar on burrata cheese were my favorites. A salty burst of flavor from the caviar combined with the burrata’s rich, creaminess was a luxurious start to the evening.

Caviar and burrata cheese at Jump Back Ball

After making our way to the State Theatre, we met up with the rest of our Clue gang – Kate (Green), Elizabeth (Scarlet), Sarah (White) and Brian (Mustard). Then Jen, Matt, Kimberly, Chris and a surprise appearance by Alicia and Hans rounded out the night (here’s Jen’s recap of Jump Back Ball).

We enjoyed the decorations, played a bit of Twister (I lost badly), rocked out to Velvet Shake (I danced badly), and took a lot of pictures of us acting silly.

It was a fitting end to Scott’s and my mini-vacation. I’ll be back later this week with the first half of our Cleveland theatre escape.

This is the final installment of my Jump Back Two Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character
• Part 2: Jump Back Hair-spiration with ONE Styling and Dino Palmieri
• Part 3: Upcoming Events – Jump Back Ball Edition
• Part 4: Jump Back Ball Fashions and My Dear Friend Etsy
• Part 5: Jump Back Ball Shop Nights
• Part 6: Jump Back Ball Decor Sneak Peek

Disclosure: I was asked by PlayhouseSquare to help promote this year’s Jump Back Ball. In exchange, I received one complimentary ticket. Opinions are my own.

Monday night’s Jump Back Ball Shop Night

Only a couple days remain til Jump Back Ball and this year’s co-chairs and decor committee have done an excellent job building a boardgame wonderland.

From Candyland and LIFE to Battleship and Monopoly, enjoy this sneak peek at a few of their creations for Saturday’s party:

If you’re free this Friday, February 22, you can get a closer look at all of the decorations (and help out) at Jump Back Ball set-up day.

Starting around 10am, we’ll be at the State Theatre getting the space ready for the next night. Even if you just want to lend a hand during your lunch hour, any help is appreciated.

While there are a number of other decorations I didn’t have a chance to snap a photo of (like the “Bottleship” project Scott’s been working on), next week’s Jump Back Ball recap promises to have plenty!

Jump Back Two Spaces – Candyland Gumpdrops

This is part 6 of my Jump Back Two Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character
• Part 2: Jump Back Hair-spiration with ONE Styling and Dino Palmieri
• Part 3: Upcoming Events – Jump Back Ball Edition
• Part 4: Jump Back Ball Fashions and My Dear Friend Etsy
• Part 5: Jump Back Ball Shop Nights

As a kid, I loved attacking anything I could with markers, paint and colored pencils. Still today, it’s an easy way to lift my spirits.

That’s why I get excited this time each year for Jump Back Ball Shop Nights.

I realize, though, I’m a little very weird. So if harnessing your inner Michelangelo isn’t your idea of a fun night out, why should you go to Shop Nights?

Well, I asked Scott – who I used to have to drag with me –  to share his story:

Fun with glitter at Scott’s first Shop Night in 2011

I’ve sung on stage in front of hundreds of people. I’ve performed improv and sketch comedy in a dozen bars. Through cable I’ve broadcast myself doing ridiculous activities for the viewing pleasure of the population of Philadelphia.

I say these things not as some sort of weird ego boost, but to give perspective; if after all that I was reluctant and a little scared to attend a Jump Back Ball Shop Night, then no one should feel like this trepidation is out of the ordinary. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t misplaced.

I know it doesn’t make any sense for me to fear a small group of people making decorations for Cleveland’s most awesome party. It’s sort of like how I know the little house spider is of no actual threat to me, but I still jump and shiver whenever I see one.

Part of it is undoubtedly the unknown. What if the spider isn’t what I think it is? What if, at Shop Night, I mess up? I cut the wrong thing? I glue the wrong part? I step wrong, or trip, or sneeze, and suddenly I’ve ruined someone else’s hard work?

Through repeated actions I’ve learned not to be so fearful of the little spider. And through repeated visits to Shop Night, and working with the wonderful people there, I’ve learned that my fears of it are also unfounded.

If it’s your first Jump Back Ball Shop Night, there are plenty of volunteers to help you

Shop Night is filled with friendly, helpful people, who are happy to be together making such wonderful things. And thus I learned that I couldn’t cut wrong, because someone would be there to show me how – or show me how to fix it when I deviated from the plan.

Glue can be undone, covered up, or creatively incorporated. And everything can be remade…sometimes better!

You’ll always have someone helpful nearby to show you whatever you need to know.

I’ve really come to enjoy Shop Nights. The people are welcoming and warm. The hum of the conversation and tools is comforting. Seeing things take shape around you is always amazing. There is an energy in the room, very similar to prepping and performing on the stage.

After all, we are creating a set – a set hundreds of people will be a part of, and I will be able to grin, point and say, “I helped make that!” to anyone who will listen.

If you come to Shop Nights, you may have the inclination to celebrate at Jump Back Ball like this

And it is all for the good of Playhouse Square!

After a few years of Shop Nights I now look at my fear and know it is baseless. Just like I will never lose that uncomfortable feeling for spiders, I do still get butterflies when going to Shop Nights. But now I know that once I walk through the doors the butterflies will be gone, replaced by all the good will and energy overflowing from the work being done.

And if you’re not too full from that, there is always the free food.

Where else can you help make the Alice in Wonderland Caterpillar?

Shop Nights will be held throughout February on the 4th floor of the Idea Center (accessible off of Dodge Court). Join us on the following dates from 5:30pm – 8:30pm and bring your friends:

• Monday, February 4
• Thursday, February 7
• Monday, February 11
• Wednesday, February 13
• Monday, February 18
• Thursday, February 21

You can find out more about Jump Back Ball Shop Nights and how you can get involved at playhousesquare.org/jumpbackball/involved.html.

This is part 5 of my Jump Back Two Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character
• Part 2: Jump Back Hair-spiration with ONE Styling and Dino Palmieri
• Part 3: Upcoming Events – Jump Back Ball Edition
• Part 4: Jump Back Ball Fashions and My Dear Friend Etsy

The upside to last year’s dress debacle and scrambling for a last minute replacement is that I learned how much I love Etsy. A few accessories can take any dress and tie it into the theme.

Another lesson I learned from last year is the need to get my dress early – a dark blue one-shoulder gown that didn’t break the bank and is a great base for a Mrs. Peacock ensemble.

With the dress in hand, I turned to Etsy. From head to toe, I’ve found plenty of Peacock-themed ideas on the site.

Hair-raising Jump Back Ball Accessories:

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All That Glimmers…Jump Back Ball Jewelry:

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Dress Up Those Dancing Shoes:

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And to complete my outfit, this vintage coat from one of my favorite Cleveland shops Room Service (who is now doing wedding planning for you soon-to-be Cleveland brides): 

The only thing left on my Jump Back Ball to-do list: What’s a Clue costume without a weapon?

Or in my case, a handmade brooch inspired by Peacock’s weapon of choice. A trip to Pat Catan’s is in my near future – especially with this weekend’s coupons.

Going to this year’s Jump Back Ball on Feb. 23? Need some accessories to spice up your outfit?

Here’s what a quick search got me. Someone please buy the Hungry Hungry Hippos hat – I’m kind of in love with it:

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Share your Jump Back Ball fashion ideas in the comments!

This is part 4 in my Jump Back Two Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character
• Part 2: Jump Back Hair-spiration with ONE Styling and Dino Palmieri
• Part 3: Upcoming Events – Jump Back Ball Edition

Fortunately, there are a few things going on in Cleveland between now and February 23 to wet your Jump Back whistle.

Get a Clue! Trivia Night

Jump Back Ball is hosted each year by PlayhouseSquare Partners, the theatre’s young professionals group.

However, Partners doesn’t stop there.  From our annual OSU tailgate to theatre outings, dine-arounds and putt-putt in the Palace, we’re busy year-round with events for Cleveland’s under-40 and young-at-heart crowd.

Our next event is Thursday, Jan. 17: the first annual Get a Clue! Trivia Night at Black Dog Kitchen & Bar in downtown Cleveland.

Sign up with a team or individually for a night of themed trivia rounds with prizes for the winners.

The evening starts at 6:30, trivia at 7.  Tickets are $25 for general public ($20 for Partners). Each ticket includes a buffet, 2 drink tickets for beer, wine and select liquor and entry in the trivia contest.

Call Molly Franz at 216-640-8416 to order tickets and learn more here.

Friday Nights at Noodlecat

Chef Jonathon Sawyer of Noodlecat and Greenhouse Tavern will be serving up delicious fare at this year’s Jump Back Ball VIP party.

But you can get in on the Noodlecat fun at their new Friday Night event series:

#karaokeCAT is back next Friday, Jan. 18! Scott and I had a great time when Cleveland’s A Plum hosted Noodlecat’s first Karaoke Night in November.  This time around, Jen, Alicia, Kimberly and I are hosting the January event.

Stop by for some singing (I’ve heard Jen will buy a sake bomb for the first person to sing a Richard Marx song) and hang out with bloggers from the Ohio Blogging Association who are coming out for our monthly meetup.

Karaoke starts at 9pm with Noodlecat’s Late Night Happy Hour Menu available 9-11pm. Their $2 steam buns are my favorite happy hour special in the city.

Maybe monster movies are more your thing?  In addition to karaoke on the third Friday of every month, join them tonight, Jan. 11 and the second Friday of every month for Monster Movie Night.

Tonight’s movie is GODZILLA (the 1954 release). DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1969 U.S. release) plays Feb. 8 and GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK aka GMK (2001) is March 8.

Monster movie screenings begin at 9pm on the second Friday of every month. At tonight’s screening, Noodlecat will give away a $50 Noodlecat gift card to the person with the best Godzilla costume.

Rock out with the Bands of Jump Back Ball

One of my favorite parts about Jump Back Ball is dancing my face off on the State Theatre stage.

Jump Back 2 Spaces will feature performances by two local party bands:  SWAGG on the mainstage and Velvet Shake as the last night band.

You can get a preview of what they’re bringing to the party by checking out these upcoming performances:

SWAGG

• Friday, Feb. 1 at Avenue Tap House
• Saturday, Feb. 9 at Blind Pig
• Friday, Feb. 15 at The Distillery

Velvet Shake

• Friday, Jan.11 at Hooley House in Brooklyn
• Friday, Jan. 18 at Willoughby Brew Co.
• Saturday, Feb. 2 at Brother’s Lounge in Lakewood

This week was all about upcoming events in Cleveland. I didn’t get to a bunch so if you have an event you’re looking forward to, share it in the comments section below!

This is part 3 in my Jump Back 2 Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character
• Part 2: Jump Back Hair-spiration with ONE Styling and Dino Palmieri

Disclosure: I am co-hosting Karaoke at the Cat and splitting compensation with my co-hosts. I am also a member of the PlayhouseSquare Partners board. However, the choice to share these events is my own because I have enjoyed them previous to any affiliations.

Dino Palmieri Salon in Eton (photos courtesy of ONE Styling)

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog post, I’m taking a head-to-toe approach in getting ready for this year’s Jump Back Ball.

That means getting the most difficult part — what the heck I’m going to do with my hair — out of the way before moving on to fun things like the dress and accessories.

I’m not very hair-savvy. Being a wash-and-go kind of gal, I keep my hair at shoulder-length because it’s easy to manage. Subsequently, it takes a lot of effort each year to plan how I’m going to style my Jump Back Ball do.

This year for Mrs. Peacock, I’m taking my cues from a few different sources. The good thing about a Clue theme is that there are so many versions.

While she usually sports a tightly coiffed short cut or an up-do like a bun, my favorite is Eileen Brennan’s Mrs. Peacock in the Clue movie – a loose, french-twist-like style.

I put together the below Pinterest board where I’m collecting a few hairstyles I like for my outfit.

I’m currently leaning towards the pin from Patricia Makeup Artistry, inspired by a style Taylor Swift wore (bottom row, center).

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I’ve found that when you’re used to a low-maintenance hairstyle, you need to turn to the experts for help with something more.

Fortunately for this hair-amateur, a recent event at the newest Dino Palmieri salon gave me some inspiration and know-how.

This past November, Dino Palmieri Salon and Spa opened up their latest location at Eton Chagrin Boulevard where they partnered with Solon, Ohio-based ONE Styling to showcase the first Dino Palmieri Blow Dry Bar.

Talk about getting pampered!

Dino Palmieri Shampoo Station

First stop at the Blow Dry Bar was a shampoo. Unwinding while someone washes my hair is my favorite part of visiting any salon.

But Dino Palmieri’s Eton location has raised the bar even higher. Their inverted massage chairs put me instantly at ease. The sink was also adjustable – no neck cramps here!

After my stylist tore me away from the shampoo station, it was time to order from the Blow Dry Bar’s menu.

Although the Eton location is a full-service salon perfect for Jump Back Ball, weddings and other special occasions, their unique Blow Dry Bar also offers quick styling for women in a hurry.

$40 gets you a wash and blow dry. Choose from a variety of hairstyles – curly, wavy, straight and sleek. They have blow outs for all hair types.

I went with a loose curl and my stylist did an excellent job, resulting in a fun, bouncy look for a post-salon dinner at Pacific East.

Much of this indulgent experience can be credited to Angela Presti, manager of the Eton salon, who handpicked the best stylists for her location (you can read more in this recent Patch feature).

Part of it also has to do with the ONE Styling tools the salon uses. After my stylist showed me a few blow drying tips with her ONE Styling dryer, they gave away ONE’s LEGACY Lite to try at home.

ONE Styling dryer, bubble wand, diffuser and other tools

After trying the LEGACY Lite Dryer the next morning, I was impressed by how much power it packed for being as light-weight and quiet as it is.

Though my hair is short, it’s thick and takes forever to dry. The ease of use and time I save on drying my hair makes the LEGACY Lite worth the investment. Plus, it leaves my hair much sleeker than other dryers I’ve owned.

Here’s a demonstration of the hairdryer from Celebrity Stylist David Lopez:

ONE Styling’s Verge Bubble Wand is another product I’ve heard only fantastic reviews about – giving curls that hold really well. I’m looking forward to picking one up to test drive a few Jump Back Ball ideas.

You can get your own ONE Styling tools at Dino Palmieri’s 8 locations (but call beforehand to see what they have in stock).

BONUS: They’re running a 20% off promotion January through February on ONE Styling tools and dryers (dinopalmierisalon.com/promotions).

This is part 2 in my Jump Back Two Spaces series. Check out my previous posts:

• Part 1: Getting into Character

Disclosure: I was invited by ONE Styling to attend their Blow Out event at Dino Palmieri in Eton where I was also given a selection of hair and beauty products to try at home.