Feeling lucky? Casino games are just part of the entertainment you'll find at this year's Jump Back Ball. (photo from playhousesquare.org/jumpbackball)

The countdown has begun: Less than two weeks to go until Jump Back Ball!

Scott bought the rest of his outfit this weekend, all of my accessories have come in, and at last night’s Shop Night so many of the decor projects really came together.

I’ve even had my requisite dream where everything that could possibly go wrong does. When I was a kid, I’d have the same nightmare every year about my first day back from summer vacation — so I’m right on schedule!

After last year's JBB, RadioActive is making its return to the State Theatre stage (photo from playhousesquare.org/jumpbackball)

I know it’s silly to be nervous, though, because there’s a lot to look forward to.

In addition to an evening of good food (if you’re going to the VIP party, Chef Jarrett’s plans for the menu look delicious), your ticket gets you an evening full of entertainment.

For our bands, we’re spotlighting three local groups: the 2-1-Chicks, RadioActive and Tricky Dick and the Cover-Ups.

Check out the jazzy 2-1-Chicks during the VIP party (logo from facebook)

A play on the 2-1-6, the ladies of 2-1-Chicks will bring their jazz stylings to Jump Back Ball’s VIP party. The 2-1-Chicks feature Chris Fader on vocals, keyboard, and flute; Bettyjeane Wischmeier on sax, clarinet, flute and vocals; Carol Dieball on drums and vocals; and Alie Brooke on upright/electric bass and vocals.

They play a mashup of Funk, Jazz, Soul, Pop, and Lounge covers and are known for making the sound their own by taking a song you know and love and putting it on its head in a completely unexpected style.

If you don’t have a chance to see them at Jump Back, their next show is Feb. 21 (next Tuesday) in Brothers Lounge‘s Wine Bar starting at 8pm.

Tricky Dick and the Cover-Ups, JBB21's late-night band (photo from trickydickcoverband.com)

After dinner, RadioActive makes their return to Jump Back Ball.  This Top 40 party band was so popular as last year’s late-night group that they will be holding court this year on the main stage of the State Theatre.

Tricky Dick and the Cover-Ups will be closing out the night in the State Theatre Lobby.  Meredith and I saw them at Around the Corner a few months back. Despite the fact that their lead singer appeared to have a broken leg, they brought so much energy that people in the packed bar were bouncing off the walls. Plus,  any band that covers the Ghostbusters theme wins me over pretty fast.

PlayhouseSquare’s blog has a nice feature on the two bands and you can check out both of their upcoming schedules here and here.

Jugglers at last year's Jump Back Ball (photo from playhousesquare.org/jumpbackball)

If you aren’t looking to dance your entire night away, we have other plans for you.  From stilt-walkers and yo-yo tricks to a round of flamingo croquet fit for the Queen of Hearts, there will be plenty to see and do while you enjoy your fill of food and drink.

Casino games and the raffle/silent auction will also be back for those who are feeling lucky. Our Raffle Co-Chairs John and Sara (from Finding the Time) have done an excellent job putting together a number of Alice-themed packages to bid on.  There are more than a few restaurant certificates that I’ve already been eyeing up.

Knowing me, I’ll likely still be a little anxious until the VIP party kicks off at 6:30pm. However, with an evening packed so full of things to do, I think that even this natural-born worrier will be able to relax and lose herself in the fun that is planned.

This is part 4 in my Behind the Looking Glass series. Want to learn more about Jump Back Ball? Check out:

• Part 1: An Introduction to Jump Back Ball 21
• Part 2: Jump Back Ball Fashions
• Part 3: Jump Back Ball Shop Nights
• A First Timer’s Guide to Jump Back Ball