Somerset County’s historic Brook Arts Center is preparing to turn back the clock with an evening that blends vintage elegance, live entertainment, and community support when it hosts its Second Annual Speakeasy Soirée and Silent Auction in January. Set within one of New Jersey’s most storied performance venues, the event will transform the theater into a dazzling tribute to the Jazz Age while raising vital funds for preservation and programming.

Originally opened in 1927, the Brook Arts Center has long served as a cultural cornerstone for the region. The upcoming soirée is designed to celebrate that legacy by recreating the spirit of the Roaring Twenties through music, fashion, and immersive entertainment. Guests will step into a night filled with period-inspired performances, sophisticated décor, and a sense of old-world glamour that echoes the theater’s early days.

The evening’s musical programming will feature the Brook Arts Big Band with vocalist Adam Machaskee performing a tribute to legendary bandleader Count Basie, bringing the unmistakable swing sound of the era to life. Adding a rare and nostalgic highlight, acclaimed theatre organist Ian Frazer will return to the venue’s historic Wurlitzer organ to accompany a vintage silent film comedy starring Harold Lloyd, offering attendees a glimpse into how audiences once experienced cinema nearly a century ago.

One of the most anticipated elements of the soirée is the expansive silent auction, which will present more than 100 curated items. From luxury travel experiences and professional portrait sessions to sports, dining, spa packages, and designer accessories, the auction is designed to appeal to a wide range of interests while supporting the center’s mission.

Tickets include buffet-style dining, live music, and entertainment, with guests encouraged to arrive in 1920s-inspired attire to fully embrace the theme. Flapper dresses, pinstripe suits, feathered headpieces, and vintage accessories are all welcome as part of the immersive atmosphere that has quickly made the Speakeasy Soirée one of the Brook Arts Center’s signature events.

As the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, the soirée plays a critical role in sustaining the Brook Arts Center’s restoration efforts and cultural programming. Operated entirely by volunteers as a nonprofit organization, the center relies on community involvement to preserve its historic architecture while continuing to present high-quality performances and educational initiatives.

The Brook Arts Center’s commitment to celebrating history through live performance reflects a broader movement across the Garden State, where historic venues are being revitalized as vibrant cultural destinations. Readers interested in exploring how these spaces continue to shape local culture can discover more stories through Explore New Jersey’s coverage of entertainment, highlighting venues, events, and creative communities statewide.

With tickets on sale through mid-January, the Second Annual Speakeasy Soirée offers residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy an evening of timeless style while contributing to the preservation of one of Somerset County’s most cherished landmarks. It is a night where history, music, and community spirit meet—ensuring that the arts continue to thrive for generations to come.