Flapper Ball Was All Glitz and GlamourPhoto/text By Renee Burrell
Sylvia Cummings RN, BSN, CCRN-BC was THE lady in red at the Flapper Ball. Flapper chic and 20s era costumes were optional, and everyone opted to, all the more adding to the glamour of the evening. BELLEAIR - A Speakeasy Roaring 20's Flapper Ball at the Belleview Biltmore made for a fun evening out on the town Saturday, April 12. The ball was a Florida Heritage Celebration Event sponsored by the Belleview Biltmore Resort, Reclaiming Our Heritage.org, Friends of the Belleview Biltmore, and eNox media. The evening's highlights began for guests as they made their way in to the Ball via a speakeasy set up in the 111-year-old hotel's legendary tunnels. After sidestepping stacked boxes marked, "XXX" and other reminders of Prohibition, they entered into the beautifully decorated and dimly lit Starlight Ballroom that had been transformed into a jazzy night club and casino. In keeping with the balls roaring '20s theme, live music was provided by the 19-piece LC Swing Big Band, who played several standards the White Queen hadn't heard for over 50 years. For the glitzy soiree, LC Swing played as the Bernie Cummins Orchestra, the Biltmore's house band from 1924 to 1941. They invited one of Cummin's orchestra members to join them for a musical trip down memory lane. Birthday boy and sax player, Charlie Almeida was in great form. Almeida turned 80 April 12. Cummin's son, Mick, travelled from California for the tribute. Also in attendance and looking lovely was Jeanne Cummins, Bernie's sister-in-law and the band's female vocalist from 1943 to 1950. Comedian Charlie Callas, was one of the Cummins' last drummers, but was unavailable to attend.
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