Big Night Out to support Next organization

Next, which supports the 50-plus communities in Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Franklin and Bingham Farms, is getting a bit of support of its own with a stunning benefit on Thursday, October 20, at Birmingham's Daxton Hotel ballroom.

Imagine a special evening reminiscent of something you might see in an old movie – but not ever get a chance to experience. Candlelit tables surrounding a stage and dance floor in a magical intimate setting. A phenomenal entertainer belting out classic after classic with a full jazz orchestra backing him up, filling the elegant ballroom with delightful sound. It's reality with Birmingham's Big Night Out, when at 7 p.m. the doors to the luxurious Daxton ballroom will open and Mark Randisi and the 16-piece Motor City Jazz Orchestra will whisk attendees away to another time and place with timeless music made popular by such greats as Sinatra, Bennett, Crosby, Martin and more.

Next is a non-profit organization enriching the lives of the 50-plus population of Birmingham, Bingham Farms, Beverly Hills, Franklin and surrounding areas since 1978. It is also supported by Birmingham Public Schools, with a working partnership with Baldwin Public Library.

“There really is not any other service organization that is more intertwined with our community,” said Cris Braun, executive director of Next.

For several years, Next has been leasing space in the former Midvale school as a senior community center, which the organization has long outgrown.

“The combination of the financial difficulties at BPS, the growing senior population and the increased use of the center and its services have severely stretched the resources of Next. It is unlikely the current facility can provide an acceptable level of service much further into the future,” Braun noted. “Thus, to survive and thrive, Next is ramping up its fundraising capabilities. Leading this effort, in what we hope becomes the marquee adult community event for Birmingham, is Birmingham's Big Night Out (BBNO).”

Doors swing open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. Dancing, appetizers and desserts are included in the evening plus the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) is supporting this event and promoting BSD businesses by offering Birmingham Bucks e-Gift cards with each ticket purchase.

Front row dance floor/stage seating is $150, general seating is $75. Tickets are available at birminghamnext.org or by calling Next at 248.203.5270.