Special Events

Music was important to amateur pianist Jane Austen, and she often commented on the musical skills and tastes of her characters to convey information about them. On Friday evening, pianist and musicologist Janne Irvine will entertain us with a recital featuring music from Austen’s era, interwoven with conversation about her novels.  Dr. Irvine has drawn on her knowledge of 18th and early 19th century music, her talent as a pianist, and her understanding of Austen's novels after almost 50 years of reading them, to develop a unique presentation sure to delight all Janeites. 
 

Learning about astronomy, geology, and other areas of “natural philosophy” was a popular pastime during and following the Age of Enlightenment. Enthusiasm for astronomy was energized by announcements of contemporary discoveries, and people were excited by the many mysteries remaining to be solved ― confident that science would succeed in solving them. That Jane Austen was personally acquainted with the night sky is evident in her writing, and she no doubt allowed herself to become inspired by its mysteries. James Ashley will examine astronomy in the Regency era, compare it to our current understanding of the Universe, and then lead us outdoors (weather and clouds permitting) to gaze upon the same stars that Fanny and Edmund―and Jane Austen―must have pondered. Ashley is director of Minor Planet Research, Inc. and is a Ph.D. candidate at Arizona State University, currently working with the Mars Exploration Rovers at the university's Mars Space Flight Facility.

Saturday Night Masquerade Gala

The traditional Saturday evening banquet will be followed by a Regency Masked Ball―just the type of event the Crawfords would have relished as much as they did rehearsing "Lovers’ Vows"! Whether you come to the ball in Regency dress, a masquerade costume, or modern attire, you are sure to enjoy the evening. Half-masks will be provided during the cocktail hour for those who would like to adopt an air of mystery, or you can bring your own.  After dinner, members in Regency or “fancy” dress are invited to join in the Costume Parade. 

If you are staying in Tucson Sunday night, join JASNA friends for a relaxing dinner in the Victorian ambiance of the Savoy Opera House. The restaurant is located in “Trail Dust Town,” a former movie set that now features restaurants, shops, and amusements. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Museum of the Horse Soldier, which offers a collection of U.S. Calvary artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, and equipment dating from the Civil War through the end of the mounted cavalry in 1942. Transportation is included in the dinner price.

If you’re a golf enthusiast and would like to play on one of Loews’
Tom Fazio-designed championship courses, bring (or rent) clubs and tee off in
the first ever “JASNA Open.” We’re planning a scramble tournament with 4-person teams for Thursday morning. To participate, please enroll on the AGM registration form; a fee does apply. (If minimum enrollment is not met, the tournament will
be cancelled.)

Golf course at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
 

Special-Interest Sessions & Workshops

Sheppard Kominars will draw on his experience as a collector and dealer in antique and rare books to discuss the exciting and rewarding activity of developing your own collection, caring for the books you have, and preserving antique editions. Emphasis will be given to collecting various editions of Austen’s works. In addition, you will have an early look at the first editions of her novels on loan from the University of Arizona for the day.

Historical costumer Rebecca Morrison-Peck will show you how to make and decorate a fully lined drawstring bag, just in time for the Ball.  It’s the perfect place to hold your fan, smelling salts, handkerchief, snuffbox…even a cell phone! Complete reticule kits will be provided in class, and you can choose one that contrasts with or matches your gown. Only basic hand-sewing skills are needed. Bring small scissors if desired.

“Ribbon trimmings are all the fashion at Bath”  ― Jane Austen, 1814

Textile artist Margaret Phillips will show you how to recreate the popular pansy in all of its glorious hues from ribbon. Once you learn the techniques, you’ll be able to make ribbon flowers for bouquets, fashion trimmings, and more. All materials needed to make one pansy with leaves will be provided.
 

Workshop Update: We regret to inform you that Martha Caprarotta will not be able to lead the Regency Headwear Workshop as originally planned. However, we are fortunate to have found Margo Nickel, a milliner with many years of experience in the New York theatre, film, and dance worlds, and, most recently, the head milliner for the Arizona Opera Company. She has agreed to lead a headwear workshop at the Tucson AGM similar to the one Martha had planned. Of course, we will contact AGM attendees who have already signed up for the workshop to let them know of the change.

Need a smashing headpiece to wear to the Saturday banquet and ball?  Hankering for a day bonnet that would make Lydia Bennet drool? Then this workshop is for you! Margo Nickel will guide you step-by-step in making and customizing your own headpiece of choice.

Before the workshop, you will receive instructions on the type and amount of fabric to buy, cutting and sewing instructions, and patterns (for the bonnet). You will need to purchase your own fabric and trims and must do some sewing before the workshop. At the workshop, you will bring your headpiece-in-progress, your own sewing supplies (scissors, needles, pins, threads) and trims (ribbons, pearls, plumes, etc.). Margo will give a brief presentation on early 19th century headwear, with lots of pictures to inspire you. Then, she will distribute your appropriate amount of headpiece padding or bonnet form and instruct you on how to assemble, trim, and finish your masterpiece. (The day bonnet workshop fee includes the cost of the special bonnet frame that Margo will provide.)  

Headpiece Styles:

Left: Evening Headpiece #1 - Pearl-wrapped Headband with Tassel, circa 1811 (fabric over padding)

Center: Evening Headpiece #2 -"Consulat" Headband, circa 1818 (two fabrics over padding, shown with plumes)

Right: Day Bonnet, circa 1815 (fabric over hat form)
 

Judee Pronovost, organizer of the Orange County English Country Dance Group and caller for our Regency Ball, will conduct two identical dance workshops to prepare you for Saturday night. All levels of dance experience are welcome.