Historic Galveston Nightclub to Take Over Houston Billionaire’s Hot New Hotel: How the Balinese Room is Coming Back to Life for One Night

BY Joelle Dipaolo // 05.11.18

The marquee of the infamous Balinese Room in Galveston, Texas.

The 2017 Houston Symphony Ball after party certainly brought the noise.

In the 1940s, the Balinese Room was a famous nightclub in Galveston, known as the jewel of Gulf Coast night life. Welcoming top national performers (including Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and The Marx Brothers), the Balinese Room was a symbol of the freewheeling era of Galveston known as its “open era,” where the city became infamous as a resort town, and gambling, alcohol sales (during Prohibition) and other vices (including less-than-savory shady figures) were trademarks of the island.

After Hurricane Ike hit in 2008, the Galveston nightlife landmark was irreparably ruined, turned into pile of rubble, with the only reminders of its glory days being in the memories of Gulf Coast lifers and historians.

The 2018 Houston Symphony Ball is themed as a fond remembrance of the Balinese Room. Chaired by Robin Angly and Miles Smith, and co-chaired by Darrin Davis and Mario Gudnundsson, the black-tie event will allow fun-loving guests to dive back into the good old days and the lavish lifestyle of the swinging 1940s and ’50s.

The Ball will transform Tilman Fertitta’s grand new tower The Post Oak Hotel into the beloved Balinese Room this Saturday, May 12th, complete with a lush seated dinner and silent auction. The auction, co-chaired by Ann Ayre and Helen Shaffer, will offer luxury items and experiences, such as private dinners from renowned chefs in Houston.

The David Caceres Orchestra will entertain guests at the Ball before the late-night socialite staple DJ Kalkutta spins during the Ball After Party. All proceeds from the Ball will go towards Houston Symphony’s education and community programming to help bring music to Houston.

What: 2018 Houston Symphony Ball: “Balinese Room”