This is what I wrote to Doodlz yesterday evening, and in no means a slight to anyone on this matter. Thank you for the kind words Confetta, you are a doll! I want to thank you for attending the 1906 Earthquake Pier Centennial; I was not thinking when you said, "Hello," because of my preparation for the performance shortly afterwards. Boy, did we get the shaft on advertising and turnout for that! I think everyone was at the Palace gig. Ed Archer and myself will be singing at the Gatsby, but by no means a performance. If you go, please come by and stay for awhile; look for the 1921 Ford Touring Bus, (extended Model T), with "See San Francisco on a Dime," written on the side, and their Dreyer's Ice Cream Truck. I'm sure you will get a kick out of speaking with Ed and Karen. Ed used to perform on the radio at Earth Quake Magoons years ago, and he has a vast knowledge of music.

My comments:
I'm not one to preach, nor would I feel that my opinion matters to anyone but myself, so take it for what it is. Most, if not all the Art Deco Society's (ADS) events are expensive, but most of the time they are trying to cover the cost of the place that they are renting out; which in this case is the Dunsmuir House grounds, and quite easily $5000+. Now, does it make it an easier pill to swallow? No, but like I mentioned before, you will not find any organization committed to trying to replicate the early to mid twentieth century than the ADS, and until a time machine is invented this will have to do. Everything has its faults, so it is not perfect, but if you are a fan of the era then you might enjoy it. If the money is an issue then you will have to figure out even if you had a terrible time that that could be the outcome and could you afford to spend it.; like anything you might plan.
I wouldn't know a blue blood if I saw one, but then again the event is basically pretend, and, somethings do cost money, like all the amazing period automobiles; that is definitely a different category, and most Concourse d' Elegance people are stuffy anyway. In the book, Gatsby was trying to keep up with the East Coast Jones and nothing has changed at this event. It's been said, since we live in California we are all rich by nation, or world standards. Most rich people don't care about this event.
The ADS has gone through many changes, some good and some bad. I personally feel that they are pricing the younger people out of their events, but as lesser and lesser people turn out for them, they need to raise the prices in order to sustain themselves; so it's not a solution.
If you go, involve yourself, don't be a wall-flower. Otherwise, you might feel that the money spent wasn't worth it.
I feel bad for Al, but she really should have found out these things before going, especially if she was performing. They must have made some mention as to what was perks were provided for their services, not the other way around. (edited a little bit, since I've had more sleep).

Anyways, have fun whatever you decide to do.
Jeffrey

P.S. This event only happens once a year, and every year they say that this will be the last one because of the cost involved. Remember to bring your own lunch. Oh, if you are interested type in Gastby picnic in google to check out previous years photos.
Yes, I know most photos are staged, just look at the current administrations record! :) For those interested Peer's Pirates Ball is tomorrow night, www.peers.org Arrrgh!