By Rebecca D’Angelo

The Art Deco Society of Virginia recently hosted its inaugural Jazz Age Preservation Ball, boasting an evening of music and dancing set to a Roaring ‘20s theme. Taking guests back to the days of Richmond’s famed Beaux Arts Ball, the event raised money for a local Jazz Age landmark, the Byrd Theatre. Built in 1928, the Byrd Theatre is one of the few grand movie palaces remaining today. The theater needs an estimated $5 million in renovations to preserve it for future generations. In addition to accepting individual donations and giving proceeds from ticket sales to the Byrd Theatre Foundation, the event also raised money through silent and live auctions.