Welcome to Moonlight Serenade and our 25th Season!

*** Four Dressy* Dinner-dances with Live Big Band Music ***

Leisure World, Mesa, Arizona

Per couple for the season: $305. Guest couple for one dance: $100 

Saturday November 23rd 2024 - Orchestra TBA

Saturday January 25th 2025 - Orchestra TBA

Saturday February 22nd 2025 - Orchestra TBA

Saturday March 22nd 2025 - Orchestra TBA

Evening schedule: Doors open 5pm. Dance 5.30-6.30. Dinner 6.30-7.30. Dance 7.30-9.30 (close)

Click here for membership, guest reservations, directions or any questions

*Dress code: Please, tux or coat and tie for men, cocktail or long dress for ladies.


For News, Dance Instruction information, Links and Photo Gallery click a link below...

Click here for membership, guest reservations, directions or any questions

Click here to see Board Members, Bylaws and Policies, Club History,Active Charter Members.

Great music, food, dancing and atmosphere!

Moonlight Serenade Dance Club is a non-profit organization based in Mesa, Arizona.      We present four dinner dances each winter - in November, January, February and March.     
The events are held in the main ballroom of Leisure World in Mesa, Arizona.    This is a modern, well-equipped venue with an excellent dance floor.      Attendance is limited to a maximum of 35 tables of 8 to ensure ample space for dancing.
Each winter four top orchestras with up to fifteen or more musicians are engaged to play music from the big band era (plus a few extras!) for your listening and dancing pleasure.    
A salad, dinner roll, pre-ordered  choice of entree, dessert and coffee are served to your table at each event.    You are welcome to bring your own sodas, wines and spirits for the evening. Wine glasses and disposable cups are provided.    
Not a dancer?    No problem!!    Many of our members just come to enjoy the music, the meal and ambience.
Please Note: As far as we know these are unique events in the valley. To ensure a traditional and suitable ambience we have a dress code - tux or coat and tie for men, cocktail or long dress for ladies.      
For each event doors open at 5 p.m.      Your table number is assigned beforehand.     Dancing starts at 5:30 and breaks at 6:30 for dinner.     Dancing continues from 7:30 to close at 9:30.
Please note that this is not a singles club, although single guests are very welcome.

Membership for a COUPLE in 2024/2025: $305 for the four events ($152.50 per person).  For new members there is an optional one-time charge of $16 for two membership badges.

Guest couples are most welcome to attend any dance in 2024/2025 at $100 ($50 per person).    Guest couples who subsequently join the club in the same season will receive a refund of their $23.75 guest fee(s).

Please note: All reservations are prepaid WITH NO REFUNDS.   However, reservations may be resold by members and guests.  

For membership, guest reservations, directions or any questions please contact us here.


NEWS...    NEWS...    NEWS...    NEWS...    NEWS...    NEWS...    NEWS...

Board member changes for season 2024/2025:

After serving the club since 2011 as both Music chair and President, Earl McEntyre, latterly supported by Teresa Huang, is leaving the board.

After serving the club since 2012 as Secretary, Clarice Chism, supported by husband Joe, is leaving the board. 

After serving the club since 2012 as Decorations chair, Kathy Litzenberger, supported by husband  Ron (who served two terms as President), is leaving that position. Kathy will stay on the board as member at large.

After serving the club since 2012 as Treasurers, Keith and Virginia Ougden are leaving the board.

All leaving members are keen to say that the timing of their departures is simply coincidence, all simply say "it's time" and that there is no friction in the board!

The new board for 2024/2025 is as follows:

After two years as President, Jim McCown will take the Treasurer position.

Vice President Jerry Mundell steps up to become President.

Mary Cartner is new to the board as Secretary.

Linda Matheson is new to the board as the Decorations chair.

Wayne Barker is new to the board as the Music chair.

News: Review of season 2023/2024

Throughout the season the quality of the orchestras and caterer's meals were very good. The stage was full of musicians for the Sonoran Swing and Swing Memories orchestras, producing a rich, big band sound. The slightly smaller orchestras of Danny Kealey and Howard Schneider also gave the exciting big band atmosphere. All orchestras played a fine mix of music including big band classics along with a polka or two, some latin and tango. 

The last dance of the season attracted more than 240 dancers, the largest attendance since the Covid disruption. This was due to a large number of guests, and the board hopes that some will be back next season as members!

The club ended the year with 87 member couples, down a bit on the previous season, but throughout the season guest attendance helped the club to end 2023/2024 in a good financial position. 

During the last dance of the season, President Jim McCown gave certificates of thanks to outgoing board members Earl McEntyre and Teresa Huang, Clarice and Joe Chism, Kathy and Ron Litzenberger, and Keith and Virginia Ougden.

Finally - inflation doesn't lose its grip, does it? In order to maintain the quality of the club's events it has been necessary to increase charges for season 2024/2025: Membership $305 per member couple, $100 per guest couple. Where else in the valley can you get a good meal served to your table, plus three hours of super, live big band music with a classy ambience?!

News: Review of season 2022/2023

Despite the long shadow of the COVID pandemic, the club finished the season with 95 member couples, the same as the previous season, but still a little down on the pre-COVID 105-110. Thanks to all who have continued to support the club.

The November dance featured the popular Danny Kealey Orchestra. They always provide a lively set.

The stage was overflowing for our January dance, featuring the Sonoran Swing Orchestra. There was no room for the vibraphone player! The 20 or so musicians and singers forced him onto the dance floor. “Big” band, indeed!

February’s dance featured the Howard Schneider Orchestra – as usual, Howard and his colleagues produced an upbeat set that kept the dance floor busy.

Sonoran Swing returned for our March dance, replacing the planned orchestra who had to cancel because of illness. Once again, their full complement of musicians filled the ballroom with luscious music. 

Our caterers, Premier Catering, delivered the goods, again. Gary and his team work hard to provide interesting menus and accommodate certain special dietary needs, but there is a limit to their flexibility within the constraints of a set menu. 

Our decorations team continued to fill the ballroom with color and invention. Some younger blood who could help with high ladder work would be appreciated! 

The club is pleased to announce that Jerry Mundell, supported by Linda Mattheson, has taken the vacant Vice President position. Other than that, the board is unchanged going into the 2023/2024 season. As is usual with voluntary organizations, "Help Wanted". 

As with all aspects of life, inflation has hit the club, and for the club to remain viable the fees for the 2023/2024 season will be $290 per couple ($145 per person) for membership, $95 for a guest couple. For members, $72.50 for a meal for two plus 3 hours of live big band music must represent the greatest deal in the valley!

News: Review of season 2021/2022

After the complete cancellation of the previous 2020/2021 season, it was heartening to see so many staunch supporters of the club renew their membership for 2021/22. Along the way the club attracted a number of new members. By the end of the season the club had 95 member couples, within striking distance of the typical 105-110.

A new orchestra was introduced for the March dance, Sonoran Swing. It was their first appearance in Leisure World, and there were a few teething problems with the sound levels, but these were fixed, and we were treated to the glorious sound of about 20 musicians on stage (and the xylophone player on the dance floor!). Two singers harmonised beautifully, and we are pleased that Sonoran Swing will return next season for our March 2023 dance. (It must be said that a few more musicians turned up than had been contracted for… musicians love to play music!)

At the March dance a presentation was made by the board to Shirley Rake, who has decided to step down from the board. For many seasons, Shirley, supported by Elwood, has run the Membership chair. It was calculated that during that time she had arranged meals and seating for no fewer than 8,741 people!

Joy Kosterman will take over Shirley’s role, so she will be handling your meal and seating requests in future.

Other board changes: Tom and Lee Feluk, long-time members-at-large, are leaving Arizona. We wish them well in their native Michigan.

Ron Litzenberger is handing over the presidency to Jim McCown. Ron ran an extra term when no candidate for president was found.  Ron continues on the board supporting Kathy, who with a reduced budget (COVID again) still managed to produce décor to wow all who attended.

The club welcomes Jerry Mundell and Linda Matheson to the board as members-at-large.

Finally, MSDC has no special shield against inflation, and at the February dance new fees for season 2022/23 were announced: $280 for a member couple, $85 for a guest couple. It seems that MSDC is “the only show in town” delivering a dressy evening with a good meal and fine music. So if you’re happy… please continue with your support!

News: Season 2020/2021 canceled

January 2020. The following is the note from President Howard Standage preceding the cancelation of what should have been the club's 22nd season, 2020-2021...

    “ Auld Lang Syne”, which is played/sung at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve, will ring out differently in 2021.  This is a Scottish tune, which is also sung at Weddings, graduations, funerals or as a farewell to an occasion. 

    It seems fitting that we sing farewell to the saga of 2020 and raise hope to begin anew with renewed hope!

    Moonlight Serenade club officers canceled the January 2021 dance.  We shall abide by the current Leisure World Rules as well as the CDC.  

    We are requesting assistance from the members to fill some vacancies for our board.  If you feel inclined to join the club officers, please give President, Howard Standage, a call at 602-403-2342 or send an e-mail to: moonlightserenade@cox.net .  All inquires are appreciated.

     Our meeting in January will discuss whether we can pursue the February and March dances.  Refunds will also be discussed.  Note, our membership is of upmost importance - we will notify all members as soon as we have definite news to report. 

      Until we meet again, may you and yours enjoy Peace, Love and Joy of a New Year!

News: March 2020 Dance cancelled

April 2020. The final dance of the season was cancelled because all Leisure World facilities had been closed because of the COVID-19 situation. Members and guests will be refunded in full. At the time of writing only 20 of 135 contacts have not given details of how the refund is to be handled.

The board looks forward to seeing everyone again in November for our new, 22nd successful season!

Stay safe everyone and enjoy the summer as best you can, wherever you may be.

News: Dues increased for 22nd season, 2020/2021

February 2020. At the "Year of the Rat" dance, President Ron Litzenberger explained that, thanks to members' and guests' ongoing support, the club's finances were very strong, and to maintain that strength in the face of expected inflation, the dues for next season will be increased by $1 per person per dance.

News: Chinese New Year of The Rat review

February 2020

As usual, the Howard Schneider Big Band provided an excellent selection of music for the evening. The festive Rat looked on with complete detachment while the dancers whirled away...

While earlier, the ballroom didn't look quite as well organised....!

News: Sea of Dreams review

January 2020

And so we left the "troubled teens" decade behind with a stunning start to the 20's. SCUBA diving equipment wasn't necessary, but the undersea world conjured by Kathy and helpers threatened to take the breath away!

 

The Lonny Lynn orchestra played a varied program with a richness of tone that gave listeners much pleasure.

Somehow Premier Catering managed to serve 290 meals in the time allowed. That's about 7 meals per minute leaving the kitchen - a plate every 8 seconds. Wow.

News: Color Me Autumn review

November 2019

Our 21st season kicked in with 242 members and guests enjoying the varied program of excellent music from the Myron Sommerfeld Orchestra. "Color Me Autumn" was the decorations theme, and once again the decor team pulled out all the stops, with freshly cut eucalyptus fronds descending from the ceiling, pumpkins and other seasonal paraphernalia adorning stage, tables, arbor and entrance lobby... 



... and finally all that effort was really worthwhile...

News: Nairobi Safari review

March 2019

Our last event of the season was attended by an enthusiastic crowd of 256 members and guests. The Danny Kealey orchestra helped out by playing an extended set when meal service was delayed after the caterers discovered that the ovens in the kitchen were not working. The caterers pulled out all the stops and moved their operation to Rec 1, a magnificent effort.

As always, the DK Orchestra played lively music and many attendees were still dancing to the end!

During the break, President Ron Litzenberger thanked outgoing board members Michael Sheridan (VP) and Joe Quinn (Music) for their service to the board. Ron then introduced new board members Ed and Sharleen Martin (VP), Bud Reed and Pat Berg (Music), and Tom and Lee Feluk (our second members at large, Dean and Anne Vig being the other.) 

News: Year of the Pig review

February 2019

The rain teemed down all day, and despite the hopes of the board members for a dry evening, the rain just kept falling from the sky! Nonetheless, all but a few of those with reservations battled through the elements, and finally over 250 people were well-rewarded for making the effort. The Howard Schneider Big Band played a great selection of music that kept the dance floor busy to the end. The meal with a choice of prime rib or salmon, was rounded off with a chocolate dessert to die for!

Business cards with the dates for next season's events were left at each person's table spot, and at the break, President Ron Litzenberger announced that the member and guest fees for next season will be unchanged at $240 membership per couple, or $78 per guest couple for any one event. 

News: Carnival Night review

January 2019

Well, the Lonny Lynn orchestra certainly draws the crowds! We had to close reservations, it seemed that half the East Valley wanted to attend! A joint-record attendance of 282 thoroughly enjoyed the evening, with the atmosphere being set by the splendid efforts of the decorations team. Lonny's orchestra was on top form, playing a number of requests along with an excellent selection of big band music with some Latin thrown in for good measure.

Once again the caterers did a splendid job of serving the swordfish or beef entrees in record time. How do they do it?  

President Ron Litzenberger announced that this 2018/2019 season is the 20th for the club. Commemorative pens were distributed to all who attended. To applause, Ron also recognized 11 members who had attended the very first season 19 years ago, quite an achievement!

News: Harvest Moon review

November 2018

Almost setting a record attendance for November, 230 people participated in the first dinner-dance of the season, and the Myron Sommerfeld Orchestra provided an excellent evening of music.

Many of those attending were very complimentary about the meal and service provided by Premier Catering. To serve 230 meals in the time allowed is quite a feat!

The decorations featured a huge moon behind the band and autumn leaves falling everywhere...


News: 2018/2019 Dues announced

February 2018

At February's dance ("Chinese New Year of the Dog"), President Ron Litzenberger introduced revised fees for next season - 2018/2019. 

The board thanks members and guests for their continuing support.

News: Chinese New Year of the Dog review

February 2018

The Howard Schneider Big Band royally entertained the 262 members and guests who attended our February event. As usual, our decorations team set the perfect ambience with over 60 tasseled Chinese lanterns, wall hangings and a friendly doggie above the band on stage. Tables were decorated with centerpieces of elegant flower arrangements set upon luxurious golden fabric topped with black lace.

A silent warrior from the Terra Cotta army stood guard to prevent any stage invasions! Take a look at the photo gallery for some pictures.


News: One Night in Paris review

January 2018

The Lonny Lynn Orchestra began the evening at 5:30 sharp with a lovely rendition of "The Poor People of Paris", and went on to play one of the best evening's music we've had.

The hot-air ballons soared over the 271 members and guests in attendance who were wowed by the decorations - the stars twinkled, the Eiffel Tower "towered"...

... the Moulin Rouge windmilled...

... and the can-can girls "could-could"! Ooh la la!

News: Renaissance Masquerade Ball review

March 2017

Our final dance of the season ended in style with many dancers sporting masks in keeping with the splendid decorations that evoked a romantic castle.   

After three very successful years, club President George Flaskerud has stepped down.    He and Kristi were on vacation and President-elect Ron Litzenberger took the podium.  

Ron introduced next year's board to the members, highlighting new board members Dana Allen (Decorations assistant) and Michael Sheridan (vice president).  The Danny Kealey Orchestra played a lot of very lively music that energized the dance floor.

Instead of simply wearing masks one couple really got into the spirit of the theme.   Here are Henri and Jan Verwayen emulating Hollywood swashbuckling characters!


News: 2017/2018 season dues - unchanged

February 2017.   

At our Chinese New Year dance the club's President, George Flaskerud, announced that membership dues and guest fees for next season will remain unchanged for the third year running.

News: "Chinese New Year - Rooster" review

February 2017.   

Our third dance of the 2016/17 season was attended by 235 members and guests.   Our decorations queen, Kathy Litzenberger, was on vacation.  Virginia Ougden and Dana Standage stepped in and were well-briefed by Kathy!    Somehow the team managed to acquire almost enough model roosters for each table to have one as a centerpiece.

The board thanks Red Rooster Consignment Furniture for the loan of 6 magnificent roosters!    The store is located at 5959 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, 85206; phone (480) 832-9404.

The Howard Schneider Orchestra were really on form and kept the dance floor busy to the very end of the most enjoyable evening.

As usual our catering chairperson, Sandi Schneider (no relation), thanked the caterer's for their service and for the tasty meals.

Member John Draper sported an excellent rooster....


News: "Under The Sea" review

January 2017.   

Our second dance of the 2016/17 season was attended by 265 members and guests.   The ballroom was splendidly decorated to give an impression of life under the ocean waves.    The bubble effect from the hundreds of small balloons was most original and impressive.     The Lonny Lynn Orchestra once again played favorite tunes for the enthusiastic dancers, and their blue jackets fitted the theme perfectly!   The photo gallery contains some pictures from the evening.

News: "Autumn Splendor" review

November 2016.   

Our first dance of the 2016/17 season was attended by 239 members and guests.   This is the largest attendance for the November dance since at least 2012!    The crowd were entertained by excellent music from the Myron Sommerfeld Orchestra.   The venue was splendidly decorated with autumn leaves, hanging branches, sunflowers, owls and over 40 pumpkins!    The sumptuous arbor was the backdrop for many photos.

Thanks to Kathy Litzenberger for the theme and to all who helped with the set-up and tear down.

Club President, George Flaskerud, asked for those interested in joining the board or helping with decorating to complete a small response form.   A number were returned - thank you.

A number of people embellished their attire with autumnal themes - for example John and Betty Draper...

News: The Quallys leave Mesa...

April 2016.   

Pat and Keith Qually are Canadians who have "snow-birded" in Mesa for many years.   They have been long-standing members of Moonlight Serenade and have been on the current board for many years, firstly as "member at large" and then "Decorations".   Pat and Keith have decided to snow-bird in Florida from next winter and have therefore had to resign from the MSDCboard.

The remaining board members thank the Quallys for their many years of service.   Among their many accomplishments are "The History Of The Club" (see above), a complete rework of the Club's bylaws and policies, research into Charter Members, and many others.   We wish them happiness and the best of luck in pursuing their new life and interests.

 

News: Dues for 2016/2017 season unchanged.

At our "Nuit Parisienne" dance held on Tuesday February 23rd 2016, President George Flaskerud announced that the club membership dues and guest fee for next season will remain unchanged.

 

News: Charter Members honored.

At the January 2016 dance the Club's Charter Members were honored.   To see the full article go to our "About Us" page  and click "ActiveCharter Members" there.

News: African Adventure review.

Our January 2016 event with the Lonny Lynn Orchestra was attended by 263 members and guests.   The ballroom décor evoked the African jungle; ambient jungle noises and authentic African music during dinner helped set the atmosphere.   The annual booklet was distributed to members at the registration desk.

President George Flaskerud introduced the current board.    He also recognized our 14 Charter Members (see article above).   Board member Pat Qually gave a short history of the club since its founding in 1999.  A number of members embellished their attire with animal themes, but special mention goes to Betty Draper's skill in making matching outfits for herself and husband John... 

 

Dance Instruction

The board has researched local ballroom dance instructors.   Many dance lessons are very costly but you may be interested in the following sensibly priced experienced instructors :

Jana Moore: group classes at Sunland Village: 480-363-9997

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Bill and Carol Goss.  

Bill and Carol have taught dance for more than 30 years in over 30 states, Canada, Japan, Australia and across Europe. Details of their 2023/2024 Leisure World season follow:

Tuesday evening Round Dance Parties: 7-9pm, Phase 4-6 Round Dancing, Leisure World Rec. 2 Hopi/Pima rooms. $15 per couple.

Dates: 10/31, 11/7 11/14, 12/5, 12/12, 1/2, 1/16, 1/23, 2/6, 2/20, 2/27, 3/5.

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Wednesday evening Beginning West Coast Ballroom classes: 7-8pm, November 8th (free lesson in the Rec. 1 ballroom).

All other lessons will be in the Rec. 1 classroom, for $10 per person, pay at the door, cash or check only. Here are the dates for these classes:

11/8 (free), 11/15. 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6, 3/13.

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Friday morning advance Round Dance classes: 10am-12pm, Phase 4-6, $15 per couple. Here are the dates for these classes:

11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22

For more information call: 858-822-9981; email: billgossjr@gmail.com

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LINKS

You may be interested to visit "dancinginmesa.com", a very informative website that lists everything going on in the dance world in Mesa.   See here.

PHOTO GALLERY

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