ORCHIDS AFTER DARK (21+)
Fridays & Saturdays, February 14 – March 21, 6 – 8PM
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Fridays & Saturdays, February 14 – March 21, 6 – 8PM
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Experience the retro charm of Pixels + Petals, An Orchid Exhibition in a whole new light during this exclusive after-hours event. Each evening features a cash bar, light bites available for purchase, board games and video games, and performances by a band or a DJ. Enjoy a night out with lively jazz or flash back to the past with your favorite hits from the 80s and 90s. View the entertainment schedule and decide! Photo-worthy moments among captivating orchid displays, large, colorful geometric sculptures, and creative lighting exclusive to Orchids After Dark await. Must be at least 21 to attend. Outside alcohol is not permitted. Click here to view the menu.
Members only have access to discounted Orchids After Dark tickets. Click here to become a member.
Note: If your membership is set to expire before your desired Orchids After Dark ticket date, you will receive an error message and will have to renew your membership to purchase tickets at the member discount rate.
Tickets must be reserved in advance. General admission discounts and passes do not apply to this special event. All sales are final.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT.
Ticket price includes one free beverage: choice of non-alcoholic, beer, wine, or the signature drink.
Member Adult: $20
Adult: $30
SCHEDULE
Register here. Worcester’s own JAZZED UP Trio offers a romantic blend of jazz classics, originals, and American Songbook favorites in a refined cool and smooth style.
One of New England’s finest jazz recording artists, JAZZED UP awards include winning the 2019 Worcester Music Awards and Nominated BEST JAZZ ACT in 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2020.
Seen in the finest music venues and public and private events, JAZZED UP Trio features Pianist/Singer Mauro DePasquale performing the “Sweetest Music This Side of Heaven” with drummer Ed Conley and bassist Phill Madison. “If you like Sinatra, Bennett, Connick Jr, you will love Jazzed Up trio.” Place JAZZED UP on your NOT TO BE MISSED LIST!
Register here. Dance the night away to your favorite 80s and 90s hits! The Diet Disco Lemonade duo of Anthony and Chris will bring acoustic mashups that seamlessly blend your favorite 80s and 90s jams with hits from all generations.
Register here. Dance the night away to your favorite 80s and 90s hits! Between The Waves is an original and cover band based out of Worcester, MA. They pride themselves on taking their listeners for a journey with energetic peaks and emotional valleys. Listeners of the band have described their sound as soulful, powerful, and fun. Somehow, they find a way to blend funk, country, rock, blues and hip hop. Their covers are an eclectic mix of old and new, ranging from artists like Bill Withers, Matchbox 20, Maroon 5, Edwin McCain, Aloe Blacc to the Eagles, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, and Fleetwood Mac.
Register here. The Russo Bros Jazz Quintet features a blend of swing, blues, Latin, and rock music styles and has been performing in the Greater Worcester area for over a decade. The band was honored to receive the 2022 Worcester Music Award for “Best in Jazz” and has appeared in the Worcester Jazz Festival in 2020 and 2022. The group also performs at many live music venues and festivals.
Register here. Dance the night away to your favorite 80s and 90s hits! Coleslaw is a multi-media artist, drag performer, and DJ based out of the New England area. They have been producing drag shows and nightlife events in Boston since 2011 with current DJ residencies at Legacy Nightclub and The Stable in Providence, RI. Their ongoing award-winning collaboration at the Museum of Science Boston, Coleslaw’s Corner, a production which takes place inside of the Charles Hayden Planetarium dome, has captivated audiences for the past 5 years.
Register here. Inspired by the traditional sounds of New Orleans Jazz and Blues, The Jambalaya Krewe never fails to leave their audience feeling like they had just taken a walk down Frenchmen Street!
Paying homage to greats like Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, and Sidney Bechet, the group strives to bring listeners on a musical journey through time. Contemporary influences include Dr. John, Kermit Ruffins, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lettuce, and Trombone Shorty.
The group features Carlos Menezes Jr. on horns/vocals, Christian Towler on guitar, Gary Wolsieffer on bass/tuba, and Rick Geraghty on Drums. You can also catch the group with their larger 9-piece band, “The Jambalaya Horns.”
Register here. Keith Muhammad, also known as K Fingers, is a New England-based musician, composer, producer, songwriter, and live performer. His blend of R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop, and Jazz-Funk can be heard on his solo projects, as well as collaborations with local recording artists Sunta Africa, and DJ Master Sun.
The K Fingers band consists of producer K Fingers on keyboards, piano, and drum machines, Bobby J on soprano and alto saxophone, and Paul Yu on lead and rhythm guitar. Their brilliant contributions can be heard on the latest K Fingers Band EP Up Next. Bass player Duane Rawls, and drummer Ernie Floyd are the newest editions to The K Fingers Band.
Register here. The Jazz Depot is an organic jazz band performing Jazz Standards, Swing, Bebop, Latin, and Blues with a focus on improvisation. The band employs a diverse instrumentation including acoustic bass, trombone, piano, trumpet and regular guest players. The group performs at intimate settings around the greater Central Mass area including monthly gigs at The Bull Run and The Phoenix Bar and Grill in Shirley.
Register here. More 80s party than band, Slam Trans-Am plays all of the hit songs from the best decade ever, ranging from Cutting Crew to Mötley Crüe. So bust out your shutter shades and crimp your hair for a night of partying like it’s 1987!
Register here. The G Notes are two multi-instrumentalists based out of Western Massachusetts. Ron Smith and Jo Sallins are established musicians, educators, and entertainers who share their love and passion for all styles of jazz and instrumental Pop music. The G Notes Duo have performed at First Night of Northampton, Deerfield Inn-Champney’s Summer Patio Music Series, Northampton Jazz Festival, Springfield Summer Music Series, and more. Prepare yourself for a night of soulful and energetic music. The G Notes Duo are 2 musicians but sound like a 4-piece ensemble. They are multi-instrumentalists at the highest level who can stimulate the human musical soul.
Ron Smith
Saxophonist / Bassist / Percussionist – Northampton resident, Director of Bands at Northfield Mount Hermon School, and Ethnomusicologist.
Jo Sallins
Bassist / Keyboardist / Percussionist – Holyoke resident, Educator, and Private Instructor. Jo Sallins is CEO of La’Jaz Productions and virtuoso musician.
What can I expect during an evening of Orchids After Dark?
Orchids After Dark is a special event which offers visitors an exclusive experience to view our annual orchid exhibition after hours. Each evening features live music or a DJ set, and drinks and light bites available for purchase. Visitors will also be able to explore the exhibition which integrates over 2,000 live orchids with large-scale sculptural art and colorful lighting.
The Pixels + Petals theme draws inspiration from classic 8-bit and 16-bit video games. This year’s event will feature a variety of tabletop board games and retro video games for visitors to enjoy. Our “Retro Nights” will feature popular music from the 80s or 90s while “Jazz Nights” will feature different styles of jazz similar to previous years of Orchids After Dark.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open and the event begins at 6pm. If you arrive early, please wait in your vehicle until 6pm. This event is free flowing, so you may arrive at any time and may stay as little or as long as you like until the event ends at 8pm.
Can I explore the outdoor gardens and trails during this event?
Orchids After Dark takes place indoors in our Visitor Center and subtropical conservatories. Our outdoor gardens and trails will not be accessible during these evenings.
Can I come and enjoy the gardens before the event begins?
New England Botanic Garden will be closed from 5pm to 6pm. If you arrive early, please wait in your vehicle until 6pm when doors open and the event begins.
If you are visiting during general admission hours but have tickets to Orchids After Dark that evening, we ask that you please exit the property and return at the time listed on your event ticket.
What is available for food and drink?
Each ticket includes one free beverage (choice of non-alcoholic, beer, wine, or the signature drink). Additional drinks and light bites will be available for purchase during the event. Click here to view the menu. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden.
Will the Garden Shop be open?
Yes, the Garden Shop will be open during this event
Are pets allowed at this event?
While we love our furry, four-legged friends, pets are not permitted during special after-hours events like Orchids After Dark. Service animals are welcome throughout the property during all open hours.
What happens in the case of inclement weather?
Orchids After Dark is an indoor event that takes place in all weather conditions. In the case of hazardous weather, New England Botanic Garden may decide to cancel an evening. If an event is cancelled, you will be notified by email as soon as possible on the day of your visit and you will receive a full refund for your reservation.
Can I reschedule or get a refund for my tickets?
Tickets for Orchids After Dark are non-refundable and are only valid for the date selected. Tickets can be rescheduled to a different evening of Orchids After Dark for a $10 fee but only if tickets are still available for a different evening. Ticketholders must call 508-869-6111 x174 to reschedule by 5pm the day before the date on their original ticket.
How does check-in work and do I have to bring my printed email confirmation to the event?
After parking your vehicle, proceed up the path into the Visitors Center. Please have your ticket/confirmation email printed or available to show on your phone for our front desk staff to check you in.
Is there parking? Can I use a rideshare service?
We have a large, well-lit parking lot on site. There is no charge for parking.
Accessible parking is located closest to the building in the first parking lot on the right. You can learn more about accessibility at the Garden here.
If you choose to use Uber, Lyft, or another taxi service, please note that our entry gate on French Drive will close automatically for arriving vehicles at the end of the event. Please plan to be picked up before the event ends at 8pm.