On Sunday, October 7, The Watermark at 3030 Park will present local author Jeffrey Williams as part of its acclaimed monthly Book and Author series. Williams will discuss his book, Home of Happy Dancers: The Story of Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Ritz Ballroom. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the retirement community located at 3030 Park Avenue in Bridgeport.
Located in Bridgeport’s Black Rock neighborhood, the Ritz Ballroom opened in 1923 and quickly became a popular big band dance hall. Music legends such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Artie Shaw all performed at the Ritz over the 38 years it was open. It eventually closed in 1961 and the building was destroyed by fire nine years later.
For his lecture, Williams will discuss the history of the Ritz Ballroom, including some little-known background information on how the venue came to be. He also will encourage the audience to share their own personal experiences of time spent at the Ritz.
“Many of our residents and guests frequented the Ritz Ballroom growing up,” said Tracy-Ann Samuel, Community Life Director at The Watermark at 3030 Park. “We are hoping Jeffrey’s lecture will allow them to relive memories of a beloved Bridgeport landmark.”
Williams published Home of Happy Dancers last year and since then has sold more than 750 copies. He is also the producer and host of a weekly radio show called “At the Ritz!” which broadcasts from the WVOF studios at Fairfield University.
Williams’ lecture is free and open to the public. Copies of his book will be available to purchase. For more information or to RSVP please contact The Watermark at 3030 Park at 203-374-5611.
About The Watermark at 3030 Park:
The Watermark at 3030 Park, located at 3030 Park Avenue on the Bridgeport/Fairfield line in Connecticut, is a distinctive community for seniors, offering exceptional independent living, assisted living, skilled rehabilitation and memory care. The Watermark at 3030 Park is professionally managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, a company committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. For more information, please visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/3030park or www.facebook.com/TheWatermarkAt3030Park
