Pull out your tux and dust off your dancing shoes, The Arts Council’s annual Black and White Ball is upon us again.

This year, The Arts Council has planned a night jam packed with food, drinks and music to celebrate the Smithgall Arts Center and raise support for the Arts Council’s events.

 Organizers have revamped the event, now in its fourth year, to maximize the fun and elegance of the event. It will include cocktails and a formal seated dinner from Epting Events, dancing to a live band, and a live auction with some dinner and luxury vacation giveaways.

Athens-based band Grains of Sand will provide the music with its blend of soul, Motown and beach vibes, with a full lineup of horns and keys. Grains of Sand have played with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Jerry Butler and The Marvelettes.

The formal black-and-white dress event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, in Gainesville, across from the Mule Camp Tavern.

Tickets for the event are quickly selling out. The $125 ticket goes toward a great cause, said Gladys Wyant, executive director of The Arts Council.

She explained fundraisers such as the ball finance the concert series, arts in schools and other entertainment. 

“We try to fill those gaps in the community, that aren’t being served, and bring things to Gainesville that you might have to go to a major city to see,” Wyant said.

Throughout the year The Arts Council hosts several events dedicated to promoting all forms of arts in Hall County. The Council has two remaining Evenings of Intimate Jazz this year, featuring Carter Calvert & The Roger Cohen Trio on April 23, and Jon Regen on May 14.

For more information, visit www.theartscouncil.net.