WINTER BALL 2013 FAQ

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE WINTER BALL
(note – this FAQ is specific to the Winter Ball — if you have any other questions or to ask one of the crew members out on a hottt date email us directly at hardfrenchsf@gmail.com)

UPDATE ON TICKETS:

WHOA! You Did it Hard Frenchers!! We have officially reached our quota for online ticket sales. This is going to be GOOD! Tickets are NOT SOLD OUT! You can visit these retail locations to purchase tickets (you will automatically be entered to win a free hotel room at Hotel Paradox in Santa Cruz, too!):

• Hangr 16 (San Francisco): 3128 16^th St (btwn Guerrero and Valencia), thru Friday February 1st.
• Saturn Cafe (Santa Cruz): 145 Laurel Street,  thru Friday Februray 1st.

We’ll also have tickets available at these nightlife events (and one shopping party),  look for the Hard French sign!

• Wednesday January 30^th, Stay Gold, 10pm, Public Works (161 Erie Street, San Francisco)
• Thursday January 31st, Hard French Hearts Stony Pony Shop In, Stone Pony (3552 20th St. btwn Mission and Valencia, San Francisco). Get your look for the Ball with the Stone Pony stylists!
• Friday February 1st, SOMETHING Soul,  10pm, the Stud (399 9^th St., San Francisco)

Tickets will also be available at the Cocoanut Grove Box Office on February 2^nd from 2pm – 5pm and when doors open at 9pm.

Remember to guarantee entry into the event – get your tickets early! See you at the ball!

xoxo the Hard French Crew

What is Hard French?
GOOD TIMES! We’re an all-vinyl 60′s soul dance party experience. Here’s the long version of what we have to say about ourselves.

What is the Winter Ball?
It’s our weekend Winter semi-formal getaway by the sea. Here’s some more info about this year’s and some photos from last year (Set 1, set 2, set 3).

What time does it start and end?
Doors open at 8:30pm, the party starts at 9. GET THERE EARLY TO AVOID LINES! The event ENDS at 1AM. 

How much does it cost?
Right now they are $25. See above on where to buy them.

Why is it so expensive? Aren’t you guys rich by now?
Unfortunately, we are not writing this FAQ at the beach house we share with Sophia Coppola. While we LOVE our monthly party at the divey El Rio, we want to GET FANCY for the Winter Ball. We are stepping up the event in direct correlation to how much more we are asking you to pay for the event. That means performers, that means lights, that means special surprises! With that said, if you are hella strapped for cash and that $20 will make or break your attendance, shoot us an email and we can try to work something out thru volunteering or trade or who knows what!

I don’t have a car – how do I get there?
That’s a really good question!

1.) We’ve partnered with Zipcar who is offering a driving credit discount to all Winter Ball ticket holders! Once you buy a ticket, your confirmation email will tell you how to redeem it. If you don’t have an account, they are also offering up discounted memberships at http://www.zipcar.com/hardfrench.

2.) If you can’t Zippy, yr best bet is to post something on the wall of our facebook page, bribe a friend, or try and find us a cheap ass school bus (we’re not joking – if you have one, email us at hardfrenchsf@gmail.com).

What if  the event sells out?
The event will sell out. So get your ticket now!

What kind of music will you play?
60′s soul — think Motown, James Brown and lots of amazing artists you haven’t heard of who will make you shake — all on 45′s. Here’s a mix that our DJ’s made recently to give you a taste. NOTE: 60′s soul does not mean Beyonce. We love B, but you can hear her songs at just about any other party in town. 

Where can I stay?
Hotel Paradox! They are offering a Hard French room rate at $130. Just give them a call (831.425.7100) and ask for the Hard French Room Block. Or visit their website, click on reservations tab, then click on ‘Group Code’ and enter HFRENCH in the available field. If you have any questions, you can email Karina Ponce at karina.ponce@thehotelparadox.com.

Otherwise – see our list of hotel/motel/holiday inns at the bottom of this FAQ. 

I want to tell ALL my friends about this beautiful event, is it on facebook?
Totes. Click here for the facebook invite. 

How can I become the King and/or Queen of Hard French?
Good question! You had to be a part of this nomination process blah blah blah – its now closed so stay tuned for when we announce the final court! You have to be present at the event to vote.

Do I have to be a boy to be the King of Hard French?
Do we look like the gender binary system police?

If I buy a ticket to this event, how probable is it that I will get laid?
100% Guaranteed.

How can I DJ or perform at the Winter Ball?
You can’t! Not cuz we don’t want you to, but because we already booked it. But if you wanted to in the future, contact hardfrenchsf@gmail.com and we’ll see what we can do.

What are you wearing?
Cannot be described. Prepare to have your mind blown. Your concept of beauty, style and class is about to change forever. Formal attire encouraged but not required.

I want to donate a prize to the Winter Ball! Is it too late?
That’s so cool of you! We’ll always take gifts and distribute them wisely — to the Hard French King and Queen or to our attendees as door prizes… your gift will be super appreciated. Just email us at hardfrenchsf@gmail.com!

Why are you doing this?
Don’t be scared.

GETTING THERE
I don’t have a car, how can I get there?
See above… you will need to find your own way there but if you own a schoolbus, contact us!

Where the F is this place?
RIGHT ON THE FUCKING BOARDWALK!!! Its seriously pretty cool, check out the history of it here. Sonny and Cher played there, and now you will dance there. 

How long does it take to drive there?
Depends how fast you drive. Two hours or less. But you know you’re stopping at In n Out.

COCOANUT GROVE
What do you mean its on the boardwalk?
Downtown Santa Cruz BABY! We mean you can ride a roller coaster, eat a funnel cake, take an old timey picture and then come party with us all in the same spot. In actuality, most of the boardwalk will probably be closed cuz its wintertime and the Ball doesn’t start until 9pm… but we were told the Arcade stays open until 10pm on weekends. 

Is there food there?
We won’t be providing food so plan ahead! There are plenty of restaurants in Santa Cruz, treat yoself. 

Is there a bar (I really want to do a shot of tequila with a babe)?
The Cocoanut Grove has a beautiful full service bar and will also have a satellite bar serving a limited selection of tasty beer n boozies.

Can I go swimming?
This is America and the Ocean IS right there… but we wouldn’t recommend it. 

What’s so cool about this Cocoanut Grove place?
It’s hard to describe if you haven’t been to it — but basically — its MAGICAL. The vintage setting, the grand ballroom, the ocean, the boardwalk, the rich history, it is all going to culminate into an awesome event for the Winter Ball!

LODGING
I wanna get drunk, is there a way to get around without driving?
Yes – WALK. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. There are PLENTY of hotels and motels within a safe walking distance.

Ok. I got my ticket to the event. I got my ride confirmed. I even got a dress and asked a hot BABE to my date and they said HELL YAH BRO! So now — WHERE AM I GOING TO SLEEP!?

Check out this fancy list of hotels ….all numbers in the 831 area code: