About Us
How It All Began…
The birth of this ball began in the 1940s, when founder and director Khyentse Georges grandparents met at a Pennsylvania radio station (WCDL Carbondale). Her grandmother was a singer with her own radio program, and her grandfather became an announcer upon his return from World War II duty. Years later, their love story inspired Khyentse’s passionate interest in the culture and music of the 1940s that brought her grandparents together. It was when Khyentse was working at the Boulder Airport and earning her pilot’s license that she got the idea to hold an event in the large hangar to celebrate that culture.
“The event saw huge success and media coverage in its beginning years and now the 1940s World War II Era Ball is a vibrant and fun-filled community celebration of the Swing Era. Don your classiest dancing duds and join in this celebration of the style, culture, music and spirit of the Swing Era. Circa-World War II vehicles and planes will surround the large, open hangar of the Boulder Airport under the stars of the warming, summer evening. Don’t be afraid to get your boogie woogie on at this popular appreciation of the patriotism, energy and upbeat grooves that earned this special time in history the title of the Greatest Generation.”
– Josie Klemaier
The 1940s Ball NFP – a non profit organization, produces 2 annual events: The 1940s Summer Ball and the 1940s White Christmas Ball.
Our mission is to create community and cultural connections that cross generations, genres, and borders through celebrating the music, dance & culture of the 1940s and ’50s. We aim to provide quality performances & educational opportunities which will not only inspire those who already love “The Greatest Generation”, but will also introduce others to it.
When you buy a ticket to the Ball, you’re not only going to have a great night with our community learning about and celebrating the 1940s, but you’re also helping to support our WWII veteran heroes and the preservation of American history. The 1940s Ball donates a portion of the ticket sales to non-profits including The Colorado 10th Mountain Division Foundation, The Commemorative Air Force Mile High Wing, Rocky Mountain Honor Flight and The Audie Murphy Infantry Museum. So far we have donated over $115,000 to our charities!