At the Max, Big Band Fans Can Double Their Pleasure

Big-band fans can now glamour it up twice a week at Club Max in Costa Mesa’s Red Lion Hotel. With the success of Sundays, Tuesday nights have been added, featuring the John Henderson Orchestra.

This tuxedo-clad, 16-piece ensemble uses polished brass and a heavy backbeat to revive classic American pop tunes of the ‘30s and ‘40s. The band blends greener musicians with veteran players who jammed with the likes of Harry James and Stan Kenton as well as Red Nichols and the Five Pennies. On lead microphone are crooners Henderson, Warren Gayle and Leigh Downs.

Sunday regulars are probably familiar with Henderson’s group, which alternates that day with the Tracy Wells Orchestra. Couples and singles dance and mingle in this intimate, chandelier-lit club and lounge. The dance parties, said big-band promoter Bud Morris, offer single seniors a chance to get acquainted. (In fact, he met his wife, Ginny, here.)

As on Sundays, Tuesdays primarily attract the senior set, but anyone who loves to dance is encouraged to cut the ballroom rug in a setting that recalls a more dazzling, romantic era.

And there’s no need for first-timers to be intimidated by all of the fancy footwork on the crowded dance floor. Getting into the swing of things can be half the fun. Sunday afternoon group lessons with dance instructor Jan Mongrell can get you doing the fox trot, tango, rumba, waltz and other ballroom dances in no time. After an hour of lessons comes four hours of live entertainment, from 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays also offer a complimentary buffet of cheese, fruit and raw veggies.

Tuesdays offer no lessons or buffet but include a happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m. Prices include $2 for wine, $1.50 for drafts and $2.50 for well drinks. Regular prices are $4 for wine, $3 for drafts and $3.25 to $5.25 for well drinks. Mineral water, juice and sodas are $1.95 to $2.25. Three hours of live music begin at 7:30 p.m.

Appetizers such as cheese-stuffed jalapeno peppers, buffalo shrimp and onion rings run $3.25 to $5.25 both days, and dinner is served in the hotel’s two restaurants next to the club.

The room also includes two pool tables and televised sports, but among the soft-shoe crowd, such fare is overwhelmingly ignored.

Footnote: A pre-New Year’s Eve dance party to benefit the Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange County will be held Dec. 29 at the Red Lion Ballroom. Tickets are $14.50 advance or $16.50 at the door. Call (714) 540-7000, Ext. 4980.

* CLUB MAX, at the Red Lion Hotel

* 3050 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.

* (714) 540-7000.

* Big bands play Tuesdays from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m.

* Cover: $7 on Tuesdays, $8 on Sundays.