History of Jazz Night at Elite Hall (2005 - 2025)
The Early Days: Jazz Night at the Sky Club In 2004, Ann Marie Wallace, then Program Coordinator at USU’s University Inn, sought to increase overnight stays by crafting an event that paired entertainment with dinner and accommodations. A devoted fan of Big Band swing music, she envisioned an experience that transported guests to the glamorous 1930s, complete with live music, vocalists in vintage attire, and intimate gourmet dinner.
Three key USU departments collaborated to bring this vision to life: USU Jazz Program provided live Big Band music and talented vocalists. USU Catering crafted gourmet dining experiences featuring cuisine and specialty drinks. University Inn coordinated event logistics and created overnight packages for out-of-town guests.
On Presidents’ Day weekend in 2005, the first Jazz Night at the Sky Club debuted at the Skyroom Restaurant on the top floor of the Taggart Student Center. Guests dined at intimate, lamp-lit tables with vintage-inspired program menus, while a smooth jazz combo set the tone for an immersive atmosphere. Following dinner, the energy shifted as the USU Jazz Ensemble and USU Jazz Orchestra energized the room with well-known Big Band tunes. Vocalists in period clothing, provided by the USU Theater Department, crooned into a vintage microphone in front of a dance floor illuminated by twinkling string lights. The event’s unique blend of gourmet meals, swing dancing, and live jazz quickly garnered a devoted following, selling out by its third year.
The success of Jazz Night also helped establish the Larry Smith Jazz Scholarship, named in honor of the retired founder of the USU Jazz Program, to support aspiring jazz students.
Growth and Transition Jazz Night expanded its offering, adding a student-focused evening in the second year with discounted pricing to engage the next generation of jazz enthusiasts. For a time, the event moved to the Logan Country Club, but while the venue offered a fresh new setting, some of the intimate charm and community connection was lost.
Recognizing the need for a new community partner and historically resonant venue, the USU Jazz Program partnered with Elite Hall in Hyrum in 2017. Built a century earlier, Elite Hall had hosted dances during the Big Band era and boasted Utah’s last spring-loaded dance floor—a perfect match for the event’s nostalgic theme.
Jazz Night at Elite Hall: A New Era Renamed Jazz Night at Elite Hall, the event experienced a vibrant revival. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Firehouse Pizza, followed by live music from the USU Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, and vocalists. The experience regained its authentic, community-focused charm while drawing a larger audience. With mezzanine views overlooking a lively dance floor filled with swing dancers of all ages, the event delivered an unforgettable celebration of music and dance.
Despite the challenges of the 2020 global pandemic, Jazz Night quickly rebounded and has continued to grow. Over the past four years, it has raised $9,000 annually for the Larry Smith Jazz Scholarship and the Elite Hall Restoration Fund, preserving the historic venue while supporting student musicians.
The Legacy and Future Today, Jazz Night is a three-night celebration drawing nearly 600 attendees annually. Each evening features gourmet dining, live Big Band music, signature drinks, and the joy of swing dancing. In 2024, specialty drinks returned to elevate the guest experience further.
As the event approaches its 20th anniversary in 2025, exciting VIP experiences and new sponsorship opportunities are being introduced. Thanks to generous donors, the newly established Larry Smith Jazz Endowment Fund will ensure perpetual scholarships for USU Jazz students, securing the program’s future.
A Celebration of Music, History, and Community Jazz Night at Elite Hall is more than an event; it’s a celebration of music, history, and community. From its early days in the Skyroom to its vibrant presence at Elite Hall, it has brought people together to experience the magic of the Big Band era while making a tangible difference.
As we honor two decades of swing, style, and impact, we invite you to join this remarkable tradition. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, history buff, or community supporter, Jazz Night at Elite Hall offers an unforgettable journey into the past while supporting the future of jazz and preserving a cherished piece of our heritage.