SWANK Information:

SWANK 2008 News:

The date for SWANK #12 will be Friday December 12, 2008.

Invitations were mailed in November. If you moved and haven't updated me I can't get an invite to you...

Go for the Gusto! Schlitz will be the beer on tap this year at the party...yeah I've got Schlitz in a keg for real. I know some people...




What is SWANK?:
I get asked more than a couple of times during the year; "Hey what is this SWANK thing about?" Well it all started in December 1997 when I moved into the Warehouse Lofts. I had always had a big Christmas party when I lived in the Shorecrest Hotel, and one year in a townhouse in Shorewood. Click the Shorecrest Hotel link to see images of the pre-SWANK party invitations. But there was a 3-year period where I lived in an apartment on the East Side, far too small for a party of any kind. So when I moved into the Warehouse Lofts and had a billion square feet of loft space…it was time to unpack the martini glasses that were put into storage way back in 1993 and throw a party!

The invitation for this first party in the Warehouse Lofts read on the first line: "Trust me…It'll be Swank!!" After that, apparently everyone in attendance had a good time, and kept asking all year, "When is the next SWANK party going to be?" So it all started out as a Christmas Loft-warming party, and has since become known as simply "SWANK".

SWANK is by invitation only:
Only those who have received a printed invitation to SWANK along with a guest are welcome, period. SWANK is a private party by invitation only and is not open to the public. If you would like to bring more than one guest, please contact me by e-mail at: swankparty@earthlink.net. Or click the R.S.V.P. button below:


Charitable donations:
I will not be accepting donations for any charties this year.

Parking at SWANK:
There is street parking on 2nd St, St. Paul Ave, 3rd St, and Clybourn St. There is a System Parking pay lot directly behind the Warehouse Lofts on the corner of 3rd & St. Paul, and one underneath I794 for $5.00. Do not park in the two lots adjacent to the Warehouse Lofts building. These are assigned tenant spots and you will be ticketed and towed.

Attire at SWANK:
I am asked frequently, "What should I wear to SWANK"? My reply, black tie optional. If you don't know what that means then you are not swank. You'll fit right in wearing a tux, smoking jacket, or an evening gown. Take a look at photos from past SWANK parties in the Gallery, and you'll get the idea.

Cigars at SWANK:
There WILL be cigars for sale this year at the party, you are also welcome to bring your own...bring me one! Cigars are sold to you at cost. As a courtesy to the non-smoking guests, I ask that you refrain from smoking INDOORS until after 11:00 p.m. Before 11:00 you may step out onto the balcony and smoke your brains out if you like! Please no smoking in the hall, elevator, or lobby as the Warehouse Lofts is a no smoking building.

The cigar this year is the Perdomo2 Limited Edition Epicure, aged 5 years, made of all Nicauraguan tobacco, 5 1/2 length and a 54 ring gauge. The Perdomo2 is a box pressed cigar that is medium to full bodied with well-balanced flavors that continue throughout the finish.

Cocktails at SWANK:
Martini's are the favorite, and the bar is stocked with most of the popular adult beverages, mixers, and soda. Check out the new Behind The Bar page with information about booze, the favorite cocktails at SWANK, and my liquor opinions and commentary.
As always you are encouraged to drink responsibly at the party. There are three hotels within walking distance of the party listed on the Hotels page. And here are the phone numbers of local taxicab companies, which will be available at the bar during the party.

American United Taxicab & All City Veteran Taxi: 414-220-5000
Yellow Cab of Milwaukee, Inc.: 414-274-3000
Yellow Cab Co-op: 414-271-1800