The original Louis Hotel & Café located on Monterey Street, between Sixth and Seventh, built in 1921, is an historic monument referred to by locals as the Old Gilroy Hotel.
For recent Gilroy resident Kaye Bohler, it is much more than that. A 30-year veteran performer, singer, songwriter, and bandleader, Bohler’s passion is music—which is also the motivation behind recent renovations of the hotel’s ballroom, renamed the Maria Clara Ballroom, in tribute to the history of the city.
“It brings the woman’s focus, a Latin American focus, and also a history of Gilroy,” Bohler said.
The creation of an event and entertainment space for all of South County to enjoy is Bohler’s current direction. She envisions the Ballroom as the ideal setting for locals to host their holiday parties and celebrations, and the perfect venue for live entertainment.
For the past few months, thanks to the efforts of Community Agency for Resources, Advocacy and Services treasurer Shirley Trevino, local artist, Ralph Marquez, Bohler’s companion Scott Jensen, and community volunteers too numerous to name, Bohler’s vision of the perfect Gilroy landmark venue in downtown historic row, is becoming a reality.
“We’ve all been putting our elbow grease and love into the building to get it to come to a place to have events here, and rent,” Bohler said.
Bohler believes the strategic location of the ballroom, with the Old City Hall, The District Theatre, Bella Vista Ristorante, and the Millias, all within a two-block radius of each other, provides the ideal space for people all over South County to gather and enjoy good food, drinks and live entertainment.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, the latest renovations will culminate in Kaye Bohler Presents: Christmas in Gilroy, a family-friendly celebration and fundraiser.
“This night is about raising money to make this a performance space, for all of us,” Bohler said. “It’s really a community effort.”
The event begins at 6 p.m., immediately following the Gilroy Christmas parade and tree-lighting ceremony. Everyone is encouraged to gather in the ballroom to enjoy free Mexican hot chocolate and treats, along with a wide variety of live entertainment.
Starting off the evening’s festivities will be a performance of the Youth Mariachi Academy, followed by Bohler and her band performing an R&B Christmas show. The Blue Sky Trio, and the Rich Bermea Band will provide additional entertainment throughout the evening. Bohler has hinted that a few surprise entertainers may join in the evening’s celebration.
“We’re opening it up to all the artists, because we want this to be lovers of live music in Gilroy,” Bohler said. “That’s what I’m really all about. We want to close the divide, culturally, and make this a really positive thing, and raise money for the ballroom so everyone can benefit.”
Bohler feels this is exactly what the city of Gilroy is hungry for, and she plans to serve it up in style.
Keeping with the theme of celebrating the arts, the evening’s event will showcase the works of local artist and ballroom renovation collaborator Ralph Marquez, curator of the Blue Line Gallery, located next door to the Hotel.
“Ralph is putting so much elbow grease in this place I want to see his art prevail,” Bohler said.
The ballroom of the past, which was a major draw for local musicians and a hot spot for live entertainment. Bohler believes a resurgence is not only possible, but overdue.
“I use to play in the building in the early ’80s,” Dave Porcella, of Porcella’s Music, said of performing in the ballroom. “It was a happening little place, every Thursday night we’d have a jam night.”
Community volunteer, Kersty Daniels, whose husband Russ Cox, a member of the Blue Sky Trio, is excited about the event and Bohler’s vision.
“I’m here because Kaye said, help,” Daniels said. “It should bring in a lot of little facets of everybody, from different arts.”
Bohler’s long-range goal is to regularly feature live music in the ballroom, along with “events that are cultural, along with local artist events,” Bohler said.
“I love antiquities, and I want to get this to a place where it’s a jewel,” Bohler said.
“I’m at a point in my career where I want to give back, giving back to me is keeping live music in our community. Creating a venue, and a space,” Bohler said.
There is no admission fee for Kaye Bohler Presents: Christmas in Gilroy, but donations are encouraged and will be accepted at the door.
