The Friends of William S. Hart Park are inviting Santa Clarita Valley residents to come celebrate the 150th birthday of Bill Hart on Dec. 6.

The event starts at 7 p.m. with a nighttime tour of Hart’s 1927 hilltop mansion by candlelight.

The event offers a unique opportunity to see the mansion as never seen before, illuminated only by lights of the fabulous Christmas decorations and each individual’s own votive.

Then the party moves to Hart Hall for wine and hors d’oeuvres and the main event as the world-famous Cow Bop swings the night away with its unique blend of cowboy jazz and Western bebop.

Bill Hart

Seating is limited, and this annual birthday event tends to sell out fast even when it isn’t a big, round number like 150.

Tickets are $25 per person or $40 for two (same family only), and the price includes membership in the nonprofit Friends of Hart Park organization.

Reservations are required. RSVP today by calling 661-222-9542.

William S. Hart Park is located in Newhall at 24151 Newhall Ave.

About Cow Bop

Formed in 2003 by internationally-acclaimed guitarist Bruce Forman, the band’s collective experience crosses the spectrum of American music, from the hottest jazz and the coolest swing to the most down-home honky-tonk. Comfortable in diverse settings, from Carnegie Hall to roadside taverns, the band always hits the stage with an electrifying and entertaining assortment of music and frolic.

Along with Bruce Forman on guitar, the band features Pinto Pammy on vocals, whose talent and experiences range from big band swing, old-time country and musical theater, and multi-instrumentalist David Wise, whose sax and trumpet playing takes you from the streets of New Orleans to the hottest and coolest jazz.

Put that on top of a rhythm section of Tino Tafarella, bass, and Ryan McDiarmid, drums, that are as swingin’ and rockin’ as rodeo bronc, but as sure-footed as a prized pack mule and you get Cow Bop.

In 2004, Cow Bop won the Route 66 Challenge, traveling the length of the storied road having departed with a mere $100 and no scheduled gigs.

Their debut CD, “Swingin’ Out West,” released in 2004, charted in four separate genres. Since then, “Route 66,” “Too Hick for the Room” and their newest CD, “Cowlifornia Swing,” have delighted critics around the world. The recordings feature songs and musicians from across the wide spectrum of the American musical palette.

Along with numerous appearances at esteemed nightclubs and concert venues throughout the world, Cow Bop has also been featured at the Montreal & Monterey Jazz Festivals, the Sisters Folk Festival, as well as the Elko, Heber City, Monterey and Santa Clarita Cowboy Gatherings.

For an extra treat, check out Bruce’s guitar work featured in Clint Eastwood’s Academy-Award winning film, “Million Dollar Baby.”