Here at the Coast of Illinois, I am all
about creating a little oasis amid the energy-depleting routine of
day-to-day life. This is why I have a bright blue deck (well that and
the fact that I am pretty sure it drives my neighbor, with the
security motion sensor lights that sign into my bedroom window at
2AM, crazy). It is also why I have a gigantic palm tree in my living
room and why I favor tropical blue and green eye liner over the more
age appropriate brown.
I was recently invited to experience another's oasis. And it was fabulous. This one is a tribute to
the Art Deco furnishings of years past. In fact, it is sort of a
re-creation of that entire glamorous Deco-Gatsby-Studio Contract-
Hollywoodland days. Oh and there was music.
Actually, the music was the real focal
point. Through a series of random barroom appearances and the wonders
of social media I have been lucky enough to get to know the amazing
talent of Sarah Jane and the Blue Notes. Miss Sarah Jane hosted a CD
release party and concert on the roof of her uber-cool home which
also doubles as that Art-Deco Oasis I mentioned earlier.
A shining bar in shades of pink and
black tempted me to take a spin on a bar stool where Clark Gable and
Carole Lombarde would have felt at home sipping whiskey.
Gin Fizz please, and Jimmy Cagney would like a steak for his black eye. |
A raised
bandstand glowed in the orange light of early evening, waiting for
the Marx Brothers to wonder 'why a duck?'
Up next Ricky Ricardo! |
Halfway up the stairs an
Egyptian doorway threatened those who dare enter.
Knock Knock... |
Of course, I didn't
actually realize this was the personal HOME of our hostess until I had barreled in the door and began taking pictures.
Once on the roof I was welcomed by
banana trees, fountains and an octogenarian flamingo who really
wanted to ride home in my bag. Guests milled about sipping wine and
admiring the view while a curious helicopter admired us.
My flamingo Harvey is urgently needing to meet this guy. |
The music began courtesy of Tom Byrne
and his amazing guitar. Beautiful notes and melodies wrapped around
us as the sun set.
And then the big band started. Three horns, a
guitar, bass and drums wailed as Sarah Jane belted out song after
song, pulling the crowd into an era long past."Them There Eyes", "Doín' the Uptown Lowdown", "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen"; Billy Holiday, Bessie Smith and the Andrews Sisters watched
from a corner, toasting with bathtub gin, tapping their toes pleased as punch.
I have always been enamored of the era
of Golden Hollywood and big band soirees. I have always been a little
sad that the era had passed. But as I left the party, Humphrey Bogart
at my elbow and a Paper Moon shining over head it was clear that my
Blue Skies were just a twist of fate away.
Sarah Jane and the Blue Notes new CD
(of the same name) is available at their live shows or you can
contact the band on Facebook. Follow their appearances at
reverbnation.
Tom Byrne can be found around the Coast
of Illinois as well. Check his webpage for details.
As for me, I will be sipping a daiquiri
on the Coast and keeping a weather eye towards the next opportunity
to take a step back in time.
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Oh Cary Grant, you always bring out my good side. And PS - no matter what certain family members may say - I DID NOT ruin the rooftop party. ;) |
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