Countdown to the Twenties...
It was three years ago when I first spotted his extraordinary boater hat.
I remember standing under the canopy of gardenias in The New York Botanical Garden conservatory that Saturday. Overcome with the delicate fragrance I love so, I closed my eyes and deeply inhaled their sweetness. The moment I came out of the spell, my eyes caught his glance, the straw boater hat a perfect shade of cornsilk atop his tall, stately frame. Passing with a lovely brunette on his arm, the two looked as if they stepped out of a Renoir painting. It was indeed a charming sight.
Later outside, as the music was about to start in the courtyard, we made it to a shady spot adjacent to the stage. It was him. He was the musical performer for the afternoon.
Michael Arenella's dreamy baritone interspersed with a charismatic trumpet play washed over the crowd as he conducted his quintet with elegance and confident ease. Once the sweet music set finished, we explored a basket on stage where his CD recordings and postcards for The Jazz Age Lawn Party were available.
I loved the name the minute I read it, Jazz Age Lawn Party... Joy, Romance, Modernity, and Possibility
And so that afternoon we added a new family venue to explore. If you have been following our escapades over the years here in my Journal then you know we love a good time travel event. But with so many obligations that year, the Twenties escape would have to wait until the calendar allowed such gaiety.
A steady selection by The New York Times as one of the most notable events of the season, the Jazz Age Lawn Party celebrating its fourteenth year, is "the world's original and largest prohibition era inspired gathering." For two weekends annually - one in June, the other in August - visitors are invited to immerse themselves in colorful celebration to capture the flavor and movement of the 1920s. We were ready!
The weather is always either a blessing or a curse when attending an outside event, but Saturday was beautiful with lots of sunshine and low humidity. After a quick ferry ride to Governor's Island and a short walk to Hay Road, we joined the line of early partygoers awaiting the festivities beginning at noon, making new friends, and snapping pictures of the creative ensembles donned for the party.
Though we waited over an hour, our anticipatory arrival was an advantage for we were able to set up our picnic spot relatively close to the mainstage and dancefloor before clusters of guests claimed spaces of their own. Even if I didn't prepare our cucumber and Boursin tea sandwiches or smoked turkey and brie stuffed red peppers, there was plenty of assortment to suit a foodie palette with several food trucks in Tasty Town set up along Clayton Road.
And to whet your whistle? Well, their signature aperitif sponsor, Aperol was used in splendid mixed drinks. Brenna and I made several trips back to the bar for our favorite, the Aperol Spritz, a delightfully light cocktail of Aperol, Prosecco, and a dash of soda, garnished with an orange slice served over ice. There was also the Moscow Mule and Hard-To-Get-Gertie along with rosé by the glass or bottle, beer, infused sparkling water, and lemonade, something for everyone.
And to whet your whistle? Well, their signature aperitif sponsor, Aperol was used in splendid mixed drinks. Brenna and I made several trips back to the bar for our favorite, the Aperol Spritz, a delightfully light cocktail of Aperol, Prosecco, and a dash of soda, garnished with an orange slice served over ice. There was also the Moscow Mule and Hard-To-Get-Gertie along with rosé by the glass or bottle, beer, infused sparkling water, and lemonade, something for everyone.
To imagine such a colossal event had its humble beginnings as a small gathering of about fifty of Michael's closest friends and fans back in 2005. Initially produced by the island, Michael took over the occasion by year three to craft its growth and nurture popularity. Today, his beloved affair gathers together thousands of devotees each year to discover the magic and music of the bygone era.
Along with the music, the show was filled with variety and lots of fun! After some piano by Peter Mintun and a quick lesson on dancing the Charleston to begin, Michael started his set with his Dreamland Orchestra. The Canarsie Wobblers led by Roddy Caravella from Brooklyn cleared the floor with one of two delightful performances en troupe that afternoon.
Queen Esther took the stage with her quintet The Hot Five, which plays arrangements of American standards and original material as well. She is an American actor, musician, and songwriter cultivating a sound that she describes as Black Americana.
In between sets, there was plenty of time to peruse vendors in the Vintage Village, including racks of antique clothes, accessories, and JALP logo merchandise. We even saw a fashion illustrator sketching portraits under the same pavilion. On the opposite side of the lawn was a full-fledged barber shop tent where gentlemen could get a cut and shave then slide over to the Prohibition Distillery tasting bar to become acquainted with the production of finely crafted alcohol with sips to suit. We continued to stroll the grounds to view the row of antique cars while folks gingerly snapped selfies all around.
A true showman, Michael made his way through the crowded grounds, trumpet in tow, engaging guests in some old-time dandy musical magic. We loved every minute of it because he made the huge event so much more intimate, the signature of a gracious host.
With pictures, picnic plates, and promenades, the day was a pure delight. Brenna and Robert took a break from the festivities with an afternoon nap as I meandered about on my own snapping more pictures to chronicle the day.
Good thing we beat the crowds to get our family portrait done sitting on the Paper Moon hosted by Pop Shop Photobooth. Later, we enjoyed a sweet end to the afternoon tasting The Cocktail Parlor bakery delights - petite boozy cupcakes made with Aperol and sprinkled with champagne pop rocks. Absolutely divine!
Will we go again? Most certainly! My friends, there is still time to join the Countdown to the Twenties on August 25th and 26th. Weekend tickets are available through Eventbrite. After all, next year is 2020. Why not celebrate the 100th anniversary of Prohibition and the rebellious Jazz Age it triggered with glamour and style... xoxo-Sonya
Will we go again? Most certainly! My friends, there is still time to join the Countdown to the Twenties on August 25th and 26th. Weekend tickets are available through Eventbrite. After all, next year is 2020. Why not celebrate the 100th anniversary of Prohibition and the rebellious Jazz Age it triggered with glamour and style... xoxo-Sonya
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