23 Skidoo! Flappers and Sheiks Take Over Governors Island For The 5th Bi-Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party

Posted by Maria Miaoulis in Jazz Events, Recaps & Reviews

August 31st, 2010 No Comments »

I’ll admit I felt rather self-conscious running through the streets of New York this weekend dressed in a layered cocktail dress that flapped every which way with a change in wind. I was being led by my partner-in-crime D.A. Gutierrez to the ferry leaving for Governors Island, the site for the Jazz Age Lawn Party that took place there August 28^th and 29^th.

I had left my strands of pearls and bracelets in my purse (unless anyone knows how to take public transportation without attracting attention by wearing them in the future) and couldn’t help but wonder if the two of us would be the only dressed-up dorks at this gathering – D.A. did look dapper in his suspenders and newsboy cap though.

But it turns out I stressed for nothing. As soon as we set foot on the ferry, we looked around to find that the majority of the people had donned 1920s garb, too! There were feathers, parasols, Mary Jane ankle straps, cloche hats, fringe, lace, slim suits and Panama straw hats as far as the eye could see. Coordinated couples sat on the ferry benches holding onto picnic baskets, looking like they had just stepped out of the pages of The Great Gatsby. With a sigh of relief, I put the pearls on and got ready for a journey that would take me back in time.

The setup was simple, but not lacking. At the front of the lawn stood Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra facing the picnic area. To one side were food and drink stands (the lines for both were ongoing which speaks to both the quality of the food and the fact that they underestimated the turnout because there were only a couple of poor souls manning the crowd). On the opposite end were vendors selling vintage merchandise ranging from clothing, hats, and jewelry to vintage photographs that were developed while you waited! Vintage cars were on display and even the kiddies got into the spirit with carnival games.

The main attraction was undoubtedly the music and accompanying dance performances. Charleston and Peabody lessons were offered earlier in the day for beginners, but (aside from some professional troupes) those who decided to trip the light fantastic were anything but amateur. As the greatest Jazz-Age dance orchestra in the world played from their repertoire of period recordings, people both young and old sashayed across the dance floor, invoking the joy and romance the 1920s were known for.

It’s hard to believe the nostalgic and lively music we heard was once considered rebellious and dangerous by older generations. For me though it was refreshing and charming to witness. But as the party came to a close, we walked away with heavy hearts from the picturesque grounds towards the NYC skyline and back to reality.

Jazzville, NJ