Charleston lesson at 11th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
By Karen Rubin, Dave E. Leiberman & Laini Miranda
Don your best Gatsby-era duds, picnic basket, grab the ferry to Governors Island, and be prepared to be transported back to the 1920s: the 12th annual Jazz Age Lawn Party is set for four dates: Saturday, June 10 and Sunday June 11; and Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27.
There, conductor, composer, musician and crooner Michael Arenella presents a personally transcribed, one-of-a-kind songbook for your listening and dancing pleasure by his Dreamland Orchestra, playing the Hot Jazz of the 1920s.
The entertainment abounds: Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society from Philadelphia, presents wry, spry, and certifiably Hot Jazz; The Dreamland Follies evoke Ziegfeld-esque grand dance routines; Roddy Caravella and the Canarsie Wobblers is a fun-loving dance troupe that conjures the rebellious and exuberant spirit of Roaring ‘20s youth; Gelber & Manning Band, feuding vaudevillian lovebirds quarrel, coo and make beautiful music together; Queen Esther pays tribute to jazz royalty of yore and Peter Mintun is “world’s greatest piano man.”
There are fun activities as well which you can join: Charleston Dance Contest to determine who is the Bee’s Knees; Bathing Beauties and Beaus Promenade, wearing vintage swimming outfits of the age (for entry email: bluevoon@aol.com), The High Court of Pie Contest (categories include “Mom’s Best” “Best Savory ”, “Most Original” and “Hobo’s Choice”; for entry email: govislandpie@gmail.com)
Start off with dance lessons teach you the hottest dance steps of the time, like the Charleston; immortalize the day in your own Vintage Portraits-You Ought To Be In Pictures, perched on a Paper Moons; the ultimate family-friendly event also features Kidland carnival games and prizes for junior Gents and Flapperettes. There’s also a 1920s MotorCar Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with flivvers and Tin Lizzies, and Antique Gramophones that reanimate original recordings from the 1920s.
And what would a Prohibition-era, speakeasy event be without booze? VieVité, Côtes de Provence Rosé is the official wine sponsor of the Jazz Age Lawn Party. In addition, refreshing summer cocktails feature Lejay, the official liqueur sponsor, which created crème de cassis in 1841, as well as Bootlegger 21 NY Distilleries, the official gin and vodka of Jazz Age Lawn Party, crafted in Roscoe, NY. Libations available also include ice cold beer, lemonade and soft drinks. (Take note: you can’t bring in your own alcoholic beverages.)
New for 2017, Dreamland Gourmet Picnic Totes, featuring freshly prepared, custom ordered lunches that you receive when you enter, complete with a chilled bottle of VieVité Rosé, and other treats! (included in all “Bee’s Knees and “Bonnie & Clyde” ticket packages).
Also available: Gourmet Picnic Market featuring fancy picnicking fare and gourmet food along with treats and snacks including ice cream, cotton candy, hot popped corn and more; the Dreamland General Store, offering picnic blankets, parasols, hand fans and assorted sundries. Plus, vintage clothing vendors and artisans, a veritable village of timeless treasures and inspired creations to take home.
This event sells out and for the first time, tickets are only available for purchase in advance. For tickets and information visit, http://jazzagelawnparty.com/. Purchase tickets at http://jazzagelawnparty.ticketfly.com/.
See photos and coverage from last year’s Jazz Age Lawn Party:
11th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island Finishes Off With Really Hot Jazz
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