Destinations: The Fourth of July 2013 in NYC

This year there are a multitude of terrific events for your Fourth of July vintage-retro partying in New York. Two stellar rooftop parties featuring patriotic big bands, burlesque, and timeless vaudville promise to be the perfect spot to enjoy fireworks fire works and get your dance on. There is also a genuine riverboat Jazz Age cruise in New York Harbor featuring first class drinking and dining, and the musical stylings of Michael Arenella's Dreamland Orchestra.

THE LIBERTY BELLE EXTRAVAGANZA - A Vintage Fourth of July Rooftop Spectacular

This year the vintage-Retro nightlife veterans (The Salon, Wit's End and The Champagne Riot) annual collaboration is pushing the envelope and throwing parties on not one, but TWO of NYC's rooftop clubs that will showcase the finest in hot jazz music, vintage entertainment and raucous patriotic revelry! The LBE producers have also partnered with Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing,for even more dancing, & live big band music! 

FEATURING:

At the DL Lounge:

• Gelber and Manning and The Star Spangled Orchestra * 
• Jessy Carolina and the Hot Mess 
• The Brain Cloud 
• The Blue Vipers
• LES Hot Club 

At the Empire Hotel:

• The Hot Sardines 
• The Red Hook Ramblers 
• Dandy Wellington and his Band 
• and following Midsummer Night Swing's "Battle of the Bands," A Magical Midnight Jam Session  
  
  featuring musicians from both bands: The George Gee Swing Orchestra, and Mora’s Modern Rhythmists

Burlesque & Vaudeville by:

• Trixie Little & The Evil Hate Monkey
• Hazel Honeysuckle
• Medianoche
• The Maine Attraction 
• Jezebel Express 
• Gin Minsky
• and many more

The events are MC'd by Albert Cadabra (at the DL) and Mr. Dandy Wellington (at the Empire Hotel)

Any admission allows entry to both Liberty Belle venues, choose one venue to start your evenings festivities - $35 in advance (online only) - $40 at door (cash only) - $40 Combo Ticket (advance only) includes entry to Midsummer Night Swing. Tix Available Online: http://www.libertybelleextravaganza.com/

THE RIVERBOAT BALL

Shortly after its birth, jazz made its way to the industrial north on riverboats puffing up the Mississippi. This 4th of July, celebrate America's independence and her musical voyage, aboard a genuine riverboat.

Dance, drink and dine as the New Orleans style Riverboat "Queen of Hearts" splashes through the night along the banks of Old Manhattan, enjoying unrivaled views of the fireworks and the hottest 1920s jazz entertainment this side of the Mason-Dixon.

• Prime Fireworks Views
• Premium Open Bar - All Night Long
• Gourmet Hors d'ouevres and Raw Bar
• A Free Flowing Champagne Deck

FEATURING:

• Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra
• Ragtime Piano Man Terry Waldo
• Humor's Favorite Temptress - Grace Gotham
• Banjo Wizard Alan Cary
• Jenny Rocha and Her Painted Ladies
• Tap Dance Dynamo Helen Pontani
• And much more!

Tickets are $200 per person, in advance only. 21 and over with required identification. They cruise RAIN OR SHINE aboard the Queen of Hearts - Pier 78 boarding at 6:00 pm docking at 10:00 pm for more information and directions visit us at: www.DreamlandOrchestra.com

Destinations: The 6th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party at Governors Island - June 25th and 26th

Loungerati recommends the following lovely weekend event that is a must attend for any vintage aficionado worth their straw boater. Michael Arenella, one of the hardest working bandleaders I know (I actually know many!), hosts the 6th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on New York's Governors Island. The party goes on for two days so really there are excuses short of a weekend wash out. See you there swells!

THE 6TH BI-ANNUAL
JAZZ AGE LAWN PARTY
ON GOVERNORS ISLAND
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, June 25TH & 26TH
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission $7/advance (available here),$10/door (Children Under 12 Free)

Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra invites you to join us on this hidden gem just off the southeastern tip of Manhattan, nestled in the heart of majestic New York Harbor.

Under a shady grove of centuries-old trees, caressed by fresh sea air, a sprawling green surrounded by historic officers' quarters and 18th century naval ramparts becomes the setting for a true Gatsby affair. A recession-friendly $7 advance admission gives you access to one of the Summer's most magnificent celebrations.

Widely anticipated by flappers, sporting gents and tiny tots alike, this event has been featured and reviewed consistently by The New York Times, who selected the Jazz Age Lawn Party as one of the most memorable parties of 2009 and 2010.


A wide array of music, food & drink, and activities are open for all ages to enjoy:

*Featuring special guests Gelber & Manning!
*Beautiful, real-wood '50 x '50 dance floor set up right on the lawn!
*A delightful variety of refreshing cocktails will be served by St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur and beer provided by Brooklyn Brewery.
*Gourmet entrees, sandwiches, salads and more will be for sale. Vegetarian dishes, too!
*Soda, juice, water, and other beverages available.
*Tasty desserts, old-fashioned ice cream cones and ices!
*Picnicking welcomed! (just leave the hooch at home, it's prohibited by regulations except as sold by our approved vendor at event.)
*Performances by '20s tapping sensations The Minsky Sisters
*Authentic '78 records from the 1920s played on antique phonographs by Michael Cumella of WFMU's Antique Phonograph Music Program.
*Charleston lessons by dance legend Roddy Caravella
*Vintage portraits by Tsirkus Fotografika
*1920s Motorcar Exhibition - take a spin around the island in a genuine rumble-seat; hold on to your hat!
*Vintage clothing dealers and boutique milliners Ellen Christine Millinery, Fine and Dandy Shop, Noble Savage Vintage, Zelda Magazine, & More! - They will all be peddling wares, so be sure to tuck some cash in your garter.
*Live dance performances
*Bathing Beauties & Beaus Promenade
*Tug O' War
*Parade Of Hats
*Pie Recipe Contest
**If you'd like to sign up for the pie contest, you must pre-register by emailing Sarah Liston at govislandpie@gmail.com. Bakers can sign up until midnight Fri. June 24th.

AND EVEN MORE ATTRACTIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Destinations: The Winter Ball Dec 12th

Loungerati's best musical act of 2009, Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra team up with The George Gee Swing Orchestra to cordially invite you to...

THE WINTER BALL
Saturday Dec. 12th, 2009
Doors 8PM, Music 9PM
$20

Michael Arenella & His Hot Eight and The George Gee Swing Orchestra partner up to present December's hottest holiday dance event.

At Brooklyn's most enchanting little speakeasy, the Green Building, a 19th-century warehouse nestled along the banks of the Gowanus Canal, in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.

A most festive assortment of winter follies:
- Grace Gotham - burlesque beauty
- The Minsky Sisters - world renowned '20s tap duo and Loungerati Best Burlesque Act of 2009
- Roddy Caravella & His Varsity Syncopators - wobbly-kneed Charleston-dancing troublemakers
- Special musical guest Drew Nugent
Plus -
-On-the-spot vintage portraits by Tsirkus Fotografika

- Cocktails served by expert mixologists from Court & Spark and Loungerati.
- A tasty variety of sweet treats will be available if you're feeling peckish.
- Raffle with fabulous prizes!

The Green Building
450 Union Street
just a short walk from the following major subway lines:
- F/G to Carroll Street
- R to Union Street

Picnic like it is 1929 on Governor's Island

News from our pal Michael Arenella:

JAZZ AGE LAWN PARTY ON GOVERNORS ISLAND
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JUNE 6th and 7th, 2009
11:00 AM to 5 PM
Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra invites you to join us on this hidden gem just off the southeastern tip of Manhattan, nestled in the heart of majestic New York Harbor.

Under a shady grove of centuries-old trees, caressed by fresh sea air, a sprawling green surrounded by historic officers quarters and 18th century naval ramparts becomes the setting for a true Gatsby affair.

Widely anticipated by flappers, sporting gents and tiny tots alike, this event has been featured annually by The New York Times and the Sartorialist.

A wide array of music, food & drink, activities, games and contests are open for all ages to enjoy:

* A delightful variety of refreshing summer cocktails, wine, prosecco and beer are available and will be served by expert mixologists.
* Picnickers are welcome. There will also be gourmet coffee and a yummy assortment of sandwiches, salads and other treats available.
* Vintage 78 records spun on 1920s Victor Credenza phonograph machine by Matthew Hinson
* 1920s Motorcar Exhibition - take a spin around the island in a genuine rumbleseat; hold on to your hat!
* Vintage clothing dealers and boutique milliners including Ellen Christine, Cassie McGregor and Leigh Magar of Magar Hatworks. They will all be peddling wares, so be sure to tuck some cash into your garter.
* Special literature/ephemera booths and readings by the Dorothy Parker Society & F. Scott Fitzgerald Society
* Horseshoe Toss
* Tug O' War
* Parade Of Hats (Sunday Only)
* Pie Recipe Contest (Saturday Only)* - Categories: "Mom's Best", "Most Original, and "Hobo's Choice." Special Prizes and coveted gift certificates to be awarded.
* If you'd like to sign up for the pie contest, you must pre-register by emailing Sarah Liston at ladyliston@msn.com

The State of New York has cut funding for programming on Governors Island. While the island will thankfully remain open, there will be no further allocation provided for entertainment on the island. This means that while the Dreamland Orchestra will be performing, the costs to cover the band, stage, dance floor, and all other expenses will not be provided by the state this year, and will depend on private donations and sponsorship. If you would like to contribute to the Jazz Age Lawn Party please email michael@dreamlandorchestra.com

-----------------------
Ferry Schedule

Ferries depart on the hour from downtown Manhattan to Governors Island:
9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm

Ferries return to downtown on the half hour from Governors Island to Manhattan:
10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm , 3:30pm, 4:30pm, and 5:30pm, and 6:30pm (final boat leaves at 7pm)

Governors Island Ferry
10 South Street, in lower Manhattan
Just northeast of the Staten Island Ferry
R train to Whitehall Street
www.govisland.com

(Photo courtesy of the Dorothy Parker Society)

Michael Arenella featured at the Sartorialist

by Fredo

Loungerati pal and jazz musician Michael Arenella of the Dreamland Orchestra was featured in the Sartorialist's Style Profile this week. Kudos to one of the best dressed men on the town. For more information on Arenella and his music check out his site.