Starline Social Club

This past weekend, my friend Jeanavive held a birthday party at the Starline Social Club in downtown Oakland. It was built in 1883 as a saloon and social club for the Odd Fellows; an organization founded on the principals of donating funds and/or time together to serve those in need and to build a community of fellowship. Today, it's a bar and ballroom still faithful to its decor of yesteryear. Several people came out to dance, drink and have an all around good time celebrating Jeanavive's birthday. Fil Lorenz Orchestra provided live music, and yours truly was DJ for the evening. I only played between band sets and immediately following their performance. Below is my set list for the evening. 

Lindypendence 2015

The 4th of July landed on day one of the Fillmore Jazz Festival. Each year, my friend Burnie holds his Lindypendence Weekend show with some dance lessons and large open dance floor. Swing dancers from all over the Bay Area come out for a few hours of dance. Newcomers are offered dance lessons. 

I danced for nearly 4 hours and my feet/legs were feeling it. Burnie and I gave a quick Collegiate Shag lesson. I really want more people to take up this dance style because there are very few shag dancers out there. It is rather fast, but oh so fun.

I DJ'd a two hour set (quite possibly my longest). The first three songs had the colors Red, White and Blue, some BBQ themes and American Patrol  to cover the holiday theme. After that, it was a free for all.

Back in the booth

I was asked to co-DJ at the Klipptones show this afternoon, and I happily obliged. I created a short list to be played only during the band break, and oh what a list! Most DJs tend to have their particular shtick as far as song choice, genre, era etc. There are many, many DJs out there, and it can be pretty difficult to set yourself apart from the others. However, when you develop your own personal style, your set list can be discernible from others. When I'm at Verdi, I can tell who's behind the booth for the evening. 

I only DJ sporadically so not many people would know it's me. However, I do have a signature style. You will always hear a Spanish language song. (Believe it or not, it gets people dancing.) I don't play music from current swing bands. I stick to the classics. I will always have a mix of different genres such as Classic Jazz, Gypsy Jazz, and Big Band Swing. However, my set list will contain mostly Jump Blues. That is my favorite style, and it isn't played enough at most venues. Stompy Jones's current lead singer doesn't perform nor can he sing that style so it's been a very long time since hearing particular songs. He is a good singer; it's just a different style. Anyhow, I'd like to bring back more Jump Blues. The music can be used for different dance styles: Lindy Hop, Shag, Balboa. It keeps all types of dancers happy; though it makes for a crowded dance floor.

The Short Set list for April 12, 2015

Back in the Groove!

Back in October, I suffered a very painful knee injury. As I was walking down a flight of stairs, I kept my hand on the rail (as I always do) and came to a part that was detached. I lost my balance and my knee twisted. I felt and heard a loud pop! I had to keep it stabilized and walk with a cane. An MRI revealed that there were no tears. I only suffered a severe sprain. Whew! So after months of healing and physical therapy, I was given the clearance to live my active life again. 

In January, I got back on the dance floor slowly. I did my performance with my dance troupe, DJ'd our events, and then had two or three dances thereafter. I started going to the gym to strengthen the muscles around my knees. I considered going to Verdi, but I'd hesitate and sit it out another week thinking the following Tuesday would be the night to go. 

This past week, my friend, Burnie, asked me to DJ his event at Berkeley's Ashkenaz. I obliged and considered it a test-run of my endurance. It was also a live band performance so I made it a point to dance as the band played and not during my set. With pre-recorded music, you already know the duration, beats, stops, and the melodic shifts of each song. A live performance is unpredictable. I had several dances without missing a beat. The leaders complimented me on my grace. A few ladies approached me complimenting my dance skills. This has definitely motivated me to get back on the floor on a regular basis.

This morning I awoke and felt no soreness in or around my knee. I am completely healed! Yay!

At Ashkenaz - Band: Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers
The selfie was more about showing my tattoos more than the hair.

Shifting on to a related topic, Burnie had introduced me by several names since I have so many: First my real name, then The Painted Lady, RoseRed, Rosie etc. The Painted Lady is just a profile handle. RoseRed is my chorus girl name. I'm considering ditching the name Rosie all together and just using my true name. However, being introduced as "The Painted Lady...Noemi" has a good ring to it.

The dancers out there loved my setlist. The one song that wowed them the most was Lalo Guerrero's Chicas Patas Boogie. It is a Spanish language cover of Oh Babe. One of my friends asked if it was a modern cover. She was surprised to learn that the recording is actually much older. I informed her that Lalo Guerrero was a Chicano musician very prominent during the late 30s-50s, and he performed during the height of the Pachuco subculture. This song, itself, was recorded in 1950.

Here is my setlist from last night's dance good for Lindy Hop, EC Swing, Balboa, and Shag.

Spookeasy San Francisco

My fellow chorus girl alerted me to a Halloween themed Vaudevillian show at Chinatown's Great Star Theatre and sent me a link for the pre-view show. Spookeasy San Francisco. The variety show consisted of short skits, burlesque, chorus girls, dance routines, juggling acts and comedy acts. It was incredibly entertaining. It's great to see theatre shows of yesteryear making a return to the stage.

1920s built Great Star Theatre in Chinatown

Great Star Theatre Interior

Talent Show

Contortionist

Minnie the Moocher parody

Mr. Nobody

Great skit. I loved the Raymond Scott music.

Mobile users can view video here.

 Chainsaw juggling act

Mobile users can view video here

The Last Dance: Tipping

Ah the tip jar. How many of you out there just drop your change without a second thought? Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps you're giving a little extra for a service that took little to no effort on the part of the server?

Dizzy and I decided to touch on a subject that is quite controversial: Tipping. Just prior to our scheduled radio segment, I did some research and engaged in conversations with others about this very subject. The conversations definitely got heated. Generally the pro-tippers talked about the hard work service workers do that deserve an extra something. Others argue that servers earn a minimum wage and are just doing their job. The one fact they bring up is people who work in fast food. Carl's Jr. actually brings the food to your table. Why don't they get tips? Good points all around.

The discussions always get me thinking back to this classic scene: Reservoir Dogs. WARNING: Very colorful language.

For Mobile Users: Tipping Scene

Back in 1992, Mr. Pink makes a very convincing argument on his stance against tipping highlighting the societal pressure that is put on people to tip. Fast forward 22 years later (Gadzooks, has it been that long? I actually saw this film in theatres during its original run), and the pressure only seems to have gotten worse. Now you see websites devoted to disgruntled waiters who post their poor tippers' receipts. There are articles about those who pay an astronomical tip. In my humble opinion, it has gotten out of hand. What went from simple appreciation of generosity has now gone to an expectation, if not demand, for tips. Some tip jars even carry notes that guilt the customer into throwing in their change. It is very off-putting.

Don't get me wrong. I do tip when it's well deserved. In fact, I'm pretty generous, but there are times when I refuse to tip. I rarely walk into a corporate chain for any type of service, but if I do, I don't tip. These workers have a living wage AND get healthcare. However, if it's an independent, "mom and pop" type shop or restaurant, I always give something beyond the standard 15% rate. Other service industries require that the employee give a portion of their earnings to the business and for renting their space. This is most common in salons and tattoo parlors. I generally tip my hair colorist $20. My tattoo artist usually gets $50.

But what of those who perform minimal to zero to absolutely horrible service? Well you'll just have to stay tuned this Sunday, September 28th. Below is a snippet of our broadcast.

For Mobile Users: Radio Sausalito: Tipping

My setlist for this month included the following songs:

• Tip Light by Slim Gaillard (on the accompanying video)
• Tipping In by Erskine Hawkins and his orchestra
• Ain't Gonna Give None of This Jellyroll by Earl "Fatha" Hines

As always you can listen to The Last Dance on Radio Sausalito. The show will air this Sunday, September 28 at 10am and 6pm. Be sure to tune by clicking the link below.

http://listen.radionomy.com/radiosausalito.m3u

The Last Dance: Fair Weather Friends

This month's discussion topic for The Last Dance is Fair Weather Friends. Dizzy decided on the topic though I'd never heard that term before. She explained that it was "friends" who come around only when they need something. Or they don't stick around when you're in need. I then replied, "OH MY GOSH! I TOTALLY HAVE ONE!"

And once you speak of the devil, the devil ALWAYS appears. Within minutes I received a text from Mari informing me of her new number before asking me to keep my "ears open for any rooms for rent." No "hello, how are you." Dizzy noticed my reaction; I was laughing and shaking my head. I told her, "it's the fair-weather friend." And yes, she asked for another favor which turned into another disaster. After assessing the entire situation I've come to realize that I don't need this person in my life. I will probably never hear from her again, and I am perfectly content with that.

I'm sure we've all encountered these types of "friends" and perhaps even have a one or two in your current circle of friends. I wonder, though, do fair weather friends have fair weather friends?

Below is a snippet of our discussion.

For Mobile Users: Fair Weather Friends

My setlist for this month included the following songs:

• Why Don't You Do Right by Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee (on the accompanying video)
• Your Socks Don't Match by Bing Crosby and Louis Jordan
• Everybody Step by Chick Webb and Ella Fitzgerald

Last month's song arrangement fit the theme of unrequited love. This month's song arrangement was less to do with thematic content and more about friendly collaboration.

If this wasn't a jazz station, I would've chosen these songs to best fit the theme:

• Why Can't We Be Friends by War
• Friends by Whodini 
• Just a Friend by Biz Markie

All kidding aside...as always you can listen to The Last Dance on Radio Sausalito. The show will air this Sunday, August 24 at 10am and 6pm. Be sure to tune by clicking the link below.

http://listen.radionomy.com/radiosausalito.m3u

The Last Dance: Unrequited Love

A few months back, I had my first radio appearance on The Last Dance where I discussed performance and swing dancing. Dizzy, the radio host, and I have become quite close and have been brainstorming about potential swing dancing events and a new chorus girl dance troupe based out of Marin County. Thanks to her tireless efforts and great motivation, the plans will be coming into fruition. One of the first things we discussed was having me come in as a regular guest each month when we pick a topic and have an open ended discussion. We had our first session just last week.

I was introduced under my stage name, Rose Red; though I'll probably be using the informal Rosie. I just think "Dizzy and Rosie" flows smoothly from an auditory aesthetic. I've also considered a last name: Espinosa...Rosie Espinosa (get it?)

This month's topic is unrequited love. It was definitely a deep topic but one which the audience will gain an interesting perspective. Did I bring up Demian? Of course; as well as two others with whom I had a strong relationship during different points of my life. How Dem differs from the previous two is that I still have friendships with the others and we still maintain communication and a love & respect for each other. 

Below is a short snippet of our discussion:

For Mobile Users: Unrequited Love

My setlist included the following:

• I Ain't Got Nobody by Sophie Tucker (on the accompanying video)
• All of Me by Billie Holiday
• After All I've Been to You by Swing Session (now Stompy Jones)

The show will air this Sunday, July 27 at 10am and 6pm. Be sure to tune by clicking the link below.

http://listen.radionomy.com/radiosausalito.m3u

demian griffitts

Radio Sausalito

"The Last Dance"

One of my friends, Dizzy, hosts her own radio show based out of Marin County. The format consists of classic jazz music, a music or dance hall review, the tip of the week and the quote of the week. Sometimes she will invite a guest for a Q&A. Previous guests include members of local swing bands (including members of Stompy Jones), DJs, swing dancers and instructors. Dizzy asked me to guest spot and talk more about my dance troupe as well as provide my own tip and quote of the week. I thought, why not? It's a good way to promote our dance troupe.

I drove out to Sausalito where the radio station is based in a lovely (and ginormous) private home with a built-in studio. Dizzy gave me a tour of the ground level that is currently under construction. The owner is having the floors re-done to accommodate dancers. It also has a stage and bar; perfect for hosting a swing dancing event. Dizzy is hoping to have an event there in the not too distant future.

Dizzy explained the schedule before we sat before our microphones to record the one-hour show. We had a great time laughing and discussing swing dancing, music, and the thrill of being a chorus girl. I won't give away too much as the show will air next Sunday, March 2nd. I urge you to take a listen not just for my show but for all shows. Dizzy has a great voice and great show. The music is always swinging. She can count me in as a loyal listener.

Her show, The Last Dance, airs every Sunday at 10am and 6pm on Sausalito Radio 1610AM. Unfortunately the station's frequency doesn't go past southern Marin, BUT it is always accessible on the internet. For a direct link to the program: RADIO SAUSALITO This can be played on a computer, mobile phone and tablet. Supposedly it's on iTunes Radio but I couldn't find it. Just click on the link provided. Tune in tonight! But definitely tune in next Sunday to hear me shoot the breeze with Ms. Dizzy.

Top: (L-R) My post. Me in headsets and no make-up! Dizzy getting busy

Below is a short segment of my radio interview. Tune in on Sunday, March 2nd at 10am and 6pm.

For Mobile Users: Chorus Girls

Estate sales

Antique and vintage fairs and flea markets are by far the best way to amass vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and other wares. My favorites are Alameda, Treasure Island and The Fashion Expo. I've gone to other antique fairs with moderate success, and I've attended music festivals that have vendors but most items are overpriced, cheaply made reproduced clothing.  I used to buy vintage clothing through ebay but after awhile, the prices started to increase due to multiple bidding and often the items were not as described. Forget storefronts. Unless you know the employees, there is no negotiating the price.

The only downside to these fairs is the timing. They occur once a month, and the Expo is twice a year. What's a vintage loving shopaholic to do? Estate sales. They happen every weekend, anywhere and everywhere. So during the lull between Alameda and Treasure Island, I research the next estate sales around the bay. It's not so much finding them, but really looking into what's available. There are several aspect of vintage. You have to consider the culture, the era, the design of its time, etc. Keywords I look for are: Americana, mid-century, art deco, Edwardian, classic. 

It's definitely a hit or miss. Most of the time I walk away empty handed, but when it's a good day, the effort is well worth it. I've bought a few dresses, some furniture and 78s for my victrola. The biggest purchase was my 1940s Wedgewood stove. It's currently stored at my parents' house, but when I buy my house, it will be the focal point of my kitchen. The prices tend to be dirt cheap. I pay an average $10. Of course the stove was pricey at $500, but it was very reasonable considering a stove in poor condition is at least $1200.

Not everything I purchase is true vintage, either. My latest buy was a few CDs that are Big Band compilations; more music to add to my library since I moonlight as a DJ. I also found a couple of DVDs that were set in the early 20th century. Aside from the entertainment value, I study the hair and makeup, the wardrobe and dialect. 

I can admit that my love for vintage is a bit of an extreme, but I never really considered it a hobby as it is a lifestyle for me. Plus, there's nothing wrong with bringing back class.

My newest (and greatest) vintage acquisition!

Though I'd been updating my previous post (Antique/Vintage Hunting) with my latest vintage finds, today's purchase needed to be a post of its own.

After many years of fawning over old gramophones at various antique flea markets, antique shops, estate sales sold for astronomically high prices, I finally FINALLY purchased one today at Alameda Pointe Antique Faire.

Let's start from the beginning...

I originally came across a seller (whom I nicknamed "The Victrola Man") back in January, but I didn't have the money at the time. He was an older gentleman who restored old gramophones. I asked if he often sold at Alameda.  He said that he lived in Sacramento so he didn't always sell there every month. I told him, "if it's meant to be, I'll find you again." Well, I wanted it to definitely be. For the past three months, I drove to antique fairs in Sacramento, Concord, Santa Cruz, Alameda (again and again), Treasure Island and Cow Palace. I had no luck; not even in his hometown! Even though there were other sellers who had gramophones, the Victrola man would add extra needles and about thirty 78s; all for a relatively low price. Plus, Victrola was (and is) THE brand to own. No knockoffs, Edisons or RCAs for this vintage gal.

This morning, I met my friend for breakfast (Marti's Place has the best darn blueberry pancakes) and he asked, "what are we all looking for today?" I immediately said, "I'm still on the hunt for Victrola Man. I want a Victrola." And of course, I had to stop and visit my vintage clothing seller (Tracy) who always provides me with 1920s-40s clothing and accessories.

I beelined toward Tracy's selling space, but, unfortunately, the 1930s dresses she bought had yet to arrive from Canada. I have to wait a few more weeks. She was sorry not to have any items for me this time around, but I took it all as a positive sign; less money to spend especially if I'd find the Victrola Man. So I walked toward the back of the market (as I always do) to weave around the selling spaces until I reached the front. I walked past five rows before I heard classic jazz music playing not from some satellite radio, but from a gramophone. I turned to my left and there was Mr. Victrola Man. He had five gramophones for sale; three of them were Victrolas. I was relieved to have finally found him and even told him that I had been searching for him for three months. He smiled and said, "well here I am."

One Victrola was marked sold, but he had two others to choose from or I can take the cheaper, some other brand named gramophones. Nope, I wanted the real thing. So I forked over the cash and told him that I'd be back with a cart to roll it away (it's surprisingly heavy). He asked what type of music I wanted. I answered, "anything I can dance to. I'm a swing dancer." He gave me thirty 78s. We shook hands before I departed with my Victrola.

I already had a space cleared for my Victor Talking Machine and I was all too eager to begin playing it. As I was listening to a few 78s, I decided to research its age. I Googled the the model and seriel numbers and learned that it was originally manufactured in 1912. It is 101 years old. Imagine that. Who would have ever thought that back in 1912 as someone was purchasing this machine for their home, it would still be playing music in someone's living room in 2013. Amazing.

Below are images of my newest antique purchase and a sampling of its playing (Toot Toot Tootsie by Al Jolson). 

Enjoy.

Purchased 4/7/13 at Alameda Antique Faire

Definitely a great addition in my living room.