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.

Presidio Officers' Club

There has been a lot going on this weekend: The Alameda Park Street Car Show, the Rosie the Riveter Show and the Royal Jazz Society at the recently remodeled Presidio Officers Club. I rarely make trips to the East Bay unless it has to do with coloring my hair or buying vintage clothing and other antique goods (though I need to take a drive to Berkeley for the Magic Vegan Bacon Grease). So Presidio Officers' Club it is. 

From what I gathered in learning its history, it was established in 1776 (long before California statehood) as an entertainment meeting place for military personnel and their families. The architecture is typical Spanish adobe prevalent throughout California. It harkens back to the days of Spanish colonialism and the establishment of missions up and down the coast. Today, the Officers' Club continues its tradition of cultural entertainment now open to the public.

Considering that the Royal Jazz Society typically performs at Gatsby, I decided to go in 1920s attire. My inspiration, of course, was none other than the "It Girl" herself, Clara Bow. I pulled back my red hair and secured it with a scarf; typical flapper attire. I went heavy on the eye make up with dark red lips and rouged cheeks (Merlot lip color and Apricot Rouge by Bésame Cosmetics). I only wish I had her eyebrows. I went for a Jersey dress that was popular during the 20s. The shoes are "It Girl" from Remix. Great dancing shoes, by the way.

I didn't expect there to be such a crowd, but when the band is good and the venue is free, expect the entire Bay Area swing dance community to attend. It was packed. I danced quite a bit but it was mostly Balboa due to the tight quarters. I did some Lindy hop provided that there was some space available to do a swing out. I only wish there were collegiate shag dancers out there. Shag is my favorite dance. 

 

I took a break from dancing and decided to tour the rest of the space. In addition to its dance hall, there are several exhibit halls showcasing the history of The Presidio and its shaping of San Francisco culture. 

I really hope the swing dancing is something that continues even if for a monthly or seasonal occasion. It's always nice to get dolled up and dance in historic venues.

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

The Palace Hotel

Unlike most of the working world, my full time schedule is a 4-day week. That's right! Three day weekends every weekend. Fridays are usually my days to get errands done; grocery shopping, hair appointments, etc. Once I get home, I just want to unwind. I decided to give my cousin a call since we hadn't hung in nearly a month. Then, my buddy, Burnie, sent me a text about coming over to The Palace Hotel for some swing dancing. On a Friday? There never is a Friday gig unless it was a special show organized by A-Town. Au contraire, says he. The Klipptones play a weekly Friday gig in the hotel's bar and restaurant. Dizzy will be there! Well if Dizzy goes, I'll go since we had an upcoming radio gig to discuss. But I'm in casual attire! He said not to worry. There's no dress code. So I persuaded my cousin to come along and boy are we both glad we went. We had a great time.

There were many swing dancers both familiar and new to me. Unfortunately, I was wearing sneakers which were not ideal for this particular dance floor. I had to either take quick steps to make a turn or, for more swinging tunes, spun in the air so as not to stick to the floor. The Klipptones definitely had a unique musical style. They took more contemporary songs (and New Wave music) and jazzed it up. I kept laughing as I heard the familiar lyrics, I remember that song! 

The hotel itself is absolutely stunning. When I looked into the dining hall I kept thinking of the Titanic. It was that elegant. And here I am in jeans and a Pendleton. The bar is home to the Pied Piper painting which was in the news recently when the bar manager decided to take it down and sell it. It caused an uproar and it was ceremoniously placed back at its mantel. I had one of their signature cocktails to settle into the ambience.

I'm really glad that Burnie persuaded me to come. This is definitely a place to frequent for free swing dancing and great music.

Chorus girls!!!

Our dance troupe had a rehearsal shoot not too long ago. These are by far my favorite. Don't we look lovely? Enjoy!

Getting the 'billy on.

It has been a very, VERY long time since I've gone to a rockabilly show. I met up with a couple of friends for a car show/rockabilly show at 23 Club in Brisbane. It was definitely a friendly atmosphere and the people there (mostly car clubs) were super nice. One of my friends stated, "that's because there were more men than women." I didn't realize it, but yes, there were fewer ladies. Of those who were there, most were older and therefore beyond the cattiness and were very friendly. I manage to dance a few songs in addition to enjoying the music and meeting new people. It made me think of the L.A. Rockabilly scene. Though I'm more into the swing dance scene, I think I can leave a little room for RAB. 

Norma Jean the Strolling Queen

Ms. Norma Jean was an avid dancer specializing in the stroll and jive. No matter the venue, no matter the floor space, Norma was on the dance floor jiving the night away, and if she couldn't find a partner, she'd get all the gals up to stroll with her. She was a truly sweet gal who brought a smile to everyone.  Though sometimes she could be a bit of a firecracker when it came to defending her friends. She was nicknamed Pistol.

Stroll Nights

We organized Stroll Night at the Dollhut where we gave lessons to all the rockabilly gals with two left feet. We also provided baked treats (by yours truly) bringing in a huge crowd to what was once a dead weeknight. Norma and I shared a birthday, and we had a huge  party there complete with a cake and piñata. The night ended with us doing our birthday stroll. Those were some fun times. A few weeks following our birthday, I threw a huge BBQ at my place where she performed a burlesque routine. It was always her goal to perform at her first Viva Las Vegas show. Unfortunately, that never came into fruition.

Norma Jean leading the pack.

November 9, 2003

It was 10 years ago today when I got the news that Norma was in a car accident and at the hospital. At first I thought, "Pistol will be alright. She'll be up and dancing in no time." But I had this nagging feeling that perhaps I should go see her. When I arrived outside her room, I found her mom crying. A few of my friends were already there. When I entered, I knew then that she wasn't going to make it. I remember hearing the breathing tubes, the beeping from the heart monitor, the sniffling sounds of those who stood around her hospital bed. After assessing all her injuries, the tears began streaming down my face. Her left arm was completely bandaged, her right leg was in a splint. Her neck was swollen and appeared twisted, her eyes were black. I remember the blood trickling out of her mouth and around the breathing tube the doctors inserted. Her chest was heaving, but I knew it wasn't her taking those breaths. It was the machines keeping her alive. I noticed the blood soaked towels that surrounded her head; her long black hair matted with blood. Her skull must have been cracked. I stayed for about an hour until the hospital staff asked us to vacate. They were taking her to the O.R. to harvest her organs.

Norma died that evening. She was only 21.

The Accident

She was driving home from a show when it happened. The light was green and she proceeded forward. From her left, the other driver sped through her red light and broadsided Norma's car. She was driving a Corolla. The other driver an SUV. She didn't have a chance. The girl who hit her was heavily intoxicated and also only 21 years of age. She was sentenced to 2 years but served only 8 months for good behavior. It may have been a light sentence, but I'm quite sure it's a heavy burden to carry for the rest of her years: the very thought that she took another person's life. Whoever she is and wherever she may be, I hope the experience made her a person who makes better choices. Never drink and drive.

God Bless, Norma! May you continue to grace the dance floor in the kingdom of heaven. RIP

Norma Jean Avila

September 22, 1982 - November 9, 2003

Dead can dance - Zombie Prom 2013

The Verdi Club has held five annual Zombie Proms. The club dresses itself as a haunted mansion with a ghostly ballroom. Slim Jenkins provides the musical entertainment with their "voodoo swing" style of music. DJ (Undead) Jeff keeps the dancers cutting a rug with Halloween (or just scary) themed music from big band jazz to rock n roll. I prefer to get an early start of the Zombie Prom so that I can can get enough dancing in. As the night continues, it gets more crowded with precious dance floor space disappearing by the minute.

It's always a fun time seeing the creativity people put into their costumes. It's usually just your typical costume that is zombified. Some of the make-up and dress are so well done, it's hard to recognize people. Often times I'd gasp in surprise shouting, "I didn't recognize you!" before giving a big hug. I have dressed as the following: 

• zombie 80s prom queen
• zombie queen of hearts
• zombie gypsy
• zombie chorus girl

Considering that this year's theme was Haunted Hollywood AND our dance troupe were performing, it was only appropriate to be a zombified chorus girl dance troupe.

Being part of the act definitely has its perks. Free entry, free dinner, free drinks. It is also a great way to promote ourselves since we now have gigs booked through February (having confirmed a few shows at Zombie prom).

Anyhow, the photos below are a few random shots before and during the zombie prom. Enjoy!

Can't repeat the past? Why, of course you can!

3/4 of our dance troupe take over Gatsby Afternoon

Each year, the Art Deco Society of California has their annual Gatsby Picnic at the famed Dunsmuir Historic Estate in Oakland, CA. It is an afternoon transported back to the Jazz Age when music and entertainment was at its apex. It is an afternoon to enjoy the days when ladies and gentlemen dressed in their Sunday bests, feasted on homemade picnic goodies, enjoyed a foxtrot or charleston on the dance floor and interacted with myriad patrons scattered across the lawn.

I chose to wear my vintage chiffon gown; a light fabric to keep the body cool on a steaming hot day. My picnic items consisted of vegan sandwiches, vegan potato salad and sliced watermelon. I met with my fellow chorus girls and established a seating area where we set our blankets/sheets and emptied our picnic baskets of sandwiches, deserts, fruit and mixed drinks. We sat enjoying friendly chatter while a live band played period appropriate jazz music. There was an endless parade of patrons walking about the grounds toasting their champagne glasses and making small talk before venturing off to the next picnic area. 

Later, the DecoBelles performed their number and sad to say, I was less than impressed. Here we are kicking our butts with our rigorous routines, and theirs was just a number prancing about in circles. 

I walked about admiring the vintage fashion and auto show all the while grasping my iPhone for the latest 49er game updates. I am a 49er Faithful and it pained me to miss the home opener. Following this entry are the pictures I snapped of the picnic. Would I do this again? Perhaps, but to shell out $50 just to sit on a lawn where we have to provide our own food seems a bit ridiculous. Though I definitely enjoyed the experience with my dance troupe. We'll see what I decide next year.

Chorus Girl Musings

In February, a friend and fellow swing dancer alerted me to a dance troupe's recruitment. She lamented that she was the only person with a swing dance background and asked a few of us to join. I was immediately on board especially since my friend is heavily, heavily tattooed. I'm only moderately inked, and it was definitely a hindrance for some other local dance troupes.

It took some time before we determined who was committed to the troupe (some girls dropped out) before finally developing our routine. It took weeks of practice with occasional conflicts. Some girls were missing rehearsals, others were disappointed with aesthetically unappealing moves, a terrible seamstress who ruined our costumes, differences of opinion, etc. That is to be expected. Nothing is 100% perfect. The important thing was, we all remained committed to each other and made improvements. Once we refined our moves, it was on to the stage.

I figured we would have an occasional gig here and there. I never thought that after our first performance, we'd be booked for the next six months. Audience members would come up to us to congratulate and compliment our choreography, performance, appearance, style, etc. We were even told that our troupe is better than the Deco Belles. Wow. It's definitely flattering to be recognized and exalted for your talent.

What I've enjoyed most is developing new friendships. We've spent some time doing activities such as swing dancing, meeting for dinner, attending shows around the city, roller skating, karaoke, etc. It's nice not having to focus on rehearsals when we can just enjoy a good time as a group. We're also networking quite a bit with the swing dance and burlesque communities as well as contacts with photographers for modeling shoots.

Aside from receiving all the accolades, the most rewarding experience is learning to be comfortable in my own skin. I grew up with curves, the round posterior, long legs and a small waist. Growing up, I was always shameful of it because most of my peers were short, petite, and rail thin. It wasn't until I was an adult that I learned to appreciate myself more, yet I still felt uncomfortable. I'm always hiding my body. Since our troupe has begun performing at burlesque shows, we share the changing room with other dancers. They have no qualms about letting it all out. Girls walk around nude without apology. Heck, even guys enter the room, and it's no big deal to them. I'm still a bit of a prude that I have to look away. It's not just the thin girls, either. Very, very large girls also walk nude. I have to appreciate their confidence in that they don't care what others think. In fact, given their positive attitude and confidence, everyone (men and women alike) love them. Still, for me it's baby steps. I've gone as far as being in just a bra/underwear in the changing area.

My self-image awareness has undergone tremendous improvement, but I still have to build up more confidence. After all, I'm not yet ready to be a burlesque dancer. This is still something I'd like to do; I even have a stage name. For now, I'll just focus on being a chorus girl.

La bailarina

For nearly a decade, I had been an occasional swing dancer at various Rockabilly venues. After awhile, it got pretty boring since most Rockabillies don't know anything beyond the 4-count Jive and few knew how to do East Coast Swing. Trust me, any dancer who touts how great they are at Jive really aren't great dancers at all. In 2009, I decided to try other forms of swing such as Lindy Hop, Charleston and Balboa. I took a few private lessons to refine what I already knew and my teacher immediately said, "what's your purpose? Do you want to perform or compete because you already know how to dance." I never gave the matter much thought since I felt I needed more improvement. So he trained me to be a performer and recommended joining a troupe.

When I returned to San Francisco, I was determined to join a dance troupe. A friend of mine introduced me to one lady who ran the Deco Belles. When I expressed my interest, she took a good look at me and stated, "there are other dance troupes in the Bay Area," and she immediately dismissed my presence to talk with my friend. I was insulted. She judged me solely on my appearance and not my ability as a dancer. At first I thought, "is it because I'm not rail thin?" That had always been something that deterred me from inquiring about other troupes. Most of the girls are really short and petite. I'm very tall and curvy. Later, I met a Deco Belle who was much larger than me. She stated that it was my tattoos that this person took exception to. It made sense. None of the Belles had tattoos. I guess I felt a little better.

I heard about other troupes and saw their routines, but I didn't really feel a connect with them, or I thought they just weren't that great. I thought about training for burlesque but I'm not quite confident enough to take my clothes off in front of an audience. Again, I attended shows and noticed there were plenty of bigger girls who knew how to get a crowd going. More power to them, but I'm just not that confident...yet. 

Earlier this year, I was told about a newly formed dance troupe looking for more swing dancers...and they had tattoos! Without even a meeting I said, "count me in." The troupe is focused more on a 1930s style Chorus Girl dance troupe. The style is Charleston as well as some Lindy moves. Over the past four months we had been learning new routines and training for future performances. We met every Monday night to learn new moves. It was a bit of a challenge getting all 12 girls committed to the troupe and we ended up losing 2 of them. Other times, someone was always absent (I admit I missed 2 practices). It made it harder to foresee how this whole routine would look, but I remained committed to the group (as did everyone else) and began meeting twice a week for practice.

We had custom fitted outfits to go with our first routine including bobbed wigs. We started doing dress rehearsals a few weeks ago and the first thing I noticed was that the outfit was a little big. I'd lost weight since the measurements, but it didn't look that bad. After everything was put together, I stared at myself in the walled mirror. I have NEVER shown this much leg in public. All my dresses are at or below knee length. It took me awhile to get past my image. (I have a complex about my body; an issue I've battled since I was 14 which will be saved for another post later.) One of the girls asked what was wrong. I just stated that I'm not used to showing my legs. My legs take up more than half my body and they're not stick thin. The first thing she said was, "you have great legs! You're lucky that yours taper. Nice ample thighs, strong limbs going down to a thin ankle." I never really thought of my legs that way, but it definitely changed my perception of how I viewed them.

Last night (June 2, 2013) was our debut performance in Alameda. I was super nervous; not so much about the routine but exposing my legs. I wore a long coat to cover myself before finally revealing my shape. I was incredibly surprised by the positive comments I received. Curves and hourglass were the two words I heard most to describe my shape. I never minded them much because I'd always had a smaller, cinched waist which was something I liked about myself. My posterior has always been round and firm; another plus. But my legs....I am learning to accept them more. 

The performance was an absolute success. Everyone was whooping and hollering as we danced. They especially liked our "grapevine" where we kicked out and flashed our legs. I was very nervous most of the time, but after that first performance was over, I just smiled. We had such a positive response that other promoters want to book us for future events. I am absolutely amazed. It was definitely a blast being up there with the other ladies that I'm looking forward to our future performances and additional routines.

Being a part of a Chorus girl dance troupe has not only heightened my love for swing dance, but it has helped me to be more comfortable with my body. I think, eventually, I will continue with burlesque (in addition to the chorus line). I already have a song and dance; I just need the right costume. That will come in due time. For now, it's about the chorus line. Stay tuned for additional posts, pictures and videos as they come.

It's not what it used to be

Call me a vintage snob. I will proudly admit that I am one. I have a fairly large collection of vintage clothing dating from the late 1920s to early 1950s. I've researched the patterns, designs and manufacturing of vintage clothing so that I know I'm getting a real vintage piece whenever I shop. I avoid online retailers in favor of antique/vintage fairs because I can study the clothing and try them on for size. However I choose to dress, I make sure to wear the accompanying make-up and hairstyle of its respective era.  Here's an example:

Authentic 30s dress, oxfords, hair clip. 30s style MUAH

These efforts require commitment and what I've noticed about those claiming a Rockabilly (RAB) lifestyle is that most won't put forth the effort and will rely on "repros" (mass produced reproduction clothing). After having attended some local Rockabilly (RAB) shows, I'm very disappointed on what the genre has become. At the same time, it's quite humorous to see folks trying so hard to look 50s who utterly fail in their attempts and proceed to criticize others who do it right.

Companies like Stop Staring, Rock Steady, Trashy Diva, Revamp, (and now Bettie Page clothing), etc began reproducing the vintage styles en masse. While these companies can certainly be credited for reintroducing the styles to a younger generation, it has done more harm than good for the vintage aficionado. Those of us who do appreciate and respect the diverse eras of yesteryear are often shrugged off as snobs. They just don't get it.

These 20-somethings have crashed a scene (or two) and created a hodgepodge of different eras and proudly labeled it Rockabilly. They've mixed about 50 years of fashion and culture into one abomination.  It isn't a lifestyle for them but a hobby in which they collect all things old without respecting its value. Membership in their scene consists of tattoos, black hair (slicked or pomped for the guys and bangs or rolls for the girls), cuffed jeans, repro dresses, a bad attitude and love of booze. Requirement number 1: Be an alcoholic. Requirement number 2: Be a total a-hole or b*tch.

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy Rockabilly. It's a music genre that I enjoy listening to as well as late 19th century popular, fox trot, classic big band/jazz, jump blues, classic country, Rock-n-Roll, DooWop, and finally, 80s New Wave. Somehow, though, someone hijacked the music genre and made it a wardrobe faux pas purchasing low-end, high priced repros to try to look more authentic. That's all well and good, but here's the problem; it isn't authentic, nor is it creative.

This is what I've seen at various Rockabilly shows and VLV:

• Cuffed Jeans
• T-shirts (Lucky 13 seems to be the most popular)
• Converse shoes
• Motorcycle boots (and they don't ride motorcycles)
• Victory Rolls (This is WWII era!)
• Flower clips (also rooted in 40s fashion)
• Dramatically over made-up faces fit for a drag queen. 
• Leopard Prints
• Polka Dots
• Cherries
• Gingham
• Black and Red colors (exclusively)
• At least 25 girls wearing the EXACT SAME DRESS from Bettie Page Clothing.
• Pin-up girls (they actually wore more clothing and less make-up during its heyday)
• Tattoos with the following themes: cherries, swallows (often misidentified as sparrows), dice, pistons, classic cars, lady luck, flames, brass knuckles, rat finks, spider webs, nautical stars, microphones, anything alcohol related (esp. Pabst)
• Foul mouthed (especially the women)
• Jiving/Strolling/Bopping (learn another dance!)

About 10% of the crowd wears authentic vintage clothing, and it's this crowd who are the nicest individuals who truly appreciate vintage eras. They don't describe themselves as a specific scene or era. They, too, shake their heads at these Rockasillies.

A while back, I came upon this youtube video mocking the culture. Rather, mocking posers who claim a "rockabilly lifestyle". I think it's a perfect fitting to end this post. Most readers who find themselves nodding as they read this will find the video humorous. Those who take offense to it are probably the very people I'm criticizing in this post. Relax, take a look at your repro wardrobe, trash it and start over. No one is telling you to stop trying to live a bygone era. Just do it right.

April's Getaway: Los Angeles

Back in February, I posted about making quick getaways from San Francisco life (thanks to my friend Jean who encouraged me to make weekend trips at least once a month just to relax and clear my head.) In March, I took a trip to (and blogged about) Santa Cruz.

April's getaway was meant to be a trip to Folsom, CA where I could tour the area and attend its antique festival. The sole purpose was to find The Victrola Man, but since I had already found him and purchased a victrola from him at Alameda Antique Faire, I thought it best to cancel and reroute my trip. I decided to fly down to Los Angeles for the weekend.

Art Deco Airport

During my stay, I visited with my parents. They have the most peaceful house nestled in the hills. The only sounds are the humming birds, the wind chimes and rustling trees dancing in the breeze. We usually wander around in the backyard tending to the plants and chatting about random topics. Those are always my favorite moments with my parents; enjoying the morning with a warm cup of coffee and letting time pass us by. We drove down to Old Town Orange to dine at a Mexican restaurant that was once a church. It had the most beautiful stain glass. Afterward, we walked around Old Town browsing all the antique shops; another one of our favorite past times.

Old Town Orange

I spent Sunday with my brother at his loft in Downtown Los Angeles. My brother has always been the urban nightlife type of person whereas I tend to prefer quieter, peaceful environments (like HMB). Though he lives on the top floor (with spectacular views of DTLA), you can hear urban life quite clearly, especially all the sirens. I just smiled and sighed, "ah life in the big city." My brother sort of laughed to himself. Like San Francisco, DTLA has everything within walking distance. We had dinner at the Los Angeles Brewing Company while watching our L.A. Lakers take game 1 over the Spurs.

Relaxing with my hermanito

Downtown Los Angeles structures

After the game, we dressed up in our 1930s best and walked down to The Cicada Club. Each Sunday they have a weekly swing band and dance. On this particular Sunday, they had a Jive Aces and Satin Dolls collaboration. It was a classic jazz ensemble paired with a chorus girl act reminiscent of the prohibition era. I was pleasantly surprised to see some of my SoCal swing dance friends in attendance. It had been quite awhile since I last danced with them; at least 8 months. But it was like old times; only this time it was in classic Art Deco elegance.

I didn't get to do as much vintage shopping as I'd like. However, I finally got to patronize the Remix Vintage shop. I'm not too fond of buying clothing and shoes online because I prefer to try on an item before purchase. This is why I always stick to antique/vintage fairs for my purchases. I don't purchase reproduction clothing (I've amassed a large collection of vintage threads), but I do make exceptions for shoes especially when they're designed from authentic vintage styles. I've kept my eye on the "It Girl" shoes (a la Clara Bow) and they definitely cost a pretty penny. But they are oh so worth every cent I spent; perfect for collegiate shag dancing. I've strayed from wearing early 1950s attire in favor of 1920s-1940s (that will be another post for later). The It-Girl shoes are the classic 1920s style.

The "It-Girl" shoes.

The one thing I did not get to do was contact my tattoo artist for more work. I found a really great design, but I just didn't have the time to fit it in my ultra short schedule. Perhaps on my next visit (June?).

About the only downer of the trip was my return home to SF. As much as I abhor SoCal (I've become quite the NorCal girl), it does sadden me to leave my family. I have the greatest, most supportive and loving parents a person could have and it always pains me to say goodbye. But I know it's not the last of my visits. Thankfully my preferred airline always has fare sales. 

So that was my getaway for April. May's Getaway is still in the early planning stages. Stay tuned.