Swing Town

Miss Z is such a great photographer, huh?


Swing Town
Originally uploaded by velo_city

I know what you're thinking, is it 1998 or something? (I'm not dumb, I know people were swing dancing long before then...like, 1996 at least! badum bum)

Kentucky Derby takes me back to my Bootheel youth of listening to Dad go on and on about how he touched Secretariat once and getting super dressed up for church, ... among other things (fried okra and driftwood come to mind).

I remember - I had this great big peach hat and my sister had the same one for one of our Easter outfits that my mom sewed and embroidered with our monograms and everything...I was SO disappointed that Easter wasn't as "dressy" here when I moved! I was truly culture shocked in many ways when I moved (as much as a 2nd grader could be), but man, I think the slobbification north of the mason dixon line hit me hardest, and I've been rebelling ever since. I am a rebel!

I keep on saying I should maybe talk a bit more about my pre-2nd grade non-st. louis life (including my initial paralyzing fear of escalators, another St. Louis first for me), but y'all can just infer what you like, alright?

Dixieland and Dancin'

I forgot how much I love Dixieland music.

What was especially cool -- this band played back in the Gaslight Square days, so they were all awesomely aged and so cool! They also were very appreciative of the dancers that came out. Music and dance - they go together! The music was just so joyful, we brought fried chicken, we ate it, and if I ever described an evening as "merry" I would so pin that tail on this donkey.




Recognize the song? Well, its the end so you probably wouldn't...but I'll tell ya.
Its the St. Louis Blues! Represent!

Val and I had a little Charleston-off, even bad dancers were dancing gleefully and with abandon...it was glorious. I almost caught the vibe of those old supper clubs (like the one in white christmas, wow) that I really wish I could've/could go to.




You know what I'm talkin' bout.


I don't see how anyone can be snooty about Joes...it's just great.