[Dixielandjazz] Maybe good music is coming back?

[Stephen G Barbone]

My wife while perusing the "Styles" section of the Sunday New York  
Times, said; "Say here's a picture of Drew Nugent, haven't you played  
in his band a few times?" "Yes every once in a while", I replied, "but  
he's trying to keep his sidemen young since he goes after the young  
audience."

I looked at the article and lo and behold, there on page 14 of the NYT  
Styles section is a half page, with 19 color photos, of a 2 day dance  
party on Governors Island featuring Michael Arenbella and his  
Dreamland Orchestra (specializes in 1920-30s dance music) and Drew  
Nugent and his Midnight Society which is very similar. The dancers  
were doing the Cake Walk. A similar Cake Walk dance party was held in  
Newport Rhode Island a Month ago.

The bands and participants at both parties were MOSTLY YOUNG FOLKS IN  
THEIR 20s. Many in costume similar to those worn in the 1890s . . .  
think Thomas Eakins paintings.

Below that half page, was a quarter page with 9 color photos are party  
goers at a couple of adjoining estates in Mt Kisco NY where cabaret  
singer Andrea Marcovicci performed a tribute to Johnny Mercer.
The folks were older and presumably wealthier, however the message was  
the same. OKOM, American Songbook, good music, etc., is quite viable.

It may just be the beginning of a new trend in men's fashion and  
music. I hope so.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband