The 1920s came alive this weekend at the 10th annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island.
Patrons flocked from all over NYC and beyond clad in their best Jazz Age garb to indulge in a day filled with good food and drink, up-beat Jazz music, and dancing. Professionals and beginners alike filled the make-shift dance floor to hop along to music performed by founder Mike Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra and to watch performances by Gregory Moore and the Dreamland Follies and revered pianist Peter Mintun.
Patrons had the option of selecting from multiple ticket options ranging from simple general admission to Bonnie and Clyde and the Bees Knees, each offering a different level of food and drink service. Food was deliciously prepared and suited the hot summer climate well with fresh lobster rolls, oysters and shrimp cocktail by Greenpoint’s Lobster Joint while Local 215 food truck served succulent braised beef sliders and other savory deliciousness. The meal was amply topped off by a plentiful selection of pies a la mode, perfectly on theme considering the annual pie contest.
The cocktails, which were sponsored by St-Germain, Duvel, and MARTINI wines, fueled the energy of the party with tasty and unique beverages. The sweet and smooth sparkling Rosé wine was a classic drink and a go-to for a good wine. The Flapper’s Delight was a refreshing cocktail that combined St-Germain with fresh mineral water and a lemon twist.
The dance floor was alive and kicking the entire day, excluding the few minutes of torrential rain, and even when the floor was puddle-ridden people were having a good time. All eyes were on Gregory Moore and the Dreamland Follies when they took the floor for a classic 1920s “production number.” World-renowned pianist Peter Mintun changed things up a bit with his vintage tunes and energy and, of course, Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra were in it for the long haul, keeping the place jumping from start to finish.
Arenella is the founder of the Jazz Age Lawn Party which began as just a small gathering of only fifty friends but, under his direction, exploded into one of the most unique and successful vintage-inspired events in NYC. For those of you who feel you were perhaps born in the wrong era or you would like to live-out your Gatsby fantasies- wait no longer. The bi-annual Jazz Age Lawn Party will give you your 20’s fix with a blast from the past that will be sure to liven up any weekend.
The St-Germain Cocktail
2 parts Martini & Rossi Prosecco
1½ parts St-Germain French elderflower liqueur
2 parts sparkling water
Method: Stir ingredients in a tall ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Think of Paris circa 1947. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Variation: Think of Sartre circa 1947. Be the lemon twist.
10th Anniversary Cocktail
1.5 oz. Bombay Dry Gin
¾ oz. St-Germain French elderflower liqueur
¾ oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice
¼ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
¼ oz. Simple Syrup
Muddle 1 large Strawberry in simple syrup. Shake and strain into a Collins glass. Top with Sparkling Water and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
