David Duarte and I decided to go check out the new Dreamland Ballroom Saturday night. We didn't want summer 2012 to come and go without partaking of the ambience of OB's newest night spot located directly above the Chowder House on Oak Bluffs Avenue. The music genre appealed to us; it was billed "MV Funk Fest" which we figured was a mixture of traditional jazz, blues 'n rock. There were 4 bands scheduled: Tuba Skinny, King Cake & the Baby, Biggie Shorty and Funk Wagon. I'd heard some good things about the King Cake band. David and I love to dance, but it's usually Johnny Hoy that gets us rummaging in the closet for our dancing shoes. However, Dreamland's promised roomy dance space called to us and off we went to check it out and thereby form an opinion. Well, we had a wonderful time; Dreamland lived up to its name. It's a beautiful venue, big but not too big. The tables are arranged so that customers feel they have some elbow room and a little privacy, and the libations aren't skimpy. The dance floor is large enough for dancers to spread out and do their thing. Customers feel free to go on the floor and dance solo if the spirit hits them and everyone untethers their inner child, allowing it to spring forth and cavort about on the shiny hardwood floor. "Play that funky music, white boy," and play it they did. Some of the dancing bordered on gymnastics! By 11 pm the place was filled with smiling, happy party animals.
Tuba Skinny started the joing jiving right at 9 pm on the dot. If you havent heard this group, it's a must. They play at The Ritz Monday (tomorrow) night. They're from New Orleans; Erika Lewis is the vocalist; there's a tuba, cornet, trombone, a sometimes clarinet and a guitar/tenor banjo player--and Robin Rapuzzi tears it up on the washboard. Robin rocks; they all do. Their music is inspired by the early jazz 'n blues music of the early 20s and 30s.
Another favorite was King Cake & the Baby. When you see them on a billing, know that there's good music for listening and dancing. Also, I was surprised to see my favorite progressive jazz musician, Adam Lipsky, playing keyboard for King Cake AND Biggie Shorty. He even did some vocals. Adam, Adam, I'll be saying "I knew him when," someday. Adam Lipsky & Co. are playing their final Jazz Night at the Pit Stop for the season tonight (8/26).
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We left before the final group played so cannot comment. On the way to our car which was parked on Circuit Ave., David insisted on stopping in to sing Karaoke at the Seasons eatery and pub. He was all set to belt out Hank Williams' "Your Cheating Heart" but blanked out and forgot half the words on stage; not to worry, Dave is good at winging it.