The Jazz Age Lawn Party is one of the finest and most well-attended events in New York City. The event was conceived by Michael Arenella (leader of the Dreamland Orchestra) in the 1920’s. According to the wall street journal, it is “the biggest (not to mention the cleanest and most family-oriented) regular event in the ‘Retro Noveau’ movement…” Two weekends in a year, guests are invited to go back and relive America’s most formative era. Jazz has been an important part of American history and it was the height of fashion in the 1920s and the 1930s. To honor the great artists, twice a year the governor’s island goes back in time to recreate and experience the 1920’s.
At the JALP’s one can explore the world of antique gramophones, 1920’s motorcar exhibition, learn those jazzy dance moves and have an amazing time with the kids at the carnival etc. There are also many performances throughout the day; The Minsky Sisters put up a fabulous tap dance, Peter Mintun, the world’s greatest piano man brings magic and of course, the star of the night is Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra. Among others, these great artists, musicians, and dancers come together and bring back the past to life.
This year the event was held on the 15th and 16th of August from 11am to 5pm. It was the 10th anniversary of the event and around 4000 guests went back in time to enjoy the best of jazz, flaunt those flapper dresses and dance to those beats. There were quite a few highlights of the event. There were two dance floors and expensive stages put up especially for the world’s best jazz artists and dancers. There were a variety of Golden Age-inspired cocktails showcasing St-Germain and Martini & Rossi Sparkling Wines; the guests enjoyed the finest whiskey, sparkling wine and some delightful cocktails in the spirit of the 1920s. No event is complete without shopping and women were delighted at a chance to buy some gorgeous looking dresses inspired by the fashion of the 1920’s. Like every year, there was the motorcar exhibition and a carnival and of course, the best pie contest (held only on Sunday). As always, the highlight of the event was Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra along with Peter Mintun, Queen Esther (modern-day jazz royalty and award-winning vocalist), the Gelber & Manning Band and the Minsky Sisters etc. The global ambassador of St-Germain, Camille Vidal was also in attendance as St-Germain French Elderflower Liqueur was the official spirits sponsor of the event.
10th ANNUAL JAZZ AGE LAWN PARTY’S SPECIALTY ST-GERMAIN SIGNATURE COCKTAILS
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.
The JALP is one of the most anticipated events of the year. What started as a small gathering of only fifty people, has now emerged into the world’s beloved and longest running event of its kind. It brings back the magic, mystery and the music of the 1920’s and people from all over the world come to be a part of it. For more information, visit: www.jazzagelawnparty.com. Follow Jazz Age Lawn Party on Instagram: @JazzAgeLawnParty; Facebook: Jazz Age Lawn Party and Twitter @JazzAgeNYC and the conversation at #JazzAgeLawnParty.