• Lawn Party
    History,  News

    The True Story of the Jazz Age Lawn Party

    The Jazz Age Lawn Party created by Michael Arenella carries on a long tradition on Governors Island going back more than 150 years to social events hosted by the U.S. Army. Just as Michael and his Dreamland Orchestra draw big crowds to the Island, so did the soldiers in a similar fashion beginning after the Civil War. While the music and fashions may have changed—seersucker has replaced Army blue—the experience is nearly the same. The party returns June 10 and 11, August 26 and 27. Tickets are $55 to $5,000. Twelve years ago Michael launched the Jazz Age Lawn party not far from where the Army used to have its…

  • Michael Arenella
    News

    Photos From Jazz Age Lawn Party

    It was the 10th anniversary of the Jazz Age Lawn Party, and I don’t see how it could get any more perfect. Once more, Michael Arenella has pulled off another fantastic weekend on Governors Island. The Brooklyn bandleader and his team produced a fantastic event that had a wonderful turnout. The weather cooperated and it was a warm and sunny weekend for live jazz, shows, cocktails, and special events. I’m a fan of the Court of Pie and the pie baking contest. I talked to people that had come from Europe for the weekend to attend. The next Jazz Age Lawn Party is August 15 and 16, 2015, and tickets…

  • Michael Arenella
    News

    Prepare For Jazz Age Lawn Party June 13-14

    The first Jazz Age Lawn Party of 2015, the 10th annual, is this weekend on Governors Island. Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra are returning once more with one of the best events on any calendar. Organizers announced this week that while tickets are sold out, there will be some general admission tickets available at the door for $75.00 each. Michael founded the Jazz Age Lawn Party and oversees the annual event. A recent story in the Village Voice by Zoë Leverant pointed out something that many people miss–or overlook–in the rush to take selfies and dress up in vintage clothes: the music is dynamite. It’s the musical authenticity that…

  • Michael Arenella
    News

    Dates for 2015 Jazz Age Lawn Party, Tickets on Sale

    Michael Arenella, bandleader and creator of The Jazz Age Lawn Party, announced the dates for the two 2015 weekends. These will be Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, and August 15 and 16. Tickets are on-sale now from $35 to packages at $900; if any are left they will be sold at the door. I recommend buying advance tickets, they are going fast. Hosted and conceived by Michael, the event started ten years ago as a small gathering of perhaps fifty friends and fans. The event, initially produced by the island, was handed over to Michael in its third year to organize and grow. It now attracts more than…

  • Jazz Age Lawn Party
    News

    Photos from August Jazz Age Lawn Party

    My favorite photographer in New York? No doubt it’s Don Spiro. The guy can take photos like nobody else. He’s plugged into three of my favorite scenes too: vintage, classic cocktails, and burlesque. Don and Gin Minsky run Zelda Magazine, which is the #1 publication for the vintage lifestyle. Every year he and his friends have a booth at the Jazz Age Lawn Party, and it’s kind of the go-to spot for the fashionable and fun crowd. Among those gathering this August (just a few names for you) were Grace Gotham who runs the Court of Pies competition; Lily Faye and Christian, the charming vintage-loving couple; The Minsky Sisters, Gin…