Three Track #2

Fresh from a swinging evening at the Wabasha Street Caves last Thursday night, in which D and me put a few more miles on our dancing shoes (yes, real dancing shoes), the following night was the second Three Track Party, this time at SQ's place, with Ozzy the angry Lhasa safely locked up until he (and we) had mellowed some.

Before I leave the opening topic, though, it was surprising to see all the teenagers at the dance, dressed in retro and vintage attire, and hoofing it on the dance floor. I thought the swing dance craze was over at the end of the 90s, but new kids are coming into the scene again, apparently. There were definitely all ages (and all skill levels) represented there. :)

Okay, now..

I have to issue a disclaimer immediately. Just because I return home at 3:30 in the AM, to J2 (who just got back from his night shift work at FedEx) standing there with arms folded, saying "you're in trouble!", doesn't mean that I was. ;) He's simply unaccustomed to his Dad being out later than he is. :P

Three Track Parties are *not* (as I've been asked to warrant) drinking parties. Nonononono. They are alllll about the music. Beer, schnapps, sambuca, limoncello... they're all mere accoutrements to the main business at hand. When a proffered track begins, conversation stops, the members concentrate, and thoughtful discussion follows. Shots are only for breaks between rounds. Really. Same for cookies.

The music again ranged far and wide. A club track from yours truly, along with some retro jump blues and a Diana Krall track (which stumped the group - amazing!) Then there were the variations on Neil Young from D & SQ, the co-hosts. Plus, some jazz/folk cello, a little Ben Folds, a little Freddy Mercury, a little Blues Magoos, and Phish, Kelly Clarkson, Estelle & Kanye... the usual breadth of interest.

And I have to say the coin-flipping algorithm I recommended worked to a tee. The presenting order was determined in a total of 4 flips with no one person flipping more than three times. Ah, math. It's a beautiful thing.

K, the birthday girl, who also brought freshly made chocolate chip cookies, was at one point flush with banana schnapps (or was it root beer?) and her first serenade ever...



the serenading being done by master serenader, SQ, with a well-chosen selection by Sufjan Stevens, a fave of the serenadee.



We all thought S was going to be occupied elsewhere that night, but.. trusty laptop in hand, he showed up only a smidge late and allowed us to not only have a full complement of contributors, but all leave with our souvenir CDs of the evening. What a guy.

Next time... my place. In the lounge!