The Jonnie Kaye Orchestra

There are some venues you just enjoy returning to. They have a great floor or killer bands or maybe just the sort of atmosphere that elevates your energy level that extra half notch so that you can dance the evening away without ever feeling tired. The Indiana Roof is one of those places for me.

Last night was another in the Roof’s Big Band series – this time the Johnnie Kaye Orchestra provided the musical lubrication for the evening and they were having an on night…well, on for the Johnnie Kaye Orchestra. Johnnie’s group has a couple of quirks – first is their mantra of ‘music till four o’clock’ which wouldn’t be a bad thing if they were actually playing ‘till four in the morning. That’d be one of those throw backs I talk about (at least an imagined throw back), taking you back to a time when big bands occupied the dinner-club and ballroom stage nearly until the sun came up. It’s a journey back to a time of schlepping home with sore feet, a tune in your head, and a smile on your face. Of course when the band keeps promising a 4AM curfew and then they knock off at 9 o’clock PM…well, it can be a bit disappointing.

Secondly there are the band’s short sets. On average they play 4 or 5 numbers and then with a ‘pop goes the weasel inspired musical sting they announce a set break. The funny thing is they don’t leave the stage – instead there’s a tete-a-tete and then the band starts up another session. This sort of thing can break up a guy’s rhythm and it’s a little hard to get a mood going when there are a lot of breaks but still, the band held their own and I’ve got to admit a good time was had by all. Besides, when you're playing 'till 4AM you need a few breaks!

Speaking of having a good time, our dear teachers Mark and Melissa were in their usual top form. I’m hoping that one day I’ll be able to show as much style as they have – I drag my poor wife around the floor a few times with my miserable Fox Trot generally being a menace to all those who dare venture out on the hardwood, in the meantime they’re floating with the greatest of ease. I’m just waiting to see the wires – no couple moves that lightly without help. The point is the lightness though – some couples dance in an affected manner, every move is too aggressive or clumsy or a cry for some kind of psychotherapy – Mark and Melissa make it look a lot easier than it really is and at the same time seem to be having a good time. That’s my goal, to make it look easy and not look like I’m trying to make it look easy.