Valentine’s Dance at the Indianapolis Athenaeum

A valentine dance carries a lot of weight. It needs to be (obviously) romantic without going too far…my parents attended a dance the day before that included a faux “Dating Game” activity, shudder. A valentine dance also should carry the theme all the way through; if it’s supposed to be an evening of love then do it right. The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra at the Athenaeum did it right.

First, a word about the Athenaeum. We Indyites are very lucky to have a number of historic dance floors. The Athenaeum, along with the Scottish Rite Cathedral and the Roof, is the third jewel in the crown, if you will. An old German social club, it has survived all these years and prospered. The building has many venues within itself; we danced in the old theatre on a brand new floor, surrounded by beautiful woodwork and satin curtained balconies. The seating is tiered, somewhat like old supper clubs of old. So…the dancers become part of the entertainment. I was a bit nervous when I first got out there but after gazing into my valentine’s eyes I was fine. :-) My parents went with us, which was also fun. Seeing them enjoy each other after fifty plus years is something to strive for.

The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra was their usual fabulous self. That might sound like I’m saying they are boring. If spot on execution, a funny but not too over the top band leader, and careful song selection are boring then I wish every band we listened to was. This band is simply perfection, day in and day out. The featured singer was Lydia McAdams…can you say torch singer???? Woohoo. That voice could melt all the streets in Indy. She looks like a 40’s pin up gal, although she was modestly dressed in a floor length gown. Here she is. You can see my parents at the far right.





Gary and I danced and danced. The floor got crowded near the end of the evening, but that just meant everyone was having a good time. It was cool to dance in a sea of red dresses, ties, and shirts, and to be in the presence of so many happy couples.


http://www.indyjazz.org/