All the cats and chicks got their kicks this weekend with The Advocate -- we travelled back through the 20th-century and crashed into the 50s to celebrate her birthday in style. Costumes were donned, drinks were free flowing, and the juke box kept close company with us for the night.
As a fan of Doctor Who and the potential for time travel, I would argue the experience was an express success.
So yes, The Advocate turned 24 on April 1st and we took to Toronto to celebrate on April 3rd. 50s dress code was in effect and I was impressed to see how folks interpreted their signature style. The Advocate and The Bruce bested all of us, natch -- the kids mastered a cool bit of spunk with matching rockabilly outfits. I admit, I felt underdressed in their presence. I opted for the backyard casual/tomboy look with a sporty pair of shoes, jeans, a white t-shirt, and a blue/white checked button-up. We took in a stellar dinner at the posh, yet quirk-filled, joint, 7 West Cafe. Gorgeous interior and delicious fare was welcomed by all. I mean, honey-glazed vegetables in sandwich form? Yes, please. E & I met up with us there for drinks and E was dazzling in a Mad Men inspired look. See? Diverse fashion for such a theme party.
We headed over to The Boat (158 Augusta Ave.) for 10 PM to meet up with the rest of the gang. Now, as The Advocate explained, The Boat has no website of its own. Its existence is almost secretive in a sense as it's located on a pocket of a street, hidden from the main roads of Toronto. And why "The Boat," you ask? Oh, maybe because the interior resembles the inner workings of a boat, portholes and all. It was kitch and classic all at once.
One night a month, the venue hosts a 50s-themed dance night and Saturday just happened to coincide with The Advocate's birthday. It was a small spot with an excellent, friendly staff and -- did I mention the kickin' soundtrack? The night started with big band standards and steadily progressed through juke box collections, disco hits, and even on to 80s tracks. There were other diehards out in full force with their slick costumes, too. The crowd was a fun one, full of nerds and liberal kids and artistic types -- definitely my kind of folk.
Hats off to The Advocate for such a fantastic idea for a night out. Ship Sharp arrived later (on account of work) and the two of us stunned the dance floor with our inventive new moves. I still think the machine-gun-pelvic-thrust is the single greatest creation I've been involved with. It was one of those nights where a gal could only take two pulls on a beer before she was called out to the floor for someone's favourite song. Ah, pure bliss in retro form.
I have another insight to share from the evening, but that's best saved for another post. It's more a call for advice from you, dear readers. As for this post, I'll leave you with a sock hop favourite. Pull on that poodle skirt or rock out in a James Dean jacket and have a pleasant Monday afternoon, all.
(I had to include this second clip once I found it. Such a character change from the way she speaks to the way she sings. Too awesome for words.)
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