The Dorothy Parker Society started the annual Parkerfest in 1999. For 2008, it is doing something extra special: taking part in the Jazz-Age Lawn Party on Governors Island. It is Saturday and Sunday, September 13th and 14th, from 11:00 am to 5 pm. Admission is free and open to the public; all ages are invited. You are encouraged to wear vintage clothes. You can see photos from the June party here and past Parkerfest events here.
Live jazz will be performed by Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra both days; the acclaimed Boilermaker Jazz Band will be joining us on Sunday.
Other highlights:
Charleston and Peabody Dance lessons with legends Roddy Caravella and Paul Grecki of Sandra Cameron Dance Center.
1920s & 1930s Motorcar Exhibition, lucky winners will get a spin around the island in a genuine rumbleseat!
Vintage clothing dealers and boutique milliners including Ellen Christine, Cassie McGregor and Leigh Magar of Magar Hatworks. They will all be peddling wares, so be sure to tuck some cash into your garter.
Croquet games hosted by The New York Croquet Club, plus Horseshoe Toss, Tug O’ War.
Pie Recipe Contest (Saturday Only) Categories: “Mom’s Best”, “Most Original”, and “Hobo’s Choice”. Special Prizes and coveted gift certificates to be awarded. (If you want to sign up for the pie contest, you must pre-register by emailing Sarah Liston at [email protected])
Parade Of Hats (Sunday Only)
Author Kevin Fitzpatrick will be signing his book A Journey into Dorothy Parker’s New York (both days, 2-4 p.m.)
What to bring: picnic lunch, beverages, coolers (no glass), blankets, lawn chairs, bicycles, kids.
What not to bring: Dogs and alcohol (don’t tell Mrs. Parker)
What to wear: vintage clothes & hats
How to get there: Ferries depart on the hour from downtown Manhattan for the 15-minute trip to Governors Island:
9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm
Ferries return to downtown on the half hour from Governors Island to Manhattan :
10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm , 3:30pm, 4:30pm , and 5:30pm, and 6:30pm (final boat leaves at 7pm)
Governors Island Ferry
10 South Street, in lower Manhattan. Just northeast of the Staten Island Ferry.
R train to Whitehall Street
www.govisland.com
Schedule of activities:
Saturday, September 13th
Note: You must take the 11 am ferry to catch the very first act! (All games, vendors and exhibitions run throughout the day)
11:30 – 12:00: Matthew Hinson spins his vintage Victrola Credenza while you stake out your picnic spot!
12:00 – 12:45: Beginners’ Charleston lesson with Roddy Caravella
(You must take the 11 am ferry at the latest to make this lesson!)
12:45 – 1:45: Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra – Set I
1:45 – 2:30: Advanced Charleston Lesson with Roddy Caravella
2:30 – 3:30: Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra – Set II
3:30 – 4:00: Pie-Recipe Contest
Sunday, September 14th
Note: You must take the 10 am ferry to catch the first act!
11:00 – 11:30: Matthew Hinson spins his vintage Victrola Credenza while you stake out your picnic spot!
11:30 – 12:15: The Boilermaker Jazz Band – Set I
(You must take the 11 am ferry at the latest to catch this set; you don’t want to miss it!)
12:15 – 12:45: Beginners’ Peabody lesson with Paul Grecki
12:45 – 1:30: The Boilermaker Jazz Band – Set II
1:30 – 2:00: Advanced Peabody lesson with Paul Grecki
2:00 – 2:45: Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra – Set I
2:45 – 3:15: Tug O’ War – Ladies, Gents, Kids categories!
3:15 – 4:00: Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra – Set II & Parade Of Hats
4:00 – 4:15: Matthew Hinson spins his vintage Victrola Credenza
4:15 – 5:00: Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra – Set III
Questions? Send us an email.