Following a week of miserably hot temperatures, it was sweater-weather by the start of last Friday's Local Social IV, the final Local Social event of the summer season. The event, featuring musicians, performers, and artists along the Euclid corridor from Maryland to McPherson, drew young families, dog walkers, and strollers out to enjoy the scene. It was a good night to have a camera in hand as you'll see in the following photos.
Bella, the decked-out pooch shown above and below, arrived via motor scooter driven by her owner/manager Araceli Kopiloff. According to her business card (yes, you are reading that correctly), Bella is described as a bon vivant, author, fashionista, and model. The well-heeled canine's website includes fashion tips and shots of her gallivanting around Paris. Your pet may be pampered but was your pup ever offered a shrimp cocktail "on the house" at a Parisian cafe?
Mario y Julio y of World Reggae Fusion had the crowd bopping outside Left Bank Books, while
a young passerby considered the merits of a poem Henry David Goldkamp of Fresh Poetry Ink created for her on the spot.
At Left Bank Books a large crowd gathered for an appearance by author Andrew Vaughan, see below, who has written a book on the late John Hartford, American folk, country and bluegrass composer and musician also known for his extensive knowledge of Mississippi River lore. Hartford's son Jamie, also a musician, performed outside the shop before the reading.
While serious play was going on inside the Chess Club on Maryland Ave. for those
competing for the $170,000 Sinquefield Cup, tables outside were
populated with non-professional chess players who seemed oblivious to the packed sidewalks
filled with chatty observers and passersby. It was quite remarkable.
This toddler didn't miss a beat as the Landolfi Quartet played in front of the future Lululemon store on Maryland Plaza.
Al Holliday and the Eastside Rhythm Band played such fabulous music that it was hard not to dance or get as close to the sound as one could, below.
Word is Local Social will continue again next summer. Thanks to everyone involved in putting the events together. Next up! The CWE Flea from 9 to 2 on Saturday (449 N. Euclid at Washington), and the fantabulous Halloween Extravaganza on October 26th.
Nicki,
We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect evening, from the ideal weather temps to the performers on the street corners. I know I enjoyed the music of Al Holiday and the East Side Rhythm Band.
I vote for the Local Social to return next summer.