Happy Em-Day!
(quick little sketches in the dark at Birdland by carolita johnson)
It was Emily’s (of Emdashes) birthday last night! So to celebrate, we had a luscious dinner at Pergola des Artistes on 46th and 8th Ave., and proceeded around the corner to Birdland to see Todd Londagin’s Big Band, for some superb trombone playing (by Todd). There was also the gorgeous Toby Williams, singing Billie Holiday’s “Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You,” which she did after hitching up her bra on her way up to the stage, making us all feel human.
What a band! A fabulous blond who looks like one of Charlie’s Angels on the baritone sax, three more saxes, three trombones (including J. Walter Hawkes and Todd), drums, bass, electric guitar, three trumpets, and a piano! Not to mention Todd’s singing and tap dancing. Gershwin, Mose Allison (“If You’re Goin’ to the City”).
I did a few drawings in the dark, which I’ve posted above. I dunno, Emily thought they were decent but I was almost too embarrassed to put them up. I guess we all like to see how someone draws in the dark without any help from white-out or lightboxes. So, why not?
