Cutting a Rug at Angels 600

23 Skidoo, baby, I'm jinking, jiving and boogie-woogieing all night long

Here's a rarity indeed; I'm actually reporting on a Caledonian social event.

Last Thursday presented Caledon with a USO show from the 1940s, born among the clouds at "angels 600" in Loch Avie, hosted by Eva Bellambi, Caledon's foremost hostess. The setting was USO show meets airfield-film noir, as provided by Iason Hasanov and YHN (mostly the former).

The USO set, all gussied up, dance balls deployed and ready for guests

Although a fan of aviation in Second Life, I am not a huge fan of (let us say) "famous" aircraft of the conflict. So the only aircraft I could contribute was my lowly Polish PZ-11, shown above strafing the crowd (only as a prop, I assure you). Iason contributed a small bomber that looked much more in keeping with the theme (what it was I cannot recall; it looked like a hybrid between a B-26 Martin Marauder and a B-24 Liberator).

Although this was a Caledon event on the Caledon Calendar and announced in Caledon channels (mostly), the predominant crowd was Steelheaders and outside guests and friends from other sims. About the usual turnout, very respectable. Alas, there was a competing event in another sim that drew away some of the crowd, which is bound to happen when the same group of stalwarts socialize regularly in 5 to 6 places on the grid!

The dress was "1940s" and that caused a wide variety of interpretations: everything from a period bellhop with one arm to a sinful interpretation of a USO tap dancer (I think) to zoot suits. The predominant theme was military, as would be expected at a USO show.

L-R: US Army pilot, Canteen Girl, bellhop, Zoot Suit, 1940s Canteen girl, US Army officer, "Tap Dancer" An eclectic crowd!

I went for a rather subdued US Army bomber officer in leather bomber jacket with the clean cut "American Cold War Guy" look I sported in HIM OR ME. I didn't take a picture of myself, sad to say!

We were treated to the Singing Bellambi sisters at one point, making a virtue out of two ladies showing up in the same outfit (grin)

The Singing Bellambi Sisters

The crowd seemed pretty enthusiastic from my perspective. I know Ms. Bellambi mentioned that she wanted to throw a 1940s themed party as far back as me throwing a game of RIPPER in Caledon, which predates this blog, my citizenship in Caledon and her being a Duchess. I'm glad she has realized her vision at last!

L-R: Iason (wearing uniform hat), Admiral & dance partner in background, civilian in foreground (forgot your names, apologies)

Lady B polled the crowd and asked if they would like to see more than one of these a year, and was very pleased to see such an enthusiastic response. I know I would like to attend another one of these-- they are reminiscent of earlier days in Caledon, when the Lady Riel would have those big band Jazz nights. Bravo, Lady B, you outdid yourself.

(pictures provided courtesy of Eva Bellambi)