January 22, 2015

Philly's young elite flock to the Barnes for a night of jazz

Up-and-comers fete the end of Glackens exhibit

By Aubrey Nagle
PhillyVoice Contributor

Jane Kratochvil Photography/ The Barnes Foundation

Dandy Wellington and His Band will entertain Young Professionals Night.

Every once in a while, The Barnes Foundation hosts Young Professionals Nights, Friday evenings designated for the city's up-and-comers. The Barnes will hold one of these special events Friday, Jan. 30, to close out its popular William Glackens exhibit (whose run has actually been extended to Feb. 16). The theme for the evening is "Vintage Vaudeville," inspired by the era during which Glackens lived.

Soiree attendees are encouraged to dress in feathers and fur to match the decadence of their surroundings and that of the entertainment, Dandy Wellington and His Band. The big band-inspired jazz outfit plays tunes from the 1930s and 1940s, promising deep cuts from the period's elegant music catalog. Their dapper frontman, Dandy, will undoubtedly be the best-dressed man there; the NYC party fixture is as well-known for his musical talent as he is for his sartorial sense. Local DJ Adrian Hardy also will be on hand to provide some contemporary jams.

The swinging time continues with after-hours access to the Barnes collections and cocktails and small bites available for purchase. The featured dish, catered by 1st & Fresh, is pork belly on sweet steamed buns topped with cured cucumbers. Yum!

If you have yet to experience the Barnes' Glackens exhibit, surely there is no better way than to party like it's 1929.