Happy Birthday, Gay Dawn!

Today is a very special day!

I don't even have time to apologize for not blogging in the past few months, because right now I'm much too excited to relate how the power of the internet brought a happy ending to a small mystery I've been trying to solve! I'm referring to this blog post of 3 years ago, when I was searching for more to the story on "Everybody's Girl".. Miss Gay Dawn!

Here's the exciting part! Just last night I received an email from an acquaintance who reported that Gay Dawn's daughter, Gayleen Hays, had seen that blog post...then, wonder of wonders, this morning I received a lovely email from Gayleen herself! To me, this is like hearing from a celebrity!

 

THANK YOU!!!!!

Last night I was feeling so lonely without her and then I found your blog!! It was a wonderful gift, almost as though you two were sending me smiles. I toasted to you and Mommy, remembering the days when I sat next to the piano player and watched her as she bumped and shimmied out of her clothes, so beautiful, I was seven. She was funny, wise, childlike, complicated, full of secrets and sweet. You two are a perfect match. Big hugs, You made her birthday unforgettable!!!
 

 

If this wasn't thrilling enough, I was also provided with an update on family and grandchildren, one of whom is Serina Dawn of the Serina Dawn Band.  I was also intrigued to find out that Gayleen authored a book, published in 1992, entitled 'Policewoman One' .. a tell-all about her 20 years on the LAPD! Now how could I have missed that?? and guess who will be visiting Amazon today for a book purchase??

Many, many thanks to Gayleen Hays for reaching out to me! I couldn't be more thrilled that my little post finally found its way home...and a HAPPY, HAPPY birthday to 'Everybody's Girl'.. GAY DAWN! xoxo

 

 

The Jezebel of Jazz

My newest idol, Miss Anita O'Day!

Anita was definitely ahead of her time as far as scandal was concerned...and ya gotta love 'er...any gal who can survive a couple bad marriages, rape, abortion, alcoholism, arrests and jailtime for possession...and yet still swing with smooth stylings like that...while addicted to heroin throughout 15 years of her career...is a marvel to me! Not to mention her fashion sense and sassy, smart-assed style!

Here's a clip taken at the peak of her career...high as a kite during the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival! You'll love checking out the amazing period fashions in the crowd while enjoying this one!

Joints, Jah and Jeremy

Well, friends...things were really happenin' at Hempfest this weekend! Surprise Surprise! I was invited to be one of the backup singers for reggae star Selassie I Soldier! Good thing I donned my favorite sunny wig and brought the sunshine out on what was supposed to be a typically rainy Seattle summer Sunday!


Here's me and my pals Tamara and Lindsey glamourizing the Mainstage!






Wasn't Selassie gracious to pose for pictures when he would have much rather been eating his sandwich? By the way, has anyone seen my missing arm? I could have sworn I had it earlier that day...


Of course, the topper of the day for me was getting a peek at a Famous Penis...that of adult film legend, Ron Jeremy! Ron was introducing acts and so I was able to get up close......and personal! How personal, you ask? Well, not only was Ron cuddly...



...but candid, as well! Take a peek at the Famous Penis!!! Awesome!

Dutch Treat

Yummmm-mmy! Delicious footage from the 2009 Amsterdam Burlesque Fest for you, my darlings!! Eat up!



Perhaps you'll recognize a few of the fabulous faces I noted in this previous post!

I especially liked the quote from Miss Inga Ingenue about her first time in Amsterdam...a sentiment I myself have embraced ever since my first visit there..."I'm so in love with this city! I can't wait to come back!" xoxo

Gamsterdam Part II

Het spijt me...(that's "I'm sorry" in Dutch) but I must confess that your Gams didn't make the cut (sob!) for the Amsterdam Burlesque Fest...but...het geeft niet...(that's "it doesn't matter" in Dutch) because I'm just as pleased as punch to discover that, among all the international performers that were chosen, the only performers from the good ol' US of A are all from good ol' Seattle! Not only that, but several have also been featured in my favorite documentary, A Wink and A Smile! Here are the chosen few...

Armitage Shanks ~ from Circus Contraption, who contributed to the soundtrack of Wink ~

Fuchsia Foxxx ~ The Hot Pink Bellydance Machine ~ an absolute vision in pink and featured in previous posts ~

Inga Ingenue ~ The Little Blonde Bomb ~ also featured in my Princess Pink Dress post as well as in Wink, doing her famous, balloon-popping poodle act ~

Sydni Deveraux ~ known as Miss Yum Yum Give Me Some and/or The Golden Glamazon

Tamara The Trapeze Lady ~ Seattle's premiere burlesque trapeze artist...also a featured performer in Wink ~

So! I guess we can safely call Seattle the burlesque capital of Amerika (that's "America" in Dutch)