Dessy di Lauro is a force to be reckoned with while she was channeling greats like Duke Ellington with her own Lauryn Hill “Doo-wop” spin. Her performance during NY Fashion Week at Le Poisson Rouge on Bleecker, was completely high energy the whole way through as she exerted her vocal prowess. After opening with the premiere of her latest video, “Say Hep Hep,” also the name of her EP release, for which the show was honoring. Ms. Di Lauro segued into her entrance, being announced among her big band members. Filled with a special guest dancer the big band was completely polished from the costumes to the ring leader piano player and jazz ensemble. Dessy dazzled in a costume by Nonja McKenzie, who in the spirit of Fashion Week showcased a special collection, best summed up as “South Beach midnight chic.” The pieces were short, full of sparkle and eye popping colors. They were definitely “notice-me” pieces that emulated the signature of the style season for spring/summer 16 aka plunging v-necklines. The looks garnered attention and fit in right at Le Poisson Rouge, a throwback club in its own right, that was made for the Neo-Ragtime revolution by Dessy and her bandmates. The set list included scatting and great stamina plus edginess and a unique spin that made you stand up and take notice- just like those low-cut, revealing shimmery designs!
A week later on 14th street I previewed another artist, Janita’s, latest music video. Walking into the “exclusive” club Norwood bordering the Village and Chelsea, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The high heels and cocktail gown dressed clientele in the lobby let me know this wasn’t an average brownstone. I walked into a fourth floor dimly light bar with cushy seats and throwback artwork. In an intimate setting on the top floor, promoting an ‘air of cool’ vibe was a mingling & noshing mid-20s set. Janita, who is a gracious and talented host, premiered her newest music video, “Traces Upon Your Face,” a puppet show that was a stunning visual work. “Traces Upon Your Face,” is off Janita’s full length album, “Didn’t You, My Dear?” Janita also sang three songs, enough to give a taste of what this singer-songwriter is fully capable of.
