by: Sandi Durell
Spending an evening at Iguana celebrating Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks’ second Anniversary at the club, is a treat beyond belief. The historian-bass saxophone and tuba player, and leader of the famous band (they were on Boardwalk Empire for 3 seasons), presents a throwback to the grand music of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, many songs that might be lost forever if not for Giordano who has collected over 60,000 scores and gently hands many of them out to his uber-talented musicians saying “Good luck . . . tricky little thing . . .” And, yes, many are tricky but in the hands of the best musicians in New York City, just an everyday adventure.
The upstairs room at Iguana was packed to the nines as the Nighthawks kept toes tapping, fingers snapping, with many folks singing along (if the tune wasn’t obscure) like Arlen’s “I’ve Got the World on a String” to Porter’s “Night and Day” or Warren’s “42nd Street.” But when it came to “My Canary Has Circles on his Eyes” or “Tight Like That,” well, the only one who knew the lyrics was Vince. The evening also welcomed some top trumpet player brothers from Chicago who sat in with the band, Randy and Jordan Sandke. You never know who’s gonna show up!
Maybe you’ll hear the Duke’s “Jungle Nights in Harlem” or Brooks “Some of These Days,” and a lot more, during a three-set evening that runs from 8 to 11 pm. This is probably the best night of music nostalgia in New York City . . . and if you feel like dancing, just get up on that dance floor and let it go. There are even some professional dancers to get you started.
Every Monday and Tuesday!
240 W. 54th Street, 2nd Floor (between Broadway & 8th Ave), New York, NY 10036
3 Sets: 8:00pm to 11:00pm (Doors open at 7:00pm)
$20. cash cover charge at the door (for entire evening) + $20. food/drink minimum
(There is a large wood dance floor and an elevator)
Reservations: 212.765-5454
