34 years @ the Dresden.

Marty and Elayne 34th Anniversary @ the Dresden.

Singing with Marty and Elayne @ the Dresden.

Patrick sent a cell phone shot of me singing the old Motown hit Money with Marty and Elayne (Mr. Gordon Bash on bass) last Friday night.  Always a fun time at the Dresden.  Always a fun time singing with Marty and Elayne.  Oh, by the way, their 34th anniversary playing @ the Dresden will be celebrated on March 31st 2015.  They are charming beyond believe and are truly Hollywood!  If you can, please come on down and enjoy them next Tues. night @ the Dresden.   http://www.thedresden.com/

Marty and Elayne Keepin' the Hollywood Crowd Happy...

The young Hollywood crowd in the bar last night was amazing!  Every time Elayne finished with some of her keyboard mastery, or Vince played a lively bass solo, or, of course, Marty performed a song (in particular New York New York) the intimate crowd responded wildly.  Also, several guest singers stepped up to the the mic and sang with flare and gained approval of the Marty and Elayne fans...  Gordon Bash was back with his horn, and also played some bass ending the night with the Ray Charles classic "Let the Good Times Roll."  Terri and Gabriel poured amazing drinks while Rachel w/ Edith tended the crowd.  It wasn't the most packed Thursday night I've ever seen, but, it was brilliantly intimate.  In my tenure at the Dresden, I would say I have observed that's a forte of Marty and Elayne's - making it special for the individual/individuals who join us for drinks and fun.  Tomorrow night is Friday, and, everyone is welcome.  Yes, Marty and Elayne will be performing.

Table setup @ the Dresden.

photo by John Reneaud (also see http://johnreneaud.blogspot.com/2015/01/aesthetically-incorrect-photography.html

Candid shot w/ Marty.

Here's a great candid shot of Marty with a Dresden patron... This photo conclusively proves that Marty is the last of the real glam-rockers!

Oh my...

Oh my...  Last night - singing with Marty and Elayne - was amazing.  Elayne ripped it up completely rock and roll style on our version of Money (1960 song by Barrett Strong).  Some nights I'm thinking she's the ghost of Ray Manzarek, other nights I'm pretty sure she's Doug Ingle (original organist for Iron Butterfly). Regardless, last night, in my less than humble opinion, was one of the best performances of the song collectively to date.  It's my best time of the night singing a song or two with Marty and Elayne.  And, the bass players are always so supportive of my efforts.  Here's a shot of me with P.J., one of my favorite guest bassists with Marty and Elayne @ the Dresden.  P.J. was on bass last night.  Always a good time.

-John the Maitre 'd

Gotta love Marty and Elayne!

Marty and Elayne have encouraged many singers to sit in with them here @ the Dresden.  I am one of multitudes that/which they vest their amazing talents into in that way...  Elayne persuaded me to sing with them the first time almost a year ago, and, so, I wanted to mention that they just gave me the opportunity to introduce, yet, another new song to the crowd here @ the Dresden, on my birthday, the 8th, yes, singing with Marty and Elayne...  Elayne suggested that I learn an old blues song titled Peepin' and Hidin' (blues classic via Jimmy Reed) a couple weeks ago.  I learned it and we unfolded it on Thursday night, and I confess, to my amazement, not one person in the crowd tossed a tomato at me while I was singing.  And, yet again, tonight, I was given another chance to present this new song to a very warm crowd @ the Dresden - to my pleasure, no tomatoes tossed my way for the second night in a row, and, seriously, and, more lovely than silly talk of the possibility of tomatoes being tossed in the Dresden Room, Marty and Elayne brought me a birthday cake tonight.  I had the opportunity to sing with them, sit with them and eat cake, which, yes, it was brilliantly delicious...  You just gotta love Marty and Elayne!

- John the Maitre 'd

Menu Portion 1960-1961 @ the Dresden

Dresden Wine List 1969

Jim Ferraro, the current owner/operator of the Dresden, has requested that I archive the promotional materials used here at the Dresden throughout the years....  Therefore, we will be adding a new section to the Dresden website which will include much of the promotional and menus produced by Carl and Sara Ferraro @ the Dresden.   The items will also be added into our Facebook timeline as well. Enjoy. 

- John the maitre d

 

Another Brilliant Drink Pour @ the Dresden

Terri doing, yet, another brilliant pour on the east end @ the Dresden.

Table Top @ the Dresden.

This picture is a shot from a photo book about the Dresden.

Some of the Crew @ the Dresden

Gustavo, Lorenzo, and, Richard.  photo by John Reneaud taken @ the Dresden in Hollywood, CA.

Gustavo, Lorenzo, and, Richard...  What a lovely photo of these three charming fellows.  Richard has since retired from working the dining room @ the Dresden.

A beautiful photograph of Elayne.

This is one of the first photos I added to the Dresden Facebook timeline.  I did not take this photo, and it is a fantastic shot of Elayne working the keys with a room full of fans appreciating her efforts.  Her smile is aways amazing.  If you have never experienced Marty and Elayne, check them out @ the Dresden.  They are scheduled to play Tues - Sat 9pm in the lounge.   They are quite an experience.

- John the maitre d'

Table Top

A photo titled Table Top from the Dresden photo book (photo by John Reneaud)

at the bar ..

photo by John the Maitre d'

Happy birthday Fred!

Maria, Silvia, Fred, Michael, Terri, and Molly

Maria, Fred, and Molly

Shigeru "Fred" Kawano was  born in Stockton, California on February 9th 1923 - that's ninety-one folks!   Fred is one of our longest supporters here @ the Dresden.  He still visits with us often.  Happy Birthday Fred!  (click link for more about Fred :)

Maria, Fred, and Molly.

Tables in the Lounge

photo by John Reneaud

Martini on hold

photo by John Reneaud

Two years difference ..

My kid always likes dressing up and coming down to the Dresden for New Years Eve (or anytime for that matter)  Here's the difference two years makes.   My buddy Matt on the left, my Son Julien on the right.

I expect a visit from Julien, Jodi, and Lana this year for New Year's Eve as well...

 

John the maitre d'

The Dresden Front ...

Kathryn with Marty and Elayne @ the Dresden.

Kathryn enjoyed the company, and music, of Marty and Elayne last night @ the Dresden.  She bought the canvas print "Dresden Front" for an undisclosed amount - a gift for a fan of the Dresden.  This is one of my favorite canvas prints on our wall, and, yes, I'm partial because I am the artist who compiled it.  It features a multitude of characters on N. Vermont Ave in front of the iconic Dresden sign.

As maitre d' I have had the good fortune of amazing support on all my artistic endeavors, from the owner, to the patrons, along with support from my fellow employees.  It started with a book - a sort of coffee table book with photos of the Dresden - the lush dining room and throughout the lounge, the current staff, the singers, ect...  Then came the canvas art.  I've sold some.  Marty and Elayne in blue and black, a wonderful "old school" piece depicting Gabriel at work behind the bar.  And, eventually I was honored to have Marty and Elayne choose my portrait of them to hang on the wall of their home (I have a great story about it, but, that's for another time). 

Marty and Elayne approved portrait

Regardless, the point is that in selling one of my pieces last night, and, seeing how appreciative Kathryn was of my work I would just like to let anyone interested know, that I have four copies of the Dresden book left and would be happy to find them a coffee table to be displayed upon.  It is an 8 1/2" by 11" thirty-two page hardcover book, owner approved, and was, for the most part, intended for the staff.  The book is packed with photos of the Dresden.  I am selling these remaining copies for forty dollars each.  You will have to come in and ask for me too see an actual copy of the book.  This may be a very special Christmas gift for any true fan of the Dresden, and, although I realize it is late, I'm in tonight (Friday), and on Christmas Eve. Feel free to contact me with any questions: johnreneaud@gmail.com

- John the maitre d'
http://www.thedresden.com/

New Year's Eve @ the Dresden.