Tables in the Lounge

photo by John Reneaud

Saturday Night One Frame Film by Dresden T.

Okay, just because Ilya and Johnny know how to laugh...  I thought I'd add a bit of titling to this shot, and, it is perhaps the first in a series of One Framed Films by resident virtual artist Dresden Tony.  The log line is as follows: 

Two very different men desperately struggle to understand and get along with each other over the foreboding regions of an undisclosed cocktail bar...  One, a dashing upcoming Ultimate Fighter, a lover of whiskey and of the world, the other, a debonair singer-of-opera, a lover of wine, women, and song.  They both share only one thing in common, they are both... almost gumbas! 

FINITO.

Thanks for watching

- the Maitre d'

 

The Loss of Will Lovell III is Sad News @ the Dresden

A shot of Will from his Facebook - he jammed on that bass!

I would have to say I was lucky to end up with my gig at the Dresden when it came to me...  Mostly, at first, due to the fact that it was a job and like many Americans I was really in need of work at the time.  So, my wife's friend, who happened to be the wife of one of the owners, indicated that one of the doormen at the Dresden had been hospitalized and her husband needed a doorman for a month.  And, as life would have it, my schedule was wide open, so I offered to cover for the doorman who was out due to illness.  It was just weekends for a month.  Regardless, on my last night as doorman the then manager of the Dresden decided to move on, and, to my surprise, Jim, the owner/manager offered the position of Maitre d' to me.

Will w/ Fans @ the Dresden

The Point is ...  I've worked the Dresden now for just over three years, which, most importantly, has allowed me the good fortune to meet an amazing number of relevant and interesting people - damn close to 96 percent I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know.  A luxury of the position. (the four percent is a discussion for another day).  Fast forward to this week when a lady I never met forwarded me an email indicating that Will Lovell had drowned in the Bahamas on Wednesday, November 6th.  Sad and tragic news indeed for us, both patron and employee.  Aside from being a large, gregarious, humorous character, Will Lovell III was great with a story, and, an accomplished bass player who loved performing along with Marty and Elayne here @ the Dresden.  Out of respect for this once brilliant shinning light I have posted several photos of Will in this post.  Will was a joyful man, as I believe you can see from his smile.  Due to his size, and, more importantly, the size of his personality, I always thought of him as a charming Viking with a musical heart (and, obviously, with a bass in hand).  Sincere sympathies to all.  He will be missed.

Here is Mr. Lovell's obituary.  http://www.starksfuneral.com/obituary?o=861-WQVsS6a0JX

- John the Maitre d'

Open Mic with Marty and Elayne

Photo is from a Target commercial with Marty and Elayne.

Tuesday night brings the return of Marty and Elayne to the lounge @ the Dresden.  It is also open mic night for anyone who wishes to sing a song with this dynamic musical duo.  (For those who may not know, Marty and Elayne play standards and jazz)  The show starts at 9pm.  1760 N. Vermont in Los Feliz, CA.  Gabriel will be serving drinks.  Jim will be hosting the evening.   The dining room is available as well.

- the Maitre d'