And All That Jazz
BY ROBERTA GRAFF
There was an era, just about
100 years ago that was wild,
hot, roaring and free. The
war was over in Europe, new trends
in art, music, literature and fashion
were emerging and there was a general
attitude of “Anything Goes.”
From the Riviera to Paris and New
York, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Cole
Porter and the gorgeous Josephine
Baker seduced a generation with
their avante-garde style.
The Nassau County Museum of
Art is presently hosting an exhibit
showcasing this era: The Jazz Age.
With powerful paintings and sculpture,
intimate drawings, never-exhibited
before posters, sheet music,
exquisite fashion and stunning jewelry,
the exhibition encompasses
the essence of the era.
Visitors can enjoy the masterpieces
of Picasso, Miro, Leger, Gaston
and Lempicka and the music of
Porter and Gershwin. As for the
literary masterpieces by Fitzgerald,
it is interesting to note The Great
Gatsby was begun in nearby Great
Neck. THE Jazz Age had its superheroes
as well. A gallery dedicated
to Charles Lindberg is filled with
the memorabilia of the flying ace.
In addition, there are fine docent
led tours, musical cabarets and lectures
by noted historians. There is
also a six-part lecture series on the
art, literature and music of the age.
The Nassau County Museum of Art
is one of the many jewels on Long
Island. It’s is the perfect place to
visit on a warm, spring weekend.
The museum is open Tuesday–
Sunday. For more info, call 516-
484 9338.
Francis Cugat painting used as the original cover art
for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Depiction of Josephine Baker, entitled “Black
Thunder” by Paul Colin
“Paris Café” by Anne Walinska Jazz Age music makers
May 2018 ¢ NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER 45