Viva Las Vegas pero Mr. Tiny es Muerto!!!

Wowee!  Our first official Viva Las Vegas was a whirlwind from which I am sill recovering.  While I don't drink, smoke, gamble, or partake in bounteous buffets, I feel like just existing within the city limits of Las Vegas for five, brief days, I have returned hung over, asthmatic, broke, and bilious.  That isn't to say I didn't have a great time.  An event like this provides the ultimate in people watching, sartorial inspiration, and opportunities to hear great music, meet wonderful people and, dance!

Mr. Tiny at the Zzyzx Road salt flats on the way out to Las Vegas.

I really had no idea what to expect at Viva Las Vegas.  I'm not a "rockabilly," as it were, but sometimes I play one on TV.  We hadn't intended on going to Las Vegas, but with the kid sister's musical career taking wing (starting with the Wild Records' pre-Viva show), I decided to hitch my wagon to her star and see what Vegas had to offer.  

It is fairly well known that VLV is one giant fashion show.  While men are not immune to the clarion call of gabardine, rayon, and Lurex, it is clear that the women are the true stars of the show.  With little-to-no forethought and just days to spare, I set about sewing an entire wardrobe for Mary.  Of course, in true Mr. Tiny-fashion, I took very few and very terrible photos.  Here are the best photos of what I was able to cull from my pitiful collection and from those of friends.

For her Wednesday night pre-VLV showcase with Wild Records,
I made her a three-tiered skirt of golden plaid gathered to a
ruffled bodice with a halter neck.  She reminds me a bit of a
Tretchikoff in this one.

Mary & Pachuco Jose with whom she played after
she played her own set.  The color memo was strictly
adhered to.

Mr. Tiny & Mary cutting a rug

Thursday, we went to the Hooch 'n Smooch  where we met up
with one of my favorite bloggers, Kim of The Kim Show.
You might recognize Mary's outfit from a previous post.
I admit it, although she hates to wear things more than
once (spoiled) this one was recycled!!!!

Thursday night marked the official beginning of the VLV festivities.
Mary wore a fuschia, orange, aqua and black seersucker skirt paired with
a black, chiffon blouse and camisole.  As strange as the color story was,
she managed to find a bracelet with stripes of nearly identical hues!

Mary & Crystal resplendent in a
Lurex dress and probably one of the best jivers
in the world!

Friday, Mary gave me break and wore a vintage 40's jumpsuit.
I had an outfit planned for her, but when we found this
piece (gabardine and rayon jersey), a super-bargain after Mary haggled,
 I breathed a sigh of relief and crossed one sewing project off of my to-do list.

Mary, Amber, and Emily

One of the highlights of our trip was getting to help out our pal, Charles Phoenix.
He presented two of his amazing "big, retro slideshows" at Viva and we sold
both his books and his new t-shirts printed by none other than Tugboat Studios!
Look at Emily - so jealous that she can't be selling merch too.

Eva, Mary, and Sarah of
Stutterin Mama's Roadside Vintage Boutique.

Friday night, I got off easy and Mary wore shorts (of my making),
a sweater, a vintage, child's western kerchief, jeweled/studded
cuffs, a tooled-leather belt, and boots

Mary and Tom in his Jaime regalia.

THE Amber Foxx & Mary

Saturday was the day of the car show and Mary wore a 40's-style, pinafore, playsuit.
It is really just a pair of shorts in a novelty print that I made with straps finished in ric-rac edged ruffles.
She is also carrying the Rose Garden "Bag-sket" purse I made for her.

Mary & Emily of The Silver Screen Affair 

Saturday night is the "big" night, when everyone really
pulls out all of the stops.  I was a little reticent to have Mary wear
this as it was originally intended as a daytime outfit and is made of cotton.
My fears were baseless as many people liked the kooky, three-piece ensemble of
cropped top, capri pants and split overskirt in a most-bizarre, multi-color print.

Apparently, skirt over pants was the order of the day.
Mary & Dollie, The Rockabilly Socialite, in her
outstanding Alfred Shaheen ensemble.

Sunday was the day of the pool party.
Mary wore a vintage, rayon jumpsuit with an Asian motif,
so we paired it with an arm full of bamboo bangles and an
oversized coolie hat to which I attached a silk scarf.
 She carried the rattan, turtle purse that I found on a road
trip in New Mexico.

Under the jumpsuit she wore a vintage, Cole of California,
leopard-print swimsuit.  These really aren't too hard to find, but
she always has the thrifting mojo on her side and she scored hers for just $1!!!!

Mary & the very-glamorous Amanda
 of Butch Wax Vintage and The Amandas.

Mary, Charles & Mr. Tiny
There are several reasons why I refuse to feature more photos of myself.
Principally, beyond the tragically-ugly mug, the fact is that in 9 out of 10
photos my eyes are closed.

I was going to split the VLV into multiple posts, but as I am seriously slacking as it is, I feared I would never get around to it.  Lest you think that VLV is ONLY about clothes, here are my musical highlights from the weekend.

"Northside Gal" - J.D. McPherson

Seriously, just try and sit still!!!

Mary & J.D. McPherson

"Hold Me" - Big Sandy & The Fly-Rite Trio

Fortunately, we get to see Big Sandy pretty regularly, 

but it was a special treat to see T.K., Wally, and Bobby!

Mary & Big Sandy

"Your Love" - The Bellfuries

This Austin, TX band had all the girls sighing, but

even I had to admit that they have a great sound!

The weekend also saw our friends The Sidewynders rocking the joint and it marked the VLV debut of The Blue Collar Combo.  We also got to see Duane Eddy at the car show.  The name on everyone's lips, however, was Nikki Hill, R&B legend in the making.  She looks so cool that she wouldn't have to be able to sing, but then she opens her mouth and really lays it down!!!

The ultimate greenhorns, there was so much that we missed and yet I am not sure how we could have possibly fit more in - bowling, movies, Elvira???  It is going to take a full year for me to gather the strength just to try this all again.  Until next year....


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny