Sew What?! What's Black and White and WILD All Over?

There are two kinds of people in this world, Wanda Jackson fans and Janis Martin fans.  Although, perhaps it is too strong to characterize it as an issue of mutually-exclusive preferences.  Speaking in generalities, however, most folks familiar with the music of both artists fall firmly into one category or the other.

Wanda vs. Janis

Whose side are you on?

(clink on images for a link to the source)

In all honesty, I happen to enjoy the music of both performers but if I had to choose, without question, the choice would easily be Janis Martin, "The Female Elvis."   I just prefer her mellow, smooth, country-tinged voice to Ms. "Queen of Rockabilly" Jackson's well-known, raw, box-grater-in-a-blender vocal stylings.  

The disappointment I experience over never having seen Janis Martin perform while she was alive is only assuaged by the fact that musicians, like Mary, are carrying on her musical tradition.  In keeping with the style and tone of Janis Martin, I made Mary a dress that is, to coin a new phrase, a little bit country and a little bit rock 'n roll. 

To call this the "latest" from Mr. Tiny's workshop would be an out-and-out lie.
This dress has been in the back of Mary's closet for nearly a year waiting to
make its debut.  Luckily, the opportunity arose last weekend in the form
of Wild Records' Young & Wild Weekender.

Very much channeling the young Janis Martin

Don't you think?

More often than not, I stay away from a black and white color scheme.  For one thing, it becomes a trite and hackneyed story amongst a sub-culture dominated by an obsession with the pre-color-television world.  For another, I just prefer sewing in interesting and vivid colors and, in general, Mary prefers wearing them.  Though when we found this fabric, we new it had major possibilities.

Made from a screen-printed, brushstroke, border print cotton that I picked up
for only $0.99 per yard, Mary said the dress was a hit!  I turned the black border
 to the top of the skirt and the bottom of the bodice so that the brushstrokes
radiated from the waistline.

Wearing black, baby doll pumps and black & white bangles,
Mary added the black, cowhide belt for western flair.

The Fujiyama Mama & Mary
Wait a cotton-pickin' minute...

Okay, okay, so as usual, I may have overstated my case just a tad.  Maybe it isn't such a black & white issue; there might be room in this world for folks who truly are fans of both of these legendary performers...even though legend has it that Wanda and Janis were pretty bitter rivals.

Putting rivalries aside, this dress is a kind of hybrid of the sweet, rockabilly darling (demure, tea-length full skirt) and the raging, rock 'n roll wild child (stark color story and brushstrokes printed with apparent abandon).  It bridges the gap between the "Female Elvis" and the female Elvis took out on the town.  

The very same guitar with which Mary is pictured above (one on
 which she played a couple of Janis Martin covers) is signed by
none other than Wanda Jackson.

Well, what do you say?  Between Wanda and Janis do you have a favorite?  Is there another female, roots rock 'n roller that strikes your fancy?  Do you create such elaborate and/or polarizing interpretations of the clothes you make and/or wear?

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Silly Cinema: Los Wild Ones

Wowee!!!  I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Phoenix, AZ, and boy are my....  I guess I can't use that one because we drove a rented Sentra.  The wacky wagon has provided semi-reliable transport to many of our adventures but I just didn't trust it to not konk out on the side of the highway in the middle of the desert; as the saying goes, "Ain't nobody got time for that."  

The very last thing that I needed to do was rent a car and spend any money on an adventure weekend, but Los Wild Ones, the documentary film about Wild Records, the label on which Mary is set to record this week, premiered at the Phoenix Film Festival.  Such a great opportunity to catch a wonderful film filled with familiar faces, and get a chance to explore all the wacky tacky that the greater Phoenix area has to offer, I simply could not refuse.

The film's world premier was a few weeks ago at SXSW in Austin, TX.
The poster makes me laugh because as soon as it was posted on the "Los
Wild Ones" Facebook page, Reb Kennedy, the founder of Wild Records
commented, "Can't wait to see the real poster???" and "Is this for a
 1980s Elvis movie?"  Priceless.
(Source)

Los Wild Ones - SXSW Trailer

The film centers on the complex dynamic between Reb Kennedy and the talented, young stable of musicians he has signed to his Los Angeles-based record label, Wild Records.  It addresses the paternal nature of his relationship with many of his proteges and his stubborn resistance to embrace modern media in building the label.  Covering moments of heartbreaking vulnerability and exhilarating live performance, Los Wild Ones is, at its core, a film about people earnestly pursuing the thing they love most - music.

Mary & Reb
Mary set a goal of getting her picture made in front of the "word wall,"
and danged if she didn't pull it off.  Pictures of Mary and Reb together
always end up being some of my very favorite photos.

The biggest record label of its kind, Wild Records has a somewhat dubious reputation in Southern California.  With a headstrong Irishman at the helm and a mostly-Mexican talent roster (Mary being one of the glaring exceptions), Wild Records often gets dismissed as a niche label, even within the rockabilly community.  But high-energy music and a passion for that "wild" sound has the record label thriving all over the world.  I have born personal witness to the reception Wild bands receive in Europe; one would think it was the second coming of Elvis!

Our tickets

Mary, Mr. Tiny...and David getting ready for the film to start.
Mary was especially anxious bout her part in the film - that is
a nervous smile if ever I saw one!

Mary had absolutely no reason to be nervous.  The film was a triumph and had the whole audience vascillating from fits of laughter to silent tears (in almost equal measure).  We were surprised and excited to see that Mary was one of the film's featured artists.  She felt very honored considering the wealth of gifted musicians and her relatively-recent commitment to the Wild Records label.  I was just as excited to see that even Mr. Tiny had an "if you blink, you'll miss it" moment in the film (Mary blinked).  Where is my IMDb account???

See the very top of the photo?
 One of three times that Mary got screen credit!

The screening was followed by a Q&A session with the director,
Reb and his family, and the Wild artists who were in attendance.
It was all so film festival-y.

Mary poses in the "Party Pavilion."

Mary & Elise
Elise Salomon is the talented filmmaker responsible
 for creating, writing, and directing Los Wild Ones.

There were three successful screenings of Los Wild Ones during the film festival; following the Saturday showing there was a Wild Records revue in Tempe featuring The Delta Bombers, The Rhythm Shakers, and Mary (please visit the Wild Records' website to hear more from these great acts).

The Delta Bombers

The Rhythm Shakers

Mary
(photo by M. Stadnick)

At the end of a excellent weekend, we got even more excellent news; we learned that Los Wild Ones took home the prize for "Best Documentary" at The 2013 Phoenix Film Festival!!!

Woo Hoo!!!
(photo by E. Salomon)

Congratulations to Elise, Reb, and Wild Records!!!  The film was awesome!!!  It was thrilling to see Wild Records' non-traditional family captured so truthfully and with such dignity.  A particularly poignant moment in the film was underscored by the legendary Roy Orbison; he may not have been "wild" but his impact on Reb and on Los Wild Ones was profound.

"In Dreams" - Roy Orbison

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

p.s. We packed A LOT into less than 48 hours in Phoenix; stay tuned for more Arizona-style fun!!!  Remember, we are getting extremely close to 200 followers.  With your help we'll get there and you'll be rewarded with an exciting GIVEAWAY!!!  Thanks!

Sew What?! A 1950's Starlet Ensemble

Do you ever crash parties?  Do you ever plan to crash a party and then realize the day prior to the event that you were actually invited to the party and now you have to plan something to wear because the pressure increase in the paradigm shift between party crasher and party guest is like that of being thrust from the crest of wave to the very depths of the ocean floor?  Why, when it comes to the same exact party, is it so refreshingly simple to be a party crasher and so stressful being formally included?  For Mr. Tiny, the answer to that question can best be answered by his sponsor at Neurotics Anonymous - for which he has yet to find a regular group due to the problematic design schemes/chair arrangements and snack options at the meetings.

The above situation, as described in question number two, happened during our recent seasonal celebrations and left me scrambling for something to wear that was appropriate for a formal, adult, cocktail party.  It easy easy to see why we would have missed the invitation; we never drink cocktails, we rarely act like adults, and our usual concerns lean most definitely toward the informal.  If you're Mr. Tiny, options are decidedly limited.

Amber & Mr. Tiny
You can see that left with little time and precious few options, Mr. Tiny was forced
 down the Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous route - silk ascot and navy blazer.
Formal? Not really - unless it's for shipboard drinks on Thurston Howell's yacht.

If you're Mary, on the other hand, you will no doubt have an ideal ensemble (handcrafted by Mr. Tiny several years ago that you have NEVER worn before).  I guess it's true; what's old is new again - for the sartorially spoiled!

Mary & Amber
I like to think of this as an All About Eve moment...hahahaha!
It seemed to me that Mary's outfit was fitting of a young starlet
with aspirations.

Mary's party ensemble consists of a pencil skirt with
asymmetrical peplum and matching, lined bolero.
The vintage material for the skirt and bolero was inherited from
our centenarian neighbor; it has an ivory ground with slubs of
metallic threads.  Her blouse was purchased at the 99 Cents
Only Store - no joke!  Her matching brooch and earrings are
heirloom jewelry that belonged to our great-grandmother

While I was a little disappointed that Mary waited years to wear this outfit, I am glad that she remembered to bring it out of moth balls for the occasion (she actually got a chance to wear it again when she played a few songs in an opening set for Wanda Jackson!!!).  To be perfectly honest, even I had forgotten that I had ever made the darned thing.  The party was lovely, the host and hostess were gracious, and the guests were quite clever and extremely talented.  Now that I think about it, I am still not entirely sure that we were invited to a party of that caliber...

Now that we have begun a new year, it might seem regressive to reflect on the festivities of last year.  Nevertheless, we ask, did you crash any awesome parties?  More importantly, does a formal invitation change your attitude of dress?  However you party, we hope you did it in haute wacky tacky style!

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Blogging Siesta

I'm never sure if anyone ever notices these things, but I have definitely been lagging on the old blog lately.  The reason is one that I have been too anxious and too excited to share because, as a natural-born worrywart, I was really afraid that it wasn't going to happen.  As the time draws nearer, I feel a little safer in saying that Mr. Tiny is going to Europe!!!  Although I won't actually believe it until the plane has touched down, my passport is ready to be stamped "SPAIN."

This will be the first international trip for Mary and the first European trip for Mr. Tiny.  The reason for our trans-Atlantic crossing is Mary's burgeoning musical career.  She, along with a couple of other bands from her label, Wild Records, has been asked to play High Rockabilly, what is supposed to be the coolest festival in Europe!  Keeping in mind the restrictions of airline travel, I have still been slaving away at my trusty Bernina, whipping up all kinds of stuff for Mary to wear whilst we frolic along the coast of the Mediterranean!

I tell you all of this only to explain that as sparse as my blogging has been in the past few weeks, it is only going to get "sparser."  I am going to immerse myself fully in the Spanish culture by embracing the siesta (with her daily nap routine solidly in place, Mary already has a head start on us all).  wacky tacky, therefore, will also be taking a two week siesta.  Truly, I just don't want to be bogged down by electronics during my first trip to the continent.  After all, if I can't enjoy Europe without checking Facebook and playing Words with Friends, then I'm just kind of a creep, aren't I?  If I am, don't tell me...and just blame it on my parents.  Instead of blogging I plan to be seeing a lot of this....

(Source)

and this...

(Source)

While we're at it, some of this...

(Source)

and this...

"What's My Line?"

Starring mystery guest, Salvador Dali

and this...

(Source)

Not so much this...

(Source)

or this...

okay, maybe just a little....

But plenty of this...

(Source)

And a whole lot of this...

 

"Sing to Your Senorita"

Charlotte Greenwood in Down Argentine Way 

Okay, okay, I know my expectations may be a little misinformed and that last one really has nothing to do with Spain at all, but just let me live in my wacky tacky dreamworld.  I know that Spain will not disappoint.  If you have any travel advice or must-see places while we're in the greater Barcelona area, please feel free to let me know.  I wish that we could stay longer and see EVERYTHING, but time, finance, and Mary's school schedule will not allow.  We are so grateful to be going and I look forward to reconnecting with you and sharing our adventures upon our return.  We will have many pictures and stories to share, I am sure.  Until then, wish us the Spanish equivalent of "Bon voyage!"

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

There's No Business Like Show Business, From What I've Heard

So here's something wacky for you.  A couple of weeks ago, Like an episode straight out of "I Love Lucy," Mr. Tiny joined show business!  I've been involved in the business world for years - primarily monkey, but this was a real star turn.  True, I have had my brushes with fame.  I've been told repeatedly over the phone that I could be a voice-double for Robert Downey, Jr. (by the same person, sort of a phone stalker who was more than likely deaf).  I've met Hollywood A-Listers like Alice Cooper, Kurt Russell, and Butch Patrick.  I have been paid to dance, act, model, but this was the big time - real show business.

 Proof
Ashley, Alice, Mr. Tiny, and Richard (l to r)

About a month ago, Mary was asked to perform a show down in San Diego at The Tin Can Ale House.  Mary is a Wild Records artist so she is entirely accustomed to the smell of grease paint, the glare of flashbulbs, and the bright lights.  I, on the other hand, am a hopeless rube, a bumpkin by the standards of slick, big-city, show folk.  Fortunately, it was a cowboy/honky tonk show, so I fit right in.

The mural on the front of The Tin Can Ale House is pretty darn cool.

Mary & Mr. Tiny (photo courtesy of Sarah Drake)
Maybe sitting wasn't the most flattering position to take.

Strangely, the pure and unadulterated hatred that I have for the sound of my own voice has never stopped me from singing  - or talking for that matter (although I might reconsider after barely making it through a brief review of these videos that a friend was sadistic kind enough to shoot).  Even more strange was the generally-positive response we received for our set.  Here are a couple of the songs (including a Mr. Tiny original) that we performed.  Please, be kind, it was our very first show!

"Someday"

written by Jimmie Hodges 

performed by Mary & Mr. Tiny

"Wagon Wheel"

written and performed by Mr. Tiny and Mary

I was dreading the performance on our way down to San Diego, mostly because I felt weird that I would just be there singing while Mary did all of the heavy lifting (guitar, song writer, vocalist), but I ended up having a lot of fun!  We even tried our best to include some witty banter in between songs.  The wittiness of the banter is widely open for debate, but I think we did a pretty good job, all things considered.

I'm tellin' ya, it was the real deal.
We got drink tickets (wasted on non-drinkers, like ourselves) and everything.
We even got paid; although Mary has yet to fork over my half of the loot!

I'm doing my best to have a good attitude and accept the challenges and opportunities that come my way.  Hopefully, this was the first of many fun times and exciting adventures ahead!  After all, how you gonna keep 'em down on the farm after they've seen SD?


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

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