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The Forties JewelTones Hat

11/18/2019

8 Comments

 
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I waited in the wings while Terry started the sprightly piano intro and the other JewelTones sang “All aboard!” My cue. I strode out front with the JewelTones' vintage suitcase, singing, “Pardon me, boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo?” That song opened many JewelTones shows, and I had the little opening solo. I loved doing that bit because I got to mime looking around and being puzzled.  Backing into line with the other JewelTones, I shifted to the background while Betsy, dressed as Rosie the Riveter, told stories of the past, and the other JewelTones took their turns out front in other songs.
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Waiting for my "Chattanooga Choo Choo" cue in 2010
I was lucky to be able to sing with the group for about ten years (literally--Lucky was my nom de Jewel). Those gigs were some of the best times of my life. Most of the performances weren’t glamorous—we sang in a lot of church social halls and community centers and backyards—but we tried to make every gig special, and the audience, usually older people, loved hearing our vintage songs.  Though we had other outfits, our forties costumes were the most popular, as were that era's songs. Our costumer, Bonnie, found me this wonderful forties-style outfit, including this red hat with black feathers.
 
Joining the JewelTones was like gaining nine sisters and one brother (the pianist). We'd spend rehearsals singing "Sentimental Journey" and "Java Jive," eating Deanne's famous chocolate chip cookies, and laughing together. They were the friends who would loan me space heaters when my furnace went out, provide chairs and tables for a big party, bring me an apple pie when I was recovering from surgery. When I left the Bay Area, I left the group, one of the heartbreaking things for me about moving.  I did go back and sing a few pieces with them at their 15th anniversary party (you can spot me in a few videos on their web site), but aside from that, I haven't been performing those wonderful old songs, and my JewelTones hat has been sitting in a box in the closet.

Recently, a friend who has a small theater put on a double bill of radio plays: The Third Man, and an episode of Fibber McGee and Molly. He suggested attending the performance dressed up, which I decided made it the perfect occasion to wear the JewelTones hat. Rather than wear the entire outfit, I re-purposed some other items from my closet, but I did wear the hat and shoes. (Those forties shoes are so cool, while I was posing for this picture, a woman passing by on the street asked me where I'd gotten them).
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The plays were a lot of fun, and during Fibber McGee, my friend, Brent, sang a couple of forties solos, including “Embraceable You.” That song was the first JewelTones song I (nervously) soloed in, with a lot of encouragement. So watching my new friend, I thought about my old friends, my JewelTones family, far away but close to my heart.
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Singing "Rockin' Robin" in 2016, my last regular gig with the group
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8 Comments
Ruthellen Dickinson
11/18/2019 02:08:15 pm

Such great memories. We miss you.

Reply
Ann
11/18/2019 03:20:37 pm

Thanks, Ruthellen. I miss you all too!

Reply
Rosie Riveter
11/18/2019 04:34:23 pm

I beg to differ with "Most of the performances weren't glamorous." The JewelTones are always FABULOUS. And it's our added chicken feathers that make us especially GLAMOROUS.

Reply
Ann
11/18/2019 04:41:22 pm

You're right, Rosie. Some of the venues weren't glamorous, be we always were!

Reply
Anne Anderson
11/18/2019 04:45:24 pm

Oh my, Lucky! This brings tears to my eyes and treasured memories in my heart. Miss you lots. We have never done Embraceable You since!

Reply
Ann
11/18/2019 08:35:51 pm

Thanks, Anne. Miss you lots too, I love Embraceable You. It was nice to hear it again.

Reply
Bonnie
11/19/2019 09:53:55 am

Oh Lucky, the jewels are never far from my heart, and tho the bond is there with all members, for me it is especially strong with those I've stood next to. I miss you💞

Reply
Ann
11/19/2019 03:59:47 pm

Miss you too, Bonnie! Hope to see you the next time you make your way to CA. :-)

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    Ann Hillesland writes fiction and nonfiction and collects hats. In this blog she vows to wear (not just model, but wear out of the house) every one of her hats, blogging about their histories and their meanings for her.

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