They came in all ages, sizes, and types, to dance and socialize at Marla's Dance Café, in The Island Bar & Grill on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs.
Marla Blakey playing tunes that keep things lively. Photo by Susan Safford
"We call it Dance Café because that's the atmosphere: candles, tablecloths, a light food menu and, of course, a full bar," Marla Blakey said.
At the end of May, with little fanfare, choreographer and stage director Marla Blakey organized the dance club and opened it for a trial run to a full house. As she prepared for the event, Ms. Blakey reviewed the evening's play list, one that she "developed over a very long, very cold winter in Oak Bluffs. I think I'll be okay as long as no one requests 'Moon River,'" she said, laughing. And with a hint of opening night jitters, she added, "I've never been a DJ before. I hope I know how to do this."
But she did, and starting last week, The Island Bar & Grill will present Ms. Blakey's Dance Café weekly on Tuesday evenings.
Karen Spears with Les Hayling Jr., and Carleen Cordwell (right) stepping in time at Marla's Dance Café in The Island Bar & Grill.
"Oh yeah, this is great," said Cee-Jay Jones, a 92-year-old retired postal worker who remembers the Harlem's golden age of nightclubs in the 1940s. He had no difficulty keeping up with his young dance partner, Suesan Stovall.
From pre-boomers like classically-trained musician Becca Morrow, to a younger set, the place was crowded with Islanders and visitors who danced to the smart, sassy music, from blues to hip-hop, jazz to salsa, prepared by Ms. Blakey, a performance impresario on and off the Island for more than 20 years. She has made a career out of creating entertainment environments, choreographing space and movement. Then, of course, she came by it naturally. Her father Ruble Blakey fronted Lionel Hampton's band for years.
Ms. Blakey's first job was as a 16-year-old dancer at Club Harlem in Atlantic City, a favorite venue for Cab Calloway's band. Later she organized dance troupes and choreography for Calloway and choreographed big set acts and music videos for major artists, including Bette Midler, Sting, and David Bowie.
"One morning in 1988, I woke up and said, 'It's time for a change,' and moved here to the Island where my mom had built a house in Oak Bluffs," she said.
At that point, Ms. Blakey turned her hand to directing. "Historically, choreographers have made good directors: Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett, Billy Wilson, Twyla Tharp, the list is endless," she said. "Both crafts are about movement. I directed 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf' at The Whaling Church in Edgartown. That was the first play I directed and there have been others over the years, but there is not a lot of theater to direct here."
Ms. Blakey has worked to create more opportunities and venues for performance arts. "Featherstone Center for the Arts has been very supportive and has provided space for performances, " she said, adding, "The Island [Bar & Grill] deserves a lot of credit for doing this, for trying this out."
"I'm the dealmaker," crowed Carleen Cordwell who was feeling the funk with Island resident Thea Hansen. It was she who first brought Ms. Blakey together with Sonu Chhibber, the owner of Island Bar & Grill, to discuss the possibilities of having a regular dance venue there.
The newly renovated Island Bar & Grill (formerly The Island House) has a gleaming dance floor, and colorful artwork by Washington Ledesma and others, making it an inviting setting. For Mr. Chhibber, the event delivers what he wanted for his new upscale look; a comfortable, classy alternative to beer pong and rock cover bands. Before 8:30 pm, when dancing begins, the restaurant offers family fare. "We're providing a place for families and adults. We want a destination where a family of four can eat well and still afford a drink and dessert," he said of the new menu.
Time to dance: Ms. Morrow and her friends trotted enthusiastically through the front door and on to the dance floor. "We need to get out tonight. We've been looking forward to this," she said. u
Marla's Dance Café, Tuesday nights, 8:30 pm through Labor Day at The Island Bar & Grill on Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs. 508-693-4516.
Jack Shea is a regular contributor to The Times.
