While making a living busking in the subway upon his arrival to NYC in 1998, Michael Arenella made a name immersing himself in the virginal Jazz of the 1920s. This immersion went on to give birth to a cultural phenomenon, a good decade before it became hot in popular culture: the rebirth of the Roaring ‘20s.
Now, twice every summer for the past 19 years, thousands of time travelers pour through the gates of his now famous Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island.
The repertoire that he performs with his 11-piece Dreamland Orchestra is one-of-a-kind. He has personally transcribed the entirety of the book from original dance band recordings of the 1920s.
Equal parts troubadour and instrumental virtuoso, he does both with a deeply individual and soulful delivery.