The Savoir Faire Party @ Fontana's 3/1: Oh What a Night

César Alvarez of The Lisps and Music is Free Now is my new favourite person. This was a fantastic show and a wonderful night, we Sluts were just lucky to go along for the ride.

The first band of the night was The Subway Band, a Latin inspired cover band that really was surprising with some beautiful renditions (all of which escape my mind, there were many whiskey sours involved Thursday night).


Fontana's is a great spot right on the edge of Chinatown and the LES. The upstairs is gorgeous and new while the downstairs maintains that air of NYC, slightly dirty basement venue. The bartender Patrick is lovely and the soundguy Dave is so friendly.

Next group up was Bell, fronted by the adorable Olga. Her music is a lovely little romp around love and the urban jungle. Though a bit dull at times, Olga's voice and charm overcomes this well, though it is not always the best of ideas when the Skee-lo cover you do outshines the rest of your set.

Matt and I dj'ed the show and though there were some technical difficulties, it went off rather well. My dj set included 'La Camisa Negra' by Juanes (that went out to The Subway Band), Primal Scream's 'Get Your Rocks off', Fox's 'Sssingle bed', 'Making Love in the Sunshine' by Maxi Geil and Playcolt and LCD Soundsystem's 'Daft Punk is playing at my House' amongst others.

Third band of the night were The Lisps, whom have taken over the spot of most beloved NYC band that not enough people know about. Their brand of fun, folk, country-rock is endearing and their enthusiasm, infectious.

A few songs in, people were inspired to waltz and suddenly the front of the room filled with dancing couples. It was one of those New York moments where you realise, 'oh right, so this is why I live in this city.'
To end the night, Scary Mansion, um, minus the Mansion, got up to play. I felt rather bad that by the end of the night, most people had left and many who were still there were chatting in the back as Leah Hayes performed. 1am on a Thursday night onstage is not a good place to be. If I were more sober and less tired, I could see how I would have enjoyed her more but at the end of the night, my attention certainly had waned.

César has lots to say about the show, including some pictures, up on his site. Matt also wrote an intensive review a few days ago (sorry mine is late by the way, I went on a skiing mini-break this weekend and attempted not to break my leg).