All That Jazz

Vintage aficionados can kick up their heels at first-ever Jazz Age Sunday Social

Ever feel like you were born in the wrong era? Matt Tolentino does. He is so enamored of the days of flappers and philosophers that he decided to take his fascination with the Roaring ’20s to the streets at the inaugural Jazz Age Sunday Social at Dallas Heritage Village on March 30.

Inspired by New York’s Jazz Age Lawn Party, which has been drawing stylish celebutantes to Governor’s Island for nearly a decade, this weekend’s Sunday Social was conceived after Tolentino performed at the village’s History with a Twist fundraiser last year.

The founder of both the 18-piece foxtrot orchestra the Singapore Slingers and Dallas’ Art Deco Society, Tolentino had already hosted a series of vintage-inspired events at venues like the Texas Theatre. But Dallas Heritage Village’s storied history and iconic buildings made it the perfect setting for a more expansive homage to the times.

“I’ve been involved in the vintage scene in Dallas for some time as a band leader or event planner, and I thought I would take what I know and ramp it up,” he says.

“The biggest reason for choosing the Dallas Heritage Village is they have an old-style bandstand that automatically conjures up images in the park in the early ’10s and ’20s. I contacted Heritage Village, and it didn’t take much convincing — especially because proceeds will benefit them. “

In addition to a performance from the Slingers and opening act Razzmajazz, activities around the newly restored Van Cleave Bandstand include dance lessons from the Rhythm Room’s Elaine Hewlett; croquet; and shopping for vintage clothing, jewelry and antiques. When the bands aren’t on the stands, a member of the Austin Phonograph Society spins 78s on two tabletop record players.

As Tolentino says, “It’s just about the only kind of DJing I’ll allow.”

Attendees don’t have to put on their glad rags (think parasols, drop-waist dresses and walking whites), but if they do, they can pose in front of a vintage 1915 Packard or Studebaker for a photo op, or enter the event’s costume contest for best “lawn party attire.”

In true Prohibition style, the event is booze-free, but guests are welcome to bring picnic baskets or sample one of Carnival Barker’s handmade ice creams sold onsite.

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The Jazz Age Sunday Social is March 30, noon-4 pm, at Dallas Heritage Village in Old City Park. Costume contest is at 2:30. Admission is $10 for adults; kids 12 and under are free.

Members of the Art Deco Society will be in full costume at the event.

Photo courtesy of Matt Tolentino

Members of the Art Deco Society will be in full costume at the event.

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Vending Machine News

Vending machine cafe with artsy collectible toys debuts in Lewisville

Velcrokid

Toys from Velcroikid

There’s a quirky new shop in Lewisville that combines toy store and cafe: Called Velcrokid, it's a place with coffee and snacks, plus designer collectible toys, now open in a former convenience store at 1298 Justin Rd.

Velcrokid is the brainchild of art director Eric Bowman, who's had a graphic design business under the name Velcrokid for the past 10 years.

The shop stocks all kinds of art: murals, paintings, poetry, music, photography, filmmaking, and adorable, colorful, designer toys.

"We wanted a physical space that was a beacon for the arts and a place for people to gather, be inspired, challenged, and connect," Bowman says. “We set up the shop like a coffee shop but we curate everything like an art gallery, whether it's the designer toys or the various food and drink options."

The various food and drink options include coffee, pastries, and imported packaged sweets, but here's the thing: Everything is sold from a row of vending machines that run along one wall, from hot coffee to Japanese packaged pastries to pies from local purveyor Emporium Pies, who package up a single slice that can be purchased, like everything else, through the vending machines. They have a huge selection of exotic beverages from around the world like UCC Coffee with milk, a ready-to-drink sold in a can. Prices range from $3 to $20.

The store is spacious with polished concrete floors and colorful mod chairs and tables. Walls are lined with art from local artists, with a separate retail section for toys too big to fit in the machines. Items for sale include plushies and stuffed toys from brands like Pop Mart.

Bowman previously owned the creative workspace Mill Street House in Lewisville, which is now a wedding and event space. He became entranced with the idea of vending machine cafes after seeing them in Japan, where vending machines are a major trend and are also adored by Millennials and Gen Z.

Beyond the fun bells and whistles, Bowman wanted to bring something innovative to Lewisville.

“Our spot is kind of a unique hub for art and community,” Bowman says. “My wife and I lived in the Lewisville area for a little over 18 years and just always had a longing to have a place like this in the area where people could gather and be inspired through the arts.”

kids coffee openings