Last night the Leschi came alive for a very special occasion. It was Mel Sky's 30th birthday party. She began this delicious decade of her life with a Magical Boat Ride. The MV Kirkland, an historic 110' wooden ferry boat built in 1924 waited at the Leschi Dock at 9pm for the special guests to arrive. I was on the decks as the dock pulled quietly away. The vessel turned, faced the full moon and glided slowly along the banks of Lake Washington.
The boat ride was breathtaking, complete with two sets of turntables, two full bars and food aplenty. The lively ship was an eloquent escort, pointing out the backsides of buildings & whistling under bridges as we drifted past. Mel completely outdid herself (which is no small feat!). And to compliment her compassionate care for her friends-turned-family, everyone contributed their personal best, be it equipment setup, formulating food, loading & unloading, a cake constructed with plane & parachute or quieting the brigade later on the way to the Lounge.
The highlight of the night for me was when the music was lowered and the crowd gathered around 30 candles to sing to our sister her birthday wishes. The applause that rang after, the hoots, hollers and whistles, was finally the shining moment that Mel deserves. The vivacious cheers were for more than just throwing an amazing party that night. And for far more than throwing two long years of parties that create the legacy of the Leschi Lounge. The applause that rang through the cabin was evidence of our gratitude and love for our very special friend, Mel Sky.
To end the first portion of the journey, and introduce the next destination, was a salute to the element that fuels the Leo - Fire. Donia Love lit her poi on the Leschi dock and danced a slyly seductive performance beside pulsating beats. As she twirled in tune, she tickled our fancies, a passionate ballet with the kiss of burlesque. Her movements accentuated the beauty of her being, a true master of her Art. Before the balls dimmed, she handed the set over to Be Pink Love, who had only the night before lit her first poi aflame. Be lifted the light to inspirit her body, swirl and swoosh, synchronous with the music, her muse. As the flames reduced to their inevitable end, she swirled, then, the smoke trails that followed, forming perfect circles to each of her sides. She slammed the last poi into the ground as applause ensued, which lit the ball on fire again. Proof that energy, when fueled, will transfer but never end.
The rest of the night commenced as usual in the cozy rooms of the Leschi Lounge, a house that has its own agenda. A night of intimate conversations and intense realizations, a groove that gives to each and all a warm hug. Everyone filtered out in ones and twos as the night mingled with morning, feeling fulfilled to have once again been home.
And so another night is set in history. A promoter's right of passage, an Art form that acquires little notice but is possibly the most complex of all. The materialization of an event that progresses so smoothly the patrons know nothing of the mechanics moving beneath. Like a mix, the blending of elements, each one melts naturally into the next. What pleasures the promoter is the smile, a symbol of gratitude that lets them know something special moved inside you, enlivened by the platform that they create.
View Photos from Mel's Magical Boat Ride
