pied piper

Been planning this progressive party at Leftbank.  Have you ever been to one of those?  Can’t say that I have in my adult life, but I remember my parents gearing up for the annual neighborhood progressive party in the 70s.  Weeks of planning mapped out where the night would begin, who served martinis and appetizers, who would have the honor of presenting the main course, and where the party would end with desserts and a nightcap.  As a kid, I watched TV with my big brother and the sitter, trying desperately to stay awake long enough to spy on the portion of the party that happened in our house.  That rarely happened, but several times the clamour of an entire party walking down the street pulled us from the TV to the window.  We watched our parents among the congregation of neighbors - dressed up and smiling, talking and laughing - as the party moved to the next station.

Somebody had the idea that we need a progressive party here at Leftbank .  And yes, we do.  So a group of us have mapped out the evening and rallied a bunch of the neighbors to join in.  It’s loosely planned compare to the parties I’m remembering.  But that sounds right in our community of work neighbors, with a party happening at the end of the work day.  But in this freer form progressive party, other planners and I wondered how we’d keep people together.  Progressive parties are fun because people move through them together, after all.  Decided we must have a pied piper.  I found one.  His name is Steve.  Steve is the president of the Rose City AccordionClub.  He is a delight to talk to.

I guess it’s clear that i’m nostalgic about the progressive party idea.  Yes, I know it’s not the 70s.  Yes, I know my nostalgia gives away my age.  But can I help it if I hope there’s fondue?  Haven’t heard there will be any.  Though I have it on good authority that someone’s planning gourmet jello shots.  I surely hope to see all you other Leftbankers there.