Dress code was very strict. For men, it was jacket and tie and dress pants.
I have a very clear memory of going there around this time of year in '96 -- well before my blog -- to see a show of girl group greats. It was a very large large room but it was packed.
Darlene Love, Merry Clayton and Marianne Faithfull made an odd trio but that's part of what made it so wonderful. Faithfull good-naturedly poked fun at her ravaged voice.
The show had little patter but a plethora of wonderful songs. It ran January 16th through February 3rd of 1996. I remember the stage was a high dais set in front of the windows overlooking Manhattan. It snowed the night my friend John and I attended, providing a beautiful backdrop.
"He's a Rebel," "Gimme Shelter" and "Broken English" were all on the song list that night. There were at least 20 other numbers.
It was really a marvelous night to remember. And I do... so well! Right down to the shrimp cocktail and cosmos.
The next time I was at The Rainbow Room was at an office party in summer. Beautiful view and great food.
Bring back Rainbow & Stars! Cabaret is back big-time and we could use your elegance.
