20x16 acrylic on canvas
The thing about dancing is it’s hard to not smile when you’re caught up in the act. Something about moving your body, breathing, and getting your blood pumping seems to inspire the facial muscles, expose the teeth.
And what better reason could there be for dancing and smiling than a mid-summer house party, say, back in 1975? It’s Kool & The Gang’s Jungle Boogie blasting on the brand new Pioneer Stereo System. The windows are open, allowing a breeze to drift inside, while the sounds of the funky trumpets and rock-jazz guitar riffs ooze down into the yard.
The men are outside, sipping Old Style and smoking Salems. They’re smiling too, but have no interest in dancing. They know better.
Upstairs, Earth, Wind and Fire are now spinning on the wheels of steel. The food is about to be served, the kids will be summoned from the alley. Begrudgingly, the men will stagger upstairs for a plate full meat, rice and whatever.
This had to be one of the greatest days in the history of the planet.
