Musical Interlude: Years ago, I first learned of Vagabond Opera in the Washington Post, when they were doing a free show at the Kennedy Center. I went on a whim, thinking it sounded fun, and while I was standing in line for a ticket, I heard them start to rehearse this piece...and I was hooked immediately. I remember a young lady in the line behind me locked eyes with me as I looked back at the band, and she grabbed my arm. "Are you familiar with this band?" she asked. I told her no, I was just here on a whim. "But after hearing that....I think we're in for quite an evening." "Oh God yes!" she echoed enthusiastically.

It was an amazing show, and she and I hugged on our way out. Never saw her again; I hope she's well.

"Camille's Last Jump," performed by Vagabond Opera.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuheoVeG88s

#MusicalInterlude #VagabondOpera #LElisirDAmore #Tango #HappyMemories

Musical Interlude: One of my all-time favorite groups is the late, lamented Vagabond Opera. This is one of my all-time favorite tracks from them, inspired by an old Yiddish saying that states, "When you kiss a thief, count your teeth."

"Ganef," performed live by Vagabond Opera.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2tZ8ZDTIj8

#MusicalInterlude #Ganef #VagabondOpera #Yiddish #Jazz #Cabaret #YiddischeCabaret

Musical Interlude: I miss the late, great Vagabond Opera more than I can say. I have many happy memories of seeing them in concert whenever I could. The lead singer wrote this after spending a drunken evening watching a womanizing bandmate and reflecting on his own marriage. It's also a great song for boozy singalongs....

"Sing for Your Lives!" performed by Vagabond Opera.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHJqXKZgJ-E

#MusicalInterlude #VagabondOpera #SingForYourLives

"Traditional values are more than just large, monogamous families. Queer people fit in there as well."
https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-lgbt-museum-law/32154004.html

“One day again, the sun will rise
when fascist walls meet their demise
And topple into spring,
And you and I shall raise our flags
For all of those who died in drag
And all for who we sing”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1e3NWn3KHU

#lgbtqCulture #VagabondOpera #FarewellKabarista #antifacist #antifacism #queerculture