Speakeasy rocks at Selby Library

In a flash of a flapper's fringed skirt, Selby Library was turned a Roaring 20's Speakeasy. The Friends of the Selby Public Library created this lively event to raise funds for a Teen Center soon to be built within the library itself.

Women came wearing their "flapper finest": ropes of pearls, feathers in hair, and beaded dresses. Guys came looking like they worked for Al Capone. Bathtub Gin and other exotic drinks were found hidden away at the cash bar, while 18 local restaurants and food purveyors dished out trays of delicious nibbles and drinks.

Event Coordin-ator and Master of Ceremonies Ken-ney DeCamp had organized the evening, and it was a grand success. Guests were met at the door by The Garbage Men - a group of teenagers playing instruments made out of cereal boxes, PVC pipe, assorted bottles, funnels, garbage cans and lids. (Believe it or not, the kids sounded pretty darned good!)

Stage performers included the dashing poet Kevin Costello, pianist/singer Sharon Lesley and David Ohrenstein, the South Florida Belly Dancers, Jump Singers, Moving Ethos Dance Company, and The Sarasota Mandolin Orchestra - which consisted of 11 gifted players and one spectacular conductor/tenor, Joseph Spinella. Banyan Theater was represented by Geraldine Librandi; Circus Sarasota had Billy Bob Steinberg on the banjo; and Fine Arts Society presented their scholarship dancer, Adrianne Ansley, who beguiled the audience.

Speakeasy artists included Minimalist, Francoise Stotts, who painted the evening away on her tiny tropical canvases; writer, Mary Manilla - who was there to publicize her remarkable new book, "Foretold"; and Frank Colson, who displayed a group of smoke-fired Han horse sculptures. Peppi Elona exhibited figurative work; Pat Talbott, collage; Maureen May, jewelry. Author Linda Cooper and poet Martin Tucker had literary creations on display.

Hat's off to Friends of the Selby Public Library for coming up with such an entertaining evening. A special thanks to Jeanne Brown, president; Kenney DeCamp and Charlotte Ryan, vice presidents; and to all other members of the board of directors for working so hard to create this much needed Teen Center in downtown, Sarasota.

For more information, go to www.selbylibraryfriends.org, or call861-1140.