Singapore Slingers
This Valentine’s Day is all about the classic crooners in Lakewood. Two of our neighborhood’s most well-known singers of vintage love songs are offering up performances designed to make hearts swoon.
Ricki Derek
Ricki Derek may spend his days running The Heights on Abrams, but the iconic music made famous by Frank Sinatra is what truly inspires his passion. From his big band shows at the Lakewood Theater to his Christmas extravaganza, you can always expect a night of favorites as Derek dons a classic suit and does his best “Old Blue Eyes” impression. On Tuesday, he’ll offer a show with a twist. Hear love songs like “My Funny Valentine” from Derek, followed by a screening of the 1942 romantic classic “Casablanca.” It all goes down at the Granada Theater, where tickets range from $30-$42.
If you prefer an even earlier mix of love songs, you’ll want to catch up with Woodrow Wilson graduate Matt Tolentino and the Singapore Slingers. While his fellow classmates were jamming to 50 Cents’ “In Da Club” and Evanescence’ “Bring Me To Life” back in 2003, Louie Armstrong and Bessie Smith and Gene Austin filled his headphones. His love for brassy 1920s jazz proved not to be a phase, like swing music in the 1990s — it was a lifestyle. Almost 15 years later and he’s even more committed to the classics today, with regular performances around the city leading the 18-piece Singapore Slingers. On Tuesday, they offer up their beloved Valentine’s Day showcase at Pocket Sandwich Theater. The night begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $25.
Matt Tolentino
As a longtime neighbor and love song experts, we asked Tolentino seven ridiculous questions about romance and growing up in East Dallas:
What’s the best love song?
MT: Hard for me to nail down what I would deem the “best love song,’ at least from the time period I focus on. I believe the 1920s and 1930s were an incredibly romantic time musically speaking, and when you consider the optimism that seemed built into the entertainment at the time — the films and musicals — the end product was countless romantic melodies. That being said, some outstanding favorites of mine are “Time On My Hands,” “The Very Thought Of You” and “Always.”
Valentine’s Day: Romantic or Cheesy?
MT: I love this question. I believe in these old songs, and the feelings they convey, so I have to say that after all of these years, Valentine’s Day is still romantic.
What was the best thing you ate at the Woodrow Wilson cafeteria?
MT: Believe it or not, I took my lunch to school every day from kindergarten until the second semester of my senior year. But then they began to offer these sandwiches that were every bit as good as the restaurants, so I finally ate school lunch at the age of 17.
Belt or suspenders?
MT: Both have their place — but never at the same time.
Strangest song request you’ve ever gotten?
MT: Hahaha, this is easy – ‘Mustang Sally’ at a 1920s dance.
In what era, outside the 1920s-30s, would you want to live?
MT: When I was younger, I always said I wanted to live in the 1920s, but I finally realized that I’m exactly where I want and need to be, which is right now. Aside from the obvious modern conveniences we all enjoy today, I feel that the only thing more important than playing this music when it was new is being alive to preserve it today, to make sure that it’s here to stay.
What sound irritates you the most?
MT: Another easy one — and my wife will attest to this — the rattles inside my car. I drive an old car, but the only issue I have with it are the rattles from here and there. It’s the worst on Henderson.
