Michael spent many years in
New York City as band leader and singer for the Rainbow Room
Orchestra at Rockefeller Center. In following years he and
his bands made many appearances at The Greatest Bar on Earth
at Windows on the World on top of The World Trade Center
Pictured here is The Greatest Bar on Earth
"They named the Windows
on the World lounge 'THE GREATEST BAR ON EARTH' and
with good reason. It really was the greatest bar on earth.
It had the greatest atmosphere with colored glass sculptures
- custom made by famous artists, the greatest stage surrounded
by windows with a cozy dance floor encircled by plush couches,
and of course the greatest view in all of Manhattan. Everything
in THE GREATEST BAR ON EARTH was customized. The dishes, glasses,
furniture, even the carpeting were all designed by famous
Bauhaus artists and designers. The stage was in a corner that
over looked the Statue of Liberty. The first time we played
there, our set-up took a long time as we became distracted
by the view. We gazed out the floor to ceiling windows down
at the seemingly miniature statue of Liberty; From the 107th
floor, Ms Liberty looked like a toy. The clientele was a mix
of Wall Street Businessmen, fashion conscience Manhattanites,
and trendy tourists. We had some of our best shows with the
most enthusiastic crowds there. The crowd always seemed charged
with electric excitement. And with good reason: In preparation
for the "Greatest Bar Experience" you waited in a long line
for the express elevator in the bustling, echoing colossal
lobby of One World Trade Center. Once you and about 30 other
guests were inside the enormous express elevator, the doors
closed and sealed off all the noise. An awkward silence created
a strange tension of anticipation that you could cut a knife
through. As the car raced up to the 107th floor, no one dared
brake the silence. When the doors opened again, the sounds
of a party broke the tension guests escaped the into the ornate
lobby following the sounds of laughter, frivolity and a swingin'
band. Our publicist, Stace Bass, once brought a reporter from
Billboard Magazine who was afraid of heights up to the "Greatest
Bar on Earth" to see us. He stayed close to the bar and away
from the windows but he couldn't help having the greatest
time of his life at one of the "greatest party's on earth"
with "the greatest socialite on earth" -> Stace Bass. I
will never forget the times we had up there. Everyone felt
like they were on top of the world. There was never a place
like that anywhere." - Michael Andrew
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Michael Andrew and Swingerhead
with special guest "Broccoli Rob" from Dem
Brooklyn Bums performed "WE THREE KINGS" at the CD release
party for "A Swingerhead Christmas" at THE GREATEST BAR ON
EARTH. 'The Bums were the last band to perform there on 9/9/01.
(Pictured L to R: Tim Keehn (trombone, Broccoli Rob, Michael
Andrew, Kevin Palacky (guitar).
++++++++++
The Greatest Bar on Earth
was a wonderful home to the best swing-, go-go-rock bands
and DJz in the world from The Jive Aces, Ray Gelato, Jet Set
Six and the last band to perform there on 9/9/01, Dem Brooklyn
Bums (with special guest trombonist, John Kozan). The nights
were always presented with the utmost style and grace. Our
thoughts of togetherness and unity through music will live
on forever.
Among those killed in the terrorist attack were many staff
members from Windows on the World and its sister establishment,
the Greatest Bar on Earth. To offer financial support to the
families of these and other victims, "The Greatest Bars and
Restaurants on Earth," a coalition of NYC food-service establishments,
is holding a drive to raise money for the September 11th Fund.
This is a great way for New York area restaurateurs and food-service
providers to give back to the community that has made their
businesses a success, and made Manhattan famous worldwide
for having "The Greatest Bars and Restaurants on Earth." The
fund was started by United Way and the New York Community
Trust to assist families of victims of the WTC attack. (For
information, please visit www.uwnyc.org or call 212-251-4035.)
Windows on the World has a dedicated fund where you can
help; www.WindowsOfHope.org
www.WindowsontheWorld.com
New York
State World Trade Center Relief Fund
SEPT11FUND.COM
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