My grandmother met my grandfather back in the day at a ball. When she used to tell me about this event, I could only imagine how it would have looked like back then. Every man in a suit, every woman in a beautiful dress, champagne everywhere, a big band performing on the stage and so on.
Never thought I would be able to relive this event, but thanks to the wonderful people of Radio Modern, everyone could enjoy the swinging beats of the fifties once again.
The night started out like it would have 60 years ago, me and my friend getting dressed up while the men were waiting patiently in the living room with a glass of scotch. It took us FOREVER to get ready but the result was immaculate, we could have walked out of a fifties movie instantly. We arrived at the Roma in Borgerhout and we were stunned by the amount of people looking totally groomed. Everyone put their best dancing shoes on, which was quite necessary when the dancing lessons started.
And so the magic had begun! We danced to the swinging beats from the King himself, or rather a reincarnation. Because the headline was the 12 year old prodigy, Rockin' Raffi Arto. This kid is incredible! He plays the piano like the king played his guitar and he has the voice of a young Elvis. Seriously, you have to check it out! After two hours of dancing like a crazy fifties housewife, it was time to check out the rest of the event. We took some lovely pictures in the photomatique (only €2!!) and drank some cava whilst sitting on the balcony of the Roma, overlooking the whole ball.
It was amazing, it was marvellous, it was splendid, it was astounding, it was fabulous, it was Radio Modern.
Text and pictures by Cleo.