Night at the Jewseum, the Contemporary Jewish Museum's quarterly event for the after-work crowd, is ever-changing, thematically inspired by current exhibitions and Jewish holidays. This past Thursday, the night revolved around the exhibition Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait as well as the Days of Awe—the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur*.
On September 17, more than 1,000 people—many styled à la Amy—flooded the CJM for music, specialty libations, arts and crafts, and a chance to view the exhibitions in a party setting.
In the days leading up to the event, the CJM and 7x7 hosted an Instagram contest dubbed #BacktoAmy, asking fans to share the diverse ways in which Amy Winehouse has inspired them. Seven finalists were invited to join drag diva Yves Saint Croissant for a special trivia game, live at Night at the Jewseum.
The finalists competed onstage for a posh prize package: a one-night stay at SoMa's Hotel Zetta, dinner for two at The Cavalier, and a special beauty package—including DIY kits for perfect Amy cat eyes and hair teasing—from the Mission's Fox & Doll. Pablo Vivas was the night's big winner.
DJ Phengren Oswald, of the Saturday Night Soul Party, spun 60s soul beats as vinyl aficionados perused records for sale in Explorist International’s pop-up shop. Plus, Bay Area native Bart Davenport performed electric soul in the Yud gallery.
In homage to Amy’s rockabilly style, guests lined up for cat eyes and red lips at The Balm's Liner & Lip Bar. Tattly’s temporary tattoos added to the Winehouse-inspired vibe, while Peaches Patties and La Cocina served Amy's favorite West Indian food. Crafts included coloring and button-making with artist renderings of Amy, while others compiled and decorated their own mixtapes to take home.
Specialty cocktails by Tonic were based on the Days of Awe, with a L’Shanah Tovini and Horn Blower.
*A time of introspection when apologies and intentions are made for the New Year.
