Party Like It’s 1999

Text & Photos by K. Cecchini

Pearl Jam tees wrapped in flannel. Glow sticks, dog tags, REM’s “Losing My Religion” and black light highlighting the lint on my sweater. AND Dwayne Wayne flip glasses.

Yes, people were partying like it was 1999.

To compliment its’ freshest exhibit, Come As You Are, the Montclair Art Museum balanced all of the retrospect’s introspect with a nod to the more irreverent side of back in the day, if y’know what I’m sayin’.

A D.J. kicked the night off with classic tracks from C+C Music Factory and M.C. Hammer to Nirvana. Leir Hall was lit with neon colors and adorned with large spray painted homages to 90’s pop culture. Even some of the hors d’oeuvres matched the decade with mini-Chinese take-out containers and a Cereal Bar.

Much of the crowd was already breaking a move, when a NYC tribute band came out to their namesake’s theme song. Representing some of the era’s styles from hi-tops and wide legged jeans to loud colors, Saved by the 90’s: A Party with the Bayside Tigers kept the audience bouncing while covering hits such as Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” and Alanis Morrisette’s “Ironic”.

Saved by the 90's: A Party with the Bayside Tigers — Saved by the 90’s: A Party with the Bayside Tigers

Overall, it seems like partygoers had a dope time. Whether it was 90’s nostalgia or a more accessible ticket price, it looks like the MAM tapped into an expanded fan base on Saturday night. According to a volunteer, the museum may be planning similar events to keep up the momentum.

Hey, we can always party like its 1999 without dog tags and glow sticks.

FYI