After living nearly 100 years in Alexandria, Pat McArtor celebrated her birthday by singing jazz hits in Del Ray on Thursday night (Oct. 8).
McArtor couldn’t miss her weekly Thursday night gig with the Not So Modern Jazz Quartet at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub (2300 Mount Vernon Avenue). This week, the coffee pub was packed to celebrate the band’s oldest performer, and she sang “Baby Face,” “It Don’t Mean A Thing If You Ain’t Got That Swing” and more.
A fourth-generation city resident, McArtor was born in Alexandria Hospital on Oct. 10, 1926. A retired health care worker for the federal government, she was married twice and had a son, who passed away. She is the last of three sisters, and says she grew up with the music that she now sings, and that her secret to longevity is friends, family and singing.
“I feel very proud,” McArtor told ALXnow. “There are so many people here, and it’s so nice to see such a reception.”
Bandleader Jordan Maley said McArtor brings great energy to the group.
“She is always incredibly vibrant,” Maley said. “She’s always ready to sing and she’s always trying new stuff.”
McArtor’s family has made it a tradition to celebrate her birthday with a big party for the last five years. Her niece, Michell Douglas, said that she would spend summers with McArtor, and that the family would sing around the piano.
“It was a great way to grow up,” Douglas said. “She’s also a fabulous cook.”
Christine Ponzi, the owner of St. Elmo’s, said she will host a birthday party every year for McArtor.
“I love to see Pat come out and dress up and do her thing,” Ponzi said. “Pat epitomizes my life goal. When I’m 100, I want to be as fun and as sexy. I am so glad that she’s here.”
