Janet Jackson at Rumba. Photo by Steve Starr_______
The luminous star, one of the most famous people in the world, entered the beautiful room and stepped onto the stage at Rumba, 351 W. Hubbard, as adoring friends, press and affiliates went wild with thunderous applause while screaming their admiration for the international icon.
It was Sept. 7, 2006. Radiant and magnetic, with very long, straight, streaked hair; fitted black satin sheen pants with red suspenders; a low-cut black-and-white midriff top; a diamond in her navel; wide black metal bracelets on each wrist; and a gleaming smile, Janet Jackson sat demurely on a maroon velvet chair as she was interviewed by WGCI radio host Tony Sculfield, who expertly conducted a very amusing conversation as it was simultaneously broadcast. In the rear center of the dance floor stood an NBC cameraman, who recorded this exclusive, private event to promote her new album, 20 Y.O.
Artist Samuel Canales presented Jackson with a stylized black-and-white image he painted of her. Guests were seated at spacious tables adorned with candles and white linen napkins, and in huge round tufted maroon velvet booths they were treated to wonderful hors d'oeuvres. Every person received a sample CD and a questionnaire featuring Jackson's wonderful new publicity photo, which was also featured on posters at the club—one of which was prominently displayed center stage behind Jackson and flanked by displays of red roses.
A long line of specially invited guests and fans formed to each ask her a single question. Jackson, who earlier had been taped on The Oprah Winfrey Show, captivated everyone, answering each and every awestruck, devoted and often dewy-eyed person's query with charm and integrity.
At the end of the interview, only a few of us were invited to the gorgeous Rumba dining room, where an enormous cake, created by Crazy Cakes of Chicago and decorated with Jackson's image in multi-colored frosting, was presented; there was also a special dinner for Jackson, and a luxurious buffet for everyone else. The entertainer beamed and posed with Rumba's chef Benjamin Soto; owners Edwin and Vivian Rios and their beautiful family; and the handsome, elegant staff. I handed my camera to Alexandre Brum, who shot a great photo of Jackson and me. She seemed to be having a very good time posing with everyone for my camera. The evening continued as we were entertained by the salsa band Johnny Pacheco and His Tumbao.
Janet Jackson is a talented star and a sweet person who sincerely wants to make her fans and friends feel welcome and at ease. Known throughout the world, the ethereal quality and charm she radiates is a grand and marvelous thing.
Steve Starr is the author of Picture Perfect-Deco Photo Frames 1926-1946, published by Rizzoli International Publications. A photographer, writer, designer and artist, he is the owner of Steve Starr Studios, specializing in original Art Deco photo frames, jewelry and artifacts. Starr's column, STARRLIGHT—about movie stars of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s—appears in various publications.
Visit SteveStarrStudios.com .
STARRGAZERS-Radiant Photography by Steve Starr is available for private portraits, for events and at particular locations in Chicago that include the beautiful Rumba Restaurant and Nightclub; the Seneca Hotel's Chestnut Grill and Wine Bar; Katerina's Nightclub; The Cabaret Cocktail Boutique; the Club '3160'; The Baton Show Lounge; Cornelia's Restaurant; and the Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club. Call 773-463-8017.
The photo of Steve Starr that accompanies this article was taken in Chicago, Sept. 2, 2006, by Patrick Hipskind.
