Starlight Venue

Chapters

The Gig (A Starry Eyed beginning: part two)
Location, Location, Location!
We get a bass
Frozen notes
Drums of a foreign land
The bands all here!
Opening Night Hiccups
"Ee-lick-tron-uh-ka" (A Starry Eyed Beginning: part one)
Birth of an Idea (A Starry Eyed Beginning: part three)

The Gig (A Starry Eyed beginning: part two)

Swing Beat's POV

It has been two days since we received word that Luna wanted us to play at the night court this Friday, and since it was Tuesday today, tonight was our last
night to practice before we had to leave. Normally for the average pony you could catch a train to Canterlot and be there with in, say, a day's travel (an hour if flown by Pegasus carriage), but since we had to take our instruments and the royal railways charge extra for excess baggage, that left us to do it the ol' fashioned way, load up a cart and take turns pulling it.

After practicing our set for the tenth time, Cornet's wife arrived at our practice venue (which is the basement of Cornet's shop) with food and drinks. After taking a lunch break, we got right back to work pounding out any kink or problem. Fender Note can play a bass very well, though he prefers the guitar more, and Drumroll, true to her name, loved drums. Cornet played just about any instrument that was made of brass and that leaves me as vocalist and pianist. With only a morning left to go, we ran over our set choices again, hoping that it would please the goddess of night. If anypony dares to say it's easy, I refer you to Celestia's philharmonic Canterlot musicians. My cousin’s mare friend Octavia plays that venue and, despite being brought up under strict lessons with the cello, she was only barely able to make it. She has since moved up the ranks a bit, but it requires 8/10th skill and 2 parts unbelievable intervention. So if Octavia had that much trouble pleasing Celestia, who is kind and forgiving, try to guess the standards Luna must have! Makes my eye twitch just thinking about it.

After saying farewell to our friends Wednesday morning, we packed our instruments and started the two day trip to Canterlot. It was rough going, but despite arriving in Ponyville during a planned rain we had no idea about, we took shelter at the Tired Hoofs Inn, where we rented our rooms and promptly fell asleep...

Only to wake up at around 5 o'clock, where we then followed the railroad up into the foothills of the Canter Mountain range. That was when luck (forever hating me and my band) ran out on us...

“For Celestia's sake, how did we break the axle?” I asked, telekinetically lifting the offending pair of sticks that was our axle before letting them down.

“The wood must have gotten damp during our stay in Ponyville,” Drumroll pointed out. “If you want, I can fly ahead to the next town and see if I can get help.”

Cornet Valve sat glumly on the bed of the cart. “At this rate we'll never make it to Canterlot OR the gig.”

As Fender was busy attempting to fit the two pieces together like a foal tries to put a square peg in a round hole. I sat and looked at our predicament. Thanks to the rain we were already behind schedule, and to further that, we had the axle that was broken. And on top of that, after looking in the bitbag we brought, the hotel we stayed at was enough to leave us with barely two bits to rub together. To the others, this was a problem, but for me this was day-to-day life. Despite being in a band, most of my money comes from weddings, being a certified wedding singer. This leads to a lot of problems because, while I can sing just about any musical genre, my specialty is that of jazz and swing, and it is very rare that I can sing that because ponies today have just left it by the way side, only playing it at the old ponies home or in off beat or dated musicals. It's sad considering that without jazz or swing, ponies could not have a lot of the music they take for granted today.

But as those thoughts took my brain for a trip, I saw a white unicorn with purple mane start to trot up the road with a small, very decked out cart behind her. As she was trotting up the road, she spied us and, after getting to us, she said, “Dear, what ever is the matter?”

“Our axle broke,” Fender said, tossing the sticks aside as this the mare said, “Well, where are you gentlecolts…”

“And mare!” chimed in Drumroll.

“...and mare, heading to this fine afternoon?”

“To Canterlot. We have a gig there.”

“Oh my, small world. I was going to Canterlot as well. I have a relative up there who just opened her own clothing store and the train from Ponyville said that I had too much baggage to take on the train. So, I am having to cart the clothes I made up to Canterlot.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“Oh, it is dreadful, absolutely dreadful! I mean, when I get there, I am going to have to get a hoof-icure to get myself back in presentable shape.”

At this, I thought to myself, “If I can get Fender and Cornet to help this mare with her cart, perhaps we can ask if we load up our things with her. They should all fit.” So, without anything to lose, I asked.

“You know, darling, when you said that you had a broken axle, I had just the same thought!” said the mare.

After we got everything switched over, I asked the mare's name.

“Rarity, darling.”

“Cute name. Mine's Swing Beat, the pegasus is Drumroll, the red one's Fender Note, and Cornet is the one leaving the note of ownership on this cart.”

“A pleasure to meet all of you. Say, since you're music ponies, do you know any songs, so as to pass the travel time?”

As we trotted along the road, I had the idea of using our levitation magic to help lessen the load on Fender, who, as Rarity mentioned, “was built like big macintosh”, a brother of her friend Applejack.

Eventually she asked where this gig was we were heading to. So, in glee, we all said in unison, “The night court of Princess Luna!”

What would normally drive any pony to the point of excitement did not do the trick for her.
“Princess Luna? I know her personally, dear. Such a darling pony...er...princess. You know she just returned from her time on the moon, right?”

“I was aware of it,” I said.

“Yeah, because you have the biggest crush on her!” leered Drumroll.

My cheeks burned red. I instantly went in defense mode. “No I don’t Drumroll! Besides, if I remember right, you continually write romance between a certain yellow Pegasus that’s called Snare-Taps and Princess Celestia. By the way, that last chapter you wrote was so full of it, it reeked of self insert!”

“Well at least I don’t have a plushie that I sleep with every night!” she shot back.

“You leave Woona out of this Drumroll!” I spat.

“Feh. Luna-tic!”

“Sunny Butt Craver!!”

Rarity then got between me and Drumroll as we were snout to snout, both our cheeks red in embarrassment as having our secrets brought out like this as Fender Note and Cornet Valve had stopped and were now rolling on the road splitting their sides with laughter.

Rarity came between us. “You two need to calm down! Would you really want to have the princesses see you squabbling over something as fickle as a crush like this?”

Drumroll and I lowered our heads in shame, because this came from a pony who personally knew who we were fighting about.

“Besides, Princess Cadence is much more fashionable than those two. After all, they have yet to actually take modern fashion into their lives. Even Celestia still wears the same style she wore back when Nightmare Moon was banished.” At this, we both dead panned towards the trotting talking marshmallow.

“Princess Cadence, really?” All the while, the two earth ponies were dying of laughter.

After what seemed like an eternity to get the two earth ponies to breath again without breaking into hysterics, we were on our way. Meanwhile, Rarity mentioned a few first hoof facts on the sisters, such as they are prone to prank each other quite frequently and that it is true Celestia does have an almost unnatural love for cake, but not as much as Luna has for moon pies, which, speaking of Luna, came a rather embarrassing revelation, one that made me regret having my dream last night.

Upon arrival in Canterlot, we knew we had to finish with Rarity, so we quickly made our way to her relatives shop after that, since Drumroll could fly faster than any of us could gallup, she went on to help get things set up, so that let us get Rarity taken care of. But before we managed to leave her while grabbing our instruments in tow, she insisted we wear something formal for Luna (as not only as a more proper thank you for us from her for helping her out, even though she helped us out more, but as a sort of advertisement of her relatives new store).

After getting suited in an admittedly very nice vest and tie (I still have them, I bought them from the store), we also got a somewhat stylish blue dress for Drumroll, who, after arriving to tell us everything was set for our arrival, she vehemently protested, “NO! I will not wear that dress!”

“Oh please, you're just as bad as Rainbow Dash,” Rarity mentioned.

“Tartarus no! BUCK NO!”

One new tie, a few ropes, and a corset squeeze that made being wrapped by a Python look like a gentle hug and Drumroll was in a dress and ready to kill the stallions responsible. But in all honesty, she was good looking and, after a wave goodbye and a promise to return the clothes after the show, we carried our instruments (minus the drums having been sent ahead of us) to the Canterlot Castle.

What in the name of harmony did we get ourselves into?

Luna POV

I had finished with the
raising of the moon and I was then on my way to the royal courtroom. When I entered, I saw a small stage had been set up with the quartet I had invited finishing their warmups and retuning. I saw Cornet Valve blowing moisture out of his instrument, then I saw the others. There was a red stallion who was plucking a few strings on the bass, a yellow pegasus mare tapping out a few beats in testing, then, finally, I saw one who didn't fit in right. He was of average size for a unicorn, a little small when it came to muscle, but he did not need it. His mane was white and black and his coat was a very dark blue, a blue that had the same color of the night right around my moon. I then noticed his cutie mark. It was a microphone crossed over an eighth note. As I picked a few keys he was warming up his voice. Finally, when they were ready, they nodded to me so I could get the court started.

“WE HEREBY DECREE THAT THE ROYAL COURT OF THE NIGHT SHALL COMMENCE BY ROYAL BIRTHRIGHT,” I said in classical Canterlotian. This caused a few unprepared ponies to fly back a meter or so and caused more than one hat to fly off. Good nobles should know that hats are not allowed in the presence of royalty.

After the entire room reset itself after my out burst (note to self, Canterlotian voice needs to be toned down in the current century), the band introduced itself to the court. The blue unicorn was the one that spoke.

“Ladies and gentlecolts, my name is Swing Beat, the singer and pianist for the band presented to you tonight. I want to take this time and personally thank Princess Luna for inviting us here. Now, you older nobles might remember some of the songs being presented. That's because we are a Jazz and Swing band.”

This got a few murmurs from the younger generation while a few of the older ones, like Fancy Pants, Velvet Rug, and the ever elusive Sir Posh (his appearance surprises even me), just nodded and recounted fond memories.

“Tonight we will start off with a rendition of Fly Me to the Moon, as made famous by my hero Ol’ ‘Blues Eye’ Sonata.”

I will admit, “Fly me to the moon” was probably an ill advised title because of my history, but I enjoyed it. The next song was slower and more bluesy, but I didn't catch the name of it. So on the band went with each song. Sometimes, during one of the introductions to a song, Drumroll would crack a joke at Swing Beats expense. Apparently Swing Beat is one of the many “Luna-tics” that popped up since my return. But it was the last song though that caused me to question this pony...

They had just finished playing a rendition of Moonlight Serenade, as formatted by their resident music writer Swing Beat. It was nowhere near as good as a regular band, but it had a slightly more impressive charm, as it felt like it was from the heart and, as the last notes finished and cut off a midst the applause, Swing Beat pulled the mic up to him.

“And now, the best for last. This song is not a normal song, by any means, because much like me, it was made in the wrong decade. I originally wrote it back in October a long time ago, back before the mare in the moon returned, which is funny, because the song is indeed titled "The Mare in the Moon.”

The song that played next tugged at my heart so much so that by the end, I was nearly a teary, bleary eyed mess. Soft and gentle, yet also mistreated and longing for recognition. It was something that I felt once before over a thousand years ago and here was a song that was being played in an almost lullaby way that even without lyrics told me that there was a friend who stayed late into the night just to see what I had made. It was too much. So after the end, I quickly left in fear that my emotions would compromise me even further. But for once, I was happy I had a somepony who liked my nights even without knowing I truly existed.

My tears were filled with joy, but I could not show the courts my emotions.

After retiring to my room and getting over my feelings, I decided to personally thank the band that moved me so much. As I walked back to the court chamber,I could hear the band in a massive argument .

“What in Tartarus were you thinking Swing beat?!”

“I didn't think that song would do that.”

“Well, it did, and now look at what we've done! We made a princess, not some noble, but the bucking PRINCESS of the night lose her composure! Who knows what the news will read tomorrow. Admit it Swing Beat, we're done! Finished! Kaput!
Royally screwed!”

“I didn’t think…”

“Thats the point! You never do. While we all have good steady jobs you can't keep one without messing it up, and don't say it's because you were born in the wrong century. It's because you never think about what you do! You just gallivant your way through stuff. Well, I've had it! I quit this band.”

The sound of drums being smashed followed that out burst. Then I heard the other ones throw their instruments down and storm off on a train to get back home, leaving only Swing Beat in the courtrooms.

I heard a small sniff inside, followed by the sounds of instruments being picked up. A guard walked up and asked if I needed Swing Beat to be out of the courtroom.

“No. Let me handle this. This pony just had something terrible happen to him. I believe that I can alleviate at least some of his anxiety.”

The guard then nodded and went back to his post. As I walked into the courtroom, it is was devoid of ponies, save for one disheveled and saddened pony. As he sat on his haunches and looked at the remains of a dream of his.

I found it hard to speak in situations like this and being a thousand years out of touch made me hesitant. But, I did what I thought was best. I walked up and sat next to Swing Beat who, flinched and was beginning to finish cleaning up the remains.

“I’m sorry I made you cry Princess Luna. I will get this cleaned up and out of here right away.”

“Don't be. Those tears were ones of joy I shed. The feelings that you invoked in that song caused me to look back and actually recount my loneliness. But by your confession even before you knew I really existed that you enjoyed my night...” I had his attention.

“I will let you in on a secret. I do indeed create the night sky by my magic, but the one you wrote your song to was the same one I made just before I lost control to Nightmare Moon. My sister cannot make a night sky, she can only raise the moon by herself, just how I can raise the sun but not control the bigger clouds that pegasi can't control. Think of it like we know each others instruments,” I said pointing towards a bent up trumpet, “but we can only play simple songs, while on our own instruments, we can make whole symphonies.” At this, Swing Beat was sitting down and listening. “I say all that because the song you wrote was indeed late by a few centuries. Had I known that there was somepony out there that loved my night so much that it caused the creation of a song like that, I would have fought harder for control over my feelings and Nightmare Moon would never had been born. But the past is the past and I don't think that no matter what, even I would say your band has been disbanded, which is such a shame. I really enjoyed the performance.”

“Thank you princess,” said Swing Beat in a lowly manner. I had expected that he would be ecstatic about my words, but he wasn't.

“Something is wrong, Swing Beat. I may be no ‘shrink’, as my sister calls them, but I do know that there is something more.”

“It's nothing, Princess Luna.”

“Please, call me Luna. We're not in public right now. So, what is causing such a reversal of personality?”

At this, Swing Beat finally broke down, and after a minute of tears (I will be needing to wash my petrel after this), out came the truth. He failed at everything presented to him, unable to keep a steady job, and barely passing through life. He always sought after the things he knew could never happen, and it caused him to constantly fail at his jobs. His only “steady” job was that of a wedding singer. But even then, with ponies getting more and more comfortable with the idea of “partners” instead of husband and wife, that meant that even the occupation of wedding singer was close to be nonexistent. So, he was on the ropes and he actually had hoped that this would boost his band to the spotlight, but thanks to my losing composure, it cost him dearly, and I truly felt sorry for him. So, I decided to do something about it, because, while I can't do it for everypony with a bad streak of luck, I could at least try to make up for something that was, indeed, my fault.

I decided to bring back the role of the royal minstrel.

Location, Location, Location!

I had awoken with a start as the train stopped in Ponyville. This was the town famous for being the home of The Elements of Harmony and consequently voted as the “most prone to damage”, but around here, its treated like a natural disaster and they quickly rebuild. After getting off, I remembered what Luna had told me.

“Go to Ponyville and take a look at the building. I want to know if it is serviceable to what I want and your opinion on it.”

So picking my hooves up, I went to the site of the building. After reaching the site, I let out a sigh. I had hoped the photo was black and white, but apparently it wasn't the building in question. To say it kindly, the dilapidated building was very old and according to the papers, it was built sometime after the Apple family founded the town. It originally served as a meeting hall for the town founders, then, when the current town hall was built, it was passed off between owners. It served as a restaurant, a small theater, even a home at one point for somepony named Filthy Rich while a new home was being built. Then it swapped hooves again and turned into a range of things. It didn't even last for a year until it landed on the desk of our Realtor and then finally, to us.

The building was grey in color and had a lawn that could make the Everfree look like a trimmed garden. So, hiking my way through the briars and wild grass, I came to the door and opened it with my magic. Looking inside, I saw the remains of what once was a bar. There were two main things I was worried about though. First, the size of the stage, if there was anything left at all. And second, the acoustics of the main hall where the music would be played. Turned out, I was in luck! The stage was large enough to hold a proper big band like Luna had wanted, but not a pony more. I climbed up onto the stage and belted a few notes to check the acoustics. As my voice carried and came back, it sounded right, which was a testament to the original constructors who built it as a meeting hall. Suddenly, I heard a series of voices whisper in the rooms above.

“See! I told you it was a bad idea.”

“No it ain’t! This here building's been emp’ty fer years! We’re sure to get our cutiemarks in antique findin!’”

“Besides, it sounded like some old gramophone playing old Mr. Waddles music.”

Oh my poor, poor pride. I decided to go up and investigate the obviously young filly voices and get them out of the building for their safety, when I suddenly heard a crack. It was at that point that a mountain of plaster and floor decided to fall on me.

As I wished I had worn a helmet when I got in the building, I saw three young fillies. One was yellow earth pony with a red bow, the other was a unicorn with a white coat, and finally an orange pegasus with a purple mane. As they each asked if I was okay, I had to ask what just happened. Looking at the stage, which now had a gaping hole in the center of it, I looked at my hooves and found that I was now a light blue thanks to the dust and my glasses frames were bent at a weird angle. Taking the bent frames in my aura, and fixing them, I then said, “Okay, I’m a new pony here, I’ll admit, but I highly doubt that three young fillies are allowed in these types of buildings. So I have to ask, what are you doing here?”

The yellow one said, “We’re the Cutiemark Crusaders mister! We were in here trying to find some antiques so we could get our cutiemarks in antique collecting!”

At that, I rolled my eyes. As I put my glasses back on and stood up, I ushered them out telling them that it was a risk that I was in the building. It was certainly no place for a bunch of kids to be…doing whatever they were in it. As I huffed, I shook most of the dust off and straightened my tie. That was when I saw Rarity again. She was carrying a lot of bags in her magic when she saw the little ones and rushed over. As she was distracted, I tried to get away so I could talk to Luna and settle this whole ordeal. That was until Rarity stopped me.

“I really wish I could have met you again under better circumstances, Mr. Swing Beat.”

“It’s nothing, really.”

“I must apologize for my sister’s behavior. Those fillies always seem to get into dangerous situations.”

“Well, fillies will be fillies.” As we chatted the, CMC decided that what we were doing was “grown up talk” and I chuckled at that. As they left, that was when Rarity asked if I could stay for some tea. She was dying to know how the gig went with Luna, so being the gentlecolt that I am, I offered to carry her bags...which she unceremoniously accepted and dumped on me. As I lifted the bags of fabric, I followed her to her store, The Carousel Boutique. Once inside, she magiced the bags away into the back rooms as she talked about how her family was now doing in Canterlot. Apparently in the time that had passed, her cousin’s store was an instant hit! Thanks in part to word being passed that the outfits for Luna’s jazz band wore clothes from the store! As the tea was finally prepared, she passed me a cup, I smelled the aroma and I recognized it instantly.

“Ah, my favorite! Lapsang souchong.” I said as I blew on it a bit and took a sip.

“You seem to know your teas.” Rarity said.

“Of course I do. I have been residing at Canterlot Castle as Luna’s personal minstrel for a while now and she nearly demanded that I know my teas for the off chance I had to attend a meeting with her. Apparently she gets very bored at the meeting that Celestia gives.”

Rarity chuckled and said, “Well, I do know that she is very old fashioned.”

“You want to know old fashioned? She asked me once if I could play something called a harpsichord. If I hadn't read up on piano history, I would have had no clue as to what that was! Oh, and don't get me started on how she feels about modern fashion. She still remembers when those frilly neck pieces were all the rage! Sometimes when she feels nostalgic, she’ll even put one on!”

This got a spit take from the unicorn in front of me, and as she put her tea down, she said, “I didn't know it was that bad! I’ll have to return to Canterlot and help introduce today’s fashion to her.” I laughed at this. As we both calmed, she asked me about how the gig went.

“Well, the good news is I got the minstrel part out of it. The bad news is that a song I wrote that was played was enough to make Luna tear up and cry. Tears of joy, that is. But the rest of the band saw it as a very bad thing and pretty much left me holding the bag. So, the band that you saw is no more. Last I heard, Cornet is busy with lessons and the other two are living peacefully without me. They still play every now and then, but without me, they don't do so often.”

“That is a shame. A pony that could write a song that could make a princess cry in any form deserves so much better than that.”

“Funny you should say that. The reason I am here in Ponyville is because Luna wants to open up a dance hall/venue, and since she does not want many ponies knowing about it, I am being placed as proxy and manager for the whole thing. Pretty much, she’s giving me the keys to a place and expecting me to turn it into a happening with as little help from her as possible. Something about economic disadvantages.”

“Well, I can say with a certainty that you and Luna's secret are safe with me, and as for the dance hall, I know a lot of the older ponies will enjoy seeing a piece of history return to life.”

“Thanks, but the problem is I can't depend on the older generation for a steady business. What do you think I could do to help with that?”

Rarity put a hoof to her chin and thought for a minute and said, “If my memory serves me right, my grandfather mentioned something about ‘swing dancing’ and how he met my grandmother that way. Perhaps give swing dance lessons?”

“Seems good. I will think about that.”

As I looked at the clock, I noticed the time. So, after excusing myself and saying “see you later” to rarity, I was once more bound to Canterlot with the news of the state of the venue and a plan to get the place hopping in no time.

We get a bass

Dear mom and dad,

Sorry it's been a few weeks, but I have been nearly non stop in my new job. As you know, I was selected to be Princess Luna's personal minstrel and my former band fell apart. But no worries, Luna has deemed it “a matter of night time importance” to help establish a Jazz venue. We already have the place picked out. It's in Ponyville and after I pick up the new band members, we should be able to get everypony started right away with practice. Oh, by the way, I am currently in Manehatten chasing down the first possible member of the band. You might remember her. I believe her name was Rhythm... Oh well, I will find out soon. Hope this messages sees you in good health.

Love you,

Swing Beat

As I sealed the letter and dropped it off at the mail room for the hotel I was staying in, I decided to walk a bit around Manehatten and visit a few places, such as the place where Trombone Mills got his break with his band, and then I went to some of the art museums and hung around some of the older paintings, just amazed at how well done the Marelem Renaissance art was done. As I took out my notebook. Rhythm was supposed to be setting up her act now at some dive place. So, putting the notebook away, I made my way over.

When I arrived at the “corner place”, I already heard a fairly good piano play its solo, then I heard maybe one or two claps in approval. As I entered the establishment, I was seated a distance from the stage, but I still could see and hear the bass player very well. The group up there was actually a duo. Some pegasus was on the ivories and Rhythm playing an upright bass. She was an earth pony, but the way she handled that bass, it was obvious that it was no wonder her cutie mark was a clef note. She was a a bit of a dark orange with a mix of dark and light pink for her mane, which she tied up behind her so as to not get in the way of her playing. As she played, it sounded very good. No wonder when Luna sent me to find this pony she had a good feeling about it. So, I waited for their set to end. As it did, Rhythm got down and approached the bar and asked for a tonic water. When she did, I saw her take a headache pill out. So, taking my chance, I struck up a conversation.

“Tough crowd tonight.”

“Yeah, no kidding. What with the beer swollen stallions trying to hit on me while on stage and the fact that the pianist is a show off. Tough crowd alright...”

When the tonic water arrived, she was digging out a bit purse, but I paid for it from my own. She thanked me and in the same breath also said, “Don't think I am that easy, mister. Just because you seem suave doesn't mean I can't kick your flank back to whatever hole you crawled from.” Yeowch, a stinger.

“Well, contrary to popular belief my name, Swing, is for a music style, not the life style.”

“Glad to know,” she said as she took her drink in hoof and drank a bit.

“So, ‘Swing’, what brought you to this dump? My excuse is a gig. You, though, look like you belong at a place like the Savoy.”

“Well, funny thing really. I am currently looking for members for a band.”

“Really? So you've heard about me and wanted to check me out then, huh?”

“More or less.”

“So, what band type are we talking about?”

“A jazz band. More specifically, a big band that could rival the Canterlot orchestra.”

“Lofty goals there, Swing. And you want me to be a part of it?”

“Room and board are included, as well as a healthy pay.”

“Sounds a bit too much to be true.”

“Well,” I said, digging out the invitation as well as employment papers and placing them on the bar for her to see, “these are the papers. I will let you read them tonight and make up your mind. You can find me tomorrow at Lombardi's Pizzeria at lunch and if you miss me, then you can call me up at the Hooften Hotel, room 383.” And with that, I said goodbye and left her to think.

The next morning I awoke to the sun being raised and, while I prefer night (after all, I am considered a nightpony), I can work in the day, and sometimes you just have to. Today was one of those days. I wanted nothing to do with Celstia's sun, but I got up and got ready for today and my meeting with Rhythm and so. I was actually nervous and praying to whatever higher powers than the princesses were, hoping that Rhythm would accept it. So as lunch rolled around, I went to Lombardi's, ordered a margherita pizza, and waited at a quarter after noon.

She arrived holding the papers in her saddle bags, and as she sat down at my table said, “This has got to be the biggest joke I have ever seen.”

“I assure you, it is no joke.”

“So what your saying is that Princess Luna, the ruler of the night, wants to start a jazz band?!?”

“Shh! Calm down! She doesn't want it getting out that she's up to this. She says it would make other ponies call foul play on us.”

“So how many have already signed up?”

“Well, including you if you sign, two. Myself, naturally, then you.”

“Any proof that it really is Luna pulling the strings here?”

I knew she would ask that. That is why, when I left, I asked her to provide something to prove this to the applicants, which she did. It was a shoe that only the royal cobbler could make. Shoes out of obsidian.

As I showed it to her, she nearly croaked with disbelief. Finally, after assuring her that it was all real, I said, “So, do you want to join?”

“What kind of idiot wouldn't?” And so, I got my first player to join up. Now, 15 more to go.

At the request of Rhythm, I looked at some of her friends she played with and I took notes and asked for recordings they had made and secretly sending them to Luna. She gave me feedback. We found two trumpets and a baritone sax this way, as well as word of a possible pianist (I can play the piano, but its not my specialty). The pianist in mind was a griffon, but for him, I needed to travel to the griffon lands to the east, which required Luna's permission, which was granted with an unnatural wholeheartedness. Apparently something like this was a “good politics” move on Equstria's part, but I reminded Luna that i was picking based off of talent that I saw and how well the players could work, and apparently this guy was very good, seeing as how his claws could play the piano in which no pony could. So, after asking around in letters and getting responses, I found that he was in the small town of Talon's Peak, playing for a small band called the Jetstream Fliers. So, after telling the band already made to meet me in Ponyville in three months, I hopped on an air ship bound for the griffin's nation.

Frozen notes

And this is the reason I hate cold weather!

Princess Luna,

I am glad to report that I made it to Talon's Peak. Though, I will say that this little town has probably never seen a unicorn before, considering how a lot of the younger griffins look at me like I'm lunch. But joking aside, I found our pianist. His name is Hercule, and if I said playing the piano was like painting, then this guy is Da Hoovsie with it. Not only does he tickle the ivories with grace and finesse, but he is also not afraid to tackle some of the weird chord progressions that jazz calls for. I am going to be meeting with him one on one, which the guide that you assigned to me says that it's pretty much a duel of wills if we want our band to be able to get the recognition you want. I will need a will liken to that of a minatuar. I will send a letter on my success or my failure and if you don't hear from me, I'm probably in a griffons stomach, so tell my parents I loved them.

Swing Beat

It is times like this that I wish I was a pegasus like my mother instead of a unicorn. The need for flight as well as the low oxygen content at this level of altitude would make a pegasus at home, but for we earth bound unicorns and earth ponies, it causes a bit of a problem. Also, it may indeed be June, but I am right now bundled in a scarf, jacket, two sweaters, and had to pull a heating spell on my boots just to keep away the frostbite from my hooves. It's that cold but the denizens of Talon's Peak seem more than content to have just a light coat and a scarf. All the more reason to hurry up and get this done with.

Now, I know that griffons are indeed omnivorous, meaning that a lot of their diet contains meat. Thankfully the animals here are not like they are in Equstria. They don't have the life magic found in places like the Everfree or in general with Equestria. Guess that means that Equstria has a more predominantly magical atmosphere around it (case in point, I found that my magic here is actually weakened and my pegasus guide, named Thunder Trotter, can actually tread on the clouds here, but he can't chase them a bit and corral them) it is of little relief though.

The town itself was a mixture of buildings and mineshafts that were renovated for life on a more permantnt setting. Matter of fact, I was staying at an inn which used to be a gold mine (the gold has long since been gone). But what really sucks is that most of the sections of town require either flight or the use of very old and rickety gondolas to traverse the many caverns and gorges here. More than twice I have had vertigo when it finally was time to meet with Hercule. It was going to be at his place of residence, a small apartment complex that looked more like a urban bird house which left me in a bind. After having T.T. carry me up to the landing, I walked up to the door and knocked.

No answer.

So I knocked again a little louder.

“I heard you the first time!” came a very irritated voice. My legs were quaking. I will admit, griffons scare me more than the threat of Tartarus opening up and releasing who knows onto Equstria. When the door opened, I saw the griffon I was to meet with. He was fairly built, defiantly could snap my spine like a twig, but lanky enough to hide his strength. His head was like a red tailed hawk’s and his talons were the typical yellow, but his eyes were a shade of dull orange that could make even the body builder Bulk Biceps cry in fear.

“You must be Swing Beat,” he said in a baritone voice.

“Yes, I am. This is my guide, Thunder Trotter, and I was sent here to…”

“I know why you little ponies showed up. Come on in. It must be Tartarus for you out there.”

“Thank you monsieur Hercule.”

“Just Hercule. Monsieur is a title that I have not earned yet.”

The guide jabbed my side a bit with the reminder that here being called mister or miss or anything other than a name was an honor earned, not given.

As we walked in, everything was a bit bigger than a ponies belongings, but that is because of the size difference. I noticed that it was fairly sparse in the way of furniture, giving, instead, the majority to an upright piano and a vast amount of of sheet music. When Hercule asked for me alone to enter his private music room, I knew it was time to nut up or shut up. So, I entered.

“Hercule,” began, “as you know, I want to enlist you as a piano player for a Jazz band that will be playing a venue and will be the personal band for Princess Luna of the Canterlot Castle.”

“I know all about it, little pony. I read the dispatch that your princess sent me. I am also aware that our races have not been to kind to each other.”

“I was made aware of that as well, but what I am asking goes beyond simple politics. It is a movement of music of a type nearly forgotten in recent history and I know that griffons are always wanting to out do the rest. So, I am offering that chance for you.”

The griffon then grabbed a copy of the employment papers that were transcribed into griffon for his benefit. “It says here that I will have to move to this little town called Ponyville, but that room and board are already included in the pay, which, if Luna's accountants were correct, would equal the sum of roughly 23 thousand bits in your units. That's quite the sum for a band even your princess doesn't know will work.”

He was right, I couldn't deny it. We had no clue if this really could work. So, I said, “You're right but, it is a win-win situation. If we succeed, you will be able to say that you helped to bring a genre of music back from the point of near extinction. If we fail, you still get that sum of money. Either way, the most you lose is time.”

As he thought to himself, I saw him pick up a photo of him and what appeared to be a zebra in some part of a city. The zebra was female and the griffon looked longingly to it. If you've seen this before, you know what it means.

“I will join on the condition that the zebra named Pundamilia, she is one of the best drummers that I had the pleasure of working with, deems your enterprise as worthy for her. Then I shall join as well.”

After that, we left in no short order. Who knew gathering a band required me to go globe trotting?

“Dear Princess Luna,

Well, I got good news. The good news is that he didn't say no. The bad news is he only says yes if a zebra named Pundamilia joins as well and, according to him, her tribe, or whatever you call the zebra's form of family, is thankfully close enough to the Saddle Arabian's nation that it should be okay to travel there within a day of travel. Though on a personal note, if I had known I would be globe trotting, I would have thought twice about this whole idea. So if you can please use your resources to find where this zebra is, I'm tired of traveling!”

Your very weary Minstrel,

Swing Beat”

Drums of a foreign land

Dearest Swing Beat,

You are in luck! I actually have Pundamilia here at the castle, so please wait till I give word so that I may talk to her.
As for traveling, you may be assured that it is done. You have done well in your searches, but I feel that if there are anymore out there that can be proficient in my nighttime music, I will seek them out and send them your way.

Princess Luna

I quickly rolled the letter and sent it across the ethereal lines to my minstrel, and after the last ash flew off I, needed to visit the zebrica diplomats in the guest rooms and see if Pundamilia was available to talk.

After saying hello to the leading medicine mare and then greeting the prince, I asked point blank if Pundamilia was available.

"Has our drummer offended the mare of the night? I hope every thing is alright." Asked the shamare.

“No, she has not. I actually have a proposal to ask her.”

“Ah, then this is a good turn of events then,” said the prince.

“Perhaps. It matters on what she says,” I said, leaving thing vauge.

After being led to Pundamilia's room, I heard drums being expertly played in practice, then they stopped. I heard a few taps of varying pitch until it stopped. A steady set of taps were played then it continued. As I walked in, I must have shocked the zebra, for she was about to buck the bass drum for an extra loud kick, but when I walked in, she bucked a hole right into the thing, causing her leg to get stuck.

After stifling a chuckle, I greeted the drummer.

“Good afternoon miss Pundamilia.”

“A good afternoon to you too mwezi mwanzilishi.” For those that don't know how to speak the zebra's language, that is directly translated to “moon mover”, a very regal title that was given to me when I first showed that I still had control of the moon. But as we chatted about how her drumming was, I asked her if she knew a griffon by the name of Hercule.

“Yes,” she said, “I do remember that oaf. A very talented piano player, but a bit rough to strangers. Why is it that you bring up my old partner?”

“Well, it just so happens that I am putting a band together and that he mentioned you by name.”

“Of course he would...”

“Is there something I should know about him?”

“No, more like something about US. We used to be a nigh inseparable team, but then he let his pride got in the way and we split.”

“I see,” I said, giving a breif pause to let everything sink in. “Would you want to join a band that has him in it?” As I looked to her, I saw the prince in the windows reflection furiously nod his head yes, as if coaching her.

“Don't listen to your prince. No matter what you say, it is not your head or any matter of the politics involved. This is just a plain simple asking for you to join a band that is liken to that of my sister's orchastra.” I saw the prince slowly slink away, knowing he was caught.

Pundamilia said, “I will think about it, because when we split, it was rather rough.”

“Take as much time as you need, and if you have questions, please feel free to ask.”

“Thank you. I shall.”

As I walked out, I scolded the prince for trying to force one of his subject to be a leverage device in our dealings and then left the ambassadors, because it was near time to raise the moon. As I flew up the tower sides to our personal room for the use of our magic, I saw Celestia resting on the couch, enjoying some tea.

After the moon was on its track, I said, “Well, my band is slowly coming together. It is now hinging on a zebra to see if I can't get a griffon to join.”

“That is interesting Lulu.”

She called me Lulu. What is going on in that devilish head of hers? “Alright, out with it. What's on your mind? You never call me Lulu unless you have something planned.”

“Oh, it's nothing. Just a random thought I had.”

“Random is Discord's
territory.”

“So it is, but anypony can have little sparks of insperation right?”

She's running around it.

“Out with it.”

She sighed and set her cup on a table and said, “In all honesty, I don't think your band has a chance, nor your music. Not to say that it's bad, it's just not for this generation.”

“Really?”

“Really,” Tia replied. She was right. I was having to deal with a cold start, but it could be done if executed right. But then she said something that got my blood boiling.

“Besides, your band could never amount to my orchestra.”

“TIS A LIE!” I said, slipping into Cnterlotian, blowing out one of the windows (this is the reason why we have glass blowers on staff). After huffing it out, I said, “Your types of music don't have anywhere near the amount of feeling that my Jazz has, for my music is done from the heart. This modern music is done from the bit bags.”

“This is true, but it still doesn't matter. The ponies will want my music at the end of it all.”

“Then I declare battle of bands! My big band versus your orchestra. The ponies in attendance of the final concert shall see who wins.”

“Alright then. Whoever has the better group wins this little challenge and the rights to royal pastry chef.”

“YOUR ON!”

As she gracefully walked to the balcony and spread her wings, she also said, “Okay, the competition will be at the Gala, so best tell them to practice.”

As she flew off, she left me still processing what I had just gotten into. Wait, did I just bet the rights to the royal pastry chef on a band that I still had no idea would be formed?

Yes, yes i did. I facehoofed and swore to myself. “Oh, me dammit!” Subtly thy name is Tia as I finished fuming and brought my composure back. I flew down to the dining hall where Pundamilia would be having dinner, and upon sitting down, Pundamilia spoke up.

“Mwezi mwanzilishi, I have made a decision on that which you asked me.”

“And?”

“I will join your little band, but only for a year at most.”

The other diplomats then stated that I could not have asked for a better drummer, blah blah blah, and that it is an honor that Pundamilia has of serving me, yadda yadda yadda. This meal couldn't end quick enough, and after it did, I sent a letter straight to Swing Beat right away saying that she said yes, but i withheld the news of the competition. I don't need him to stress himself out.

The bands all here!

The band's all here.

I had been up since the crack of Celstia's flaming ball of gas raising up and assaulted my eyes. It was barely even 9 when Pundy (Pundamilia's nickname), Hercule, Rhythm, and I called out in unison, “Next!”

It was the third day of auditions and, thanks to Hercule and Rhythm, news had gotten out about our band and the need for ponies or anything that could hold an instrument, because outright searching for talent was too time consuming and tiring, not to say that the folks in the griffon lands weren't nice (They even offered some “bacon” to me. I was sick for a week after that.). But I wanted to get back to The Starlight Venue and check on progress, which apparently was not going too well, as we were having auditions outside in the park while the din of construction was fixing a termite infested second floor, which had caused the latest of issues of a collapsed back half. But, it was not all that bad. At least this way we could tack on some apartments to the building. Also, for the record, if the Cutiemark Crusaders ever ask you if they can help paint stuff or help in any way, make sure you decline or bring lots of solvent, because no matter what happens, they always seem to end up in the literal sticky situation (need I mention the caulking gun incident?).

As the latest pony left us with a feeling that she could do well if she actually had been brought up in Jazz like Rhythm or I, we had Twilight's assistant, Spike, walk on the stage with a tenor sax, wearing a single red glove and a white vest with a black stripe on it. After introducing himself he began to play and after the third or tenth cycle of music I had an ear worm.

Things progressed slowly, but it got better. A lot of the musicians that really were musicians by trade knew that you come late for the auditions so that you can be remembered more, a tactic I used a few times as well. Soon, at the end of it all, we were left with differing opinions because we needed to figure out who we wanted and who we needed.

“I thought Crosswind was a good choice,” I said.

“Nah, he has his own fans and would bring a lot of baggage with him into the mix,” said Hercule.

“I agree,” Pundy piped up.

“Well then, what about Spit Valve? I know him personally, yes, but he also knows his way around a trumpet, almost as well as his brother Cornet,” I inquired.

“Well, what about that other one, Diamond Taps?” Rhythm asked.

“Nuh uh. While her saxophone was near flawless, but all of us would agree that she had no sense of improvisation as well as her stage presence sucked,” Hercule said as he thumbs-downed.

And on it went for hours until, finally, we had our band. The more notable members of our band were, of course, the pianist, the bass player, the drummer, and lead male vocal, which of course was us. But we had a bit of a surprise when it came to one of the trumpets. Spit's actually made it and for female vocalist we had, and here's a shocker for ya, Rarity auditioned and won unanimous approval, and it wasn't because she's the element of generosity. Did you hear the voice she had? It rivals that of one of a seapony's siren song! But since she owned her own store, she was given the title of part-time singer. Our other songstress was a pony named Misty Meadows, an earth pony mare that had a sizable repertoire to her and had already achieved a small amount of respect in the very tight nit group of ponies who still play Jazz professionally. (Whats funny is that all of them showed up and most were so rusty with their instruments we had to let them loose, which was very hard.)

After our discussions, we sent the list of ponies to the Ponyville Gazette to print in the morning paper. After that, we went to bed for highly deserved sleep.

The next morning I decided to pay a visit to Rhythm so I could get to know her better. But instead of meeting her at her new home near the venue, I met her at the station waiting on the platform. After walking up, I asked who she was waiting on.

“My daughter.”

Okay, hold up. Run that me again?

“Your daughter?”

“What? I can't be a mother and your bassist?”

“No, just…” I stammered. “...I didn't take you as being a mother, that's all. What's the little one's name?”

“Olive. She's coming from my fathers place in Manehatten.”

As she finished saying that, we heard the tell-tale whistle from the Manehatten Express, which was heard off in the distance and soon after the station was busy with a small amount of ponies moving this way and that. There were two little fillies that got off near the end of the train. One was brown with pink mane and freckles, the other was a bright red orange filly with a mane just like her mother's. This had to be Olive. As the two fillies split from each other, Olive came bounding over to Rhythm and, after the two met up, her mother introduced me.

“Darling, this is mister Swing Beat, the leader of the band I am in.”

“Are you the one to thank for giving mom a permanent gig?”

Rhythm scolded her foal, but I merely said, “Nah, it's okay. Myself and pretty much the rest of the band has been in that situation before, and besides, just call me Swing. All I do is just keep every one in time with each other and occasionally sing. Your mother, though, is the unsung hero in the band. Without her, the music we make couldn't have as much depth to it as it does.”

Olive smiled and then said, “Mom, I'm hungry. Can we go get something to eat?”

“Of course, sweetie. Swing, do you want to join?”

“I'm peckish too. Sure.”

As we walked to one of the restaurants that served breakfast, Olive was telling her mother all about how she met that foal “Babs Seed” on the train and from there it went downhill. As she gushed with information, some of which was comical, some of which I knew I wasn't supposed to hear, but out came the words ranging from how she will miss her friends to the hope of making new friends and even going so far as to asking me what Princess Luna was like. Which reminded me, during the night while we slept, Luna walked into my dream (I was wearing a helmet this time) and said that she would be visiting when the place opened.

“I bet shes really nice!” Olive said.

“She is. Oh, that reminds me,” I said.

“I need to tell ever one that Princess Luna will be attending the grand opening after we get the place fixed up.”

I saw Olive's eyes nearly pop out of her skull when I said that and her mother was fully agape, too, with a look of “you didn't care to mention this earlier?”

“I was told last night while I was dreaming of surfing a chocolate milk tsunami on a rock candy surfboard. I was going to tell everyone this afternoon at the rehearsal.” This earned a eye roll from Rhythm, but Olive was ecstatic about the chance to meet the princess of the night.

After breakfast, Rhythm said she had to go and pick up a fresh set of strings for her bass before the rehearsal. She asked if Olive wanted to join her.

“Aww, I wanted to see where you’ll work!” she whined.

Ah, the joys of foalhood. You can get just about anything with a pair of puppy eyes and a pout. As Rhythm sighed, she asked if I could show her the venue because she needed to pick up the strings as soon as possible. I agreed and we started walking to the still under construction venue. Thankfully the first floor was still in one piece and was currently being finished with all the bells and whistles for the dance hall and restaurant, so I showed her around the main area.

As we were walking around, the new piano Princess Luna ordered for us had arrived and I had to leave Olive alone for a little bit as I had to help get it in place on the stage. When I returned to Olive, she was checking out some of the art we had received from local artists. As I was telling her a little about the history of our music we play, her mother walked in. Olive went to her mother and after a “see you later mister Swing!” from Olive, they left to go to their new home a block away, leaving me with a now empty dance hall. So, seeing as how our new piano arrived, I decided to go see Hercule, who was staying with a pony friend of his named Lyra. Apparently the two did a gig together a few moths back before he joined that other band before joining us. So stopping by, I told him of the new piano. Eagerly, he wanted to see what it looked like and came with me as we went back to the venue. On the way, I told him about Luna and her visiting for the grand opening.

“Wouldn't that say something that infringes upon her wish to stay anonymous?”

“Not really. You see, it has been leaked that her favorite music is Jazz and Swing. So, when she visits her own venue that no one knows she truly owns, it will seem like she was invited.”

“Smart move for a hay brain.”

“Says the feather brain.”

“Touché,” Hercule replied.

Over the last few days I had been trying to get on Hercule's good side, and that required some insults and well timed jokes. It's not hard, but it defiantly is not a trot in the park. Upon arriving at the venue, I showed Hercule in and to the piano, which was still covered in the fabric it was transported in. Hercule quickly flew over to open the gift from Luna and when he did, I was taken aback by just what was inscribed on it. The lid had an emblazoned star that was imbued with a little glow of magic, but just enough to light it up and pronounce it from the ebony black that it was on. The keys were an alabaster white and, according to Hercule, “weighted exactly to a griffon piano”. As a test, he pressed a few keys and found that it was indeed in tune, so he played a small improv on it and fell in love with the instrument immediately. Meanwhile, Pundy had heard music being played in here and came in to investigate.

“My, what a pretty instrument Hercule.”

“Oh, this is the best thing I have ever gotten to play! The keys are weighted perfectly to my talons. The seat is placed just so I can have full access to the pedals. Oh, I am in heaven!” he said ecstatically.

“Well, I am sure of that. Just don't put your pride in front of you again. You may lose it.”

“I learned my lesson, Pundamilia. Besides, I still kick myself for ever doing that to you.”

“Don't be. It would have happened eventually. Now that we have a piano, shall I bring my drums in from the station warehouse? I fear that if they stay too long they may be confused with somepony's baggage.”

“Of course. Will you need help?”

“No, they should have a wagon they can loan me. If not, I will ask for help there.”

“Here, I will assist any way,” said Hercule, and off they left.

By about six that evening, we had finished the dinner that was catered to us by the resident Pinkie Pie (note to self, buy tums after rehearsal). Thankfully, instead of a party, she just catered food for the first rehearsal which garnered thanks from everyone and soon we were all set up for our first practice.

Amid the din of tuning instruments and such, we actually had a small group of ponies show up for the practice. Among them, Rarity, Misty Meadows, Rhythm's foal Olive, and a few others that wanted to see what was going on.

“Alright, alright. Listen up.” The room fell quiet.

“First of all, I think introductions are in order. You all know me. My name is Swing Beat. I am the lead male vocalist as well as the conductor for the band. Let's start with the back row and go forward from there.”

"My name is Spit Valve," said the red blue maned earth pony stallion.

“My name is long Wind,” answered the next trumpeter. She was a pegasus with blue fur and a white mane.

And on it went. Soon, everyone was introduced. I gave out announcements.

“Alright. Well, the good news is we're halfway through this maddening beginning and I just got word that Princess Luna will attend the grand opening of the venue.”

This created a few words, but I calmed them down ... barely.

“Well, the more we practice, the quicker we will be made ready. Let's start with the A train to get warmed up.”

As we tuned the band and got everyone on the same key, we practiced through to 11 or so. There were a few times where we had to stop and reorganize the band, but I soon got the sound we wanted and, after testing some slow, moderate, and swing dance songs, it was time to hit the hay again, for tomorrow we practice again, then after that, we open!

Opening Night Hiccups

The cacophony of instruments tuning and checking and rechecking their respective maintenance parts was a din in the background as our manager for the restaurant and bar. Spazzy Twister was living up to her name, going over everything with a fine tooth comb as she had me check with her over everything.

“Let's see...Various wines and ciders? Check. Napkins folded neatly? Check. All silverware polished to a shine that makes Celestia's sun look dull? Triple check.” She eyed a piece of silver and found a speck
on it. “GET THIS THING TO THE DISH WASHER, STAT!” she yelled as she flipped the offending spoon back through the kitchen and into the sink.

“Let's see anything I am missing...” She was flipping through a set of checklists that had made Twilight Sparkle look like she was relaxed. As she did, I nonchalantly slipped a gag list that asked for 200 rubber ducks and Big Macintosh “in drag”.

When she finally reached the list, I gave her, she was in a frenzy and said, “Sweet Celestia's mother! Runabout, go find 200 rubber ducks! And you!” She pointed to Big Mac, who was finishing his deliver of cider. “Get in a dress, NOW!”

As she zoomed off to her next batch of lists, I was on the floor laughing hysterically, all the while Big Mac said one of his only words i ever him him speak...

“Nope.”

Soon I was with the band, warming up the vocals again with Hercule, when Rhythm came in. When I asked her if Olive would attend tonight she said, “She will, but only the first hour or so, then I will take her home, because after that, I know we’ll play more raunchy music.”

“Good idea.”

As she left, there was a noticeable pep in her step, something Hercule was kind enough to point out.

“What's with that Swing? Find your special somepony?”

“No she's not!”

He grinned. “Rhythm and Swing Beat sitting in a tree...” sang Hercule, tickling the ivories as he did.

“Shut up you feather brain,” I growled.

“B-U-C-K-I-N-G!”

Oh, I was going to kill this guy. Taking my magic, I closed the piano key lid on his claws. while Hercule was shaking out the pain,Spit Valve was busy making notes on his music when I asked how he was doing.

“Well, other than a few hiccups, I think I will survive my first major appearance.”

“Don't sweat it. Your brother was a wet blanket when we performed for Luna the first time and you can tell that to him. He was shaking like a leaf and half of the notes came out wrong because of nerves.”

“Really?”

“On the sisters' honor! So just relax. After all, this is supposed to be a fun night of singing, dancing, music, and cider, as well as everything else that comes with an opening night party.”

Finally, it was time for the doors to open and I heard the hubbub outside. This was it. The moment I waited for. Three months in the making. Princess Luna was going to be here, as well as the who's-who in all of Equestrian Jazz and Swing were about to be reborn. Oh, I was so…

“Where is everypony?”

...What?

“I swore I heard the bustle of populace outside, but there's not a single soul, save for one little filly,” said the doorpony.

“The name is Olive! You guys locked me out!” Rhythm went to her daughter and ushered her in.

“Perhaps our clock is wrong?” I asked, checking my new watch which was set to the clock tower, then I glanced at the clock here. Nope, they were the same.

“Are you bu…”

“No foul language until after 8, got that Spits?” scolded
Rhythm.

“What if one of us is part fowl? I can't speak then?” Hercule asked.

“You know exactly what I mean mister!”

“Stop the fighting! We need to figure out what happened. Did Derpy deliver the fliers we sent her?”

“Yeah, she did.”

“Let me see one of those,” requested Pundy.

We all glanced at the flier.

“Grand opening of The Starlight Venue
-November 12
-6 o'clock p.m.”

I looked at it. “I don't know what's wrong with it,” I said.

Pundy looked at it then looked at the clandar and pointed to it saying, “Everything is right except for the date. Today is November the 11th. The hustle and bustle you heard was the Cinima's grand unveiling of the movie ‘Daring Do and the Ruby Unicorn’.”

There were only three of us in that entire place that didn't facehoof or do some derivative of that.

24 hours later...

“Let's try this again, shall we?” I said as I glanced out the window of the venue. Outside, there were a host of ponies and a few others, such as the mysterious Zecora (invited by Pundy), two griffons, including Hercule's old band mate, Gilda. Then, finally trying to brush off the attention, was the Elements of Harmony and Princess Luna. I have a feeling they’re the main reason everyone came out tonight. But, a crowds a crowd, so you play whatever you get. As the doorpony said for me to get to the stage, the restaurant staff went to positions, and when I did and everything was set, I told the band to start playing.

The drums began as the doors opened and as the folks walked, hovered, and trotted in. I was at the head of the stage with my hoof keeping time, Pundy was going at it like a mad mare, Spits and the trumpet section were blowing their hearts out, Hercule was occasionally tickling the ivories, and the wood winds and sax were tooting as the song played. There were more than a few ponies who were doing little dances to it. Then, as the song neared its end, we heard the sound of applause.

As I caught my breath after that fast paced intro, I said, “Hope you were applauding because we were that good and not that it's over.” This earned a few chuckles

“Well ladies and gentlecolts, welcome. Welcome one and all. As you know, this is the first time the venue has officially played for an audiance, minus, of coarse, the times you heard us practice, in which if you did, we’ve gotten better. I promise.” I motioned to the band saying, “This here is the band, the guys and gals you should applaud, 'cause all I am is just the doofus who stands and waves a hoof in the air and occasionally belts out a sour note or two.”

As the laughter calmed down i continued. “Now, before we begin, I want to give a special shutout to the only blue alicorn in the room. Without her love for this music, we would never had been inspired to join forces and revive this stuff. Princess Luna, care to give a few words?”

She shook her head as she took off her crown and said in a voice above the quiet din, “When I am here, I am not a princess. I am a pony who just wants to listen to her music and enjoy herself.”

“Straight from the lips of Luna folks! Now how about we get get this party started off, shall we?”

As the band played, the ponies ordered their drinks and food, some of the kids did little dances on the floor in front of the stage, and everywhere was merriment.

Luna smiled.

After the next few songs, it was approaching 8 which, was the time that all ponies under the age of 18 had to leave, so we shifted gears and began to play slower Swing and smooth Jazz. When it was finally eight, Rhythm left to pick up Olive from her table and took her home, which was also the time in which some of the band took their breaks, leaving Hercule and I on stage.

“Alright folks, this is where we jet for a bit so we can get some rest, but we will be back in an hour. Until then, Hercule, you got the helm.”

The night was still very young and I was just getting warmed up. But first, food. As I went back to the kitchen, I asked the cook to make me a sandwich so I can go and sit out in the audience. After that, I took my sandwich and stole away to Luna's table, who, as unsurprisingly as it was, was enraptured at just how the piano sounded.

When I sat, she said, “Swing Beat, when I first began this idea, I had my doubts I will confess, but so did you.”

“I did,” I replied as I took a bite of my sandwich.

“Well I am glad to say that you not only managed to turn a crazy idea into a reality, but you fulfilled my greatest wish, which was to make a place where ponies could enjoy the night,” she said as she looked up through the sky light that we had Twilight enchant so that it skipped the second floor and showed the roofs veiw of the night sky. (This served a dual purpose. One, to play under the stars, and two, to keep us dry during the rains.)

“I am pleased that you think so, Luna.”

“This really is what I had imagined when I create my nights.”

She was pleased. As she took a sip from her wine, I saw Rhythm walk back in. I waved her over to the table where Rhythm thanked her for greeting Olive.

“Tis nothing my dear. She is lucky to have a mother like you, and I feel that she will follow in your hoofsteps as she grows.”

“Let's hope not. I made some dumb ideas in my life, one of them resulted in her, but I love her all the same and I wouldn't do a thing different. So Swing...” She turned to me. “What's the plan? Play smooth for awhile then shift again?”

“Yeah, that's the plan,” I replied.

Luna then asked, “I remember learning how to do a small dance that fits with your faster music, Swing Beat. Might I ask that you assist me in this dance?”

“Sure, I guess”

Worse words were never spoken...

It began simply enough. We had just finished “Green Dolphin Street” with a medium tempo before getting back with the Swing style. When we did, we played a song called “Big Time Operator” with our second male vocalist to take charge as Luna went down to the dance floor and i went down as well and we took our positions (it is worth to note that I had practiced a bit because I knew that when we started up the venue ponies would ask about it and I needed to be able to dance to teach the young ones how to). Then, the music began.

As the cadence (not the princess) began to swing, we locked hooves and spun and danced at a leisurely pace. That's when we went skyward and I quickly learned we were doing Cloudsdale Swing. As she gripped my hooves and flew tight loops, pulling at least three g’s, we did a few wing rolls, a few drops, then returned to the ground, did some spins, then took off again. A few more loops, then during the wing roll into a loop I lost my grip and went straight through ceiling and on past the roof. Luna still was dancing when the band ended, but quickly returned when Luna looked puzzled (or so I heard) as I crashed landed into the pond. When my daze was over, I was looking at a very confused duck, and after collecting the last few minutes of my life that just happened, I trotted back to the venue where music was still playing without me. However, Luna had walked outside to find me and after I told her that it was my fault for not knowing the dance, she still tried to apologize.

The rest of the night was much of a success after I had gotten dry and I told the handypony to tarp the holes up for us to fix in the morning. Soon, after two more hours of a mix of Swing, Jazz, and just plain band music, it was time for us to put up the instruments and after a rousing cheer from the ponies present and a heartfelt dedication from Luna, the venue was empty again, save for the last few band members who were about to walk out the door to go home and rest for the remainder of the night. As they waved goodbye, I was left with the venue with only Luna and Rhythm left.

“I still am sorry that I flung you out into a pond Swing Beat.”

“It is perfectly fine. What kind of establishment doesn't have hiccups on the first night?” I said as I drew the curtain on the stage.

“Besides, I think that it was good that you showed your wild side tonight.”

“Still, I wish I controlled myself a lot better. But when I was dancing, I lost it and well…”

“Don't dwell on it Luna. If anything, it will make one heckuva story to tell your sister and the news. I can see it already. ‘Princess Luna flings unicorn moonward bound!’.” We all laughed at this and as Luna bid us farewell and took off for Canterlot again (making numerous corrections thanks to the many, many drinks she had), it left me and Rhythm alone in the venue.

“Well, I guess I will see you later Swing. I have to say, this has been the best night of my life. Thank you so much for bringing me into it.”

“Hey, thank yourself. Your bass playing is what got you here, not me.”

“Well, still. Thank you. And I know that Olive thanks you too. It's strange, though, she has never acted like she has nowadays with you when I was dating other ponies. She seems almost as happy as I was when I got my cutiemark in bass playing.”

“Well, that's good to hear. Good night Rhythm.”

“Good night Swing,” she said back as the last hair of her tail disappeared behind the closing door.

I sighed and I looked at the now empty venue with a sense of pride. The tables were still a little messy, but we’ll get to those after some sleep. I then looked at the stage. With the instruments having been played on and making beautiful music and finally, before I laid my head to sleep off the opening night party I took a look at the now gaping hole that was in my shape,and made a mental note. Next time I need to keep my hooves on the ground.

Author's Note

Well it took me long enough, this is the first arc of my story I know I left a lot of open ended things such as what were Pundy and Hercule like before? Will Swing Beat and Rhythm hook up? Will Luna win the rights to the royal pastry chef? All these as so much more will be written after I finish with my other stories. As this is my favorite story, but I know I got to finish DAL and I have another one in the works.

"Ee-lick-tron-uh-ka" (A Starry Eyed Beginning: part one)

As I looked up at the moon I had raised, I could not help but think of what I had missed in my thousand year absence, and of how music had changed. Because as the music of the “DJ” Vinyl Scratch was playing in one of the new concept clubs , it felt... off. My night is supposed to be serene, a time of peace. A time in which a pony, whether they be mare,stallion,or foal, could look up and see the night sky in which I help form, so they can feel at peace. But the new “night music” is utterly against this idea, with its bright lights and the vibrations the super charged speakers produce, not to say I don’t like it, but its just not the music I had in mind.

Having decided to take a short flight, I found my self over the coastal town of Seahorse bay. Upon landing to give my wings a short rest, I heard music coming out of the small store called "Cornet Valve’s Instruments". It was a slow paced song that had a bit of a brashness, but only slightly. Most of it was woodwind instrument and, other than the occasion bass playing, it sounded very heartfelt, like it was made for my night, so as to add a background for the other music that is produced by the nighttime animals. I was entranced by this, having never heard this form of music, and soon found myself up by the window where, as I peeked in (shameful, I know, looking in on a ponies private life), I saw a yellowish earth pony with a horn instrument for a cutie mark sitting by a fireplace, reading a book as the music played, completely oblivious as to my presence. Suddenly, the record playing accidentally jumped its groove and was repeating a single note set over and over. The pony shook his head after being pulled away from the book and looked at the record player and mumbled something about old records falling apart. I quickly ducked my head away so he could not see me and, as the music played, again he returned to his reading. As he finished the book, I was already back in the air, thinking to myself that that is what I had envisioned for my night, minus of course being inside. But that type of music brash enough to capture your attention but soft enough to lull you into the wonder that is the night.

That morning when my sister woke up, I tried to ask her if she knew that type of music. She quickly told me she will not answer anything until she got her morning coffee (despite being the princess of the day and of the sun, she is not a morning person). After she did, however, get her mandatory coffee, which she gets “black as Sombra's soul” (apparently this joke came about after I was banished and stuck around), I again asked her. She then said, “Yes, I know what you are talking about. That type of music is called Jazz. It's recent, but only barely having been first played about a hundred years ago when ragtime and different slower bluesy songs mixed. Why do you ask sister?"

“I was flying last night when I heard a melody that seemed to fit with me.”

“Ah. I think I know which song you heard. It's called Moonlight Serenade by Captain Trombone Mills of the Pegasi Corps.” As she reminisced, she said, “Funny thing about that pegasus, he was scared of flying.”

The next night I told the courts to cancel everything, because I wanted to know more about this Jazz. So, with the night young and my mind wanting answers, I went out in Canterlot to try to find this music. But after having no luck (for all the nightclubs played was ee-lick “tron uh ka”), I found myself at Doughnut Joe's shop with a warm glazed pastry and a glass of milk. The baker was shocked to have me come in, but after taking my crown off in frustration, he saw that I was distressed and listened to my story of trying to find more of this music that has taken my mind and soul with it.

“I know Cornet Valve,” Donut Joe said.

“You do? Pray tell, do you think that he could send me some of those jazz records?”

“I know one better. He's part of a quartet actually that plays here in Canterlot every month.”

“Then I must get his quartet to play for me! I shall write a letter post haste!” I said, rushing out and about to take flight when I felt something wrong. I lowered my wings trotted back in and levitated my crown back on my head and, embarrassed, I then left to return to my chambers, where I quickly wrote down:

“Dearest Cornet Valve,

I, Princess Luna, ruler of the night, mover of the moon, and sovereign of dreams, hereby request that you and your “Jazz quartet” play for the night court this upcoming Friday. You will be compensated, of course, and should you accept my request, I shall be eternally grateful to you and your band.

With highest regards,

Princess Luna”

With a quick roll and my seal upon it, I gave it to my messenger, who then flew quickly out and onwards to Mr. Cornet Valve's instrument shop.

Seahorse Bay

10 o'clock

Cornet Valve Instrument Shop

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

I was shaken from my sleep as I heard the rapping at my stores door. Grumbling, I left my wife, who mumbled something about “leaving the jello in the oven too long” in the bed. As I trotted down, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I wondered who in the name of the royal sisters could be calling this late at night? Doesn’t the sign say we're closed for the day? After reaching the ground floor, I grabbed the lantern and clicked it on, then went to the door, where the knocking happened again.

“I’M COMING! LUNA DAMMIT!”

As I opened the door, my grumbling ceased and I instantly regretted my choice of swearing, for in front of me was a bat pony, the personal messengers and soldiers of the sister I just used to swear. I gulped in fear.

“Cornet Valve?” he asked. It's true! When a bat pony speaks, it's like a rumbling of thunder.

“Y-Yes?” I stammered. Reaching into his saddlebag, he grabbed a pair of cuffs.

I immediately went to the ground, begging, almost in tears. “PLEASE SPARE ME! I DIDN’T MEAN TO USE LUNA'S NAME IN VAIN! IT WAS AN HONEST MISTAKE!” As I rambled on about how I was normally irritable when I wake up, he looked at me then looked at his hoof.

“Oops, wrong bag.” As he put it away, he produced a scroll while I was still on the ground begging not to be arrested. “PLEASE! I HAVE A WIFE AND TWO FOALS TO FEED! DON’T ARRE…” I looked up and saw the scroll. He looked at me like I was the dumbest thing in Equestria as he dropped the scroll in front of me.

At this, he pulled out a slip of paper with a quill and said, “Please sign this so the princess knows you received it.”

I looked up, shakily taking the quill and I signed my name. At that, he took off and flew back to wherever bat ponies come from, leaving me with a scroll that had Luna's mark on it, with the words “ To Cornet Valve” on it. I broke the seal and read the scroll.

After reading it, I stampeded towards the others in my quartet.

30 minutes later...

We were all gathered at Swing Beat's apartment, some of us more awake than others. But, it comprised of myself, Swing Beat (a blue unicorn stallion), Drumroll (a bright yellow Pegasus mare), and Fender Note (a red earth pony).

Drumroll was still pouring the coffee she desperately needed to stay awake and Swing Beat was asking why I had to gather us so quickly tonight.

“Alright, I understand that I am a nocturnal pony, but 10:45 at night? What would cause that to happen?”

“When you hear what I got to say, you will flip your horn Swing”

“Well tell us already!” Drumroll said after chugging down another coffee.

“Yes, tell us. I was with my mare friend tonight at her place and I would like to get back,” Fender Note said.

“What, you two playing ‘hide the carrot’?” Drumroll asked.

“No! We were actually just sitting around, talking.”

“Sure you were...” Swing Beat said jokingly.

“GUYS!” I called out above the din the three were making.

I handed the letter to Swing Beat. “As the guy who came up with the band in the first place, you should read it.”

After wrapping his dark blue aura around the letter and widening his eyes at the contents, I was sure his pride and ego were about to manifest and do the tango in joy. After he read the letter, you could hear a pin drop, but instead we heard a coffee mug break on the floor from Drumroll dropping it in disbelief.

“Luna… wants us… to play at… the night court, Friday.” Swing beat suddenly developed a twitch under his right eye. Drumroll's mouth was agape and Fender Note was on the floor passed out from overload. By the noiseless atmosphere, it was a certain fact that upon this night...

The jimmies had been rustled

Birth of an Idea (A Starry Eyed Beginning: part three)

Swing Beat’s POV

When Luna asked me if I could stay and be her personal musician, I asked her and I quote, “Why in the world would you want a washed up, barely afloat musician to be the personal musician of the ruler of the night herself?”

The answer was two fold. The first one, being that she felt that it was due to her lack of composure that led to the band splitting. While this is no more true than I am a billy goat, she deeply felt it was her fault no matter what I said. The second reason, and this being the primary reason, she said that at times, The Night Court is empty. Sometimes running a whole month without a single issue needing to be brought up with her. So she requested that she should have music to at least pass the time in her court. She runs it like she had over a thousand years ago, the open door policy. So I was brought on as a pianist for her to enjoy. The first night was not exactly the best. I had to hear her tell me what the “royal minstrel” had to do, which was to provide some form of entertainment. As I pulled on my memories of watching the old Vaudeville Routines, it not only helped her with her boredom, but it also helped bring her further up to speed with what was going on. It was a few weeks later when I asked Luna what she thought of the nightclub scene.

Once again, it was vacant of petitioners, grievances, and or heckling in Luna’s court. Of the two guards stationed at the throne, there was Eclipse and Silver Thistle. Eclipse was playing solitaire, while Silver Thistle was reading the latest edition of the Gentlecolts magazine. The door guards were busy playing a series of games. The current one just mandated the useage of “You sunk my pegasi carrier! You monster!” Next up, was the Royal Clerk. Specifically, the one who writes down everything. She was busy with the writing of a novel and judging by how fast she was piling the pages, this one would would be a record holding big book! Last, but not least, there were the two dark blue ponies. Princess Luna and myself. Luna was watching me as I tuned the piano. As I was finishing up, I asked Luna how she felt about how ponies nowadays spent their nights partying and such.

“It’s… an interesting idea, but my subjects don’t really notice it as a time to relax and find the inner peace they need.” In the words she used to tell Celestia, after seeing them the first time, she told me, “Electronica displeases me.”

“Well, I know that Cornet Valve once said that so many ponies knew how to play pianos, guitars, and various other instruments, but barely any knew how to hold a brass instrument right. So he opened a shop because of that.”

“What are you suggesting Swing Beat?”

“You’ve been gone for a thousand years. Not only that, but you have the power behind you to do just about anything.”

“Hmm… you’re right.” she said.

She called for the clerk who was jolted out of her writing spree. This caused her to spill ink all over the current page she was working on. After quickly mopping it up and checking to make sure the other pages were fine, she trotted up with a parchment and a quill ready for the dictation.

“From this point forward, the Night shall be as I had made it! A time of peace and serenity. In short, all nightclubs shall turn down the volume to acceptable levels so ponies may enjoy my nights!”

Every pony looked at her in the near vacant court chamber all except Silver Thistle, who had fallen asleep and snored. In the quiet, I coughed uneasily to get Luna’s attention. “Uh, that’s not what I meant Luna. I meant that if you don’t like the venues you see, then make your own. After all, you have the power to get anything you need.”

“That sounds like a better idea!” she said ecstatically. I swear, for all she’s worth, she’s pretty easy to please.

After that outburst, she told the clerk to scratch that last decree out. As Luna told the clerk to summon a realtor, I knew what she was going to do, but I didn’t really think she was actually going to do it!

“And last but not least,” she said “Swing Beat. What do you think a good jazzy name for this club should be called hmm?”

“Um, how about Lunar Delight?”

“No I don’t want my name on it. It will bring around the wrong idea about me”

“The Jazzy Mare?”

“No. That sounds like some promiscuous pony.”

“Well lets see here. My old band was called the Starry Jazz Quartet…”

“That's it! We shall call it the Starlight Venue!”

How she got that one, I have no clue, but I didn't argue with it. After all, you can’t just argue with the Princess, let alone the one that still remembers when Flankspeare was a foal. And I’m talking about his great grandfather, not the playwright himself!

The next night, as we waited for the Realtor to arrive, I asked how Luna wanted the venue to operate.

“Well, since I cannot operate it entirely, I want somepony to be my proxy in the business.”

“That makes sense. After all, if you were present all the time, it would seem like the royalty was infringing upon the entertainment industry.”

“That's right. So I must ask, Swing Beat, would you like to be my proxy?” I was flabbergasted. She wanted me as her proxy for this hay brained idea?

“Why me?”

“Well I will admit, I don’t have much of an ear for music other than classical and my own tastes. So I really don’t know what it takes for a band to be put together. And while I could hire somepony else, I remembered that small dream you had last night.”

“You… were in my dream… last night?” Oh boy. I’m in for it.

“Oh yes. More precisely, the second dream you had. The first one I won’t even speak of. Next time, however, wear protection whenever you do that type of stuff. I swear, I had a rough time getting all that white stuff out of my mane!”
“I… I will try to remind my subconscious that.” I said with a very red blush, turning my cheeks from blue to purple.

“Good. I don’t like it when I see my friend deciding to jump off of the Mare of Liberty, without so much as a helmet and into a pool of vanilla pudding. But yes, I observed your second dream and I think that you have the know how to pull my idea off!”

After that conversation ended, we heard a knock on the throne room door. After the announcement of the realtor, she walked in and bowed to Luna. I was sitting in a chair close to my piano and Luna chuckled as the pile of paper and folders fell from the pegasus’ wing. I looked over the mare, but it hardly seemed worthy of note because Luna got straight to the chase.
“So, do we have any good locations that fit my descriptions?”

“Well, your majesty,” Oh no. Here comes the ‘No’.

“We do in fact have a few locations. Most of them are old structures that have fallen into disrepair and a few that have recently just closed, but ponies have been snapping them up left and right for use as nightclubs; and to put it in one mare’s words, ‘permanent party halls’.” Luna resisted the urge to facehoof, but I didn’t.

“However, after searching a bit, I found one place you might be fond of.”