Mayor John Woods bows to the Bikini Team after proclaiming Tuesday a day honoring them. Photo by Bill Giduz.
Tuesday may have seemed like just another hot summer day in Davidson. In fact, it marked the first Aug. 5 celebration of what “shall henceforth and forever be known as ‘Bikini Is A State of Mind’ day in Davidson.” That’s right, by official proclamation, Mayor John Woods declared Tuesday Davidson’s day in the sun for the scantily clad.
“You never know, when you’re elected, what you might be asked to do!” quipped Commissioner Margo Williams as she headed out of Town Hall to face a Hollywood crew and speak on behalf of bikini-wearing women.
The foursome of Lina Soares, Ann Haley, Cynthia Lewis and Nancy Gardner – are seeking a TV sitcom based on their book, “Bikini is a State of Mind.” Tuesday afternoon’s proclamation kicked off work by Rob Thomas of Los Angeles, who is visiting Davidson to make a “concept video” for pitching the series to producers.
Director Rob Thomas addressed the audience during filming of the Bikini Team. (Members of the team are, l-r, Lina Soares, Ann Haley, Nancy Gardner and Cynthia Lewis.) Photo by Bill Giduz.
Cheering on the quartet despite the sweltering heat was a small gathering that included friends, a dog and a large banner. As speakers were filmed and re-filmed, Mr. Thomas gestured, exclaimed and barked stage directions, all the while sipping from a can of Rock Star-brand energy drink and looking very West Coast.
The mayor pulled out his best Hollywood high hat (a magician’s prop borrowed from Ms. Gardner) and spoke in favor of giggling and flirting. His proclamation honored the Bikini Team members as women who “still relish dressing up, down, and scantily…still turning heads…and appearing in public as goddesses.”
Mayor Woods signed the proclamation with the name he has long been known by within the Bikini Team – “Jean DuBois,” French for “John of the Woods.” While he enjoyed promoting the Davidson fab four of the sun, Mayor Woods betrayed a momentary lack of Hollywood instincts when an audience member predicted his proclamation would get him on YouTube. “Oh, no,” he responded, with a look of shock.
The official business finished, the Bikini Team heads next to Davidson’s swimming hole. Film work will take place Wednesday at the Lorimer Street pool, and sunbathers dressed in bikinis can expect to be noticed by the cameras. Davidson College student Austin Bell will serve as the Official Bikini Team Cinematographer. Stay tuned for his first-hand account.
Previous coverage: Producer eyes ‘Bikini is a State of MInd’ for TV sitcom.
