Alexandria jazz singer celebrates 100th birthday with song

Pat McArtor lived her entire life in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, and for the past 20 years she’s been singing at Thursday night jazz shows at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub.

“Oh, I’ve seen an awful lot because this was like a little toony town, no restaurants or anything like that,” Miss Pat told News4.

This week, Miss Pat, as she’s known around the neighborhood, celebrated 100 years the only way she knows how – singing.

The secret to reaching 100 years old? Music and family, according to Miss Pat.

“Music has been a very important part of my life,” Miss Pat said. “My mother and father played the piano, and when I was 8 years old, Daddy would say, ‘Come on Patricia, sing a number,’” Miss Pat said.

The centenarian, who still lives on her own, plans to keep singing with the band on Thursday nights for as long as they’ll let her.