********************************************************************** Swing News, Wednesday 5/5/99, Issue #35, (Next Issue, 5/25/99) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Submissions to this newsletter XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Addition/deletion/address-change requests XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - All other correspondence http://www.SwingNews.com - Swing News web site ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi everyone, This issue of Swing News brings exciting dances, bands, festivals, road trips, and discussions. It is lovingly dedicated to Us and Them, the two groups that together make it happen. In the prior issue, I asked for feedback on what we, as a network, should be doing in the year ahead. A couple of suggestions came through. The first was that creating a formal swing society or network could help unify the many groups of swing people. The second was to have a forum for discussion separate from this newsletter. (Thanks to Traci Wheeler and Lauren Hasbrouck for the above input.) To make each issue leaner and lead to more timely discussion, we'll look in the future to put a discussion group (like a news group) on the Swing News web site. Overflow from the newsletter could also be directed there. If anyone has experience implementing such a beast, e-mail Bob at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . We'll talk in the next issue about becoming a more organized network or society. In the meantime, anyone who would like to be involved in such an effort, please e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . We'll try to hold a meeting soon, time and place to be announced in the next issue. (It'll likely be a Wednesday night, 7-8pm during the beginner's lesson at the Gulfport Casino's swing night. The hours of dancing afterward will make the trip worthwhile.) As far as a new name, we've been going by the name "Swingang" since about a year ago. Now that we've grown considerably, it's time to think about a new one. (The "Swing News" name for the newsletter and web site would remain the same.) Possibilities: Tampa Bay Swing Network Bay Area Swing Society (BASS for short; think music, not fish) Do you have a good idea for a name? E-mail it to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Finally, there's one correction to the last Swing News (Issue #34): the final Letter to the Editor was written by Don, not Kacy. Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THE UPCOMING THREE WEEKS This Saturday (May 8), local band Bombed Out Cat plays at the newly opened Swing club in Ybor City's Cuban Club. Nonsmoking inside; concrete dance floor. Phone 813-248-2333. Jeffrey Jablow writes: "Swing, Ybor City's premier swing scene, brings the Bombed Out Cats to the club on Saturday, May 8 at 10:30pm. Cover is only $8. Dance on the largest swing-dance floor in Ybor, play cards at one of our casino-style gaming tables, shop the Swing Boutique, or sip a patent leather martini at our 40' bar. Swing is open Friday and Saturday nights, 9pm-2am, with a $5 cover for DJ nights and $8 for band nights. DJs Belinda Montgomery-Stephens (from Storman's), Steve Tester, and Matt Gutierrez play a variety of song styles to cater to all swing tastes. Complimentary lessons by Mack & Amanda and Angel & Jimmy throughout the evening. Swing is located at 2010 Republica de Cuba in Ybor City, next to Cafe Creole, in the historic (1917) Cuban Club. Check us out! Upcoming Events: June - Paramount Swing Orchestra from Sarasota, Bombed Out Cat; July - Pete Brady and his Band (formerly of Nelson Riddle Orchestra), the entire cast of Tommy Gunn featuring Angel and Jimmy before they all leave to open in Las Vegas. (Come on out and wish them the best!)" Next Friday (May 14), the Largo Cultural Center hosts a tribute to Peggy Lee, famous for swing classics such as "Fever" and "Why Don't You Do Right". Jayne Anne Losito will be performing Peggy Lee numbers from the 40's to the 70's. Tickets are $10.50, available by calling the Cultural Center Box Office at 727-587-6793. Doug Matthews writes: "Jayne Ann has been working with local jazz guru Fred Johnson and her show has been officially sanctioned by the estate of Peggy Lee." Jayne Anne Losito writes: "Peggy Lee could swing ... but the focus is on her as a singer. I will cover some swing and I'd love to have people dancing, but the main focus is going to be to honor Miss Peggy Lee. Peggy Lee is not doing well physically ... on the night of the show, I am going to have a big, beautiful card for all the patrons to sign, and I will send it to her!" Next Saturday (May 15) at and around the Cuban Club in Ybor City, WMNF's Tropical Heat Wave will showcase a wide variety of bands, including the swing band, Lost Continentals, and the rockabilly band, Belmont Playboys. The event runs 6:00pm to 2:30am and features five stages of music. General tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door for ages 21+; a mere $10 for under 21; and free for under 12. Late night tickets (after 11pm) are $12. Check out www.wmnf.org for details on the festival and the bands, or call Randy Wynne at 813-238-8001. Now in its 18th year, Tropical Heat Wave is the premiere local music festival. Also next Saturday (May 15), a good chunk of Tampa Bay's swing community will road-trip to Orlando to Atlantic Dance on the Disney Boardwalk. The place has a good-size dance floor surrounded by lots of seating and a balcony. Smoking's allowed, but hopefully some of that Disney money has been invested in ventilation. Two buses are nearly full and there's rumor of a third in the works. Phone 813-935-5339 to reserve your spot. Barb Bayliss writes: "Hi guys. Most of you have probably already heard about this event on May 15th with the BorderLine, but in case you haven't, here are details. Several of us already have our tickets. (They can be purchased at the BorderLine.) Hope you all can make it. - The band is Bim Bam Baby! I have not heard them, but did hear that they are a terrific 7-piece swing band from New York with a female lead singer. All danceable stuff from slow to fast. - First Class Road Coach Tour to Atlantic Dance leaving from the Borderline on Dale Mabry & Waters in Tampa on Saturday, May 15th. Park free at BorderLine. Leaving 6pm for Orlando. Leaving Orlando at 1:30am and returning to BorderLine at 3:00am. - Tickets are $25 and include: Free admission to Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's Boardwalk Free soft drinks/beer/wine and set ups on Board from BorderLine Free party platters on Board from Subway First drink free at 5-6pm Welcome Party At BorderLine First drink free at Atlantic Dance Hall Free ticket to BorderLine Sunday Swing Night With Bombed Out Cat" The following weekend, no special events are yet planned, so check out some of the clubs below. One update from the last Swing News: It appears that Jet Set Six will NOT be playing in Tampa Bay on May 13th. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER THAT Fri May 28: Swing Dance & Lifestyle Expo at Gulfport Casino 727-821-9420 Fri Jun 4: Swingerhead at Coliseum; 727-892-5202 Fri Jun 4: Rocket 88 & Blue Flame Combo at Skipper's; 813-971-0666 Thu Jun 17: Swingin' Mooks at Largo Cultural Center; 727-587-6793 Fri Jun 25: Swing Dance & Lifestyle Expo at Gulfport Casino 727-821-9420 Wed Aug 11: Brian Setzer Orchestra at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center 813-229-7827 Sat Oct 16: Bellevue Cadillac at Clearwater Jazz Holiday; 727-461-5200 Tickets for the Brian Setzer concert at TBPAC will go on sale starting May 21. As of yet, they have not determined ticket prices. It will likely be a sit-down event (with no dance floor), but details have not yet been worked out. Phone the box office at 813-229-7827 for tickets or other details. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWINGIN' MOOKS MAY CALENDAR 5 Rio Bravo, 8:00-9:00pm, Dale Mabry, Tampa 5 Club More, 10:30pm, Clearwater 6 Storman's Palace, 9:30pm, Clearwater 7 Neptune Lounge, 10:30pm, Tarpon Springs 8 Gators, 5:00-9:00pm, Treasure Island 8 Planet 9 Ball, 11:30pm, Tampa 12 Club More, 9:30pm, Clearwater 13 Storman's Palace, 9:30pm, Clearwater 14 Safety Harbor Marina, 8:00pm 19 Club More, 9:30pm, Clearwater 20 Storman's Palace, 9:30pm, Clearwater 21 Gasoline Alley, 11:30pm, Clearwater 22 Gators, 5:00-9:00pm, Treasure Island 22 Planet 9 Ball, 11:30pm, Tampa Contact clubs to confirm and for info on smoking, dance floor, etc. For the latest on the Mooks: Web site: http://md24.com/swinginmooks.htm E-mail: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BOMBED OUT CAT MAY CALENDAR Thursdays - The Rare Olive in Ybor City, 9:30pm-1:30am Fridays - The Rare Olive in Ybor City, 10:00pm-2:30am Saturdays - May 8: The Cuban Club in Ybor, 10:00pm-2:00am May 15: Gators on Treasure Island, 5:00-9:00pm May 22: South Beach Grille on Treasure Island, 8:30pm-12:30am May 29: Gators on Treasure Island, 5:00-9:00pm Sundays - BorderLine in Carrollwood (Tampa), 8:30pm-Midnight Contact clubs to confirm or for more info. To reach the band, e-mail Billy at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- REGULARLY SCHEDULED SWING NIGHTS: UPDATED Tue: Tamiami Bar in St Pete; 727-827-1518; Smoking Wed: Gulfport Casino; 727-893-1070; Nonsmoking Wed: Club More in downtown Clearwater; 727-466-6673; Smoking Thu: Storman's Palace in Clearwater; 727-571-2222; Smoking Thu: The Castle in Ybor City; 813-248-3053; Smoking Thu: The Rare Olive in Ybor City; 813-248-2333; Smoking Fri: Cuban Club in Ybor City; 813-248-2954; Nonsmoking Fri: Swing City Dance Studio in Tampa; 813-935-7458; Nonsmoking Fri: The Rare Olive in Ybor City; 813-248-2333; Smoking Sat: Cuban Club in Ybor City; 813-248-2954; Nonsmoking Sat: Fortunate One in Ybor City; 813-241-CLUB; Smoking Lee Holton writes: Open Swing Dance every Friday night, 9:00 pm til??, Swing City Dance Studio, 7532 N Armenia Ave, Tampa. 813-935-7458. Smoke Free. BYOB. $3 Cover. Paul Mallett writes: The Castle is a wonderful place for a swing night; we just need to get a crowd there. Don't be afraid, the vampires won't bite.... Friday night at the Cuban Club.... Saturday night at the Fortunate One and the Cuban Club.... I know it may seem a little overwhelming with all the swing nights now, but most are only 3 bucks to get in if you're over 21; slightly more if you're under. So check all of them out at least a couple times so we can make sure a good thing doesn't go to waste. Thank-you everybody for helping to support the scene. Let's keep swing alive in Tampa Bay. Hope to see all of you out there. Pass the word. Paul Mallett (the DJ, just in case you didn't know). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- GULFPORT CASINO LAST-FRIDAY AND WEDNESDAY SWING NIGHTS James & Arleene Norman write: Hey Swingeroo! Our first "Last Friday of the Month" swing dance at the Gulfport Casino was a success! Thanks to all of you who attended. We had three vintage clothing vendors -- Squaresville from Ybor, Painted Lady from Bellair, and Leslie Killian ran a consignment booth. Manny, the owner of DaddyKool.Com brought his entire swing collection from his new record store on Central in St Pete. Arleene and I had a great time hosting the 104 people who came to the Casino. We hope to see everyone there next month on May 28 at 7:00pm for a beginning lesson, and 8:00pm to 1:00am for the DJ dance and Swing Lifestyle Expo! P.S. Don't forget every Wednesday at the Gulfport Casino -- Lesson at 7pm -- Swing Dance 'til midnight -- $5 -- Bring the kids! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ST PETE CHURCH TO SPONSOR SWING DANCES Starting this Saturday (May 8), the Garden Crest Presbyterian Church (5901 9th Ave N in St Pete) does its bit to keep swing dancers off the streets. It's sponsoring the first of a May-Oct series of 2nd-Saturday-of-the-month swing dances, which are open to the public. Details: All Ages, Childcare Available, DJ Jumpin' James, Nonsmoking, 7-8pm lesson by Right Step Studio, 8-11pm Dancing, 727-381-7498, $3/person or $5/couple. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SARASOTA Pam Callender writes: Remember us? I know we're far away and we don't generally have a band, but we'd love to see your tapping feet at Spats! It's good music, smoke and alcohol free, 800 square feet of dance floor, and a contest every Friday and Saturday night. Anyway, we don't get out much anymore, so it would be nice to have out-of-town guests once in a while. The winners of the Southeast Savoy dance contest, produced by Spats, were Donnie White and Shannon Reyes. They'll be competing in the US Open Swing Dance Championship in November. We wish them a lot of luck. You, too, can participate in the US Open, by qualifying at Spats' weekly dance contests. For more information, call Spats at 941-954-8696. Here's one you might be interested in. The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota is celebrating "John's" birthday this year with Rocket 88. It's June 6th and $5. Spats is providing the lesson and demo, so maybe we'll see you there! Pam, Dick, and Allison ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RAY GELATO REVIEW Bob Sutter writes: Ray Gelato and the Giants scored a huge hit with local dancers at the Gulfport Casino. Crooner Gelato and crew's melodious musical repertoir electrified the audience with hits off his latest CD. During the evening show, Gelato also treated the crowd to Louis Prima's famous hit, "Just a Gigolo". Ray and friends were more than happy to meet their fans, new and old, autograph CD's or posters, or just talk during the breaks. The broad variety of swing numbers kept us energized throughout the show. This show was easily the best so far this year. I only hope there will be more shows half as good. There were plenty of willing dancers ready to take a crack at the dance floor and, believe me, it was filled to capacity for most of the evening. I for one have been to many swing events, and this one ranked at the top. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LESSONS & WORKSHOPS Roy Rydbeck writes: Saturday, May 22, at the Cuban Club (2010 Republic de Cuba in Ybor City), Roy and Angel will be giving a 4 hour Savoy Style Lindy Hop workshop: - 1:00-3:00pm - Lindy Hop fundamentals. We will instruct and review the Swing Out, Lindy circle, Charleston basic, and the Throw Out. We will emphasize technique as well as footwork. - 3:00-3:30pm - Break - 3:30-4:00pm - Videos. I will show videos of Lindy Hop performances, past and present, and of social Lindy Hop from DC & San Francisco. - 4:00-6:00pm - Intermediate Lindy Hop lessons. Again, we will work on Savoy Style technique, a swing out variation, and then we will teach some new steps I learned at the San Francisco Swing Festival. The cost will be $30 per person for the entire day, or $20 for the beginning lesson or the intermediate lesson by themselves. If you take just the intermediate lesson, you must be comfortable dancing the Swing Out, Lindy Circle, and Charleston basic. The video show is included with either lesson. You do not need to bring a partner; we will rotate frequently throughout the workshop. For questions call Roy at 813-234-8441 or email XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Paul Mallett writes: Hello all readers of the Swing News letter. It's me, Paul Mallett, the person who single-handedly split the Tampa swing scene into "us and them". At least that's what I've been told. I haven't said a whole lot about this situation, but if I'm being blamed for something, then I may as well throw in my two cents. You know, I can't even remember saying that, but maybe I did. I'm sure it's not in the silly way all of the "them" (whoever you may be) people think though. Who exactly is "them" anyway? I sure didn't mean anyone in particular if I truly said that. I know that a lot of swing scenes in other states have "us and them" problems, but I really don't see that here. I think that almost everyone in the swing (and I use that term loosely) scene here gets along very well. So if I said something like "us and them" and you assume that you are one of "them" then that's your problem, cupcake, and I just can't feel responsible for that. Sorry. When I was spinning at Sugar Palm, I had to keep it pretty mellow for the first part of the night because the older (don't be offended by that) crowd was out. Usually the older crowd would leave around midnight and that's when I would be able to play the faster stuff. If there was any mention about "us and them", then that's what it meant. Personally, I don't think that's too offensive. If you (whoever you may be that started this whole fiasco) were in the club at the time I said the "us and them" statement, then I obviously considered you one of "us" also. So I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but give back the "them" membership t-shirt, hat, and other "them club" merchandise, because guess what, you're one of "us" according to your statement. Hah!! You know, when swing started to get attention here a couple of years ago, there wasn't any splitting of dancers. We pretty much all sucked and learned and built this scene together. Now some people know how to dance and immediately have to separate themselves into their own little group: East Coast, West Coast, Slam Swing, Ghetto Swing, Rockabilly, Lindy, etc. Who cares? Fine, it helps to distinguish between dance styles, but to classify a person just by the way he/she dances? Give it up. I couldn't even tell you what my dance style is, and you know what, I'm glad I can't put myself in any category because I'm still just dancing to have fun. Some of you may have lost sight of that feeling. It all just used to be swing dancing. It's sad to think that the "swing scene" is only a couple of years old and we've (yes, we're all included) already put a bad name on a good thing. I hear it all, I know what a lot of people think about the scene and especially about myself and a lot of the people I hang out with. Maybe there is a group of "us" who hang around each other a lot, but it has nothing to do with being stuck up or rejecting people. I like nothing more than meeting new people and talking to people. It's not a "set group". It's just certain people who weren't afraid to say "hey, can you help me out with that move?" or "do you guys mind if I meet you at Denny's too?" How do you think all of "us" became friends anyway? It sure wasn't by separating ourselves from other people. It was by not closing ourselves off, and by not being a clique, and by not being stuck up. If somebody doesn't feel welcomed then it's because they've chosen to feel that way, simple as that. If you've got something to say about this, then you can e-mail me at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Negative or positive, it's all welcome. I feel that a lot of you out there don't really like me very much and that's fine, but if that's the case then I guess the only thing I can say is that you don't really know me then. Thank you, Paul Mallett. [ Editor's response: I'd like to thank Paul for addressing this issue. Many of the points he makes are right on target. I never intended to credit or blame Paul for creating an "us and them" situation, and perhaps it was unfair to single him out. His words just described so well a situation that already existed. The entire point of my writing about "us and them" was to encourage people to mix a little bit, and I think this point came across well to those who actually took the time to read what I wrote. No one subset of Tampa Bay's swing community -- and there are dozens of such groups, not just Paul and friends -- is big enough to, on its own, make these swing events happen. That's why all of us (and all of them too) must treat each other with dignity and respect and together enjoy the things, such as the music and dance that we have in common. This is a challenge that all larger groups must face. It's not unique to the Tampa Bay swing community. And it's a challenge that each one of us must take extra efforts to meet. -- Sam ] Holly Ramsey writes: I'd like to comment on some letters I read in the latest Swing News. Two writers mentioned that the dress code at the Sugar Palm (specifically related to tennis shoes) was to help protect the dance floor. From my experiences, this was not the case. The dress code was never put in the context that they were banning certain types of shoes for this reason. If this were the case, they would have banned black-soled shoes and stilettos. Secondly, telling the doorman that you were not planning on dancing but just wanted to listen to the music and drink did not gain you entrance. The dress code was applied unevenly at best. In one instance, a friend, dressed in what the Sugar Palm called "retro rockabilly", was denied entrance because he was wearing Converse sneakers. I went inside that night and saw a man wearing shorts and sports sandals. When a dress code is applied unevenly, those that are denied entrance will assume that they are kept out for reasons other than their dress. As for Angel's comment that Tampa is too "uncultured" to understand what the Sugar Palm was all about, all I have to say is, this type of attitude is *exactly* what drove me away from the Sugar Palm. I am not a child and I will not frequent an establishment that treats me like one. I am a customer and I will not be made to feel guilty for not frequenting a business. Sugar Palm, in the end, did not meet my needs. As for there being some sort of boycott, all I have to say is that customers don't boycott; they just don't go. If enough customers don't go, the business will shut down. That is the nature of business. Any place that wants to remain in business must meet the needs of the customer, make the atmosphere friendly and inviting (dress codes do not do this) and treat its customers with respect, or they will go someplace else. The first and last thing you learn in any customer-related business is "The customer is always right!" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Swing News Know any upcoming swing happenings or other news? Send them in to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . The deadline for each issue, which generally comes out on a Tuesday, is the prior Sunday at 5pm. Editors reserve the right to edit submissions or to select based on relevance. Be sure to call and confirm events before going! The SWINGANG is a network of swing dancers and other swingsters, committed to promoting swing events in places with large, smoke-free or open-air dance areas; to encouraging great music & instruction; to building a united swing community; and to publishing Swing News! Send additions/deletions/address-changes to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Check out our companion website at http://www.SwingNews.com . **********************************************************************