********************************************************************** Swing News, Wednesday 11/3/99, Issue #47, (Next Issue, 11/16/99) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Submissions to this newsletter XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Addition/deletion/address-change requests XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - All other correspondence http://www.SwingNews.com - Swing News web site ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear readers, The biggest names in the world of swing are all in Tampa Bay this weekend! -- Frankie Manning, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Glenn Miller Orchestra. Plus, there's a major swing dance competition in Sarasota, a concert by Candye Kane, and more -- quite a difference from last weekend's noneventful days of Halloween. Enjoy it while it lasts! Our event two weekends ago at the Italian Club was a major success! In fact, it has resulted in a weekly Swing Night we're going to cosponsor every Sunday, starting November 14th, at the Italian Club. Read later in this issue for details. Thanks to everyone who came to the event and to everyone who helped make it happen. Special thanks go to Mack & Simone for teaching; Paul for DJing and doing sound; Robin, Emily, Bob & Rachel for publicity; Terry Allison for making the poster; Gary for the printouts of Swing News; Mike & Jessica for being poster models; and all the folks who helped distribute flyers and spread the word. Many thanks to Maria Capitano Garcia of the Italian Club for all her hard work and enthusiasm in putting on this event, to the members of the Italian Club who helped, and to the Italian Club for hosting. Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THE UPCOMING TWO WEEKS This Friday (Nov 5), swing legend Frankie Manning gives an intermediate-level Lindy Hop workshop at the Gulfport Casino. Advanced registration is required, and space is limited to 100 leaders and 100 followers. The workshop runs 4-7pm and the $32 fee includes admission to that evening's dance. Participants should already know the Lindy Hop basics (Swing-Outs, Lindy Circle, Basic Charleston, Texas Tommy). Doors open at 3:15pm, and all participants are encouraged to arrive early so that the workshop can start on time. To register, contact Right Step Dance Studio at 727-821-9420 or XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, or talk to James or Arleene at Wednesday's Gulfport Casino dance. Frankie Manning was one of the regulars at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom in the 1930's and a member of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers dance troupe. One of the innovators of the Savoy-Style Lindy Hop, he's credited with throwing the first aerials in swing dance. At age 85, he now tours the world teaching Lindy Hop. Frankie Manning is also scheduled to give workshops in Ft Myers on Thu, Nov 4 (7:30-9:00pm, $12, 941-890-2064, at the Hall of 50 States) and in Sarasota on Sat, Nov 6 (2:00-3:30pm, $25, 941-954-8696, at Spats Dance Club). This Friday night (Nov 5) at the Gulfport Casino, following the workshop by Frankie Manning, a dance will run 9pm-1am. Doors open at 8:30pm. Due to the workshop, there will be no swing lesson. - Live Music by Lounge Cat - Guest Appearance by Frankie Manning - $8 Admission - All Ages - Nonsmoking; Full Bar Available - Phone 727-893-1070 - 5500 Shore Blvd in Gulfport. Directions: From the north, take I-275 south to St Pete's 22nd Ave S exit. (From the south, take I-275 north to the 26th Ave S exit and find your way to 22nd Ave S.) Head west. Turn left onto Beach Blvd. (55th St will be on the right.) Head south until the street ends at the Gulfport Casino, located directly on the water. This Saturday (Nov 6) is the Southeast Savoy Swing Dance Competition in Sarasota. Preliminaries are 3:30-5:30pm: - At Spats Dance Club, in the Town & Country Plaza, at the corner of Fruitville & Beneva Rd in Sarasota - Eight categories: East-Coast, West Coast, Lindy Hop, & Shag, for Ages 30 & Under and for Ages 31+ - Competition fee is $25/person in advance or $30 at the door. Spectating fee is $10, which includes an afternoon dance, refreshments, and various festivities starting as early as noon. Finals, Show, and Evening Dance: - At Sarasota Classic Car Museum, 5500 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota - Dance to the 42nd St Band - 9:00pm: General Dancing - 9:30pm: Competition Finals Performances by Spats Cats & Florida Ballet - 10:00pm-1:00am: General Dancing & Museum Tour - Admission $10 Other events include a fundraising dinner and cocktail reception, as well as dance workshops. For more info, phone 941-954-8696. Also this Saturday (Nov 6), Candye Kane & the Swingin' Armadillos return to Skipper's Smokehouse for a WMNF benefit show with Rosie Flores. Randy Wynne of WMNF writes: "Candye won the California Music Award for 'Outstanding Lounge Swing Cabaret Artist', among many other recent awards -- truly campy and fun in concert. Rosie Flores is the 'rockabilly filly' -- a cool double bill!" Details: - Show starts at 8pm - $12 in advance or $15 at door; get tickets at any WMNF ticket outlet (for outlet locations: www.wmnf.org or 813-238-8001) - Ages 18+ - Outdoors, with plywood dance floor and wooden decks throughout - Located at Skipper Rd & Nebraska in North Tampa - More info: 813-971-0666; http://mbus.com/clubs/Skippers.Smokehouse This Sunday (Nov 7), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy returns to town, live outdoors in the Jannus Landing courtyard, with opening act, the Blue Hawaiians. This nationally-famous act is perhaps best known from their role in the Movie, "Swingers". They played at January's Super Bowl half-time show and have recently finished recording a new CD. Check them out at www.bbvd.com . Doors open at 7pm for this all-ages show, which starts at 8pm. General admission tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Tickets are available without surcharge at DaddyKool.com (671 Central Ave, St Pete, cash only, 727-822-5665) or, with surcharge, at Ticketmaster (813-898-2100). The event will take place rain or shine. You can dance in the all-concrete courtyard. It's very casual attire. Jannus Landing has a full bar and a small food menu. It's located at the corner of 1st Ave & 2nd St N in downtown St Pete. This Saturday & Sunday (Nov 6 & 7), Busch Gardens in Tampa concludes its Big Band Concert Series with a series of live concerts by today's Glenn Miller Orchestra. For a mere $46.65, you can have your fill of roller coasters, Bud beers, water rides, and the big band. The band plays at 1:00pm, 2:30pm, and 4:00pm both days in the Stanleyville Theater. Phone 813-987-5777 for more info. Next Saturday (Nov 13), the St Pete Coliseum holds their Diamond (75th) Anniversary Gala. Four bands will play jazz, ballroom, swing, and rock-and-roll for your dancing pleasure. Featured bands are: - Sonny LaRosa & America's Youngest Jazz Band - Al Downing & the Jazz All-Stars - Charly Raymond Orchestra - The Impacs It all starts at 7pm. Reserved seats are $15 or $200 for a VIP Table for eight. Parking is free for this "black tie optional" event. Unlike other Coliseum events, a cash bar will be provided. The Coliseum is located at 535 4th Ave N in St Pete. Phone 727-892-5202. Next Sunday (Nov 14), Skipper's Smokehouse hosts a "Rock-A-Billy Roundup" with three bands: Skirt Lifters, Magic Marco Band, and Skinny McGee & His Mayhem Makers". The show starts at 5pm and costs $5. Other details are the same as the above concert at Skipper's. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER THAT Sat Nov 20: Dan Electro & the Silvertones at Largo Cultural Center; 727-587-6793 Sat Nov 20: Millennium Ball at Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic, with 3 Swing Bands; Sheraton Sand Key; 727-536-0064 Fri Dec 3: Kimberly Kaye & Swing Fever at Casino; 727-893-1070 Fri Dec 3: Swingin' Mooks at Skipper's Smokehouse; 813-971-0666 Sat Dec 4: Cigar Store Indians at Club More; 727-466-6673 Wed Dec 8: The Camaros at Gulfport Casino; 727-893-1070 Fri Dec 17: Hepcats' Christmas Dance at Casino, with Bombed Out Cat & Lounge Cat; Benefits All Children's Hospital; 727-893-1070 Fri Dec 17: Rocket 88 at Skipper's Smokehouse; 813-971-0666 Fri Jan 28: Dan Electro & the Silvertones at Casino; 727-893-1070 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWINGIN' STREET PARTY NOV 20 Sam writes: I'd like to invite everyone to a Street Party on Saturday, Nov 20, 11am-3pm, at the SW corner of Gulf-To-Bay (Highway 60) and the Bayside Bridge in Clearwater. It's free admission, and is being put on by my neighborhood, Historic Bayview. The Party's being held to raise awareness and funds to protect Clearwater's gateway against commercial development, and to preserve its giant oak trees. These trees form a multi-acre canopy that covers the entire community -- the last stand of tree canopies that once covered much of Pinellas County. We're going to have live music and street dancing, featuring an all-volunteer lineup of performers, including many people you know from the swing circuit: - The Spats Cats, dance troupe from Spats Dance Club in Sarasota, will perform swing and other dances. These Cats, ages 8 to 16, have performed and competed in events across several states. - The All News Blues Band (from Channel 8). If you haven't yet seen Jim Webb and his band play, they're a lot of fun, and they even do a couple of swing numbers. Be ready to dance! - Rich Katz, swing dancer, sound man, and contra caller, will teach and call contra dances in which everyone can participate. Crazy Feat, an Irish/Contra band, will play for the street dance. - Other confirmed acts include Cliff Patterson, the Manatee Man, award-winning environmental singer/songwriter; madrigal singers and other musicians from Artists in Action. The Street Party also features a barbecue, with food and drinks available for purchase; an art show & sale; children's activities; and natural scenery, which includes trees, fields, and the Bay. Those who want to sit are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets. E-mail Sam at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX for more information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RACHEL'S VIDEOS OF LOCAL SWING ACTION AVAILABLE Rachel Perry writes: I am writing to inform everyone that both Tampa Bay Swings Tape 1, and the Jive Aces tapes are completed. They are available for $7 each. As you know, the proceeds benefit the Suncoast Swing Gang's future events, like the one we had at the Italian Club in Ybor City. I can't really describe all the information on the tapes, but to give you an idea, here's a description of each tape's contents: - Tampa Bay Swings Tape 1: Playing time is 2 full hours. Includes: * Jun 25th, Suncoast Swing Gang's 1st event at Gulfport Casino -- has Christian Perry dancing with Angel * Jul 25th, Sunday at Atlantic Dance (lots of Tampa people there) * Jul 28th, Wednesday at Gulfport Casino * Jul 29th, Thursday at Atlantic Dance * Jul 31st, Saturday at The Fortunate One in Ybor City (good footage before it closed its doors). That particular day was Heather's Birthday. (If you were there, you know why certain people are wanting to get their hands on this tape!) * Aug 4th, Set 'Em Up Joe at Italian Club in Ybor City * Aug 11th, Wednesday at Gulfport (this part was cut a little due to lack of space on the tape, but the full day will be included in Tape 2. This was Kim's birthday dance as well as several good- bye dances for some college goers.) - The Jive Aces tape's playing time is 57 minutes. It includes the dancers of the night as well as the band's jamming style. There is a really cute clip of Liz dancing with the band's lead singer! Go Liz! If you do purchase one or both of these videos, or if you already have, please let me know what you think. I am far from a professional videographer, but I'm trying to do my best. I think they came out pretty good, but I'm sure I made a few mistakes here and there. If there is something you don't like, or even something you'd like to see different in the next issues to come, please let me know. I will be happy to try to accommodate as many requests as I can. I've already gotten a few tips, and have been applying them to the new tape that will be out in a few weeks. I thank all of you who have already gotten a copy, and I hope you enjoy it. If you could forward this or spread the word to anyone else who may be interested in a copy of either of these tapes, I would appreciate it. Thank you all for your support and keep swinging! -- Rachel ( XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- REVIEW: ITALIAN CLUB EVENT Maria Capitano Garcia (from the Italian Club in Ybor City) writes: Dear Sam, Just a quick note to thank you for all your help in planning such a wonderful event at the Italian Club. What an inspiration it was for me to see another culture of people, of all generations, who are so passionate about dance. The event was very much of a success in our eyes, and we are anxious to begin the planning of a potential weekly swing event at the Club. I'm looking forward to returning to an upcoming swing event so that I can practice more swing dance. What a beautiful dance -- so lively and rhythmic. I can't even begin to explain to you how proud I was to be involved in the planning of such a powerful social gathering!! Again, thank you for all of your hard work, organization, time, enthusiasm, and professionalism. I look forward to talking with you soon about future events at the Club. Maria ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL SWING NIGHTS & BANDS Weekly Swing Nights: Tue: Dancelovers in Clearwater; 727-582-9499; Nonsmoking; All Ages Tue: Cadillac Jack's on Treasure Island; Smoking; 727-360-2099 Wed: Gulfport Casino; 727-893-1070; Nonsmoking; All Ages Wed: Club More in downtown Clearwater; 727-466-6673; Smoking Wed: Ringside Cafe in St Pete; 727-894-8465; Smoking Thu: Storman's Palace in Clearwater; 727-571-2222; Smoking Fri: Swing City Dance Studio in Tampa; 813-935-7458; Nonsmoking Upcoming: Sundays: Starting next Sunday (Nov 14) the Italian Club, in conjunction with the Suncoast Swing Gang, will host an every-Sunday swing night. It'll run 7pm-Midnight. Free Lessons will start out the evening 7-8pm, and dancing will follow 8pm-Midnight. It'll be an all-ages night, and admission will be $5. It will be held on the 2nd Floor of the Italian Club, with 2000 square-feet of wood floor available for dancing. The dance and the 2nd Floor will be nonsmoking; a first-floor Cantina will be available for smokers. Bottled water, juice, soft drinks, plus a full bar will be available. The Italian Club is located at 1731 E 7th Ave in Ybor City. On Sundays, you don't have to worry about crowds or traffic in Ybor City; in fact, you can park on 7th Ave, right in front of the Italian Club. For more info, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Thursdays: The new Rare Olive in downtown St Pete will hold an every-Thursday swing night with Bombed Out Cat, once construction is completed. Smoking will be permitted. Stay tuned for the opening date. The band is no longer playing Thursdays at Ybor City's Rare Olive. Fridays: The Blues Ship, 1910 E 7th Ave in Ybor City, is slated to start up swing on Fridays some time soon, and may possibly have already started. Smoking is allowed. Phone 813-248-6097 for information. Outgoing: James Norman writes: "Another cool swing night got canceled even before it had a chance to get going. So, don't go to South Beach Grill [on Saturdays] -- all you will find are drunken sports fans." Bands: Bombed Out Cat is playing the above-mentioned weekly swing nights at Cadillac Jacks and the Ringside Cafe. In addition, they're playing at Clearwater Beach's Pier 60 Pavilion once a month. Call the band's hotline for up-to-the-minute information: 813-960-1426. The Swingin' Mooks play the above-mentioned weekly swing nights at Storman's Palace & Club More, plus the following November gigs: Nov 13, 20, 27: Gator's at John's Pass on Treasure Island; 5pm Nov 19: Planet 9 Ball; 10pm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BECOME A DANCE INSTRUCTOR Sarah Taylor writes: Hi, I am with Sun City First Ballroom. We are currently looking for guys and girls interested in instructing ballroom classes, including east-coast and west-coast swing. Instructors are required to do all types of dance; however, we will train. If you know of ANYONE interested in becoming an instructor, please e-mail me and let me know. Many thanks, Sarah. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TEMPLE TERRACE SWING LESSONS Fran writes: Instructor Fran Johns from Borderline will be teaching at the Temple Terrace Recreation Center, starting Nov 5, for six weeks, 7-9pm. Partners aren't needed -- everyone dances. For more info, contact Fran at 813-985-8216 or the Rec Center at 813-989-7180. This is the last Swing Class before the holiday parties, so hurry if you want to be ready. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WHERE TO SWING IN JACKSONVILLE Jason Seery writes: I'm stuck in Jacksonville for the next five weeks and was wondering if you knew of any swing action up here. Thanks. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ORLANDO SWING ORGANIZATION Phaedra Valente writes: Hey all you swingers. I know that this is a little short on notice and it would be a heck of a drive for you all, but read below. A few of the swing kids banded together and the following is the result. There is a chapter of the Lindy Association finally opening up here in Orlando. The Lindy Association is an organization that promotes swing, both the music and the dance. It organizes and announces concerts and workshops, as well as social events (parties, club openings, and other events -- can you say "Lindy Bombing") for the local chapter. All for the sake of keeping swing (and its supporting venues) alive. Plus, it will keep everyone informed of what's going on, not just those that have an e-mail account or check the web sites. The first meeting is Thursday, Nov 11th, at Atlantic Dance, located at the Boardwalk on Disney property and it will run 8pm-9pm. This is before the doors open to the dancing public. Therefore, don't expect to be dancing at this meeting. (I think this first meeting will be to familiarize everyone with the by-laws, nominate/elect officers, etc. You know -- the boring, but crucial stuff.) So, if you all can stop on by for this first meeting, I think it would be very productive. A large turn-out would show them that they have a strong following, not just of a handful of fanatics that think swing is bigger than it is, but of many people who are devoted and dedicated to actually DOING something. Please e-mail me if you think you will be attending (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FICTION & JOKES Hank Sutter of the NY Chapter of the Suncoast Swing Gang writes: "Hello Out There, this is from the NY chapter! I think you need to liven up Swing News. Why not take submissions of original fiction, put in a jokes column, book, movie, and music reviews, and take a zany, opinionated point of view that might get people worked up, alarmed, and amused. Have some fun! Ciao, Hank (See you next Summer!)" Dear Hank, We publish any sort of garbage that people send in, as long as it's swing-related. For example, someone sent in a hilarious letter that appears at the very end of Swing News Issue #47. --Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Suncoast Swing Gang, Inc., publisher of Swing News, is a nonprofit network of swing dancers and other enthusiasts, committed to promoting events in places with large, smoke-free or open-air dance areas; to encouraging great music & instruction; and to building a united swing community! Send additions/deletions/address-changes to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Check out our companion website at http://www.SwingNews.com . **********************************************************************