********************************************************************** Swing News, Tuesday 11/16/99, Issue #48, (Next Issue, 11/30/99) 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, The huge events of the last couple of weeks have finally passed. I've heard from many people that the Frankie Manning workshop was one of the best they've ever taken. I have to agree; one of the highlights was the aerial move that Frankie taught (and performed). The press gave his visit a lot of coverage, and many local dancers appeared in last week's St Pete Times Weekend magazine. Two nights later, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy gave an excellent concert at Jannus Landing to a large, high-energy crowd. Afterward, the band came out on the sidewalk to sign autographs. Looking forward, this weekend brings many new swing opportunities. Check them out below. Sunday Swing nights have started at the Italian Club in Ybor City, co-sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang -- your nonprofit local swing network -- and the Italian Club. We're very excited about these Sunday Swing nights, and plan to continue them indefinitely. They're a much- needed Tampa-side addition to the area's weekly swing nights. The Sunday Swing nights will usually be DJed (Paul Mallett will spin the tunes most of the time), but we also plan to have occasional live bands. Plus, be on the lookout for theme nights, including: - The Night After Christmas Party - The Day After Y2K Party - Swingin' Superbowl Sunday Other possibilities down the road include occasional performances and competitions, door prizes, fashion shows, etc. Anyone interested in helping plan or run one or more of these swing nights should e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Suggestions are also welcome (though not as welcome as actual involvement). A free dance lesson will start out each night, 7-8pm. Many of the finest local swing instructors have volunteered to teach, and will be taking turns instructing different weeks. These instructors include Angel, Jim, Connie Gee (instructor at the old Sugar Palm), Fran (from BorderLine), Mack, Sherrie Gill, Rafe, myself, and others TBA. Anyone else who's interested in teaching should e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. The first several weeks will cover east-coast swing, with the level of lesson tailored to the people who show up. Of course, the beginning steps will always be taught, so get your beginning friends in for the free lessons! Down the road, we plan to mix it up a bit and offer some more-advanced instruction in both east-coast and other swing dances (such as Lindy Hop). Read below, under "Local Swing Nights & Bands", for full details. Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THE UPCOMING TWO WEEKS This Friday (Nov 19), the University Swingsters of USF host their 3rd dance of the semester in the Marshall Center Ballroom. Dan Parshall writes: "Dancing will start at 8pm and go until 1am, and there will be free Lindy Hop lessons taught by Gabe & Liz at 7:00pm. Spinning the tunes once again will be the Voodoo Hepcat, DJ Abdel. The hardwood dancefloor can accommodate about 300 people. Our last event gathered in over 160 members from the swing dancing and USF communities, and we expect this one will draw about 200. A $2 donation is requested. To get there, take I-275 to the Fowler exit. Head east on Fowler until you come to 50th St (a traffic light). Turn left (north) onto 50th St, then turn left (west) onto Holly Dr (the first street before Fletcher Ave). This will take you onto the USF campus. Go to the 2nd light, then turn left and park inside the Cresent Hill parking garage. From there, follow the signs to the dance, located inside the Marshall Center on the 2nd floor. If you have any questions, please e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Hope to see you there! --Dan" This Saturday afternoon (Nov 20), 11am-3pm, Clearwater's Historic Bayview neighborhood, located at the SW corner of Gulf-To-Bay (Hwy 60) & the Bayside Bridge, invites everyone to a Street Party. The Street Party's being held to preserve the historic area and its canopy of huge oak trees. The Party features street dancing and live music, with several local swingsters volunteering their talents as performers: * The All News Blues Band (from Channel 8), with Jim Webb on sax. This is a rare chance to see this fun band. They'll perform a couple of swing numbers, so be ready to dance! * James O'Neill & the Rhythm Shadows will entertain with a selection of Rhythm & Blues classics from the 60's. Also 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. * The Spats Cats, high-energy dance troupe from Spats Dance Club in Sarasota, will show off their swing routines. These Cats, ages 8 to 16, have performed and competed across several states. Other performers include Cliff Patterson, award-winning environmental singer/songwriter, and Artists in Action doing madrigals and poetry. The Street Party also features: * Art Show & Sale. Among the many artists will be local swingster, Rachel Fia, on ceramics. * Barbecue, with food and drinks available for purchase * Kid's Activities: Firetruck Tour; Children's Art Table; Clown; Juggler; Sketch Artist; and Good, Old-Fashioned Playing Outside * Natural Scenery: Trees, Fields, and the Bay * Free Admission * Bring lawn chairs or blankets if you'd like to sit * For more info, visit www.webconceptz.com/bayview or e-mail Sam at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Directions: * Step 1: - FROM TAMPA, take I-275 South to the Hwy 60 (Clearwater) exit. Take the Courtney Campbell Causeway across the Bay. Pass through the stoplight for Bayside Bridge/McMullen-Booth Rd ... - FROM ST PETE, take I-275 North to Exit 16 and follow the signs to Clearwater. You'll be on 686 W (Roosevelt Blvd), then 688 W (Ulmerton Rd), then 686 W again. Pass the airport and take 611 N (Bayside Bridge). Cross the Bridge, then take a left at the first exit (60 W) ... * Step 2: Take the very next left (at the BP Gas Station). That's South Bayview and gets you to the Street Party. If all street parking's already taken, find parking in a lot or on a street north of Gulf-To-Bay. This Saturday night (Nov 20), Dan Electro & the Silvertones take the stage at the Largo Cultural Center. Gwen Peterson of the Cultural Center writes: "This slick and charismatic musical ensemble will have you jumpin' and jivin' to their extensive repertoire of R&B and swing standards. Stellar musicianship and big-time showmanship come together for a swinging good time -- don't miss it!" Other details (thanks to Gwen & Beth for sending these in): * Runs 8:00pm to about 10:30pm * All Ages Show * Smoke-Free Atmosphere * Casual Attire, Cabaret-Style Seating, Cash Bar * $10.50 per ticket. To reserve your tickets, call the Box Office at 727-587-6793; they're open 10-4 M-F & 10-2 Sat. * The Largo Cultural Center is located at the corner of East Bay and Missouri Ave/Seminole Blvd (Alt 19) in Largo's Central Park (site of the yearly Renaissance Festival). Directions: From I-275, exit at Ulmerton and veer right onto East Bay (aka 686/Roosevelt). Go several miles (past US 19, Belcher, Keene/Starkey, Highland). Turn left (south) on Central Park Drive, and the Cultural Center's behind the Library, on your right. Also this Saturday night (Nov 20) is the Millennium Ball during the Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Classic. The Classic runs Fri-Sun, Nov 19-21, and is at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. Among the 12 "nationally prominent" bands are three swing bands that will play Saturday night's Millennium Ball, to be held in the Main Ballroom. The Ball is "A New Year's Eve Style Party (black tie optional)". Weekend badges are $60. Saturday-only admission is $30, or a bargain $3 for students, but it's not clear whether these rates get you into the Ball. Call 727-536-0064 for a printed brochure and registration form. For hotel reservations, phone 727-595-1611 and ask for "9th in 99" reservations at $105/night. Next weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, no special events are scheduled. However, be sure to check out some of the regular swing nights and bands, listed below. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER THAT Fri Dec 3: Swingin' Mooks at Skipper's Smokehouse; 813-971-0666 Sat Dec 4: Cigar Store Indians at Club More; 727-466-6673 Sat Dec 4: Bus Trip to Atlantic Dance; 813-936-0933 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 On Saturday, Dec 4, BorderLine is sponsoring the next in its series of bus trips from Tampa Bay to Atlantic Dance. Tickets are $25 and include round-trip bus transport, admission to Atlantic Dance, drinks on bus (alcoholic beverages provided for those 21 & up), and party platters from Subway Sandwiches. The bus has reclining seats, bathrooms, and entertainment centers (TV/VCR/FM/Cassette). Call 813-936-0933 for tickets; credit cards are accepted. The bus departs from two locations. It picks up ticket holders at 6:45pm in Pinellas at the corner of Park Blvd & US 19 (Parkside Mall parking lot). Then it picks up Tampa folks at 7:30pm at the corner of Dale Mabry & Waters (BorderLine parking lot). At 1:30am, the bus reboards at Atlantic Dance and returns to Borderline at 3:00am; Parkside Mall, 3:30am. The Gulfport Casino will not be having a dance on Friday, Dec 3rd. Originally, Kimberly Kaye & Swing Fever were slated to play that date. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL SWING NIGHTS & BANDS Weekly Swing Nights: Sun: Italian Club in Ybor City; 813-248-3316; Nonsmoking; All Ages 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 Fri: Blues Ship in Ybor City; 813-248-6097; Smoking Sunday-night swing has started up at the Italian Club in Ybor City. It runs every Sunday, 7pm-Midnight. Bring your beginning friends for the free dance lesson, 7-8pm. Swing music and open dancing follow, 8pm-12. This Sunday, we'll be drawing for a special door prize. Other details: * All Ages * $5 Admission * Beautiful, Spacious, & Smoke-Free 2nd-Floor Ballroom (2000 sq ft of Wooden Dance Floor; a 1st-Floor Cantina is provided for smokers) * Bottled Water, Juice, Soft Drinks, & Full Bar Available * 1731 E 7th Ave in Ybor City * E-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or phone 813-248-3316 for more info * Directions: Take I-4 to Exit 1, head south several blocks, then right on 7th Ave. The Italian Club is between 17th & 18th St, the tallest building on the south side of 7th Ave. * Parking: You can park in the street on or just off 7th Ave. Plenty of free parking is available in close proximity to the Italian Club on Sundays. * Co-sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang and the Italian Club Friday-night swing has commenced at The Blues Ship, 1910 E 7th Ave in Ybor City. Details: - Lesson 8-9pm - Band 9-12pm (usually the Swing Sisters) - CD mix until closing - Smoking permitted - Phone 813-248-6097 This Wednesday (Nov 17) at the Gulfport Casino's swing night, watch for an Argentine Tango demo during intermission -- two dances performed by Mack & friends. Bombed Out Cat will be playing Thursdays at the new Rare Olive in downtown St Pete, once construction is completed. Until then, they're playing various nights at the old Rare Olive in Ybor City, plus the above-mentioned weekly swing nights at Cadillac Jack's and Ringside Cafe. Call the band's hotline for up-to-the-minute information at 813-960-1426. The Swingin' Mooks play the above-mentioned weekly swing nights at Storman's Palace & Club More, plus the following upcoming gigs: Nov 19: Planet 9 Ball; 10pm Nov 20, 27: Gator's at John's Pass on Treasure Island; 5pm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ST PETE SWING KIDS' OUTING Beth Eldridge writes: Hello Swingsters! The St Pete Swing Kids' outing this month will be to the Largo Cultural Center on Saturday, Nov 20, to swing to Dan Electro & the Silvertones. The show starts at 8pm, and tickets are $10.50/pair (a fabulous deal for a live band from Sarasota). We've got plenty of folks in the club to go with. If you don't already have a friend to go with, sign up on the carpool/buddies list by e-mailing Desiree at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or call her (692-6999) or me (Beth 397-8644) and we'll help you find someone to pair up with for your tickets. Don't forget to sign in with Desiree' on the member or guest list, and give us your e-mail or phone number if you want to learn of more club outings! Thanks! --Beth [See earlier in this newsletter for full details on the show] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCE INSTRUCTOR WANTED The City of Largo's Highland Recreation Complex is looking for an instructor to teach dance classes starting in January. The instructor will have flexibility to work with the Rec Complex on designing classes. Possible classes include swing, ballroom, folk, or just about any type of dance. For more information, speak to either Doug or Wendy at 727-587-6723. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LINDY HOP WORKSHOP DAY IN ORLANDO * Saturday, 12/4/99, in Orlando, at the Pine Hills Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (8450 Silver Star Road) * By the Dancers, For the Dancers * $5 Per Workshop * Due to the size of the gym space, we will need to set a limit of 80 people per workshop. Please either email Joe Robinson at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or call 407-297-6442 if you plan to attend. * Since this activity is on the Church's property, it is asked that you refrain from smoking while on the Church grounds * Workshop 1: 9:30am-10:45am, Beginning Savoy Style. Taught by Gabe (NYC/Tampa) & Anna (Orlando). Swing Out, Lindy Circle, Charleston, technique and lead/follow concepts. * Workshop 2: 11:00am-12:15pm, Intermediate/Advanced Savoy Style. Taught by Roy (San Francisco/Tampa) & Angel (Tampa). New moves and an emphasis on musical interpretation while dancing. Tips on lead and follow styling will also be given. * Workshop 3: 12:45pm-2:00pm, Intermediate/Advanced Savoy/Hollywood Style. Taught by Alfredo & Devin (Gainesville). New moves that can be used with Hollywood or Savoy style. * Workshop 4: 2:15pm-3:30pm, Beginning Hollywood Style. Taught by Regina (San Diego/Tampa). Hollywood Basic and Hollywood Swing Out, as well as other moves from movies of the 30's and 40's. * Workshop 5: 3:45-5:00pm, More Hollywood Style. Taught by Erik (L.A./ Orlando) & Erica (Orlando). Sugar Pushes & Hollywood-Style moves. Savoy Style (Frankie Manning, Ryan Francois, Steven Mitchell) was developed in Harlem in the late 20's. Body posture is more relaxed with heads being closer to the dance partner than your feet. At an advanced level, this style uses musical interpretation and can be very playful. Hollywood Style (Dean Collins, Erik & Sylvia Robison, Marcus and Baerbl) was brought to L.A. in 1936 by Dean Collins. This style has strong arm tension and the feet are closer to your dance partner than your head. Followers tend to keep their arms higher. Leads want their upper body to have little or no movement. This style uses many whips and quick stops. With a slight adjustment, you should have no problem dancing with someone who uses the other style. Most Lindy Hop moves are interchangeable and can be used with either style. Directions: Take I-4 to the East West Expressway (408), head west on it, then take Exit 2 (Good Homes Road). Fork right at the exit (north on Good Homes), then cross over Highway 50. You will come to another fork in the road. Stay to the right. Good Homes Road will dead-end into Silver Star Road. At the stop sign, take a left. The Church will be on your immediate left (8450 Silver Star Road). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LINDY HOP DISCUSSION LIST Paul Jackson writes: Attention Lindy Hoppers, current and wannabe! If you have an interest in the grand-daddy of all swing dances -- Lindy Hop -- or are just curious about this dance, then please read on. Actually seeing Lindy Hop danced (either Savoy/Harlem style, or Hollywood/DC/LA/Smooth style) in the areas in and around Tampa Bay can be a challenge. And that goes double for some associated dances, like Balboa, or choreographed routines such as the Shim Sham, Big Apple, or Jitterbug Stroll. If you've already been bitten by the Lindy bug, there is no 12-step program back to the simplicity of your former dance life. There is, however, an 8-step program forward. The first step is finding out if there is sufficient interest around here. I am considering setting up a Listserv dedicated to Lindy Hop (along with the Shim Sham, jazz stylings, Balboa, etc). The newsletter you're reading, the Swing News, is a Listserv, but in the one-to-many format. If there is sufficient interest, the Lindy Listserv would be a many-to-many format. Most major swing communities (eg, Seattle, New York, San Fran, L.A.) have such Lindy Hop lists. If you're interested in learning more about this dance, and maybe even how to learn Lindy or to incorporate some of its stylings into your current dancing, then I would request that you send an e-mail to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . If enough people respond, I will create a Listserv and send everyone who replied information on how to join in on the discussions (and also how to be removed). I suspect there are more of you out there than one might guess based on the dancing done around these parts. Again, there has to be enough response. If you are tired of "Lindy who?" in response to your dance queries, there may yet be hope. Meet others interested in this great dance and together we can distribute information, teach each other steps, organize workshops, and even hold events. Counting all the way to "8" ... Paul Jackson, Swing Gang member (Tampa Bay) Florida Lindy Association member (Orlando) Savoy Swing Club member (Seattle) [Editor's Note: There are two main differences between an e-mail newsletter, like the Swing News, and a Listserv, like the Lindy one Paul is suggesting: 1. To get a message out via a newsletter, a subscriber sends it in; then the newsletter editors compile and edit all submissions; then the final product goes out to everyone. To get a message out via a Listserv, a subscriber just e-mails it in; it is automatically distributed, in raw form, to all subscribers. 2. The second main difference is volume. Newsletter subscribers receive a single e-mail every time a new issue comes out (every two weeks for the Swing News). Listserv subscribers, for successful lists, receive several e-mail messages a day from other subscribers.] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MALE INSTRUCTORS STILL WANTED Sarah Taylor writes: Thanks for all of the many responses I received regarding interest in becoming a dance instructor with Sun City First Ballroom. Unfortunately, at this time all our female positions have been filled but we still need guys. If you are a male interested in becoming an instructor with Sun City First Ballroom e-mail me at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or call the studio direct at 813-633-0020. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A BIT OF HUMOR A couple of people have responded to Hank's call for humor, published in the last Swing News. The funny thing is, they both sent in the same set of song lyrics. The song's called "Wear Insoles" and is too long to print here, but can be seen at www.dancestore.com/insolesong.html . Thanks to Arnold and Gary for sending this in. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 . **********************************************************************