********************************************************************** Swing News, Tuesday 2/1/00, Issue #52, (Next Issue, 2/15/00) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Submissions to this newsletter XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Addition/deletion/address-change requests XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - All other correspondence http://www.SwingNews.com - Swing News web site ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear everyone, We received good response to the recently sent out Swing News Poll, but we still need a lot of people to return them. If you haven't yet taken the poll, please do so. A fresh copy appears at the end of this issue, along with instructions for AOL users and other folks who encountered technical difficulties. We did have some technical issues of our own, where two people sent responses to the wrong address, accidentally e-mailing everybody. So our apologies for the two misdirected e-mails -- all technical problems have now been fixed. Rocket 88, a favorite of Florida swing dancers, will be playing a live dance & concert on Sunday, Feb 20 (President's Day Weekend), at the Italian Club's swing night. This is a major event for two reasons: 1. It's one of the first Tampa Bay appearances for the new Rocket 88 band. 2. It's the first live-music event sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang (publisher of the Swing News). It's thanks to your support that our network -- representing the Tampa Bay swing community -- has reached the stage where it's able to sponsor live music. If successful, this will be the first of many such live events. So mark your calendars -- this will be a great time for all who attend! The Suncoast Swing Gang, Inc, Tampa Bay's nonprofit swing network, will hold its next business meeting on Sunday, February 6th, 6-8pm, at the Italian Club, 1731 E 7th Ave in Ybor City, prior to the swing night. All who want to get involved in organizing swing in Tampa Bay are encouraged to attend. Meetings will be held once every calendar quarter, alternating locations between Tampa & St Pete. It's been a month since the last issue, so there's a lot of swing news to cover. If you don't receive this entire issue of Swing News for some reason, you can download it from www.swingnews.com . Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THE UPCOMING TWO WEEKS This Thursday (Feb 3), Dem Brooklyn Bums make a rare local appearance at Storman's Palace, 2675 Ulmerton Rd in Pinellas County (Feather Sound). These bad boys of swing (from Brooklyn, where else?) have been inspiring mayhem across the land with touching songs about drinkin' & drivin' and cracking heads with baseball bats. Smoking is allowed throughout the club. The dance floor's fairly small, comfortably accommodating maybe a dozen couples. Free dance lessons start at 7pm with Frank Ingo. Phone 727-571-2222 for more info. (Warning -- Storman's may tell you that the Swingin' Mooks are playing that night, so you'll be taking a small chance on bands. Our info comes from Dem Brooklyn Bums.) Visit www.BrooklynBums.com for more info on the band. This Friday (Feb 4), the University Swingsters of USF host their first swing dance of the New Year, in the Marshall Center Ballroom. - Lessons at 7pm - Dancing 8pm-1am - Music by Voodoo Hepcat, DJ Abdel - Free Refreshments - $3 Donation - For more info, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Dan Parshall writes: "Response from both the student body and the swing community has been overwhelmingly positive. If you haven't been yet, this is your chance. Do not miss this event!" Directions: I-275 to Fowler. East on Fowler to 50th St. Left onto 50th. Continue until you are one block before the next traffic light. This road, North Holly, is directly across from the Excellence Apts. Left onto North Holly, to 2nd traffic light. Turn left and park in the Crescent Hill parking garage. Head to the ground floor and follow the curved road to the Marshall Center. The dance is in the ballroom, on the 2nd floor. This Sunday (Feb 6), you can catch Skinny McGee at Skipper's, warming up for NRBQ. Tickets for this 8pm show are $10 in advance or $13 that day. Skipper's writes about the Orlando-based Skinny McGee. "This trio (no drums) has a wild blend of Johnny Cash styling mixed with an authentic rockabilly sound, all topped with a dash of hillbilly bop. Skinny plays a 1936 upright Kay bull fiddle." The main act, NRBQ, is a highly versatile (non-swing) band with a repertoire of over 500 songs, highly praised by everyone from Elvis Costello to Bonnie Raitt. Like all Skipper's shows, this one's open to ages 18 and up (under 18 admitted if accompanied by parent), and is held outdoors under the "Skipperdome". You can dance on the plywood floor in front of the stage or wherever you find room on the surrounding wooden decks. Skipper's features a full bar & restaurant, and is located at Skipper Rd & Nebraska in North Tampa. Phone 813-971-0666 for more info. Next Friday (Feb 11), the Swingin' Mooks play Skipper's Smokehouse. The show starts at 8pm and costs $5. For other details see the previous Skipper's concert above. Next Saturday afternoon (Feb 12), 1-4pm, Heritage Village in Largo will hold a WWII Re-enactment, complete with swing music/dancing of the era. For more info, contact the Right Step Studio at 727-821-9420. Also next Saturday (Feb 12), Reverand Horton Heat brings their brand of Texas rockabilly to the State Theatre, 687 Central Ave in St Pete, with opening act, Hank III. Tickets are $15 and doors open at 8pm. Smoking's allowed. There's a fair amount of room to dance in the standing area in front of the stage, although the floor is concrete, with a slight slant and some irregularities. Phone 727-895-3045. Visit www.reverendhortonheat.com for info on the band. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER THAT Wed Feb 16: Jet Set Six @ Gulfport Casino; 727-893-1070 Thu Feb 17: Set 'Em Up Joe @ Orpheum; 813-248-9500 Sun Feb 20: Rocket 88 @ Italian Club; 813-248-3316 Sun Feb 20: Lounge Cat @ Skipper's Smokehouse; 813-971-0666 Fri Feb 25: Kimberly Kaye & Swing Fever @ Casino; 727-893-1070 Fri Mar 3: Lee Rocker with Rocket 88 @ Club More; 727-466-6673 Tue Mar 7: Larry Elgart & The Manhattan Swing Orchestra @ Ruth Eckerd Hall; 727-791-7400 Wed Mar 8: Camaros @ Gulfport Casino; 727-893-1070 Sun Mar 12: Dan Electro & the Silvertones @ Italian Club; 813-248-3316 Fri Mar 17: Spring Swing @ Clearwater Main Library; 727-462-6800 x242 Sat Mar 18: Lindy Hop Night @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; 727-799-7096 Sat Apr 1: Lindy Hop Night @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; 727-799-7096 Fri May 5 - Sun May 7: Steven Mitchell @ Casino; 727-821-9420 Rocket 88 will be performing Sunday Feb 20 (President's Day Weekend) at Swing Sunday at the Italian Club. This live-music dance & concert is sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang, Tampa Bay's nonprofit swing network. Rocket 88, the famous & exciting jump-swing band out of Orlando, is a favorite of local dancers, and is making one of their first Tampa Bay appearances in recent months. To support future live- music dances in Tampa Bay, be sure to make this event. Details: * Free Swing Dance Lesson by Jim & Angel, 7-8pm * Dance to Rocket 88, 8pm-Midnight * All Ages Welcome * Beautiful Ballroom in newly renovated, historic (1918) building * Huge, High-Quality, Wooden Dance Floor -- Over 2000 Square Feet * Smoke-Free Dancing (Cantina on another floor provided for smokers) * Drinks: Bottled Water, Juice, Soft Drinks, & Full Bar Available * Admission $8 * Free Hors D'Oeuvres * Door Prizes * Music between sets by DJ Paul Mallett * Free Parking -- very close to the Italian Club * Address & Directions: 1731 East 7th Avenue in Ybor City. Take I-4 to Exit 1, head south several blocks, then right on 7th Avenue. The Italian Club is between 17th & 18th Streets, the tallest building on the south side of 7th Avenue. * For More Info: E-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or phone 813-248-3316 Beth Eldridge of the St Pete Swing Kids writes: "Club More is bringing Lee Rocker (from the Stray Cats) and Rocket 88 to Clearwater. General admission is $10, but USF students can get in for $6 with student ID." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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: Orpheum in Ybor City; 813-248-9500; Smoking Thu: Storman's Palace in Clearwater; 727-571-2222; Smoking Fri: Swing City Dance Studio in Tampa; 813-935-7458; Nonsmoking Sat: Danceland in Pinellas Park; 727-821-9420; Nonsmoking Updates: - Club More is back with the Swingin' Mooks every Wednesday night - The St Pete Rare Olive is having occasional swing -- see Bombed Out Cat's Schedule. Bombed Out Cat in February: Sun 6,27: The Apollo, Treasure Island, 9:30pm-1:30am 13: Cha Cha Coconuts, St Pete Pier, 2:00-6:00pm 20: Pier 60, Clearwater Beach 5:00-8:00pm Mon 7,21,28: The Apollo, Treasure Island, 9:30pm-1:30am 14: Cha Cha Coconuts, St Pete Pier, 7:00-11:00pm Tue All: Cadillac Jacks, Treasure Island, 9:00pm-1:30am Wed 9,16,23: Ringside Cafe, St Pete, 9:30pm-1:30am Thu 3,10: The Rare Olive, St Pete, 9:00pm-1:30am Fri/Sat 5,26: Gators, Johns Pass Village, 5:00-9:00pm 11,12: Cha Cha Coconuts, St Pete Pier 8:00pm-12:00am 19: Ringside Cafe, St Pete, 9:30pm-1:30am 25,26: Daqueri Deck, Madeira Beach, 9:30pm-1:30am Swingin' Mooks in February: Wed All: Club More, 10pm Thu 10,17,24: Storman's Palace, 9:30pm Fri 4: Rockets Cafe, 10pm 11: Skipper's Smokehouse, 8pm Sat 12,19: Gators, 5pm 12: Club More, 11pm Dan Electro & the Silvertones in February: Mon 14: Le Barge, Sarasota, 5-8pm, 941-366-6116 Thu All: Downunder Jazz Club, Sarasota, 9pm-12, 941-951-2467 Fri-Sun 4-6: Atlantic Dance, Disney Boardwalk, 9pm-1, 407-939-5100 11,12,25: Speakeasy Grille, Bradenton, 9:30pm-1:30, 941-747-2729 18: Five O'Clock Club, Sarasota, 10pm-2, 941-366-5555 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ITALIAN CLUB UPDATE & FEBRUARY SCHEDULE Swing Sundays at the Italian Club are going stronger than ever. Thanks to everyone who came out on Martin Luther King weekend and made it an especially lively and exciting night, with record attendance. Thanks also to the many folks who skipped out on the Superbowl to dance instead this past Sunday. And most of all, thanks to the people who come out every week and who make this grassroots swing night happen. The past several Sundays have brought a diverse mix of dancers, doing all styles of swing -- on many songs, the floor would be full of Lindy hoppers, and on other songs, many of the same folks could be seen doing east-coast, street swing, or collegiate shag. As Jumpin' James recently pointed out, one of the best aspects of the local swing scene, unlike any other in the world, is its diversity -- people who dance the various styles of swing attend the same events, and actually interact/dance with each other. New at the Italian Club, we will be bringing in one band every month for a live dance & concert -- starting Sunday, February 20th, with Rocket 88. Other nights will continue to be DJed dances, featuring: - a diverse mix of nine decades of swing music, spun by Paul Mallett - one of the most beautiful & elegant swing atmospheres in Tampa Bay - one of the largest and highest-quality dance floors in the area - one of the friendliest places for dancing or learning to dance Also new at the Italian Club, we're awarding door prizes each night, including free admissions to future dances. Also, if you haven't been lately, you're missing out on some great free hors d'oeuvres at the bar. If you haven't yet been, the Italian Club's located at 1731 E 7th Ave in Ybor City. A free lesson runs 7-8pm each Sunday, followed by music and dancing 8pm-midnight. All ages are welcome and admission is only $5 on DJed nights (a little more for bands). Parking is free on Sundays and the dancing is smoke free -- you don't have to choke down someone else's cigarettes and cigars in order to have a good time. February Schedule: Sun Feb 6: Music by DJ Paul Mallett Fran (of Borderline) & Mike teach the Free Lesson Sun Feb 13: Music by DJ Paul Mallett Sam & London teach the Free Lesson Sun Feb 20: Rocket 88 -- Live Dance & Concert Jim & Angel teach the Free Lesson Sun Feb 27: Music by DJ Paul Mallett Fran & Mike teach the Free Lesson ---------------------------------------------------------------------- STREET SWING DANCE A BIG SUCCESS On Saturday night, January 15th, a group of 30 or 40 swing dancers met on the street outside the Italian Club in Ybor City. It was 10:30pm, the street was closed to traffic as they do on Saturday nights, and the usual crowd of thousands of locals and tourists was roaming the streets. Adding to the crowd were thousands of Bucs fans celebrating the team's playoff victory earlier that day -- a perfect setting for a swing dance! On the third floor of the Italian Club, DJ Paul Mallett broadcast swing tunes through the open windows to the street below. Walking down 7th Avenue, the sweet sound of swing music made quite a contrast to the loud assortment of music the various clubs were pumping out onto the street. People stopped to listen, and to watch the dancers, and even to dance themselves -- right out on the street, until 1am. Overall, it was a great time, and good publicity for swing -- we gave out about 1000 small flyers to onlookers and passers by. The front page of Tuesday's Tampa Tribune ran an article on the future of Ybor City, which started "Swing Dancers in saddle shoes jitterbug to a blaring 'Rock Around the Clock' outside the old Italian Club". Already, there are plans for more street swing dances. Local Lindy hoppers are talking about impromptu weekend-afternoon dances in parks. Plus, be on the lookout for a full outdoor dance in April. Details will be announced in the Swing News as they come in. Thanks to everyone who showed up, danced, handed out flyers, and made this street event a success. Special thanks to Paul for DJing and Janalise for opening the Italian Club. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 5678 DANCE MAGAZINE Swing News welcomes a new web-site advertiser, "5678 Dance Magazine". You can reach their web site by visiting www.SwingNews.com , then clicking on the "5678" graphic. 5678 Dance Magazine is a full-color, monthly print and web magazine featuring Swing, Lindy, Country, and other fun types of dance. It includes feature stories, plus complete listings of dance events, instructors, and places to dance around the nation and abroad. Music reviews, dance technique, and health & fashion round out this very complete dance website and print magazine. To subscribe or just take a peek, visit their website (accessible via www.swingnews.com) or phone 505-286-2638. The Swing News web site accepts ads from dance instructors, studios, bands, vintage stores, music stores, nonsmoking or open-air music venues, and other swing-related entities. All revenues support the Swing News, Tampa Bay swing, and the activities and events sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang, Inc., your nonprofit network. For more info, visit http://www.SwingNews.com or e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LINDY HOP CLASSES AT SWING CITY Lee Holton writes: Roy Rydbeck is now teaching Lindy Hop [Savoy Style] at Swing City Dance Studio every Monday at 7:30pm. Roy, a former instructor at the Sugar Palm, has 14 years experience in this dance and has trained with such greats as Frankie Manning. Lessons are taught in a progressive manner from Beginner to Intermediate and are great reviews as well as continuation of the many workshops being offered in this dance. New classes start each month. For more info, call Swing City at 813-935-7458. Swing City is located at 7532 N Armenia Ave in Tampa. Roy adds the following info: 6:30-7:30pm: Level 1. Basics (Swing Out, Lindy Circle, Charleston) 7:30-8:30pm: Level 2. Over the next 4 months, we will cover the most common Lindy Hop steps danced today. Cost is $7 per class or $25 for a 4-week series. The Level 1 class should be taken in its entirety. If you know the basics, there will be no problem dropping in the Level 2 class. However, beginners will be lost and not able to catch up if they drop in during weeks 3 and 4. The next monthly series begins Monday 1/31. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LINDY & SWING CLASSES AT RIGHT STEP The Right Step Studio, 2319 9th St N in St Pete, is offering a 12-week series of Savoy-Style Lindy Hop classes, taught by James & Arleene, who together have 25+ years of teaching experience. Each week, participants will learn a different, short Lindy combination. Classes run 1 hour on Tuesdays, 8-9pm, every week starting Feb 29th. Pay as you go for $10 a class, $36 for 4 consecutive classes, or $90 for all 12. Prerequisite: Lindy Basic, Circle, Swing Out, Basic Side-by-Side Charleston. Lindy Boot Camp, a 4-hour intensive intro to Savoy-Style Lindy Hop, is offered on Sat Feb 19, 1:30-5:30pm. It runs $35 per person and preregistration is required. Swing Express (East-Coast) workshops are also offered. Contact the Studio at 727-821-9420 for more info. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- JONATHON BIXBY IN MIAMI Randy Atlas writes: Jonathan Bixby will offer four workshops [in Miami] on Sunday April 2 in Smooth Lindy, Balboa, Shim Sham, and St Louis Shag. Special swing kids package is $50 for all four workshops. We will be booking private lessons with him for Friday and Saturday. For info, call 954-927-9010. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CUSTOM VINTAGE CLOTHES Rob Shrewsbury writes: My friend Kelley (K Starre Designs) makes custom vintage clothes & swing dance attire. She does excellent work, and has an assortment of products, plus can make clothes from vintage patterns and even photographs. Her website is http://www.kstarre.com . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWINGERHEAD UPDATE Swingerhead's special concert with The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will happen on April 29th at the Bob Carr Auditorium in Orlando. StaceBass writes, "Michael sings with national symphony orchestras around the country. This is the first time the entire band, including vibraphonist, Christian Tamburr, will be on stage. This season series finale concert will showcase some great swing standards & Swingerhead originals." On another subject, she writes "The Michael Andrew Orchestra was really one of Michael's first projects since he was leading The Rainbow Room Orchestra in New York. The Michael Andrew Orchestra has been around now for about 10 years. Different configurations range from 10 pieces to 20 pieces (with full string sections), depending on the desire of the client for their event." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MUSIC OPINIONS Lauren Hasbrouck writes: Let me start by saying that I am a college student that no longer lives in the Tampa area, so I am only able to come home sporadically. It is also important to note that I thoroughly enjoy both east-coast swing and Lindy hop. I think both James and Paul have improved dramatically by playing a very diverse selection of music. Maybe not everyone realizes it, because they are there every week, and it may have been a gradual change, but it made an impact on me. Instead of complaining about what is not being played, everyone should be very thankful that there are so many wonderful nights to participate in. In fact, one of the reasons I was sad to return to south Florida is because I was so spoiled by the great music and great people of Tampa/St Pete. Lindy hoppers shouldn't forget that they started out doing east- coast swing. I know some people think it might be a little boring and Lindy may be more exciting, because they are new at Lindy and there is so much to learn. I bet they have not learned nearly all they could have with east-coast swing. Take a look at how good some of the guys that east-coast are (Paul, Mike, Vince, etc). They are very smooth and have a lot of good moves, many which could be translated into Lindy. I know some classify their dancing as rockabilly, but in reality it is east-coast swing -- they just may have a bit of a so-called rockabilly style. Also, I know many of the "rockabilly" guys think Lindy is sissy, but it is far from it. The guys have to be very strong with their lead and it is a difficult dance that can be done to great music other then big band. Many '50s songs have an awesome Lindy beat (Dion & the Belmonts, Paul Anka, Elvis, and many more). One more thing -- everyone keeps saying that we need to get more people to join the swing scene. Don't forget what type of music you enjoyed dancing to when you were learning. I guarantee you it wasn't really slow stuff. It is difficult to learn east-coast swing when the music is so slow that you should actually be triple-stepping or Lindying. Lindy hoppers should really try to take advantage of the faster songs so they can east-coast. I joke with friends all the time that Lindy almost seems like a cult. Once people learn to Lindy, that is all they seem to want to do. In fact, in most cases, I won't dance east-coast with a Lindy hopper, because they can't anymore. Learning new dances is supposed to expand us, not limit us. The next time you are out dancing and you are not happy with the music, request a song, take a look at the dance floor, and be thankful that you have a place to dance in the first place. Thanks for your time, --Lauren Mack Sprouse writes: I have listened to all the people complain about the music and DJs until I have had it. I will be the first to admit that I too have complained about the lack of certain music being played. As most of you know, I'm ballroom trained, so I like all types of dance. The DJs have made concessions to play different styles of music during the evening to help satisfy my desire to dance other dances. During the course of an average night out, I may find I need to sit out a few tunes as I don't like the rhythm, the song itself, or I may just need a breather. That's OK. You are not going to please all the diverse styles of dancers all the time. We go out to dance to enjoy ourselves, to be with friends, and naturally to dance. Learn to dance other dances, so that you don't have to wait for yours. I don't Lindy, but I do Foxtrot, which I can dance to most Lindy rhythms. When I have the desire to do nothing but ballroom, I go to someplace where I can do that. I don't try to change an existing format to fit me. I adjust to the format. I need to always remember what it was like when there wasn't a dance on this side of the Bay or I had to wait for a special event to go see my dancing friends, before I start trying to change things to fit me. Heather Curran writes: After reading the letters written by Bob, Arnold, and Paul, I felt the need to respond although I'm not quite certain what I want to say. When I go to any swing night in the area, I go to dance. Although I prefer dancing to rockabilly music, I absolutely do not sit on the sidelines pouting when the DJs play slower, mid-tempo, or Lindy-type music. For example, Jamie of the Gulfport Casino has the widest range of people to play for. He tends to stick to traditional swing music, which is a safe bet. As long as the music is danceable and fun (repetitive songs that seem to go on forever bore me) and there are enough people to dance with, it's okay for me. I am not at all opposed to triple-stepping, and I have even made some feeble attempts to learn to Lindy in order to expand my opportunities to dance (even though I'm not very good). On the other hand, Paul appeals to more eclectic tastes. It is not uncommon to hear a-ha thrown into the mix with Cigar Store Indians, Elvis, and Bobby Darin. However, the more unconventional music is usually played later in the night, when the majority of newcomers and traditionalists have gone home. I question the complaints tossed around about Paul's music selection. I do not pretend to be an expert in swing dancing or the music that generally accompanies it, but if you can "step-step-rock step" (which I believe to be the basic step in swing dancing) to Hall & Oats' very goofy "Man-Eater" song, what's the problem? It's not from the 1940's, but it's sort of amusing and it swings! Apparently, there is also discrepancy in the definition of fast music, because when I think of fast, I think of "Bad Reputation" by the Reverend Horton Heat, not most rockabilly! Evidently, some people in the scene think that swing DJs merely gather up some CDs and play what they like with little regard for those in attendance, but those people are mistaken. First, the really good swing DJs love music and have open minds regarding song danceability (as we have come to realize, this can even mean Neil Diamond). Next, good DJs invest time and money purchasing music for the dancers to enjoy (without much reward, unfortunately). Finally, good DJs are observant and are able to assess the situation out on the dance floor. If lots of people are dancing to a particular type of music, they take that into consideration when choosing songs during the night. Of course, not everybody wants to Lindy or dance to slow music all night, and not everybody wants to dance to fast tempos all night. I guess the thing that makes me different from some of the people who are expressing their frustration with this scene, and with the music in particular, is that I don't have a technique that I am trying to perfect, and I am open to trying new things. I think I'm a decent follower and I love learning new moves, but I don't take it terribly seriously. This area is unique in that each dancer has developed his or her own style. There may be similarities within each label (rockabilly, East Coast, Lindy, whatever), but we are all so very different as well. Perhaps it sounds corny, but I wish more people were willing to appreciate and value these differences, loosen up, and just have a good time. I think that's all I have to say. Remember, if you want to keep dancing, support the clubs and the DJs, make suggestions, not complaints, and ask people to dance. (That's something I have to work on -- I'm so shy when it comes to that sort of thing!) Thanks for reading this ridiculously long letter, --Heather Andrew Woodrow writes: I go to school in NYC and I make it a habit to check out the swing and rockabilly scenes while I'm up there. And guess what ... I'm always anxious to get back to the scene down in Florida. The way it tends to work (9 times out of 10) in NYC is this: the fans of rockabilly go to their nights, and the fans of swing go to theirs. To me, that's boring. One of the greatest aspects of the scene in Florida is that it's so incredibly diverse, both in the types of music played and the types of people who come out and listen to that music. My humble advice is DON'T TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED. Don't discriminate when you go out -- just go out and have a good time. Just because a certain song is different than you might be used to, does not mean that you can't enjoy listening to it. And just because a type of person is different than you might be used to, does not mean that you can't enjoy his or her company. I definitely understand wanting to hear the type of music that you enjoy dancing to. I know for a fact that the DJs do their best to play to the crowd. But if you don't hear your favorite song, go on up to the DJ and request it. He ain't gonna bite, and besides, how else is he supposed to know that on a particular night the crowd wants to hear more Indigo Swing and Jet Set Six than say The Frantic Flattops and Elvis -- unless someone says something. If no one makes any requests, all the DJ has to go by is how many people get out on the dance floor when he plays a certain song. And who says you have to dance to every song? Just remember, the song you decide to sit out may be someone else's favorite. We all have different tastes. There will never be a 100% happy crowd, because there will always be at least that one person who can't stand hearing something new. An open mind never hurt anyone. We're all out to just have a good time. Merideth Norris writes: It was terrific to hear from so many different voices on the subject of crowd-pleasing in the DJ arena. Obviously, everyone comes at this issue from a different perspective, and it's helpful to have a forum like Swing News in which all opinions may be heard. I would further like to commend all parties for trying to be part of a SOLUTION, rather than as a series of divisive gripes. How nice to see attempts at being productive! As people have expressed in the past, it is so hugely important that we continue to provide economic support to all the local swing ventures so that they stay afloat. Sadly, but accurately, your dollar is your most persuasive vote, and if we don't keep kicking into the kitty, our multiple swing options will go toes-up. In my educational travels over the past year, my samplings of the swing scene in other areas have included a grange hall in Maine, and a converted ballroom upstairs in a doctor's garage in West Virginia. Believe me when I tell you that a DJ who doesn't always have his/her finger on the pulse of the ambient crowd (those crystal balls being at the repair shop so frequently) is still a heck of an alternative to practicing Lindy moves to boombox heavy metal in an emergency room. It's a marvelous thing that we can all have such differing swing needs while still sharing a scene in which a sea-mammal specialist can dance with a designer of stained glass windows, etc .... To Jumpin' James, DJ Paul, our Voodoo Stud Abdel, or anyone who may be aspiring to "push play": thank you, thank you, thank you. I wouldn't trade a beat. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING NEWS POLL Here once again, finishing out this issue of Swing News, is the Swing News Poll. If you haven't yet taken it, it's essential that we hear from you. All future swing planning (events, etc) will rely on this poll. We will be tallying responses very soon, so please respond now if you haven't already. Please send responses to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . HOW TO RESPOND: Most people can just hit their e-mail program's reply button and fill in the responses. (Please delete the rest of the Swing News to make things easier.) Some unsophisticated e-mail programs, like AOL versions 4.0 and earlier, do not produce a copy of the original message when you respond. There are two ways around this: 1. Use mouse cut & paste - Highlight the entire poll below by clicking on the first letter with your mouse, then dragging down to the end of the poll. Choose Edit, then Cut from the top menu. Hit Reply. Choose Edit, then Paste from the top menu. 2. Save the original message to your hard drive as plain text. Usually you choose File, then Save or Save As from the top menu. (Pay attention to where you're saving it or you may not be able to find it.) Edit the file you just created using your favorite text editor (Notepad, Wordpad, Microsoft Word, etc) to fill in your responses. Send your edited file to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . (You'll have to go back into your e-mail program, compose a new message, and either attach or insert the file you just edited.) If you're still experiencing technical difficulties, then you'll have to resort to a technique employed by top computer scientists all over the world ... it's called "asking someone how to do it." Most people around you, whether children or adults, should be able to help. ...................................................................... SECTION I. Please answer A, B, C, D, or E to these questions, where: A = Definitely B = Probably C = Maybe / Don't Know D = Probably Not E = Definitely Not Would you pay $8 to attend a swing concert/dance featuring the band: <= 42nd Street Little Big Band <= All Star Swing Show <= Bombed Out Cat <= Dan Electro & the Silvertones <= Dan McMillion & the Groovin' High Big Band <= Denise Moore & Then Some <= Kimberly Kaye & Swing Fever <= Lounge Cat <= Rocket 88 <= Skinny McGee & His Mayhem Makers <= Skirtlifters <= Swingerhead <= Swingin' Mooks Would you pay $5 to attend a swing dance DJ'd by: <= Abdel <= Belinda <= Jumpin' James <= Matt Mikas <= Paul Mallett Would you attend a swing event where most of the music is: <= Big Band / Traditional Jazz <= 50's Rock & Roll / Traditional Rockabilly <= Lounge <= Modern Jump Swing <= Modern/Psycho/Punk Rockabilly Is the following important to you in choosing a swing event to attend: <= Non-Smoking Facility <= Large Dance Floor <= Wooden Dance Floor <= Elegant Atmosphere <= Free Dance Lessons Included <= Live Music Featured <= Dance Shows & Exhibitions <= Dance Contests <= Prize Giveaways <= All Ages Admitted <= Older People to dance with <= Younger People to dance with <= Inexpensive <= Safe Location <= Full Bar Provided If there's a swing event you like, to attend it, would you be willing to travel to: <= Clearwater / Largo <= St Petersburg / Pinellas Park <= Ybor City <= South Tampa <= North Tampa <= Sarasota / Bradenton <= Orlando If there's a swing event you like, to attend it, would you be willing to go out on a: <= Sunday Night <= Monday Night <= Tuesday Night <= Wednesday Night <= Thursday Night <= Friday Night <= Saturday Night <= Sunday Afternoon <= Saturday Afternoon ...................................................................... SECTION II. Put an X to the left of your selected response. About how often do you go to swing events? A. Never B. Once a year or less often C. Several times a year D. Once a month E. 2 or 3 times a month F. Once a week G. 2 or 3 times a week H. 4 or more times a week How would you describe your level of dancing? A. Never dance B. Beginning C. Intermediate D. Advanced ...................................................................... SECTION III. Fill in the blanks. What's your favorite place to go swing? => Where do you most often go swing? => Do you have any favorite local bands or DJs that aren't listed above, in Section I? If so, please name them. => What favorite out-of-town bands would you like to see play locally? => How did you originally find out about the Swing News e-mail letter? => ...................................................................... SECTION IV. Feedback & Comments. Answer whatever questions you'd like. Write whatever you want. Use as little or as much space as you'd like. What do you like best about the local swing scene? => What about the local swing scene would you like to see change? => What do you like best about the Swing News e-mail letter? => What about the Swing News would you like to see change? => What do you like best about the Suncoast Swing Gang? => What about the Suncoast Swing Gang would you like to see change? => Other Comments: => ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 . **********************************************************************