********************************************************************** Swing News, Tuesday 2/29/00, Issue #54, (Next Issue, 3/14/00) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Submissions to this newsletter XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Addition/deletion/address-change requests XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - All other correspondence http://www.SwingNews.com - Swing News web site ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Swingsters, Many thanks to everyone who came out for the Rocket 88 dance & concert at the Italian Club, and who made it one of the best Tampa Bay swing events ever! The level of energy & excitement in the room was incredible, the sound was great, the band was red hot, and we couldn't have asked for a better crowd of people, including many familiar faces from way back in the Sugar Palm & Masquerade days. For those who couldn't make it, this was one of the very first live appearances by the re-formed Rocket 88. Many fans of the old Rocket 88 were in attendance, and the general consensus was that the new band was even better than the old. I've seen them give some great concerts in the past, but this performance topped them all. In the upcoming weeks, the new Rocket 88 is appearing at Club More, at Skipper's Smokehouse, and at the Gulfport Casino. Be sure to check them out! The next live swing dance & concert at the Italian Club will feature Dan Electro & the Silvertones on March 12th. It's coming up in just two short Sundays -- this Swing News is the only warning you'll get. So mark your calendars and check out the details below. Don't miss out on a great time -- hope to see you there! On a sadder note, you may have heard by now that Bombed Out Cat musicians, Ally Johnson (Singer) and Mark Gould (Sax Player) were seriously injured in a fire. They're currently at Tampa General. Please read Billy's note below, and let's help them out any way we can. You can send cards or letters to them at Tampa General Hospital, Burn/ICU Unit, Davis Island FL 33606; also, be sure to sign their cards at the Gulfport Casino this Wednesday. James Norman has issued a call for volunteers to help plan & run a number of benefits -- join the discussion at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/bombedoutcatbenefit to find out how you can help. Finally, an administrative note -- we've just completed the migration to a new web hosting service, new e-mailing software, and new internet service providers. As with anything new, there's a good possibility of encountering problems the first time around. If you happen to receive multiple copies of the Swing News, it means that the first attempt did not go through successfully & we had to try again (& maybe again ...). We'd appreciate your patience should things not go smoothly. Sam Billy writes: "Hey Everybody, By now, you've probably either seen the news or read the newspaper. Saturday morning, Ally (our singer) & Mark (our sax player), were in a house fire & were med-evac'ed to the Burn Unit ICU at Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. They were both upgraded to serious condition today; however, they do have a hard road ahead of them. Tomorrow, we will be setting up a benefit fund to help them with medical costs, as neither of them have insurance. We will also be involved in several benefit shows for them, and several area bands and clubs have already contacted me offering assistance. We will continue on with both of them in our hearts & souls, until they can share the stage with us again. Jennifer Mazziotti will be joining us on saxophone in the meantime. We are asking for your support now more than ever, and hope to see all of you soon. We will not be at the Leesburg Jazz Festival, and we will not be making the trip to Atlanta. Here's where we will be this & next week: Tue Feb 29 & Mar 7: Cadillac Jacks, Treasure Island, 9:00-1:30 Wed Mar 1 & Mar 8: Ringside Cafe, St Pete, 9:30-1:30 Thu Mar 2 & Mar 9: Rare Olive II, St Pete, 9:00-1:30 Fri Mar 3 & Mar 10: Blues Ship (Downstairs), Ybor City, 10:00-2:00 Sat Mar 4 & Mar 11: Gators, Johns Pass Village, 5:00-9:00 We will be posting updated info daily on our webpage as to Ally's & Mark's condition, and any & all upcoming benefits. So here it is: http://members.aol.com/bombedoutcat ." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THE UPCOMING TWO WEEKS This Thursday (Mar 2), The Paladins appear at the New World Brewery in Ybor City, with Tampa rockabilly band, Midnight Bowlers League. Vince Gudzinskas writes: "The Paladins have been in the rockabilly scene since the late 70's / early 80's revival, following the lead of the Stray Cats. The Paladins are well respected in the scene." Visit www.rockabilly.net/paladins and www.angelfire.com/nf/mbl for more info on the bands. New World Brewery is located at 1313 E 8th Ave in Ybor City. Smoking's Allowed. Phone 813-248-4969. This Saturday afternoon (Mar 4), the Jiving Lindy Hoppers bring their talent all the way from England to Tampa Bay, to teach a three-hour, intermediate-level, Lindy Hop workshop, 1:30-4:30pm, at the Highland Recreation Complex in Largo. Teaching will be Russell Sargeant (troupe captain) and Carolene Hinds, both exceptionally talented full-time dancers, instructors, and choreographers of the Jiving Lindy Hoppers. The Jiving Lindy Hoppers are currently on a three-month tour of the US, appearing at major performing arts centers across the country. Since their formation in 1984, they've given over 2000 performances, as well as countless workshops & classes. For more info on the group, visit www.jivinglindyhoppers.com . Advance registration is $22; at the door it's $26. The advance- registration deadline is this Wednesday (Mar 1), and you can advance- register at the Gulfport Casino by finding either Beth or Sam. Since this is an intermediate-level workshop, participants must already be comfortable with the Swing Out, Lindy Circle, Basic Charleston, and Throw Out (Swing Out from Closed Position). Participants should wear soft-soled, non-marking shoes, to protect the gym floor. The workshop is sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang, Inc., your nonprofit swing network for Tampa Bay. For additional info, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . This Saturday night (Mar 4), Lee Rocker, bass player for the old Stray Cats, appears with his band at Club More in downtown Clearwater. This double concert also features Orlando band, Rocket 88. Doors open at 8pm, and the concert starts about 9pm. Admission is $10. Smoking is allowed, and ages 18 and up are admitted. A floorboard dance area is available in front of the stage. Club More is located at 703 Franklin St in downtown Clearwater, a few blocks south of Cleveland St. Phone 727-466-6673. Next Tuesday (Mar 7): You may not have heard of them, but Larry Elgart & The Manhattan Swing Orchestra boast the top-selling swing / big band album in history, "Hooked On Swing", at over 5 million copies sold. The band plays a 1pm sit-down concert -- which is already sold out -- at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Phone 727-791-7400. Next Wednesday (Mar 8), the Camaros return to the Gulfport Casino's swing night. This NYC outfit, featuring Jen Jones and the Dangergirl theme, has transformed itself over the past year into a harder-driving rockabilly band. The evening starts out with a beginner's swing class, 7-8pm, by James & Arleene. The Camaros play 8-midnight, with DJ Jumpin' James filling in between sets. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 that day. The show is all ages & nonsmoking, and the Gulfport Casino boasts one of the biggest & best dance floors in the state. Phone 727-893-1070. Next Thursday (Mar 9), the Camaros might be playing the Orpheum, but confirmation is unavailable at press time. Phone 813-248-9500. Next Friday (Mar 10), Rocket 88 takes the stage at Skipper's, along with Western swing band, Billy Bacon & the Forbidden Pigs. This is a CD release party for both bands! (Those who have Rocket 88's earlier CD, "1..2..3..Jump", know it's one of the very few swing CDs out there on which just about every song is great for swing dancing.) Skipper's is extending a special invitation to all Suncoast Swing Gang members (that's you if you're reading this). Tickets are normally $7 in advance or $10 the day of show, but you'll be able to get in for $7 at the door if you tell the door-person the special password. The special password is -- brace yourself -- "The Other White Meat", named after one of Bacon & the Pigs' five albums. The show starts at 8pm and is open to ages 18 and up (under 18 admitted if accompanied by parent). It's held outdoors under the "Skipperdome", a tree canopy covering the Skipper's concert area. 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 information on the bands, visit www.rocket-88.com and www.bleybrothersgarage.com/bacon/bacon.htm . Next Sunday (Mar 12), Dan Electro & the Silvertones take the stage at the Italian Club. The band, based out of Sarasota, has been a local favorite for years, pleasing dancers and listeners everywhere with their exciting yet ever-so-smooth brand of swing & jump blues. * Live Dance & Concert w/ Dan Electro & the Silvertones, 8pm-Midnight * Music between sets by DJ Paul Mallett * Free Beginner's Swing Dance Lesson by Forrest & Kim, 7-8pm * 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 * Door Prizes * 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 * Co-Sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang, Tampa Bay's nonprofit swing network, and the Italian Club ---------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER THAT Fri Mar 17: Spring Swing @ Clearwater Main Library; 727-462-6800 x242 Fri Mar 17: "Elegance" Swing Dance @ Mirror Lake Lyceum; 727-821-9420 Sat Mar 18: Lindy Hop Night @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; 727-799-7096 Sun Mar 26: Dan McMillion at Skipper's Smokehouse; 813-971-0666 Fri Mar 31: Lounge Cat at Gulfport Casino; 727-893-1070 Sat Apr 1: Lindy Hop Night @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; 727-799-7096 Fri Apr 7: Duelin' DJs swing dance at Centro Asturiano in Ybor City Fri Apr 28: Rocket 88 at Gulfport Casino; 727-893-1070 Fri May 5 - Sun May 7: Steven Mitchell in Tampa Bay Fri Oct 13 - Sun Oct 15: Frankie Manning in Tampa Bay Coming up Friday, Mar 17: James & Arleene write: "Mirror Lake Lyceum & Strictly Swing Entertainment present: 'Elegance Returns to Swing Dance' at the fabulous Mirror Lake Lyceum, 737 3rd Ave N in St Pete. Hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, and a dance lesson with James & Arleene are all included in the $15 admission. DJ Jumpin' James will be in a tuxedo! Dance & mingle with your well- dressed swing friends in Florida's most elegant room! Proper attire requested, vintage attire preferred, & jeans/sneakers discouraged." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A MESSAGE FROM ROCKET 88 On behalf of Rocket 88, I congratulate everyone involved in the February 20th dance at the Italian Club! We had a great time playing for you. The organization was evident -- the promotion, planning, and preparation, and the attention to details all paid off big time in a smoothly running operation. The DJ and sound guys did a great job. But from the band's point of view, the best thing was the enthusiasm and energy of the crowd. They inspired us and made us remember just how much fun it is to play music. The dancers were terrific, full of style, energy and verve, and they are the reason the scene is alive and well. Thank you, and I hope you will invite us back soon. Stephen Drummer for Rocket 88 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WEEKLY SWING NIGHTS Sun: Italian Club in Ybor City; 813-248-3316; 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 Update: Dancelovers Ballroom in Clearwater is ending their Tuesday- night swing dance after a fairly uneventful nine-month run. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING DANCE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT You've probably seen photographer Terry Allison shooting pictures around the Gulfport Casino these last several months. You've probably also seen some of the impressive Black & White's he's taken. Well, here's your chance to see it all in one place and purchase a few of your favorites -- you may even see yourself in a few shots! This Friday, March 3rd, 7-10pm, and this Sunday, March 5th, 2-5pm, Terry will have a swing dance photography exhibit -- a show & sale at the Right Step Dance Studio, 2319 9th St N in St Pete. (Phone 727-821-9420.) The event includes a reception. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- GEORGE GEE & THE JUMP, JIVE AND WAILERS IN ORLANDO George Gee & the Jump, Jive and Wailers will be appearing at Atlantic Dance near Orlando, April 7-9. Phone 407-939-5100. For info on this NYC band, visit www.georgegee.com . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- COLLEGIATE SHAG WORKSHOP Tim Adams writes: I just wanted to remind everyone that Carmen and I will be teaching a Collegiate Shag workshop on Saturday, March 11th, as part the 'Swing 2000' workshop series. Collegiate Shag is an up-beat, six-count dance that was popular with college students of the 30's. Its quick footwork and contained dance area make it perfect for faster tempos and crowded dance floors. So I encourage everyone to come out and see what it's all about: it's fast, it's fun, and it's really not all that hard to pick up. And, if you think you have enough on your plate learning Lindy or east-coast swing, I want to stress that the balance and foot speed you develop in shag won't do anything but help you with those dances as well. The workshop is at the Dancer's Rendezvous studio, 4445 East Bay Dr in Clearwater. It runs 3 hours, 1:30-4:30pm, and costs $20 at the door or $17 in advance. You don't need to bring a partner, and no prior experience is necessary. See members.aol.com/swingsum99 for full registration & workshop info. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- UPCOMING LINDY HOP NIGHT On Saturday, March 18th, the second-ever Lindy Hop Night will be held at the Pinellas Park Auditorium -- an entire evening of music, instruction, and dancing devoted to the Lindy Hop. The Night features instructors Joel Domoe from N Carolina & Melanie Myers from Baltimore, plus a selection of all-Lindy-Hop music by DJ Roy Rydbeck. The first Lindy Hop night, held last year, attracted 100 Lindy Hop enthusiasts of all experience levels. This time: - 6:30-7:30pm: Beginner's Lindy Hop Lesson (Swing Outs & Circle) - 7:45-9:45pm: Lindy Hop Workshop: Rhythm & Movements - 10pm-1:00am: Open Dancing with DJ Roy Rydbeck; All Lindy-Hop Music - Big Apple Special: At some point during the night, Joel & Melanie will teach and lead everyone through the Big Apple! - No Partner required for Lesson or Workshop - All Ages Welcome - Smoke-Free & Alcohol-Free Event - 2500 square feet of Wooden Dance Floor - Free & Ample Parking - Admission: $10 before 7:30 (Beginner's Lesson, Workshop, & Dance) $8 before 9:30 (Workshop & Dance) $5 after 9:30 (Dance Only) The 7:45pm Lindy Hop Workshop is for beginning to intermediate-level Lindy Hoppers. Prerequisite: Take the Beginner's Lesson or know the basics it covers. In the Workshop, Joel & Melanie will teach moves that reinforce 8-count Lindy rhythm, while developing diversity and creativity in personal movement. They'll also provide patterns to increase each dancer's repertoire. About the Instructors: Joel is the major mover & shaker behind N Carolina's Winston-Salem/tri-city swing scene. He's taught for Indigo Swing & Glenn Miller Orchestra concerts, plus he & his students have been featured on CBS and in national magazines. He finished 1st & 2nd in two categories of the Virginia State Open Swing Dance Championships. (His web site is www.Supermurgatroid.com .) Melanie is a long-time Lindy Hopper & instructor, and a 4-year veteran with the Baltimore Flycats performance troupe, 1997 VA State Team Champions & White-House performers. She appears in a swing article in the 2/99 issue of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine. Address & Directions: Pinellas Park Auditorium, 7690 59th St N, Pinellas Park. From I-275, take Exit 15. Go west on Gandy/Park Blvd. When you cross the railroad tracks, turn right onto 59th St N. Cross the tracks again. The Auditorium's on the left. If the parking lot's full, go forward and park in one of the two lots to the right, across from the police station. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERMEDIATE LINDY HOP WORKSHOPS WITH JOEL & MELANIE The day after Lindy Hop Night, Joel & Melanie (see above article for bios) will teach three intermediate-level Lindy Hop workshops at the Italian Club, 1731 E 7th Ave in Ybor City -- sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang & the Italian Club. Prerequisites: All participants must be comfortable with Lindy Basics -- Swing Out from Open & Closed and Lindy Circle. Partners are not required. * 1:00-2:15pm: Intermediate Lindy Movement -- Rhythmic diversity & movement consistency are essential to dancing musically & connecting with your partner. Lindy enthusiasts will improve their dancing skills while learning to create and refine new moves. This class will include valuable techniques for turns & spins. * 2:30-3:45pm: Charleston Movement -- This class covers Charleston- style movement, with particular attention to leading & following within Charleston patterns. New Moves, Better Technique, & Visual Partnering will all be covered. * 4:00-5:15pm: Lindy Hop Breaks, Footwork, & Syncopation -- Add spice & flavor to your Lindy. This class explores opportunities for creative individual movement. Both leaders & followers will learn footwork patterns that can be incorporated into the 8-count Lindy rhythm, and syncopation that deviates from the 8-count. In addition to movements, this class will cover proper methods & timing for incorporating improvisation into partner dancing. Cost: $10 per 75-minute session or $25 for all three. Anyone taking two or more sessions gets free admission to that night's swing dance at the Italian Club. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LINDY HOPPERS WANTED Janice posts on the www.yehoodi.com web site: I need some assistance from the Lindy Hop community. I'm not certain how many are familiar with The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (LCJO) with Musical Director, Wynton Marsalis. The band is awlright -- that is, they get the job done (for those not familiar with the LCJO, this is a gross understatement). In the months of April and May, the LCJO have committed to a tour specifically for dancers (called "For Dancer's Only Tour") with an occasional concert venue. Paolo and I want to ensure that we create access to these events for as many Lindy Hoppers as possible. We're looking for the following: - Lindy Hoppers to assist and interact with the audience during Swing dance lessons. We need anywhere between 10 & 20 dancers per venue. The compensation includes free admission and (hold tight) a free t-shirt. You'll also be provided a space to display any swing propaganda. - Dance Studios, Swing Societies, or Teachers involved in the Lindy Hop community who are in the position to a) host workshops and b) distribute discount tickets. Several venues are interested in the educational end as well as the social end. The venue would establish an agreement of reciprocity, giving studios (societies, teachers) access to a new client base and the venue access to Swing Dancers. Financial and marketing agreements will be venue specific. May 1: Miami, FL (James L. Knight Center, Dance 8:00pm) May 2: St Petersburg, FL (Mahaffey Theater, Dance 8:00pm) May 3: Jacksonville, FL (Metropolitan Park , Dance 7:30pm) If you have an interest in participating, e-mail me ASAP. As we come closer to the tour, I'll post the entire tour schedule as well as the folks to contact for workshops and discounted tix. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- GO DADDY-O WEB SITE RETURNS Vince Gudzinskas writes: Go Daddy-O is back up & running at www.geocities.com/vinnieswing . I've retooled the site, streamlined it, cut off some dead wood, added some new dead wood, and tried to add some things people can really use. The photo gallery features a nice overview of a lot of the major events from 1999. There is a huge (200+) swing & rockabilly band link page; a page devoted to Florida swing links; as well as some recommendations on albums and books. So check out the site, disagree with what I have to say, and tell me what a fool I am the next time you see me out on the town. As long as I'm swingin' --Vince ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING, SWING, SWING SHOW Dorothy Blackwell writes: Hi, I work at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. We just opened "Swing, Swing, Swing", a two-hour cabaret show that covers the music, song, dance, and fashions of the swing era. It's a great show -- I saw it last Saturday. It's playing in the Jaeb Theater at the Performing Arts Center, a very comfortable setting (capacity 300). You can buy drinks and snacks and bring them in. The audience sits at small cabaret tables. The theater is a smoke-free environment. There's a live band and 6-8 performers. The show runs through May 14th, and tickets are $18.50 to $26.50. Phone 813-222-1001 for more info, or visit www.tampacenter.com . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WHAT HAPPENED TO MY DATE? Linda writes: Please forward these questions on as a survey of opinions -- only for those involved with or dating someone and who often go out swing dancing -- not for singles. How does everyone feel (male & female) about etiquette or "rules" when going dancing with a boyfriend or girlfriend? For example, how often should you dance with your date versus other partners? Should you ask a stranger to dance while with a committed partner, or only ask mutual friends to dance, or only dance with your sweetheart? Should your date return to you in between dances? Is it appropriate for your girlfriend or boyfriend or husband to go out dancing on their own when you are not available? There are very few "couples" (that I have personally observed) that dance frequently with other partners. Those few couples I have observed are dance instructors and seeking to recruit new students. Please forward your opinions to me at the following e-mail: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Thank you for your variety of honest opinions. [Editor's Note: Perhaps Linda could summarize the responses she receives and send the summary back here for everyone to see?] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Swing News Know any upcoming swing happenings or other news? Send them in to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . 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! Contact us at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Send additions/deletions/address-changes to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Check out our companion website at http://www.SwingNews.com . **********************************************************************