********************************************************************** Swing News, Wednesday 4/12/00, Issue #57, (Next Issue, 4/25/00) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Submissions to this newsletter XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Addition/deletion/address-change requests XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - All other correspondence http://www.SwingNews.com - Swing News web site ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear everyone, The upcoming two weeks have a collegiate theme, with two USF campuses holding public dances. Check them out and support your local students! The Suncoast Swing Gang, your nonprofit swing network for the Bay area, turns two years old this Sunday, with a big dance celebration at the Italian Club -- join us for this bash and what promises to be a great time! Speaking of the Italian Club, the following week (Easter Sunday), swing will go on as usual, so hop on over if you can. Tickets are now available for Sunday, April 30th's Jet Set Six concert at the Italian Club. Check out the details later in this issue, and be sure to make what should be an outstanding dance & concert with one of the best swing bands in the nation! Finally, the Suncoast Swing Gang, Inc., a nonprofit organization, will be holding its first Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 19th, starting at 6:00pm, at the Law Offices of James O'Neill, 2120 52nd St S in Gulfport (corner of Gulfport Blvd [22nd Ave S] & 52nd St S, on the north side of the street). This is just a few blocks from the Gulfport Casino, which will be holding its weekly dance after the meeting. On the meeting agenda are ratification of bylaws for the organization, election of officers and directors, and everything else related to swing in Tampa Bay. All positions will be up for election and all active members (those who have attended at least one meeting during the past year) are invited to both run and vote. (Attendees who are not active members will automatically become active members upon conclusion of the meeting.) Be sure to attend the Annual Meeting to get involved in any aspect of Tampa Bay swing, whether it be recruiting new dancers, writing for the Swing News, forming a performance troupe, promoting events, increasing our Swing News web-site capabilities, or running the Swing Sundays at the Italian Club. We always need new people to help in a variety of small ways to make swing happen! Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THE UPCOMING TWO WEEKS This Saturday (Apr 15), USF's University Swingsters swing at the Marshall Center Ballroom. Dan Parshall writes: "That's right folks, forget your tax-time worries. Get out to the floor and rock away your blues at the University Swingsters dance. The dance is 9pm-2am, with free East-Coast Swing lessons at 8:30pm. As always, there's free food & drinks, with music brought to you by the Voodoo Hepcat, DJ Abdel (with interludes by Ethan and Dan). All this for a low, low, $3 donation! Tell your friends, tell your family, tell everyone you know to be at this dance (our last this semester). Hope to see you there! PS: We need volunteers to help work the door and set up; if you can assist, please e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Both of these should take about half an hour of your time and, because we're such swell people, we'll even waive the donation! If you can't do anything else, please wear a nametag that identifies you as an instructor and help teach the new folks to dance." This Sunday (April 16), the Suncoast Swing Gang holds its 2nd-Birthday Party at the Italian Club, a celebration of two years of nonstop swing madness for Tampa Bay. All Swing News readers, being members of the group, are invited & encouraged to attend. The Party will feature: * Birthday Cake, Food, Games & Prizes! * Swing Music & Dancing, 8pm-Midnight, with DJ Paul Mallett This is one of DJ Paul's final local appearances! * Swing Dance Lesson, 7-8pm, with Jim & Angel * All Ages Welcome * Huge Dance Floor * $5 Admission * Free Parking * Smoke-Free! * Drinks: Bottled Water, Juice, Soft Drinks, & Full Bar Available * For More Info, E-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * The Italian Club is located at 1731 E 7th Ave in Ybor City Next Saturday afternoon (April 22), the current series of "Swing 2000" workshops concludes with an afternoon dance celebration, complete with refreshments, open dancing, exhibitions by instructors, and impromptu teaching. Admission is $5 and everyone's invited. The event runs 1:30-4:30pm at the Dancer's Rendezvous, 4445 E Bay Dr in Clearwater. For more info, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXX . Next Saturday night (Apr 22), USF Bayboro holds a Swing into Spring Dance at the Unitarian Universalist Church in St Pete. - Swing Lesson by Sam & partner, 7-8pm - Dancing with Voodoo Hepcat DJ Abdel, 8pm-Midnight - Free Soft Drinks & Hors D’oeuvres; Beer & Wine Available - $2-$5 Donation Requested - Proceeds Benefit St Pete Swing Kids at USF Bayboro, U.U. Church, and ASAP -- a local shelter for women and children - Contact Beth for More Info: 727-397-8644 or XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Address & Directions: 719 Arlington Ave N in St Pete. From I-275, take Exit 10 onto I-375; Right on 4th St N; Right on 1st Ave N; Right on 8th St N; Right on Arlington; Park on right; Church is on left. Next Sunday (April 23), Bombed Out Cat gives a free concert at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, 5:00-8:00pm. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- AFTER THAT Fri Apr 28: Rocket 88 @ Gulfport Casino; 727-893-1070 Sat Apr 29: Lounge Cat @ Skipper's Smokehouse; 813-971-0666 Sun Apr 30: Jet Set Six at Italian Club; 813-248-3316 Tue May 2: Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra w/ Wynton Marsalis @ Mahaffey Theater in St Pete; 727-892-5767 Fri May 5 - Sun May 7: Steven Mitchell Weekend @ Casino Sat May 6: BorderLine's Bus Trip to Atlantic Dance; 813-936-0933 Sun May 14: Rockabilly Rampage w/ Rocket 88, Midnight Bowler's League, Skinny McGee, Skirtlifters, & Coldcut Trio @ Langford Resort in Winter Park; 352-394-8627 Fri May 26: Frantic Flattops & Midnight Bowlers League @ Skipper's Sun May 28: Rocket 88 & Skirtlifters @ Skipper's; 813-971-0666 Fri Jun 23: Rocket 88 & Midnight Bowlers League @ Skipper's Sat Jul 22: Minn & Corrina workshop in St Pete; 727-347-7700 Sun Jul 23: Brian Setzer Orchestra @ House of Blues in Orlando 407-934-2580 Fri Oct 13 - Sun Oct 15: Frankie Manning in Tampa Bay Sunday, April 30th, Jet Set Six, one of the hottest swing bands in the nation, takes the Italian Club stage for a live dance & concert. This New-York-City-based band, with their highly danceable tunes, has long been a favorite of Tampa Bay's swing dancers. The band is equally impressive to concert-goers, featuring a highly energetic, yet pleasant repertoire of nearly all original music. "Songwriter/ Guitarist [John] Ceparano ... is backed up by five of the best musicians New York City has to offer, with one of the tightest horn sections around" (Milestone Entertainment). Catchy tunes, clever lyrics, high danceability, musical talent -- the band has it all. Already, their "Livin' It Up" CD is sold in music stores everywhere and has won national acclaim. The band recently filmed an hour-long concert that aired on BET's "BET on Jazz" show. They've opened for the B-52's, and have played just about every major swing venue in the country. This is your chance to both see and dance to Jet Set Six locally, before they hit it big on the pop charts! * Live Dance & Concert with Jet Set Six, 8pm-Midnight * Beginner's Swing Dance Lesson with Jim & Angel, 7-8pm * Music Between Sets by DJ Paul Mallett * All Ages Welcome * Huge, High-Quality, Wooden Dance Floor -- Over 2000 Square Feet * Smoke-Free Concert (Cantina on another floor provided for smokers) * Beautiful Ballroom in Newly Renovated, Historic (1918) Building * Drinks: Bottled Water, Juice, Soft Drinks, & Full Bar Available * Free Street Parking right next to the Italian Club * Tickets: $8 In Advance or $10 Day of Show; Purchase Your Advance Tickets at: - Italian Club and Gulfport Casino Swing Nights - USF Swing Dances and Swing 2000 Workshops - Italian Club, 9-5 M-F, 1731 E 7th Ave in Ybor City; Phone 813-248-3316 & Ask for Pat - DaddyKool, 11-7 Mon-Sat & 12-5 Sun, 671 Central Ave in St Pete; Phone 727-822-5665; (This place also has lots of swing CDs!) * For More Info: E-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or Phone 813-248-3316 For Band Info: Visit www.jetsetsix.com * Sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang -- your nonprofit swing network for the greater Tampa Bay area -- and the Italian Club * Address & Directions: 1731 E 7th Ave in Ybor City. Take I-4 to Exit 1, head south several blocks, then right on 7th Ave. The Italian Club is between 17th & 18th Streets, the tallest building on the south side of 7th Ave. Friday-Sunday, May 5-7, Steven Mitchell, one of the world's top Lindy hoppers, visits Tampa Bay, for a weekend of workshops & dance at the Gulfport Casino (5500 Shore Blvd S, Gulfport; 727-893-1070). No partner is required for any of the weekend's activities. The weekend starts with a Friday-night dance, where Steven teaches the Jitterbug Stroll at 8pm. This DJ dance continues to 12:30am. Saturday features a day of classes in Lindy Hop at two levels. Lindy Hop basics will not be taught during this weekend; participants must know them beforehand. Saturday's classes also include African Dance, with special guests, the Kuumba African Dancers & Drummers. Saturday night, the internationally acclaimed band, Johnny Varro & the Swing 7, plays for the dance. During the dance, Steven & partner, Virginie, will lead everyone in the Jitterbug Stroll. Sunday will feature classes in Authentic Jazz, plus Lindy Hop styling for leaders & followers, followed by "one hot Lindy Jam". Sunday also features a "Master Challenge" advanced Lindy Hop class, for which participants must register by April 19. Prices are $6 for the Friday dance; $85 for Saturday classes, Sunday classes (excluding the Master Challenge), and Saturday night dance; and $30 for the Master Challenge. After April 26, there's an additional $15 late fee. To register, contact the Right Step Studio, sponsor of the weekend, at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or 727-821-9420. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PAUL MALLETT TO RETIRE DJ Paul will soon be turning in his CDs for textbooks, after two event-filled years as one of Tampa Bay's premiere swing DJs. Paul writes: "Hi Sam. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to be DJing for too much longer. I need to get back into school, and I will probably have to leave this area for that. I've made this decision within the last week, and I think it'll be best for me. I want to continue for about a month ... I'm still very interested in swing and will continue to come out to functions, and maybe even guest DJ every now and then, but not as far as a full time gig -- almost two years has been enough. Thanks for everything. This has been an awesome two years !!!!!! --Paul Mallett" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL SWING NIGHTS & BANDS Weekly Swing Dances: Sun: Italian Club in Ybor City; 813-248-3316; Nonsmoking; All Ages Wed: Gulfport Casino; 727-893-1070; Nonsmoking; All Ages Thu: Orpheum in Ybor City; 813-248-9500; Smoking Weekly Band Nights: Tue: Bombed Out Cat at Cadillac Jack's; 727-360-2099; Smoking Wed: Lounge Cat at Living Room; 727-531-0332; Smoking; Ages 23+ Wed: Swingin' Mooks at Club More; 727-466-6673; Smoking Thu: Swingin' Mooks at Storman's Palace; 727-571-2222; Smoking Thu: Dan Electro & Silvertones at Downunder; 941-951-2467; Smoking Sat: Swingin' Mooks at Gator's; 727-367-8951; Smoking; 5:00pm Weekly Studio Events: Sun: Swing City in Tampa; 813-935-7458; Nonsmoking; All Lindy Hop Fri: Swing City in Tampa; 813-935-7458; Nonsmoking; Open Swing Storman's Palace Update: The Swingin' Mooks write: "Contrary to the rumors, there is still swing at Storman's Palace with the Swingin' Mooks every Thursday from 8pm to Midnight". However, Thursday, April 20th, Storman's will have Teen Night in place of Swing Night. Frank Ingo informs us that dance lessons will not be happening at Storman's through April 20th. Italian Club Update: Swing Sundays continue every Sunday night at the Italian Club, including Easter Sunday night! See earlier in this newsletter for upcoming special events. Bombed Out Cat Update: Billy writes on Fri Mar 31: "Well, Mark is out of the hospital sooner than expected (they couldn't handle him!) & doing fairly well..." Ally made her comeback appearance with Bombed Out Cat on Saturday, April 1st at Gator's. Bombed Out Cat -- Other April Gigs: Wed 12 Ringside Cafe, St Pete, 9:30-1:30 Thu 13 Rare Olive II, St Pete, 9:00-1:30 Fri 14 Frankie's Patio, Ybor City, 10:00-2:00 Thu 20 D. Coy Ducks, Anna Maria Island, 9:00-1:00 Fri 21 Bahama Mama's, St Pete Beach, 3:00-7:00 Sat 22 Bahama Mama's, St Pete Beach, 3:00-7:00 Sun 23 Pier 60, Clearwater Beach, 5:00-8:00 Thu 27 Rare Olive II, St Pete, 9:00-1:30 Fri 28 Bahama Mama's, St Pete Beach, 3:00-7:00 Sat 29 Bahama Mama's, St Pete Beach, 3:00-7:00 Swingin' Mooks -- Other April Gigs: Fri 14 Bourbon Street, 10:00pm Fri 21 Green Parrot, 9:30pm Fri 28 Bourbon Street, 10:00pm Sun 30 Livestock Dan Electro & The Silvertones -- Other April Gigs: Fri 7 King Creole, Sarasota, 9:00pm-12:00am, 941-365-7474 Fri 14 Speakeasy Grille, Bradenton, 9:30pm-1:30am, 941-747-2729 Sat 15 Speakeasy Grille, Bradenton, 9:30pm-1:30am, 941-747-2729 Fri 21 Five O'Clock Club, Sarasota, 10:00pm-2:00am, 941-366-5555 Sat 22 King Creole, Sarasota, 9:00pm-12:00am, 941-365-7474 Fri 28 King Creole, Sarasota, 9:00pm-12:00am, 941-365-7474 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MINN & CORRINA TO TEACH IN ST PETE Forrest writes: This is the workshop that will really kick your dancing into high gear! Minn & Corrina, L.A.'s hottest dance duo will be here July 22nd & 23rd, conducting an Intermediate- & Advanced-level workshop on Balboa/Bal-Swing, Collegiate Shag, and Hollywood-Style Lindy Hop. You are forewarned this is an intermediate & advanced workshop -- basics will not be covered! Beginners should not be discouraged, since we will conduct beginner's technique workshops in advance, in plenty of time to allow you to get a firm foundation prior to their workshop. This workshop is being limited to 90 people to ensure a quality workshop. We are expecting to sell out, so please preregister. Private lessons are being offered on a very limited basis on Sunday -- call ASAP to reserve your spot. The workshop will be held on Saturday, July 22. Doors open at 9:30am. Classes run 10:00am-5:30pm. Cost is $50 in advance or $70 at at the door (if spaces remain). The itinerary is: 9:30am: Doors Open 10:00am: Intermediate Collegiate Shag 11:00am: Vintage Clips of Shag & 15-Minute Break 11:15am: Advanced Collegiate Shag 12:15am: More Clips & Break 12:30pm: Intermediate Balboa/Bal-Swing 1:30pm: Lunch Break 2:00pm: Advanced Balboa/Bal-Swing 3:00pm: Vintage Balboa/Bal-Swing Clips & Break 3:15pm: Intermediate Hollywood-Style Lindy Hop 4:15pm: Vintage Lindy Hop Clips & Break 4:30pm: Advanced Hollywood-Style Lindy Hop 5:30pm: Practice Session with Comfortable Music Tempos 6:00pm: Doors Close The Workshop is hosted by Fred Astair dance studio, 7019 Central Ave, St Petersburg FL 33707. To register or for directions, please call 727-347-7700, 12-9pm M-F. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- REVIEW: CENTRO ASTURIANO BENEFIT Robin Moore writes: Thank-you to all who made it happen!! The Bombed Out Cat benefit at Centro Asturiano was a great success, thanks to the many people who volunteered their time, talents, and efforts. Though the night started a bit slow, it provided the over 90 attendants with an opportunity to dance the night away in a beautifully restored ballroom to the unique combo of The All Star Swing Show and our three Duelin' DJs. $500 was raised in proceeds from admissions and donations, and will be donated to Ally & Mark. The live performance of Jump Jive 'N Wail by Lucian Ierna of The All Star Swing Show was my personal favorite of the night. Thank-you to the DJ's, Randy, Lucian and all the band members, as well as to the female trio TCP -- you all put on a performance that will never be matched. The DJ Duel was a blast! Jumpin' James, Dan, and Johnny Retro played a fantastic mixture of all their personal faves ... requests were only honored if accompanied by a beer, allowing for a lineup of totally danceable tunes. A huge thank-you to my cohorts Bob Sutter and Sam. You guys kept me sane and were instrumental in putting this benefit together. Thank you to Willie & Elvira Garcia and The Centro Austuriano. Your cooperation and generous reduction in fee allowed for us to donate all our proceeds to Ally & Mark. We are looking forward to using your lovely facility for future special events. I also want to praise all the Suncoast Swing Gang members who spent 1/2 hour (or more) of their coveted dance time working at the door, not to mention all those who arrived early to help with setup -- James & Arleene, Norma & Burrell, Myrna, Janet, and Rachel. What a mad-house it would have been without your help! Those six, along with Sue, Mary, Jessie, Kimberly, David, & Arnold, accepted donations and kept track of ticket sales for the night. Lastly, thanks to those who "stayed to the bitter end" -- Shawn, Arnold, Rachel, James, Sam, Steve, & Steve's friend whose name I forget. Clean-up was quick and easy as a result of our combined efforts. The benefit was made possible because of all the above-mentioned people and the sponsors -- Right Step Dance Studio, Suncoast Swing Gang, and Centro Asturiano. I am grateful to have been involved in planning it, and to have had the opportunity to work with so many generous souls! --Robin ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCE TEACHERS WANTED Lance Riddile writes: I'm looking for dance teachers for evenings and days once or twice a week. We are looking for anyone interested in teaching seniors basic swing and ballroom dancing here at the Largo Community Center. Thanks, --Lance ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RIDE / PARTNER WANTED Richard writes: I am a retired male, ex-dance teacher, with good all-around dance skills, living in Clearwater. I do not have a car. I'm looking for transportation to various swing dances in the Tampa Bay area. Please respond to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MARCUS & BAERBL WORKSHOP IN ATLANTA Marcus & Baerbl will be teaching a series of dance classes in Atlanta, May 20th & 21st, covering various levels of Boogie Woogie & Hollywood- Style Lindy Hop. For info or to register, phone 770-447-6977, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, or visit www.geocities.com/atlantaswing/bestofswing.html . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THANKS FROM JOEL & MELANIE Joel Domoe writes: Sam, I'd appreciate if you pass this on to everyone. Melanie and I want to thank you, Roy, and the entire Tampa/St Pete swing-dance community for making our visit an absolute joy. You and Roy handled everything from the get-go in a very professional, yet passionate way. Your dance community is very fortunate to have the two of you working on its behalf. It is obvious that you have the smarts and the concern to make sure events you're associated with are beneficial to the dancers' learning and enjoyment. I know you probably think that is a given, but I can tell you that it is not always the case. Great job! I also would like to thank the entire dance community for a great weekend. Melanie and myself really enjoyed the fervor and energy put forth by everyone we were fortunate enough to spend time with. It is rare to find the combination of maturity, enthusiasm, and open- mindedness that I encountered with the students in all the classes we taught. I expect your swing dance scene to continue to blossom and develop great diversity. If everyone continues to be appreciative of that, you will no doubt have dancers all over the country talking about the great time they had when they visited your area. Melanie and I had a blast teaching, dancing, and hanging out with everyone. Thanks for inviting us to dinner Sunday night. We hope to return to visit (Melanie's parents will be back for three months next Winter) and would love to follow up with another workshop if the timing works out properly. In the meantime, I'll keep up to date through the Swing News. I look forward to hearing about the Steven Mitchell workshops. Steven is a true dancer in every sense of the word, and I heartily encourage everyone to make time and take any class they can with him. Advanced dancers will learn loads from his beginning courses. I'll be taking all his courses when he visits Durham this month. So long for now. I look forward to seeing you on the dance floor again soon. --Joel Domoe, Supermurgatroid Productions, Your Swing Dance Source (www.supermurgatroid.com) Melanie Myers adds: I just wanted to reiterate that we had a great time in Tampa. We really enjoyed all the people in your dance community. Everyone was friendly and very receptive, and the weekend was organized and well run. Great combination. Thanks for having us teach -- it was truly a good time all around. Hopefully we'll make it back sometime soon. Cheers, --Melanie ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Swing News Editor: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Contributing Editor: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 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 . **********************************************************************