********************************************************************** SWING NEWS, AUGUST 2000 (Wednesday 8/2/00), ISSUE #64 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Submissions to this newsletter XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Addition/deletion/address-change requests XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - All other correspondence http://www.SwingNews.com - Swing News web site Next Issue: Submission Deadline 5pm, 8/27/00; Publication on 8/29/00. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Everyone! This August issue of Swing News is jam-packed with more swing than you can imagine -- more than any issue to date. However, this record- setting issue of Swing News covers the whole month, so save it, read it, enjoy it, and I hope to see you out on the local dance floors! Be sure to make the Johnny Varro Swing Seven concert this Friday. This is one world-class outfit that no music lover should miss. Last time they played the Casino, they were so good I actually stood & listened for 15 minutes before starting to dance. (That's also a new record!) Plus, if you haven't yet seen Terry Allison's swing photography exhibit -- it's nothing short of amazing -- you'll get a chance this Friday at the Casino! Finally, the Suncoast Swing Gang needs your input! Please take time to complete the "values" exercise at the very bottom of this issue, and e-mail it back by August 10th. Thanks! One more thing -- you are invited to the next business meeting of the Suncoast Swing Gang Inc., Tampa Bay's nonprofit swing network. On the agenda are election of two Directors, the Mission Statement, and other items related to swing in Tampa Bay. You and anyone else who receives the Swing News are a member of the Suncoast Swing Gang, and are encouraged to participate. The meeting will be Monday, August 28th, 7:30pm, at the East Bay Animal Hospital, 3445-A East Bay Drive, Largo. Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- AUGUST 2000 SPECIAL EVENTS This Friday (Aug 4), the Johnny Varro Swing Seven jazzes it up at the Gulfport Casino, in what will be the final Friday dance before the Casino closes for renovations. James Norman writes: "The internationally-acclaimed, award-winning, Johnny Varro Swing Seven will provide the centerpiece for a spectacular evening of music, dance, and art. The band will perform a program of traditional, swinging jazz. The evening will include music and dancing on the 5000 sq ft, suspended, maple, dance floor, and a reprise of award-winning photographer, Terry Allison's, Swing Dance Photography Exhibit. If people only go to one swing event this year, this should be the one. See you at the show! Johnny Varro's group is real jazz, in a swinging rhythm, from a world-class outfit, and may well be the finest swing band to visit a local dance venue in decades. The Swing Seven have toured all over the U.S. & Europe, exhibiting their easy-going, Ellington/Basie/Goodman styling. They swing. They swing Dixieland, New Orleans, Kansas City, and Chicago Jazz. Mostly, they swing smooth Harlem Jazz from the 30's, 40's, and 50's -- perfect for Lindy Hoppers, East- & West-Coast Swingers, the occasional Fox Trotter, or just to listen. The Swing Seven have recorded two albums featuring some of the nation's finest jazz players, and they receive a good deal of air time on WMNF & WUSF jazz programs. Johnny Varro has recorded extensively over the past several years, playing on more than 20 albums. For more info on the band, click www.arborsjazz.com ." - Lesson 8-9pm, Beginning East-Coast Swing w/ James & Arleene - Live Music & Dancing, 9pm-12:30am - Admission $10 -- Pay at the Door - All Ages & Smoke-Free - Free & Plentiful Street Parking - Full Bar - Phone 727-893-1066 for more info. - The Gulfport Casino is a municipal dance hall, owned & operated by the City of Gulfport. It is not a gambling establishment. - Address & Directions: 5500 Shore Blvd S in Gulfport. From the north, take I-275 S to St Pete's 22nd Ave S exit. (From the south, take I-275 N to the 26th Ave S exit & find your way to 22nd Ave S.) Head west. Turn left onto Beach Blvd. (55th St will be on right.) Head south until the street ends at the Gulfport Casino, located directly on the water. Also this Friday (Aug 4), the Swingin' Mooks give a 7pm concert at Coachman Park (next to the Public Library) in downtown Clearwater. Next Friday (Aug 11), two rockabilly bands -- Rocket 350 and The Skirtlifters -- light up Skipper's Smokehouse. Skipper's writes: "Rocket 350 sports an Elvis-tinged swagger & cranks out high-speed Southern-style rockabilly: breakneck slap bass, scorching psychobilly guitar, and bit of Buddy Holly & Gene Vincent." Skipper's describes the Skirtlifters as a "high-energy rockabilly trio havin' fun". The show starts at 8pm, costs $5, is open to ages 18 & up (under 18 admitted if accompanied by parent), and is held outdoors under the "Skipperdome", with its famous plywood & sand dance floor. Skipper's features a full bar & restaurant, and is located at Skipper Rd & Nebraska in North Tampa. Phone 813-971-0666. Directions: Take I-275 to Fletcher, head east, turn left on Nebraska, and right on Skipper Rd. Next Saturday (Aug 12), the Cigar Store Indians from Atlanta and the Midnight Bowlers League from Tampa give a concert at Club More in downtown Clearwater. (For band info, see www.cigarstoreindians.com or www.angelfire.com/nf/mbl .) Admission is $8, smoking is allowed, and ages 18 and up are admitted. Club More has a fair-size floorboard dance area in front of the stage, and is located at 703 Franklin St in downtown Clearwater, a few blocks south of Cleveland St. Phone 727-466-6673. "Most shows start at 9pm." Sunday (Aug 20) is Lindy Day at the Pinellas Park Auditorium, brought to you by the fine folks at LindyHop411. The afternoon features three workshops: 1:00-2:30pm Lindy Hop Fundamentals with Gabe & Anna 2:45-4:00pm Turns & Spins with Bob & Liz 4:30-6:00pm Shim Sham with Seth & Jenny Faye Then dance 7pm-1am with dreamy DJs Gabe & Tim. Workshop instructors will be available all night to help & answer questions. Cost is $15 for all three workshops plus the dance or $4 for the dance only. For more info, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or visit www.geocities.com/lindyhop411 . Address & Directions: 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 police station. Thursday-Saturday (Aug 24-26), the Tampa Bay Beach Boppers host their 8th Annual "Boogie by the Bay" dance weekend at the St Pete Hilton. The weekend includes workshops in bop, shag, and swing; lots of dancing; plus prizes and performances. Tickets are $25 if purchased before 8/1; $30, after. Rooms at the Hilton are available for out-of- towners. The St Pete Hilton is located at 333 1st St S, at exit 9 off of I-275. (Phone 727-894-5000.) For event info, contact Joyce Lucas at 813-915-9577 or BJ Miller at 813-931-3884, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX , or visit http://members.aol.com/tbbbop/tbevents.htm . You can charge tickets by phone at 1-800-SHAGGER. Saturday (Aug 26) is Lindy Hizzop at the Pinellas Park Auditorium, also sponsored by the local LindyHop411 crew. The afternoon brings a Hip Hop workshop with instructor/choreographer Darius, 1-5pm. Then Gabe & Anna deliver the Lindy lessons, 6-8pm. Dance 8pm-1am to the sounds of DJs Tim & Gabe. It's $22 for everything, $15 for the Hip Hop workshop only, $12 for the Lindy lesson plus the dance, and $5 for the dance only. All other details are the same as August 20th's Lindy Day. Sunday (Aug 27), Dan McMillion & His Groovin' High Big Band return to Skipper's Smokehouse. Skipper's writes that this 16-piece jazz band "plays the spirit of Maynard Ferguson, with four trumpets, four trombones, five saxes, piano, bass, & drums. Prominently featured is the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, & Dizzy Gilllespie. Detroit-bred, Dan toured with Woody Herman and worked with Carmen McRrae, Peggy Lee, and Joe Williams. In addition to the trumpet, he is adept at fluglehorn, bass trumpet, and valve trombone, and he combines the lyricism of Harry James with the soaring excitement of Dizzy Gillespie. His original compositions incorporate elements of big band, Brazilian, bop, and fusion, with a boisterous yet contemporary jazz feel." The show starts at 7pm and costs $6. All other details are the same as August 11th's concert at Skipper's. Tuesday (Aug 29) is Swing Night at the Orpheum, featuring Jet Set Six from New York City, a favorite band of local swingsters. The Urbane Cowboys warm up and DJ Paul spins between sets. Doors open at 9pm, smoking is permitted, and ticket prices are yet to be determined. The Orpheum is located at 1902 Republica de Cuba (corner of 8th Ave & 14th St) in Ybor City. Phone 813-248-9500. For band info, visit www.jetsetsix.com . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SEPTEMBER AND BEYOND Fri Sep 1: Roomful of Blues & Dynatones @ Skipper's; 813-971-0666 Sat Sep 2: Bus Trip to Atlantic Dance; 813-936-0933 Sat Sep 9: USF Swing Dance @ Marshall Center Ballroom Fri Sep 15: Swing Dance @ University of Tampa; 813-920-2693 Tue Sep 19: Red Elvises & Swingin' Mooks @ Skipper's; 813-971-0666 Sat Sep 23: Florida Orchestra ("Swing, Baby, Swing!" show) @ Mahaffey Theater; 727-892-5767 Fri Sep 29: USF Swing Dance @ Marshall Center Ballroom Fri Sep 29: Swingin' Mooks @ Skipper's Smokehouse; 813-971-0666 Fri Oct 13 - Sun Oct 15: Frankie Manning in St Pete Fri Oct 13: Dance Party w/ Frankie Manning @ St Pete Pier Sat Oct 14: Johnny Varro Swing Seven @ Coliseum; 727-892-5202 Thu Oct 19: Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers @ Magnolia Bldg Fri Oct 20: Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers @ Clearwater Jazz Holiday; 727-461-5200 Fri Oct 20: USF Swing Dance @ Marshall Center Ballroom Sat Oct 21: Bellevue Cadillac @ Clearwater Jazz Holiday; 727-461-5200 Fri Nov 17: USF Swing Dance @ Marshall Center Ballroom Tue Nov 21: Count Basie Orchestra @ Ruth Eckerd Hall; 727-791-7400 Legendary jump-blues sensations, Roomful of Blues, are coming to town Friday, Sep 1. Since the late 1960's, Roomful of Blues has been instrumental in keeping alive the jump/R&B style that grew out of the swing and big band era. The band has worked, played, and recorded with many of the pioneers of this genre, including Big Joe Turner and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. Back when Count Basie was alive, Roomful of Blues opened for his band in New York City, and, in fact, Basie was one of Roomful's best-known fans. If you like swingin' blues and want to see a legend in this type of music right here in Tampa Bay, be sure to check it out. Roomful of Blues will be the featured act, in concert with the Dynatones at Skipper's Smokehouse. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 the day of concert, and the show starts at 8pm. Skipper's writes: "Since its inception in 1968, Roomful of Blues has earned an unparalleled reputation for fine musicianship, has been nominated for four Grammies, and has twice won Blues Band of the Year from Downbeat. Though the lineup has continually changed, the music remains in a class by itself. The band tackles modern blues with traditional swing and verve. The band was formed by Duke Robillard, and alumni include Ronnie Earl, Sugar Ray Noriega, Greg Piccolo, and Lou Ann Barton." The Dynatones: "San Francisco-based Rock'n'Soul celebrating 16 years of booty-shaking sweat-inducing Memphis groove with a three-piece horn section & Hammond B-3." Troy writes: "Hey, I set up a swing night being funded by Student Productions over at the University of Tampa on September 15th, a Friday night. The event is free to all University of Tampa students; however, all others will be asked to pay $3. Abdel will DJ the evening and refreshments will be served, just no alcoholic ones. I will have confirmation soon on whether it will be in Fletcher Lounge (huge wooden dance floor) or Dome Theatre. Lessons will start about 7pm and dancing will run roughly 8pm-midnight. E-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX for more info." Lavay Smith & Chris Siebert write: "Lavay Smith's New CD, Everybody's Talkin' 'Bout Miss Thing!, breaks into the Billboard Jazz Top 10. Once again, we have to thank all of you for supporting us -- our new album has now been on the Billboard Jazz Charts for 16 consecutive weeks, and reached the #10 spot this week [7/4/00]. This is the first time that we've cracked the top 10. Thanks to all of our friends and fans for making this possible! If you haven't heard the album yet, you can check it out on our website at www.lavaysmith.com. You can purchase it online, or at your local record store. Many, many publications around the country have written about us in the past few months, including Billboard, Living Blues, Tower Pulse, Downbeat, Blues Revue, and Record Convention News." [The band will appear at the Magnolia Building in Lakeland on Thu 10/19 and at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday on Fri 10/20.] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WEEKLY SWING EVENTS Weekly Swing Dances: Sun: Zendah Grotto in Tampa; 813-872-0812; Nonsmoking; All Ages Tue: Orpheum in Ybor City; 813-248-9500; Smoking; Ages 21+ Wed: Gulfport Casino; 727-893-1070; Nonsmoking; All Ages Thu: Magnolia Bldg in Lakeland; 727-821-9420; Nonsmoking; All Ages Thu: Royalty Dance Theater in Clearwater; 727-441-8868; Nonsmoking Weekly Band Nights: Thu: Bombed Out Cat at Rare Olive II; 727-822-7273; Smoking Weekly Studio Events: Fri: Swing City in Tampa; 813-935-7458; Nonsmoking; Open Swing Pat Jiminez writes: "The Royalty Dance Theater, 405 Cleveland St in Downtown Clearwater, is currently holding a swing club dance every Thursday. They include Latin, Tango, Foxtrot, and Waltz dances mixed throughout the swing songs. Please call 727-441-8868 for further information. Dancing is in the area below the stage. We need more leaders also!" [According to the Theater, a lesson starts off the night 7:00-7:30pm, with dancing 7:30-9:30pm or longer if people want to stay. The night sometimes includes exhibitions. Admission is $5 and refreshments are available for purchase. It is a nonsmoking event.] "Raunch & Roll" Night continues every Tuesday in August at the Orpheum, featuring DJ Paul Mallett and a variety of bands. Doors open at 9pm. The Orpheum allows smoking and is located at 1902 Republica de Cuba (corner of 8th Ave & 14th St) in Ybor City. Phone 813-248-9500. The August schedule is as follows: Tue Aug 8: Urbane Cowboys; $4 Tue Aug 15: DJ Night; $3 Tue Aug 22: Blue Flame Combo & Razor Blade Villains; $4 Tue Aug 29: Jet Set Six & Urbane Cowboys; Price TBA Paul Mallett writes: "Hey Everyone. Just wanted to invite everyone to the Orpheum on August 22nd. Here's the scoop. It's my birthday on the 24th, but I'm not a real big birthday person, so I'm not saying it's a birthday party. It's just an excuse for people to get together and hang out. If celebrating my birthday nudges you a little harder to come out, because you'd feel guilty by not doing so, then so be it. See ya, Paul." Wednesday swing dances will continue at the Gulfport Casino throughout August, before moving to the Polish-American Society in September. The first date at the Polish-American Society will be September 6th. Swing Sundays have completed their migration from the Italian Club to their new home at the Zendah Grotto in Tampa. For complete details, see the article later in this issue. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL SWING BANDS IN AUGUST All Star Swing Show: Randall Ierna writes: "Lucian & the All Star Swing Show, featuring Susan Jones Williams, is moving its Swing Jam Session to The Mystic Tiki at 8th Ave, Pass-A-Grille Beach, starting Thursday, August 3rd, 6-10pm. All Singers, dancers, and players are invited to attend and jam with the band. There is a nice dance floor; good, reasonably priced food; and cold air. And Thursday is a special ladies night at the Mystic Tiki. Please come out to support this venue, and keep live swing music alive. For more info, call Lucian at 727-867-5603." Bombed Out Cat: Billy writes: "Hi Dee Ho Cats -- Hope all is well with each & every one of you. Well, the news of the day in the 'Bombed Out Cat' camp is that we squirreled ourselves away in the studio & finished our first CD. While we would've hoped to have an all original CD as our first effort, that didn't happen. As most of you know, we've kinda been in limbo since the fire. But this has been long overdue. So what we've done is an 8-song effort, including 7 classics & 1 original. We've tried to capture the essence of what we do, while covering all sides of the Swing genre. We hope you'll be as happy with it as we are! P.S. Please let us solicit your vote for best jazz band in the Bay in The Weekly Planet's Best of the Bay Poll! You can vote online at WeeklyPlanet.com . Also, we just confirmed First Night for New Years Eve. See 'ya soon. (Bombed Out Cat Hotline: 813-960-1426) Thu Aug 3 Rare Olive II, St Pete, 9:00-1:30 Fri Aug 4 Speakeasy Grille, Bradenton, 9:30-1:30 Sat Aug 5 Bahama Mama's, St Pete Beach, 3:00-7:00 Sat Aug 5 Speakeasy Grille, Bradenton, 9:30-1:30 Sun Aug 6 Cha Cha Coconuts, St Pete Pier, 5:00-9:00" Swingin' Mooks: Thu Aug 3 Gators, 10:00pm Fri Aug 4 Coachman Park, 7:00pm Fri Aug 4 Bourbon Street, 10:30pm Sat Aug 5 Gators, 5:00pm Sat Aug 5 Gasoline Alley, 11:30pm Fri Aug 11 Daiquiri Deck, 9:30pm Sat Aug 12 Gators, 5:00pm Sat Aug 12 Daiquiri Deck, 9:30pm Fri Aug 18 Bourbon Street, 10:00pm Sat Aug 19 Gators, 5:00pm Fri Aug 25 Green Parrot, 10:00pm Sat Aug 26 Gators, 5:00pm Sat Aug 26 Club More, 11:30pm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BUS TRIP TO ATLANTIC DANCE Carson writes: Saturday, September 2nd, is the next bus trip to Atlantic Dance in Orlando. We are trying to fill two buses this time, which means 90 people can go. If you have never been on a swing bus trip, it is a great way to meet people and be part of a really great time. Atlantic Dance usually has about 350 people on Saturday night, and we will be a major addition to the crowd. Also, if you are coming single, then there should be lots of people to dance with. We make it a rule that we try to dance with as many as possible from our group. If you are coming with someone, don't forget to take a walk on the Boardwalk. Anyone can make reservations now with a credit card, at 813-936-0933. This trip is selling quick; before the tickets were printed, 20 had already been sold. The tickets are $25 each. This pays for the round trip, food & drinks on board, and admission to Atlantic Dance. The bus has reclining seats, TV/VCR/CD player, and a bathroom. Provided on board is an array of soda, water, juices, bottle beer (Bud/Bud Light), Chardonnay Wine, Absolut, Jim Beam or Crown, and Jose Cuervo Gold. You must be 21+ to drink alcoholic beverages! You must be 18 to go. Food platters will be from Subway. Saturday night on the Boardwalk is magical. There's a lot to do, including Jelly Rolls (dueling pianos) right next to Atlantic Dance. Atlantic Dance is probably the finest swing venue in Florida. They do swing 7 nights a week. Owned by Disney, they not only get the best national acts to perform there, they also get some international acts. [Smoking is allowed at Atlantic Dance.] Johnny Angel and the Swingin Demons will be the band on Sep 2. This band is exceptional. We saw them in May at Atlantic Dance, and everyone liked them. They usually perform as a 17-piece in New Orleans, but they tour with 6 or 7 members. In New Orleans, the New Orleans Welcome magazine has a three-page full-color spread on them, proclaiming them the hottest band in New Orleans. For more info, see http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/133/johnny_angel_and_the_swing.html or http://www.johnnyangel.net/buy.html . We have two departure/pickup/drop off points, with free parking in two well lit lots. One is in Pinellas Park, at Park Blvd and US 19 in the Parkside Mall parking lot (JC Penney side). The other is in Tampa at BorderLine on the corner of Dale Mabry and Waters. Parkside Mall will start loading at 7pm, departing at 7:15pm. Then the bus will go to BorderLine, where we load up and depart to Orlando at 8pm. We will be reboarding the bus at 1:20am and departing from Orlando at 1:30am; returning to BorderLine at Dale Mabry and Waters at 3am and Parkside Mall in Pinellas at 3:30am, rested and happy. If you have friends who don't already know about it, please forward this to them. Phone 813-936-0933 for tickets or more info. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING SUNDAYS & THE BUCS Arnold writes: "As mentioned in the previous Swing News, Swing Sundays has moved to Zenda Grotto, near Raymond James Stadium, 4109 N Lauber Way in Tampa. Some people expressed reservations about locating a Sunday-night dance near an NFL football stadium. I checked the Bucs' schedule this year and, thankfully, they are not playing any Sunday night games at home! (www.nfl.com/Buccaneers/news/2000sked.html)" [In fact, all but two of their games in 2000 are either away games, early (1pm) games, or on days other than Sunday. The two potential problem dates are Sep 24 & Nov 12, with 4:15pm games both dates; however, even on these two dates, swingers can completely avoid traffic by either arriving later (after 8:30pm) or by taking an alternate route that bypasses stadium traffic. As the first of these dates (Sep 24) approaches, Swing News will provide directions for the alternate route.] Swing Sundays are held EVERY Sunday at the Zendah Grotto in Tampa: * Free Dance Lesson 7-8pm * Dance 8pm-Midnight * All Ages Welcome * $5 Admission * Smoke-Free * Large & Smooth Wooden Dance Floor * Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, & Snacks for Sale; If you're 21+, you may BYO alcoholic beverages * Tons of Free Parking in Zendah Grotto's Fenced Lot * E-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or Phone 813-872-0812 for more info * Sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang * Directions: I-275 to E Dale Mabry (Northbound). Left onto Tampa Bay Blvd (just before Raymond James Stadium). Pass HCC and turn right onto Lauber two streets after the road splits. Zendah Grotto is the only building on the right. * Map: http://www.mapquest.com/cgi-bin/share?sai4bcw0z9uevswk . Watch future issues of Swing News for exciting additions to the night! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THANK-YOU FROM MARK Hi, This is Mark Gould, the sax player that got hurt in an apt fire. Just wanted to say thank-you from the bottom of my heart. All those cards and benefits meant more to me than words can express. I'm still recovering (slowly), and can't wait to get back to playing music. Sincerely, Mark ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THANKS FROM ROCKET 88 From the Rocket 88 web site, www.rocket-88.com : Thanks to all our Tampa/St Pete Friends! We have been lucky enough to play a number of gigs in the Tampa/St Pete area, and each time we are impressed and thankful for the support of our fans. Tampa/St Pete is home to a group of dancers, music lovers, DJs, and musicians who have combined to create a vibrant, energized scene. So, to all our fans in Tampa/St Pete -- You are the greatest! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ERIK & SYLVIA WORKSHOP IN ORLANDO Rob Shrewsbury writes: "Erik Robison and Sylvia Skylar are coming to Orlando on Saturday, August 12th! Now is your chance to significantly improve your Lindy Hop. If you can do a swing out, you’re ready for this workshop! These classes will offer something for everyone from the novice to the experienced hopper. The all-day workshop will be followed by an evening dance (of classic big band swing music), 6:30pm to 1:00am. For details, visit: www.orlandoswing.com/workshop ." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SHARE A RIDE FROM SPRING HILL Donna writes: "Hi! I am interested in finding out if there are any swing enthusiasts in the Spring Hill area. I would love to go to Tampa for many of the swing events, but don't want to go by myself." [Please reply directly to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX .] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HELP CONTACT THE 42ND STREET BAND Does anyone know how to contact the 42nd Street Band? If so, please e-mail the contact info to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX , who is trying to get in touch with the band, and to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX for our records. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CHICAGO LINDY EXCHANGE Gary Bork writes: "Hello all. Who wants to go to the windy lindy exchange in Chicago? (forwarded message attached)" Windy City Lindy Exchange 2000 writes: Dear friends, The time has come again for Chicago's annual Windy City Lindy Exchange. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this event, here's a brief history of how it got started: About a year and a half ago, a handful of Chicagoans visited San Francisco with the intent of meeting local dancers and experiencing dancing in a different city. When the weekend was finished, we had all had the time of our lives. Not long afterwards, another group of Chicagoans invaded the DC area and had a similarly wonderful time. We then felt that it was time to 'bring our friends home' and introduce them to Chicago. This gave us the chance to see all of our friends again, and also introduce them to the other people we had met on our travels. The result of this idea was an 'exchange' ... of dance moves, good times, friends, and the hospitality shown to us by the cities we had visited. Since that time, the idea of the Lindy Exchange has been picked up by dancers all over the country, and the 'exchange' has taken on a life of its own -- a life beyond what we had ever imagined. We have also done more traveling and made more friends throughout the country and the world. We would like to take this opportunity to return the favor to the people who have taken us Chicagoans into their homes, fed us, transported us, and made us feel welcome in whichever city we ended up visiting. As a result, Chicago would like to invite you to come 'home' to Chicago and be our guest, starting Friday, Sep 15 .... For more info on the Exchange, contact Gary or the Exchange people, at the e-mail addresses above. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LIVING ROOM DANCE FLOOR Richard Bauersachs writes: "The Living Room, mentioned in your July edition, has good Rock & Roll music but a very poor dance surface: ceramic tile. The grouting is recessed below the tiles -- at best, hard to swing." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TAKE THE SWING SURVEY Beth Eldridge writes: If you haven't heard of it, this is a project I designed through USF to study the recent U.S. revival of Swing dance, music, and style, from the perspectives of grassroots swingsters like you. I send my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to participate in my (extensive) Swing Survey from the Swing News website, or at one of the local or Orlando dances. Also, thanks to Arnold Kasemsarn and Joey Wildermuth for all their technical assistance with this project! Swing enthusiasts from around the country, especially Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco, and Ann Arbor, all contributed a great deal! The sample primarily consists of Lindy dancers at this time, so if any of you Street Swingers/Rock-a-billy fans haven't taken it, I encourage you to let your voices be heard by completing a survey now (and feel free to send the website to your friends). I have preliminary results from the first 182 surveys, which I turned in to the professor because of University deadlines. However, I will leave the survey online for the next week to see if we can generate a more balanced sample. Are you interested in finding out the final results yet? I am accepting volunteers. The data analysis is extremely time consuming, and requires at least one volunteer with expertise in statistical computer programs, although I'd love to have help from anyone who has some time to spare. You can e-mail me at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX to find out preliminary results from the first set of surveys analyzed, but I don't want to publish anything without more of the data back. To take the survey now, go to www.swingnews.com . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TAMPA BAY LINDY HOP Paul Jackson writes: Last Fall at the Gulfport Casino, as I was getting some water between dances, someone asked me what I had just been dancing. I replied that it was called Lindy Hop, to which he then asked "How is that different than swing dancing?". The question took me aback. I provided a bit of background: that Lindy Hop *is* swing dancing, and the so-called East Coast Swing was extracted from it as a simplified dance to get folks started with Lindy Hop. The lack of awareness in Tampa Bay of the dance that dominates most swing scenes around the country made me take action. Way back in Swing News issues #48 & #50, I publicized the Tampa Bay Lindy Hop (TBLH) discussion list. It has been up and going ever since, providing a way for locals (and a few out-of-towners) to discuss this thing called Lindy Hop. Back then, most of the time you had to almost go out of your way to notice the Lindy Hoppers in the swing dance crowds. Today, you can find dozens of folks out Lindy Hopping around the Bay, sometimes so many you have to go out of your way to notice anyone doing anything else! I would like to think that some of the TBLH discussions played a role in this explosion, but no doubt a lot of credit goes to some of the great music being played and a host of local Lindy Hoppers getting out on the floor and doing what they love best: dancing! Special thanks need to go to the LindyHop411 crew. (Be sure to check out their upcoming events on August 20 & 26.) They Rock! So maybe you've seen folks out Lindy Hopping? Maybe you're a bit curious about what this dance -- the future of swing dancing in Tampa Bay -- is all about? You can watch it being danced, you can take introductory intensives (Lindy boot camps), you can attend the many upcoming events, but there is more to Lindy Hop than just knowing how to move your feet. A recent TBLH discussion touched on this topic -- that Lindy Hop is something more than just steps or sets of moves, that this dance has a soul. If you'd like to gain a bit of insight into what makes folks so passionate about this dance (along with practical advice about where and how to dance), you are most welcome to join the TBLH. You need not post a thing; you can sit back and "just listen in" if you prefer (and no one except the moderator will even know!). Joining is easy. Just go to: http://tampa_lindy.listbot.com and follow the directions. Be sure to also join the LindyHop411 announcement list to keep informed of where you can use your new insights into Lindy Hop, the grand-daddy of all swing dancing! See you on the list! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TAMPA BAY WIRED SOCIALS Arnold writes: Ever wonder what we do when we're not dancing? Curious how it feels to shake our hands and not expect a spin? Wanna see a few dancers' business cards and see how we network? Come by the Tampa Bay Wired Socials, the last Tuesday of each month, usually somewhere in or near downtown Tampa. On July 25th, about a dozen dancers from our community attended the last social. Aperian, a national web-hosting company, hosted the event and offered attendants snacks, drinks, and a tour. The usual attendees include web designers, marketing executives, small business owners, lawyers, analysts, and other professionals. Check www.tampabaywired.com for details and to register for the next social. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CHOREOGRAPHERS NEEDED Elizabeth writes: "Needed are choreographers experienced in jazz and modern styles. 'Asher Dance Eclectic' is M.A.D. Theatre's unique dance company. It comprises able-bodied dancers as well as those in wheelchairs due to spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, etc. There exist very few dance companies like it in the U.S. The Cleveland Ballet Company has had tremendous success with its 'Dancing Wheels' group which was founded in 1980 by Mary Verdi-Fletcher, born with spina bifida. Similarly, "Asher Dance Eclectic" will provide audiences with its alluring, visually exciting performances, incorporating the talents of both populations through jazz and modern choreography. Some pieces may be for able-bodied only, but most integrate both populations of dancers. Rehearsals begin mid-September. Performances are November 3-5, 2000. This company will perform twice a year, incorporating new works. Please forward resume or send questions to: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING SWING SWING RETURNS TO TBPAC The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center writes: "Hey, you cool cats! It's time for some jumpin' and jivin' at the Jaeb Theater! Slip into that zoot suit and dance on down for Swing! Swing! Swing! -- the Center Theater Company's fast and funny, boogie- woogie salute to the energetic eight-to-the-bar era! Vivid visuals, big-band music, and favorite swing songs will transport you back, but we're saving room for some of the new swing music of today. Jump, jive, and wail with Swing! Swing! Swing! -- perfect for groups! For information or discounts and dining packages for groups of 12 or more, call 813-222-1016 or visit www.tbpac.org . (Running time: 2 hrs)" Ticket Prices are $26.50, with a special web discount of $5 from Aug 4 to Aug 13. The show runs Aug 4-7, 11-13, 18-20, & 25-27. Show times are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2pm, & Sundays at 4pm. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- INDIGO INTERVIEW By Beth Eldridge, 7/2/00, at the Italian Club in Ybor City, Tampa FL Band Members: Nicole Vigil - lead vocals Baron Shul - saxophones & flute Josh Workman - guitar & vocals Vance Ehlers - string bass Jim Overton - drums A sleepy Sunday came to life as swing music sang through the windows of Ybor City's historic Italian club. Members of the internationally acclaimed band, Indigo, quickly brought dancers and enthusiastic fans, old and new alike, to their feet. The music shifted between upbeat jump-blues numbers and sultry Lindy tunes. The elegant hardwood floor was overflowing, and the crowd was buzzing with energy all night long. The Suncoast Swing Gang's "Swing Sunday" hit a new record for attendance that night. Between sets, Baron and Nicole, respectively the most veteran and the freshest members of the band, graciously granted me an interview. Indigo is based in San Francisco CA, where it was started as "Indigo Swing" about six years ago. Before founding Indigo Swing, Baron played New Wave and Swing with other groups in the 1980's. Josh, the guitarist and vocalist, joined the band four years ago. Jim, the drummer, has played with Indigo Swing/Indigo for three years. Vance, who has also been with the band for three years, came in with a background in the blues. Nicole was singing in a hot jazz band (playing 1920's & 1930's music) in CA before joining the crew just this past January. The band had recently changed its name to "Indigo" after the previous lead singer and pianist went their separate ways. Why do you think people are attracted to the swing scene? Baron: Partner dancing. Nicole: Also, previous music, such as 'grunge' had a lot of darkness and negativity. Today, people are looking for uplifting music. This music came out of a period of hard times and war. There was a need for patriotism and the music was happy and uplifting, positive and fun, with a lot of energy. What do you think about the current swing scene? Baron: The swing scene started largely in Chicago and California. Now it's really strong in Chicago, and there are a lot of good dancers there. It is also still strong in Southern California. The scene in New York is just now developing. That is a big market with a lot of competition, which makes it hard to break into. Swing also seems to be growing today in the Midwest. What are some of your favorite places to play? Baron: Chicago, Illinois; New York City; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Masquerade in Atlanta Georgia; Montreal, Canada. Canada has a swing society too. What are some similarities/differences you've seen in swing scenes in different areas of the country? Baron: Dancing on the West Coast seems to be slower than on the East Coast. Do you change your tempo for the particular coast where you are playing? Baron: No, we mix up the tempo regardless of our location. How has the national swing scene changed over the time you've been involved? Baron: In general, people are dressing up less. In California, they used to be dressed to the nines, but now only a few elements of the style remain, like shoes and suspenders. Also, there were some bands that weren't so good, and they've gone away. However, the scene is maturing, so the groups that are left are the higher quality and more popular ones. How has your sound changed in the last year with your change in band members? Baron: We're becoming bluesier, and of course we've added Nicole as our female vocalist, instead of Johnny, and we don't have the piano anymore. What do you think will happen with swing music and dance in the future? Nicole: I don't know if swing music will stay the same but dance music will always be around. It affects you internally at a basic level, and people need that. I do see a shifting toward early Rock 'n Roll. The traditional swing sound has tapered off in the last four or five years, especially on the West Coast. It can be harder to get gigs now, but there is still a lot of demand in the Midwest and the Southeast. Is the new 'Indigo' going to be recording or releasing music anytime soon? Nicole: We've gotten a lot of inquiries, but we're still shopping for a label right now for our next recording. We do have about six songs on the website [www.indigoswing.com], which people can hear. But you can also get the old CDs from Indigo Swing, at www.hepcatrecords.com . Is there any chance you'll come back soon? We'd be glad to, but it all depends on if someone in the host city is able to bring us down, and if his or her schedule works out with ours. There's a chance we'd be available in September or October. We'd love to have you back! I really appreciate your taking time to share your thoughts with me between sets and after the performance, and congratulations on a really great show! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- HELP DEFINE YOUR ORGANIZATION'S VALUES The Suncoast Swing Gang is in the process of refining its Mission Statement and wants your input. As you may know, you and all subscribers to the Swing News form the membership body for the Suncoast Swing Gang Inc., a nonprofit organization serving the Tampa Bay area. As a member, only you can decide what your organization is all about. You are encouraged to take part in this vital exercise by following the instructions below. When you're done, either reply to this e-mail with your response or send it to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . The deadline is August 10th. First, a brief intro to values: Values are our highest priorities, the attributes & qualities we most want to develop. For example, individuals might value things such as honesty, integrity, thriftiness, teamwork, family relationships, financial independence, professionalism, and good health. These might all seem like things you would claim to "value". But anyone that values everything is really not valuing anything -- certain items need to be raised above others. Just claming to value something doesn't make it true. For instance, if you claim to value "good health", this might produce goals such as: - Sleep 7-8 hours per night - Exercise 3 times or more per week - Eat a healthy diet But if you found that you were getting at most six hours sleep per night; that you never made it to the gym, or rode the bike, or went for that run; and that you had fast food lunches and pizza for dinner, you would have to conclude that -- in fact -- you didn't really value good health. You could either accept this result and more accurately define your values, or instead use this history to change your actions to actually make good health something you value. Like an individual, an organization has values too. These values are the things that are most important to the members of the organization. The Suncoast Swing Gang is looking for your input on the values that it -- your organization -- should possess. To define what you think the organization's values should be, please do the following: 1. List the values -- the general qualities & attributes -- that you think the organization should possess. 2. Put those values in order of priority, starting with the most important and ending with the least important. 3. For each value you listed, write a few present-tense statements that clarify how the organization should go about expressing that value. Need some help? Not to bias you, but in an initial brainstorming session, participants thought the Suncoast Swing Gang should value things such as Community, Swing, Fun, and Dance Development, to name a few. All these values may mean different things to different people -- hence, the clarifying statements. For example, one person wrote the following clarifying statements for the "Community" value: Community - We build a sense of belonging to our members. - We establish a sense of "group" at all our meetings and events. - We provide communication channels for our community. If you think Community is an important value, you might list it in your set of values. Your clarifying statements might be similar to the above example, or they might be totally different, even contradictory. Pretty much anything goes -- the above are just examples to get you started and not in any way meant to bias you one way or another. Thank-you in advance for your participation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Swing News Editor: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Contributing Editor: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Know any upcoming swing happenings or other news? Send them in to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Editors reserve the right to edit submissions or to select based on relevance. Be sure to call & 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 . **********************************************************************