********************************************************************** SWING NEWS, SEPTEMBER 2000 (Thursday 8/31/00), ISSUE #65 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Submissions to this newsletter XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Addition/deletion/address-change requests XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - All other correspondence http://www.SwingNews.com - Swing News web site Next Issue: Submission Deadline 5pm, 9/24/00; Publication on 9/26/00. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Everyone, Welcome to the September issue of Swing News. The Swing News, formerly part of the Suncoast Swing Gang, is now an independent publication! I will continue to run it and be its chief editor for the foreseeable future. However, in order to concentrate on developing Swing News to its full potential, I will no longer serve as President of the Suncoast Swing Gang. The Suncoast Swing Gang, a nonprofit group, is currently in the process of streamlining its efforts to better serve the Tampa Bay swing community. As part of this process, the group will elect new officers, including a new President. If you're interested in serving as an officer on the group's all-volunteer board of directors, you're invited to attend two meetings on Sep 7 & 28. Full details are at the bottom of this newsletter. What can you expect from the new, independent Swing News? The free e-mail newsletter will continue to go out once a month, in much the same format, but with exciting new features to be announced. A Print Edition is also in the works, for those without e-mail. If you or a friend would like to receive a free sample issue of the Print Edition, please send name, mailing address, e-mail (if any), & phone (optional) to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Finally, the web site will be much improved over the next several months, bringing you info on events in Tampa Bay, Florida, and the rest of the world. Enjoy this issue and we'll see you out at this month's events! Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SEPTEMBER 2000 SPECIAL EVENTS This Friday (Sep 1), jump-blues legends, Roomful of Blues, come to Skipper's Smokehouse. But don't be fooled by the name. Roomful has, since the late 1960's been instrumental in keeping alive the jump/R&B style that grew out of the swing and big band era. They've worked, played, and recorded with many pioneers of this genre, including Big Joe Turner and Eddie Vinson. Count Basie, himself, was one of Roomful's best-known fans. Skipper's writes: "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." If you like swingin' blues and want to see a legend right here in Tampa Bay, be sure to check it out. Roomful of Blues will be the featured act, in concert with the Dynatones. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 the day of concert, and the show starts at 8pm. Unlike other Skipper's shows, this one is open to ages 21+ only, and no kids are allowed. The show is held outdoors, with dancing in front of the stage and wherever else you can make room. 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. Also this Friday (Sep 1) is the Labor Day Sock Hop at the Coliseum in St Pete, with Tommy & the Saints and Brent Howell & the Catillacs. It runs 8pm-Midnight and tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door, plus surcharge. Phone 727-892-5202 for tickets. The Coliseum's at 535 4th Ave N in St Pete. BYOB. This Saturday (Sep 2), the Magic Bus departs on an evening trip from Tampa Bay to Atlantic Dance, located on Disney's Boardwalk in Orlando, where everyone will dance to the sounds of New Orleans' hottest band, Johnny Angel & the Swingin' Demons. The two buses are filling up fast, but a few tickets are still available via credit-card at 813-936-0933. Each $25 ticket gets you round-trip luxury-coach transportation, admission to Atlantic Dance, free drinks on board (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), and party platters from Subway. Smoking is allowed at Atlantic Dance, but the club is huge, with high ceilings and good ventilation. The trip is open to ages 18+, and is brought to you by Carson from BorderLine, who writes: "If you have never been on this swing bus trip, it is a great way to meet people and be part of a really great time. This is our 5th big trip to Atlantic Dance. There should be lots of people to dance with; we make it a rule to dance with as many as possible from our group. 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." Johnny Angel writes: "Hi Carson, I'm flattered you'll want to come back to Disney for my show this coming Labor Day weekend. Your Tampa group made my weekend [last time] ... and I look forward to meeting more of the folks who come over to the Atlantic Dance." For band info, visit www.johnnyangel.net . The Magic Bus picks up from Pinellas Park at 7pm (Parkside Mall parking lot, JC Penney side, at Park Blvd & US 19) and from Tampa at 8pm (BorderLine, at Dale Mabry & Waters). It departs Orlando at 1:30am and returns to Tampa at 3:00am and to Pinellas at 3:30am. Also this Saturday (Sep 2), The Grandsons from Washington DC, one of the featured acts at this year's Tropical Heatwave, play Club More. The Grandsons mix rockabilly, R & B, country, swing, and more to arrive at a dance-inducing sound that has entertained audiences across the country the last twelve years. More band info can be found at www.grandsons.com . Opening the show will be Natural Blend, with the Rudamingos in the Gallery (Club More's second room). Admission is $8, smoking is allowed, the show starts at 9pm, and ages 18+ 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. This Sunday (Sep 3) is the Swing Sunday Grand Re-Opening Bash at the Zendah Grotto in Tampa. The night's new format features five full hours of dancing & music, starting at 7pm. Plus, since it's Labor Day Weekend, you'll be able to dance to midnight and sleep late the next day. The bash also features free food & prizes. Details: * Voodoo Hepcat, DJ Abdel, spins your favorite tunes, 7pm-Midnight * Free Dance Lessons by Fran, 7-8pm, in the Side Room * Free Food & Prizes! * Admission $5 (Student Discount: $1 Off Admission) * All Ages & Smoke-Free * Festive Atmosphere; Party Decor; New Lighting * Great Dance Floor: Smooth, Wooden, Large (2200 Square Feet) * Free Parking in Zendah Grotto's Fenced Lot * Soft Drinks & Bottled Water for Sale; BYO alcohol if you're of age * Phone 813-872-0812; 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, pass Lois (the road will start to look like a driveway) and turn right onto Lauber two streets after Lois. Zendah is the only building on the right. * Map: http://www.mapquest.com/cgi-bin/share?sai4bcw0z9uevswk . Next Sunday (Sep 10), Swing Sundays will start featuring three lessons each night: Beginning Lindy Hop, Beginning Swing, and Intermediate Swing. Participants can take one or all three lessons. Instructing will be Kris van Ingen, who taught Lindy Hop at the Sugar Palm Club, and partners. Kris is one of the most experienced swing dancers and Lindy hoppers in Tampa Bay, as well as a talented instructor. She's a multi-year veteran of Beantown Lindy Hop camp and other dance camps & workshops across the country. Details of the new Swing Sundays: * 7pm-Midnight: Music & Dancing -- Five Full Hours on the Main Floor * 6-7pm: Beginning Lindy Hop Lesson -- $5 (with paid admission) * 7-8pm: Beginning Swing Lesson -- Free (with paid admission) * 8-9pm: Intermediate Swing Lesson -- $5 (with paid admission) * All Ages Welcome; Smoke-Free; Huge Dance Floor; Free Parking * Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, & Snacks for Sale; BYO alcohol if 21+ * $5 Admission * Phone, Directions, and Map: See Grand Re-Opening Bash Above Also next Sunday (Sep 10), Skipper's Smokehouse hosts a blues extravaganza, featuring Dan Electro & the Silvertones, the Swinging Johnsons, and Liz Pennock & Dr Blues. Dan Electro has been a mainstay of the local swing scene since before it started. Skipper's describes the Swinging Johnsons as playing "a mix of sounds ranging from jazz to blues/pop/funk." Liz Pennock & Dr Blues are a duo with Liz on piano and vocals, performing a combination of blues, jazz, and rock, ranging from classics of the 1920's & 30's to originals. The show is a benefit for the Mental Health Association and starts at 5pm. A $10 donation gets you in. It's open to ages 18+ (under 18 admitted if accompanied by parent). Other details are the same as the Skipper's show on Sep 1. Also next Sunday (Sep 10), the Swingin' Mooks give a free sunset concert at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. It runs about 5-8pm. Directions: Take 60 West until it ends at Pier 60. Find parking. Friday (Sep 15), "Loston Harris, one of the nation's hip new jazz vocalists, will perform at the Largo Cultural Center at 8pm. He's a strong singer, an imaginative pianist, and an engaging personality. His credits include a national tour with the Wynton Marsalis Quintet, which drew attention to his smoky voice and comparisons to Nat King Cole's style. His latest CD, titled 'Comes Love', is a comfortable trip through familiar standards: swing, blues, and the classic American songbook. Seating for the show will be cabaret-style with a cash bar for a relaxed atmosphere. Reserved-seat tickets are $10.50. Call the box office at 727-587-6793 for more info. The Largo Cultural Center is located at 105 Central Park Drive, south of E Bay Drive between Highland Ave & Seminole Blvd, adjacent to the Largo Library." [Karen Barth, Marketing Specialist, Largo Cultural Center] Saturday (Sep 16) is community radio station WMNF's 21st Birthday Bash, with Red Elvises, The Thrusters, & Orchestra Infinidad. Vendors will be on hand selling eclectic clothing, jewelry, and art. It's at the Coliseum in St Pete, 8pm-Midnight. Tickets are $16 in advance or $21 at the door. Phone 727-892-5202 or visit www.wmnf.org . Tuesday (Sep 19), the Red Elvises and the Swingin' Mooks take over Skipper's Smokehouse. Skipper's describes the Red Elvises: "Three Russians from Siberia and a Texan on drums got together in Santa Monica in 1996 to unleash 'Siberian Surf Rock' on an unsuspecting world. With a goal to become as popular as Coca Cola, the lads bring the spirit of Elvis alive with their special blend of Russian ethnic music, reckless surf rock, & vintage high-energy rockabilly. The band is a visual as well as aural treat. Dress in red and get your tickets early." This 8pm show is $12 in advance or $15 the day of show. Other details are the same as the Skipper's show on Sep 10. Friday (Sep 22), the University of Tampa sponsors a swing dance in its Grand Salon. Troy writes: "The swing night at UT has been finalized. The event is free to all UT students and only $3 for non-students. DJ Hepcat Abdel will be playing 8pm to Midnight, with free lessons 7-8pm. Food and drink will be provided. The Grand Salon is located on the west side of Plant Hall, once Tampa Hotel, and right by the parking lot. To get to UT, take I-275 to the west downtown exit. Follow Ashley St to the Kennedy intersection. Turn right on Kennedy. University of Tampa will be on your right before the construction. If you are going to park at the garage, follow Kennedy to Boulevard St and turn right. The parking garage will be on the right. Any further questions or directions, please e-mail me at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ." Saturday (Sep 23), the Florida Orchestra presents the Symphonic Pops Concert, "Swing, Baby, Swing!", featuring Jeff Tyzik, guest conductor and trumpeter; Dave Mancini on drums; and a stylish vocal and swing dance duo from New York. It's at the Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St S in St Pete, starting at 8pm. Tickets run $20 to $38. Phone 727-892-5767 for info or 813-286-2403 for tickets. Tuesday (Sep 26), the Camaros from NYC play the Orpheum in Ybor City. The Urbane Cowboys warm up and DJ Paul spins between sets. Doors open at 9pm and tickets are $6. Smoking is permitted. The Orpheum's located at 1902 Republica de Cuba (corner of 8th Ave & 14th St) in Ybor City. Phone 813-248-9500. For Camaros info, visit www.thecamaros.com . Friday (Sep 29), the Swingin' Mooks return to Skipper's Smokehouse. The show's at 8pm and costs $5. Other details are the same as the Skipper's show on Sep 10. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- OCTOBER AND BEYOND Sat Oct 14: Johnny Varro Swing Seven @ Coliseum w/ Frankie Manning leading the Shim Sham; 727-892-5202 Sat Oct 14: Frankie Manning + Tony & Aurelie Tye @ Coliseum (Lindy Hop Workshop); 727-821-9420 Sun Oct 15: Frankie Manning Brunch, Lecture, & Dance in St Pete; 727-821-9420 Thu Oct 19: Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers @ Magnolia Bldg in Lakeland; 727-821-9420 Fri Oct 20: Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers @ Clearwater Jazz Holiday; 727-461-5200 Sat Oct 21: Bellevue Cadillac @ Clearwater Jazz Holiday; 727-461-5200 Fri Oct 27: Swingin' Mooks at Skipper's Freaker's Ball; 813-971-0666 Fri Nov 3: Jerry Lee Lewis & Dion @ Ruth Eckerd Hall; 727-791-7400 Mon Nov 20: Count Basie Orchestra @ Van Wezel; 941-955-7676 Tue Nov 21: Count Basie Orchestra @ Ruth Eckerd Hall; 727-791-7400 Frankie Manning will be in town the weekend of October 14-15 for a weekend of Lindy Hop. It all starts Saturday at the St Pete Coliseum, with an all-day workshop. Frankie Manning will teach Lindy Hop and Shim Sham; Tony & Aurelie Tye, owners of the Beantown Lindy Hop Summer Camp, will teach Partner Dynamics; and James & Arleene Norman of Right Step will teach the Mechanics of Turning & Jumping. That night at the Coliseum, the Johnny Varro Swing Seven will take the stage, and Frankie Manning will lead the Shim Sham. This dance runs 8pm-Midnight, with a free east-coast swing lesson 7-8pm by James & Arleene. For band info, visit www.arborsjazz.com . On Sunday, Frankie will lecture about his life as a swing dancer at Orange Blossom Groves, 220 4th St N in St Pete. This event will include brunch followed by an afternoon dance. Saturday night's dance is $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available now at the Coliseum Box Office; phone 727-892-5202. Preregistration is required for Saturday's workshop; the registration fee of $65 includes admission to that night's dance. Sunday's brunch event is $30 and preregistration is required. To register for the workshop or the brunch, contact Right Step Dance Studio at 727-821-9420 or XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . See www.savoystyle.com/frankie_manning.html for a good biography of Frankie Manning. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Wed: Polish American Society in St Pete; 727-821-9420; NS; All Ages Wed: Royalty Dance Theater in Clearwater; 727-441-8868; Nonsmoking Thu: Magnolia Bldg in Lakeland; 727-821-9420; Nonsmoking; All Ages Weekly Band Nights: Tue: 42nd Street Band at Legendz; 727-791-8050 Thu: Bombed Out Cat at Rare Olive II; 727-822-7273; Smoking; 21+ Thu: All Star Swing Show jam at Mystic Tiki; 727-363-8450 Weekly Studio Events: Fri: Swing City in Tampa; 813-935-7458; Nonsmoking The Wednesday-night dance that used to be at the Gulfport Casino has now moved while the Casino undergoes renovation. The dance is now held every Wednesday at the Polish American Society, 1343 Beach Dr SE in St Pete. All other details remain the same. Directions: Take I-275 to I-175 E (5th Ave S) and turn right at 4th St S. Turn left at 18th Ave S and follow the "Truck Route" signs. The Royalty Dance Theater is holding a dance every Wednesday in September, featuring live music by the Buddy Verdi Orchestra. The dance is mostly swing, with other ballroom dances mixed in. A lesson starts off the night 7:00-7:30pm, with dancing 7:30 to 9:30 or 10pm. The night includes exhibitions and refreshments. Admission is $10. It's a nonsmoking event with a fine dance floor in a vintage building. The Theater is located at 405 Cleveland St in downtown Clearwater. Phone 727-441-8868. Directions: Take 60 West, towards downtown Clearwater, until it becomes Cleveland St. Sarah Kuss writes: "Hi, I am an owner of a nightclub that is going to be having the 42nd Street Band playing every Tuesday night from Sep 5th to Oct 17th, 7:30-11:30pm. One of your members stopped in to see us and said he would pass the word along. We have a great dance floor, full liquor bar, and $3 admission from 7pm on. Can you help us to get the word out? Appreciate your help. Legendz is 1 mile N of Countryside Mall on US 19 in the Skyline Chili Plaza. You can call us at 727-791-8050. Hope to see you there." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL SWING BANDS IN SEPTEMBER URBANE COWBOYS: Sun Sep 3 The Spinnaker in Seminole Heights, $3, 10pm, Labor Day Party w/ Crash Mitchell & Flat Stanley Fri Sep 8 Yeoman's Road Pub on Davis Island, $4, 9:30pm, w/ Skinny McGee & his Mayhem Makers Tue Sep 26 The Orpheum in Ybor City, $6, 9pm, Raunch-n-Roll Night w/ The Camaros For more info, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . SWINGIN' MOOKS: The Swingin' Mooks have a new web site, www.swinginmooks.com , and their newly released second CD is available at all gigs and at Planet Grooves in Clearwater. Here are the band's upcoming gigs: Fri Sep 1 Bourbon Street Sat Sep 2 Gators Fri Sep 8 King Creole (Sarasota) Sat Sep 9 Gasoline Alley Sun Sep 10 Pier 60 (Clearwater Beach) Sat Sep 16 Club More Tue Sep 19 Skipper's Smokehouse (w/ Red Elvises) Fri Sep 22 Bourbon Street Fri Sep 29 Skipper's Smokehouse SWINGERHEAD: In September, Swingerhead will perform two Wednesdays at The Blue Room, 17 West Pine Street in Downtown Orlando, Sep 6 & 20. StaceBass writes: "The major motion picture that will feature a cameo of Michael Andrew & Swingerhead has confirmed the new title, 'The Heartbreakers'. Itıs set for a February 2001 release. You can watch the production notes as they develop on our site, www.swingerhead.com ." DAN MCMILLION: Sun Sep 3 Club More. Dan McMillion & his big band are featured. Opening up is The North End Jazz Ensemble. 8pm, $7. BOMBED OUT CAT: Billy writes: "Kim is in New York & doing well; He just landed some dates with Maynard Ferguson. Jennifer Mazzioti is with us as his replacement on Sax. In September, we'll be moving some of our Wednesdays to BG011, a new jazz & fine dining club on St Pete Beach. (Some of you may remember this as The South Beach Grille. They're now under new ownership & management.) This is a great room with a 'large' dance floor, theatre-style bandshell, separate sitting-room, separate pool-room, separate cigar-bar, and a great menu. Check them out at www.bg011.com . The club is located at 6800 Sunset Way. Phone 727-363-7623. Hope to see all of you soon." Upcoming Dates: Fri Sep 1 The Living Room, Clearwater, 9:00-1:00, Icot Center, Ulmerton & 58th Sat Sep 2 Bahama Mama's, St Pete Beach, 3:00-7:00, Behind Holiday Inn on Beach Sat Sep 2 The Living Room, Clearwater, 9:00-1:00 Sun Sep 3 Cha Cha Coconuts, St Pete Pier, 5:00-9:00 Every Thursday at Rare Olive II, Downtown St Pete, 9:00-1:30 Rest of September: Call the Bombed Out Cat Hotline at 813-960-1426 ALL STAR SWING SHOW: The All Star Swing Show invites all musicians, singers, and dancers to jam with the band on Thursday nights at the Mystic Tiki, 109 8th Ave on Pass-A-Grille Beach, 6-9pm. For more info, call Lucian at 727-867-5603 or the Mystic Tiki at 727-363-8450." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- UPCOMING LINDY HOP 411 EVENTS Lindy Hop 411 will sponsor its next events on the following dates, at the Pinellas Park Auditorium: Sun Sep 17 Sun Sep 24 Sat Sep 30 Sat Oct 7 All events include classes or workshops, followed by an evening dance. Class schedules and other details for the above dates are still in the works, but will soon be posted to www.geocities.com/LindyHop411 . You can also e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX to join their e-mail list or for further information. 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. Auditorium is on the left. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- USF DANCES ON HOLD + THE FUTURE OF COMMUNITY-SPONSORED DANCES All previously scheduled USF swing dances are currently on hold, due in part to lack of volunteers. Abdel is currently looking into rescheduling some dances, but needs volunteers to help. In general, Tampa Bay's community-sponsored dances are always in need of volunteers. Often, most of the burden in running these dances falls on one or two people, and after these volunteers get tired of putting them on, the dances are no more. Examples of community-sponsored dances include the USF dances, the UT Dances, and the Swing Sundays put on by the nonprofit Suncoast Swing Gang. If you'd like to help make these dances happen: - At USF (especially if you're a USF student): Contact Abdel at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ; - At UT (especially if you're a UT student): Contact Troy at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ; - Swing Sundays at Zendah Grotto: Attend September 7th's Meeting (details at bottom of this issue). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- AMERICAN SWING CHAMPIONS TEACH IN SARASOTA This Saturday (Sep 2), Nathalie Gomes & Yuval Hod teach two workshops in Sarasota. The first workshop, "Lifts, Dips, Drops, & Aerials", runs 2-4pm and costs $20. It is recommended for advanced couples only. The second workshop, "Lindy Hop Swing Combinations", runs 5:00-8:30pm and costs $25. It is intermediate level and doesn't require a partner. A dance will follow at 8:30pm, which is free to workshop attendees; $5 to others. Phone 941-954-8696 or 877-369-8696 for reservations. The workshops are sponsored by Spats in Sarasota. They will be held at the Elk's Lodge on Fruitville Rd. (Directions: Take I-75 to exit 39, cross Tuttle, and it's 100 yards on your right.) The instructors have performed on many TV shows, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Entertainment Tonight. "Yuval's 1999 American Lindy Hop champion title and Nathalie's extensive background in Aerials have created demand for their appearances." [Spats Flyer] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RHYTHM HOT SHOTS IN MIAMI World-famous Swedish Lindy Hoppers, The Rhythm Hot Shots, will teach at a four-day "Hop the Turkey" Lindy Hop weekend this Thanksgiving, Nov 23-26, on Miami Beach. The weekend includes four days of classes, nightly dances with live bands, and more. For full information, visit www.rhythmhotshots.com/turkey . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ASHER DANCE ECLECTIC SEEKS DANCERS Elizabeth writes: "Hello! Seeking physically disabled men and women, ages 15-50, who would like to participate in a unique, exciting performance company! Asher Dance Eclectic is a new dance company in Tampa featuring able-bodied and disabled dancers. Individuals with physical disabilities who have upper body mobility are invited to take part. No dance experience is necessary! Able-bodied dancers are also needed, with strong backgrounds in jazz and/or modern dance. Auditions start September 18th at HCC in Ybor City. E-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or phone 813-786-6291 for more info." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FRANKIE MANNING TO RECEIVE NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOWSHIP Frankie Manning has been awarded a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts. A free concert will be held in Washington DC on September 22nd to honor him and the other twelve recipients. The National Heritage Awards were established in 1982 to honor "American folk artists for their contributions to our national cultural mosaic" [NEA Website]. For more information on the awards, visit http://www.arts.endow.gov/explore/Heritage00/NHFIntro.html . Sally Hauter writes: "Frankie Manning, Lindy Hop Dancer/Choreographer/ Teacher, is the quintessential master of the Lindy Hop dance style, a form that emerged around 1927 in Harlem and was later synonymous with 'swing dance' and 'jitterbug'. As a choreographer, he introduced new and dazzling dance elements that included synchronized ensembles, horizontal postures, 'freeze' steps, and the 'aerial', catapulting a partner in a forward somersault. He appeared with the swing bands of Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Louis Armstrong, and in movies such as 'Radio City Revels' and 'A Day at the Races'. Mr Manning was rediscovered in the mid-1980s during a revival of the Lindy Hop. Resuming his career as a performer and teacher in the U.S. and abroad, he was profiled on the television program 20/20 and won a Tony Award for his choreography in the Broadway show, 'Black and Blue'." Frankie Manning, now 86 years young, will be in St Pete October 14 & 15 to teach Lindy Hop. In conjunction with this weekend, he'll appear at the Coliseum as a special guest on October 14th (with band, the Johnny Varro Swing Seven) and will speak at a brunchtime dance the following day. For details, see the "October and Beyond" section of this Swing News. Thanks to Dan Parshall for sending in this news item. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ALTERNATE DIRECTIONS TO SWING SUNDAYS On September 24th, a Bucs home game will run 4:15pm to about 7:15pm. If you're planning on going to Swing Sunday at Zendah Grotto that night, you'll either want to arrive late (after 8:30pm) or take the following alternate route that bypasses Dale Mabry and the Stadium. (September 24th and November 12th are the only dates in 2000 where you'll need to be concerned about stadium traffic.) Step 1. Get to Hillsborough Avenue. - From St Pete, take I-275 N and exit at Veterans Expwy/Airport. Pass airport, exit right at Hillsborough, then turn right (east). - From Clearwater, cross Tampa Bay using the Courtney Campbell (Hwy 60 East). Take Memorial Hwy/Veterans and get in rightmost lane. Pass airport, exit right at Hillsborough, then turn right (east). - From South Tampa/Brandon/Points East, take Kennedy west to Clearwater exit. Head north towards Veterans Expwy/Airport. Get in rightmost lane, pass airport, exit right at Hillsborough, then turn right (east). - From NW Tampa, take Veterans Expwy to Hillsborough Ave. Exit east. - From NE Tampa, take I-275 S to Hillsborough Ave. Travel west. Step 2. Turn south on West Shore Blvd. If you're heading east on Hillsborough, pass the airport and turn right on West Shore. If you're traveling west on Hillsborough, turn left on West Shore before seeing the airport. Step 3. Arrive at Zendah Grotto. Continue south for a good distance, then turn left on Ohio (just before the US Airways/MetroJet building). Continue east 2 blocks. Zendah Grotto is on your right at the corner of Lauber & Ohio. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SUNCOAST SWING GANG'S UPCOMING MEETINGS The Suncoast Swing Gang will hold a special meeting on Thursday, Sep 7, 7:30pm, at Temple Terrace City Hall, right next to Outback Steak House. The meeting has been called to address three items: 1. Swing Sundays, 2. Elect Two New Directors, and 3. New Internet Domain Name & Hosting Service . Anyone interested in these items or in serving on the Board of Directors is invited to attend. This special meeting has been called by the following eight members of the Suncoast Swing Gang: Arnold Kasemsarn, Carson Berry, Fran Johns, Gary Fiocca, Rachel Fia, Robin Moore, Sam Mahfoud, and Shawn Daggett. Directions: Take I-275. Get off at Busch exit and go East on Busch Blvd. Pass Busch Gardens. Go to 56th St and turn left. Go about three stop lights and you'll see Temple Terrace City Hall and Outback Steak House. The road in between is 113th St. Turn left on 113th St and turn into the parking lot to City Hall, which will be on your left. Park and come in the automatic doors. Enter the 2nd door on left, which is Ceramic and Art class rooms. The Suncoast Swing Gang will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, Sep 28, 7:30pm, at Fran's place. Elections will be held for President, Vice President, and Director. Also on the agenda will be items such as developing a library of swing videos and books. All are invited to attend and participate. Directions: Take I-275 to Busch and head east. Pass Busch Gardens and go one block past 78th St. On your left will be a brick wall that reads "Rolling Terrace". Turn left into this subdivision and continue straight to the dead end. Turn right and go to corner. Hollyridge Pl is the first street on your right. Turn right, and go to the first house on your right. Phone 813-985-8216. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 select based on relevance. Please call & confirm events before going! Send additions/deletions/address-changes to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Check out the Swing News website at http://www.SwingNews.com . **********************************************************************