********************************************************************** SWING NEWS, NOVEMBER 2000 (Friday 10/27/00), ISSUE #67 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, 11/24/00; Publication on 11/26/00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome ... ... to the November issue of Swing News. A few weeks ago, we sent out the first-ever Swing-News Calendar, which contained a listing of all events for the month of October -- the perfect thing to hang from your refrigerator magnet! If you missed it, see www.swingnews.com . Even better, be sure to visit www.swingnews.com/tampabay after a few days, and you'll be able to get the November Calendar. Before getting to the good stuff, I'd like to give a friendly reminder to event organizers, bands, and anyone else involved in making local swing happen. Be sure to send us your info -- preferably by the publication deadline. (Look 15 lines up ^ to find the deadline.) If you don't see your event listed here, then two things likely happened: 1. You didn't tell us about it; and 2. Our powers of telepathy (and research) were not strong enough to find out about it. Finally, when you send an event in, please include the following info: date, start & end times, place, address, city, phone number, cost, ages allowed, smoking or nonsmoking or outdoors/open air. Other things people might like to know: who's the band or entertainment or what's planned?; is there a dance floor, how big is it, and what's it like?; is there a bar or what's the drink policy?; is there a web site for further info? The more you tell us, the more we can tell others. Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCE CONCERTS Sat Oct 28: Chris Calloway & Spats Supper Club @ Elk's Lodge in Sarasota; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $8 to $35, 941-954-8696 Sat Nov 25: Bombed Out Cat @ Zendah Grotto in Tampa; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $5, 813-985-8216 Fri Dec 8: Jive Aces @ Location TBD in Tampa Bay; 727-821-9420 This Saturday (Oct 28), Chris Calloway performs a selection of her father's famous Cab Calloway tunes at The Savoy, a Spats Supper Club, in Sarasota. Chris will be backed up by Johny Varro on piano, Kenny Soderblom on Saxophone, and Thomas Hebb from Boston on Bass. The Spats Cats host this event at the Elk's Lodge on Fruitville Rd. The evening includes a reception, dinner, dance, showcase, and costume party. The reception starts at 7pm; dancing starts at 9pm. Admission is $12 ($8 for students) for the dance portion (which includes the dance showcase), or $35 for the whole thing, including reception and dinner. The Elk's has a 2500 sq ft dance floor, and is smoke- & alcohol-free. For more info, phone 941-954-8696. Directions: I=75 to Exit 39 (Fruitville Rd). Turn right. Go a couple of miles, pass the Tuttle Rd intersection, and the Elk's Lodge will be about 200 yards on your right. Saturday (Nov 25), Bombed Out Cat plays a special Thanksgiving-weekend event at the Zendah Grotto in Tampa. This event is sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang, which puts on the Swing Sundays each week at the Zendah Grotto. In fact, everyone who attends this special Saturday dance with Bombed Out Cat will receive a free pass to the regular dance the following day. A lesson starts off the night 7-8pm, then Bombed Out Cat takes the stage 8pm-Midnight, with DJed music between sets. Admission is $5, and the event is all-ages & smoke-free. Snacks, soft-drinks, juice, and bottled water are available for purchase; if you're 21+, you can BYOB. Phone 813-985-8216 for more info. Directions: Take I-275 to E Dale Mabry (Northbound). Left onto Tampa Bay Blvd (just before Raymond James Stadium). Pass HCC, fork left at Lois, and turn right onto Lauber two streets after Lois. Zendah is the only building on the right. Park free in Zendah's lot. Map: http://www.mapquest.com/cgi-bin/share?sai4bcw0z9uevswk . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCES Sat Oct 28: GodSwing Dance @ Swing City Dance Studio in Tampa; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $5; 813-935-7458 Fri Nov 3: Swing Time @ Centro Asturiano in Ybor City; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $5, 727-894-1893 Sat Nov 4: Eckerd College Swing Club Dance @ Fox Hall; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $3, 727-864-7592 or 727-864-7724 Sat Nov 11: Habitat for Humanity Swing Benefit @ First Presbyterian Church in St Pete; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $7, 727-535-5775 Sun Nov 12: Lindy Hop 411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; Nonsmoking, All Ages, 727-894-6325 Sat Nov 18: USF Swing Dance @ Marshall Center; Nonsmoking; All Ages, $3 Donation Requested Fri Dec 1: Swing Time @ Centro Asturiano in Ybor City; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $5, 727-894-1893 Sat Dec 16: Lindy Hop 411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; Nonsmoking, All Ages, 727-894-6325 Every Sun: Swing Sundays @ Zendah Grotto in Tampa; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $5, 813-985-8216. Every Wed: Swing Dance @ Gulfport Casino; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $5, 727-893-1070. Every Thu: Swing Dance @ Magnolia Bldg in Lakeland; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $4, 863-603-6281. This Saturday (Oct 28) is the GodSwing dance, held the last Saturday of each month at Swing City Dance Studio in Tampa. GodSwing is a Christian swing dance that's open to everybody. The dance runs 9:30pm-1:00am, with a beginner's lesson 8:30-9:30pm. Admission is $5. You may bring your own refreshments or buy them there. For more info, visit www.GodSwing.com . Swing City is located at 7532 N Armenia in Tampa, between Sligh & Waters. Directions: Take I-275 to Armenia, and head north until you find the correct address. Next Friday (Nov 3), Swing Time returns to the historic & elegant Centro Asturiano's Grand Ballroom in Ybor City. Rachel writes, "Thanks to everyone who attended the first Swing Time event and made it a fantastic success! The nostalgic atmosphere, the sharp tunes, the inspired dancers, and the entertaining contest all combined to create an unforgettable evening. Hope to see you on November 3rd!" * Swing Music & Dancing: 9pm-1am * Dance Instruction by Sam: 8-9pm * Dance Contest + Door Prizes * $5 Admission * Free Parking * All Ages Welcome * Smoke-Free * Full Bar Available, including Bottled Water & Soft Drinks * For more info, phone 727-894-1893 or email XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * Address & Directions: Located at the corner of Palm Ave & Nebraska Ave in Ybor City. Take I-4 to Exit 1, go south, turn right at 1st light (Palm Ave), turn left at 2nd light (Nebraska Ave), and make an immediate left into Centro Asturiano's gated lot. * Sponsored by Swing Time and Centro Asturiano Next Saturday (Nov 4), the Eckerd College Swing Club hosts their first on-campus dance. Lessons run 7-8pm; dancing, 8pm-Midnight. The Voodoo Hepcat, DJ Abdel, spins the tunes. The dance is free to Eckerd students, faculty, and staff; $3 for others. All ages are welcome. For more info, contact Lauren at 727-864-7592 or Nancy at 727-864-7724. Directions: I-275 S to Exit 4. Follow exit ramp to the right. At bottom of ramp, take the second possible left and turn into Eckerd College. Let the guard at the booth know you're there for the dance, and they can give you further directions to Fox Hall. Saturday (Nov 11), the Pinellas Habitat for Humanity invites the public to their 10th Annual benefit auction. The theme is "A Tropical Holiday", and swing dancing will be a major part of the entertainment. James & Arleene will teach lessons and provide swing music for three hours of dancing, 4:30-7:30pm. James writes: "Get out your most colorful Hawaiian outfit, shine up your two-tone shoes, and join us in benefiting this worthy institution." A silent auction will take place simultaneous to the dancing. Admission is $7, the event is smoke- and alcohol-free, and more info can be obtained from Linda Woodend at 727-535-5775. It's at the First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Drive NE in St Pete. Sunday (Nov 12), Lindy Hop 411 puts on its next event, "LindyHop Live" at the Pinellas Park Auditorium. The program features workshops, a cookout, and an evening dance. Jenny Faye writes: "If you've been waiting for the right time to get off that couch and do something, LindyHop Live is just what you've been looking for! - 2:30-4:00pm: Lindy Hop Fundamentals with Gabe & Anna - 4:15-5:30pm: Lindy Hop Variations with Bob & Lee - Special Workshop Bonus! Cookout with food provided for omnivores and vegetarians. (Feel free to bring more of your own, too.) - 6:45-8:00pm: Musicality with Gabe, Anna, & Tim - 8pm-Midnight: Dance to some of the best music you’ve ever heard with DJs Slim Tim & Groovin’ Gabe" Admission ranges from $5 for just the dance to $18 for everything. The event is smoke- and alcohol-free, and open to all ages. Phone 727-894-6325 for more info. The Pinellas Park Auditorium is located at 7690 59th St N in Pinellas Park. Directions: I-275 to 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 is on the left. If the parking lot's full, go forward and park in one of two lots to the right, across from the police station. Saturday (Nov 18), the University of South Florida's (USF's) University Swingsters sponsor their next dance at the Marshall Center Ballroom. The public is invited. Details: * Free Swing Dance Lessons, 7:30-8:30pm * Dancing and Music, 8:30pm-1:00am * Free Food & Drinks * $3 Donation Requested * All Ages & Smoke-Free * For more information, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX * Address & Directions: I-275 to Fowler. Head East. Left onto 50th St. Continue until you're one block before the next traffic light, then left onto N Holly. Left at 2nd traffic light. Park in Crescent Hill garage. Head to ground floor and follow curved road to Marshall Center. Ballroom is on the 2nd Floor. Every Sunday night, the Suncoast Swing Gang puts on Swing Sundays at the Zendah Grotto, located near the Stadium in Tampa. The night features five hours of uninterrupted swing dancing, 7pm-Midnight, on the large, floating, hardwood, main floor. Carson, the Gang's President, writes: "Abdel and Paul are the DJs and do an excellent job. We have recently improved the sound system and the look of the room. The Zendah Grotto is all freshly painted and decorated. It is BYOB. There is a concession counter that sells cokes, water, juices, and snacks. The dance is all ages, smoke-free, and students get a dollar off the regular $5 admission." Swing Sundays also feature a mini-series of workshops in a separate room, starting at 7pm, and available for an additional fee. These include: * 7-8pm: Intermediate & Advanced Swing Moves, $5 * 8-9pm: Beginning Lindy Hop, $3 * 9-10pm: Intermediate & Advanced Lindy Hop, $5 Phone 813-985-8216 for more info. Address & Directions: 4109 N Lauber Way in Tampa. Take I-275 to E Dale Mabry (Northbound). Left onto Tampa Bay Blvd (just before Raymond James Stadium). Pass HCC, fork left at Lois, and turn right onto Lauber, two streets after Lois. Zendah is the only building on the right. Park free in Zendah's lot. Special Note: On November 12th, a Bucs home game will run 4:15-7:15pm, so an alternate route is advisable that bypasses stadium traffic. See www.swingnews.com/tampabay/past/2000/sn065.txt for alternate directions. Nov 12 is the only remaining problem date until Fall, 2001. Every Wednesday is swing night at the Gulfport Casino. After briefly closing for renovation, the Casino is now back, hosting Tampa Bay's longest-running swing night. The night starts off with a 7-8pm lesson by James & Arleene, then continues 8pm-Midnight with dancing to tunes spun by DJ Jumpin' James. Admission is $5. The Casino features a huge dance floor, a full bar, and smoke-free air. It is open to all ages, although children must be supervised. Phone 727-893-1070. Address & Directions: 5500 Shore Blvd S, 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 and find your way to 22nd Ave S.) Head west. Turn left onto Beach Blvd. (55th St will be on your right.) Head south until the street ends at the Gulfport Casino, located on the water. Every Thursday is swing night at the Magnolia Building in Lakeland. It starts out with a 7-8pm lesson by James & Arleene. Dancing runs 8pm- Midnight, with DJ Jumpin' James spinning the tunes. James writes: "The dance is held at one of Florida's most beautiful vintage rooms, on a glass-smooth wooden floor. The room will never be the same since Lavay Smith played there! Bring drinks, and a picnic if you wish, however, the Magnolia Building is alcohol-free!" The night is all ages and smoke-free. Admission is $4. Phone 863-603-6281. Address & Directions: 702 E Orange St in Lakeland. From Tampa, take I-4 to Exit 16 (Memorial Blvd). Head east to N Florida Ave, then south to downtown Lakeland. Turn left at Orange St, pass the municipal parking garage, and the Magnolia Bldg & its parking lot will be on your left. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CONCERTS Sun Oct 29: Skinny McGee, Midnight Bowlers League, & Urbane Cowboys @ Skipper's in Tampa; Outdoors, 18+, $7, 813-971-0666 Tue Oct 31: Blue Flame Combo & Raunch-a-Ween @ Orpheum in Ybor City; Smoking, All Ages, $5, 813-248-9500 Thu Nov 2: Dan Electro & the Silvertones @ Centro Ybor; Outdoors, All Ages, Free, 813-242-4660 Fri Nov 3: Jerry Lee Lewis & Dion @ Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $32.75-$42.75, 727-791-7400 Fri Nov 10: Denise Moore & Then Some @ Centro Ybor; Outdoors, All Ages, Free, 813-242-4660 Thu Nov 16: Rocket 88 @ Centro Ybor; Outdoors, All Ages, Free, 813-242-4660 Fri Nov 17: Lounge Cat @ Centro Ybor; Outdoors, All Ages, Free, 813-242-4660 Mon Nov 20: Count Basie Orchestra w/ Dianne Reeves @ Van Wezel in Sarasota; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $27-$33, 941-955-7676 Tue Nov 21: Count Basie Orchestra @ Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $11, 727-791-7400 Fri Nov 24: Ray Gelato Combo @ Centro Ybor; Outdoors, All Ages, Free, 813-242-4660 Tue Nov 28: Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra @ Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater; Nonsmoking, All Ages, $11, 727-791-7400 Fri Dec 1: Ray Gelato Combo @ Centro Ybor; Outdoors, All Ages, Free, 813-242-4660 Tue Dec 12: Rocket 88 @ Orpheum in Ybor City; Smoking, All Ages, $5, 813-248-9500 This Sunday (Oct 29) is Rockabilly Round-up at Skipper's Smokehouse, featuring three of Tampa Bay & Orlando's finest bands: Skinny McGee & His Mayhem Makers, Midnight Bowler's League, and Urbane Cowboys. The show's at 7pm, costs $7, and is open to ages 18 & up (under 18 admitted if accompanied by parent). It will be held in the open-air "Skipperdome", with dancing on the plywood floor in front of the stage. Skipper's features a full bar & restaurant, and is located at Skipper Rd & Nebraska in N Tampa. Phone 813-971-0666. Directions: I-275 to Fletcher, head east, left on Nebraska, right on Skipper Rd. This Tuesday (Oct 31), the Orpheum celebrates Halloween night with "Raunch-a-ween", featuring the Blue Flame Combo, DJ Paul Mallett, and the "He Man Women Haters". Doors open at 9pm, admission is $5, smoking is allowed, and it's open to all ages. Costumes are welcomed. Phone 813-248-9500. The Orpheum has a dance floor surrounding the stage, and is located at 1902 Republica de Cuba (corner of 8th Ave & 14th St) in Ybor City. Centro Ybor, Ybor City's giant new shopping and entertainment complex, hosts free concerts every Fri-Sun, 7:00-10:30pm, in its outdoor plaza. November brings five different swing bands: - Thu Nov 2: Dan Electro & the Silvertones - Fri Nov 10: Denise Moore & Then Some - Thu Nov 16: Rocket 88 - Fri Nov 17: Lounge Cat - Fri Nov 24: Ray Gelato Combo (Ray just moved to FL from Britain!) Admission is free, concerts are open to all ages, and a small dance floor is available in front of the stage. Centro Ybor is located at 1600 E 8th Ave in Ybor City. Phone 813-242-4660. Taylor Ward, Centro Ybor's marketing and events director, writes: "You'll remember Ray [Gelato] as the man who brought down the house at the Gulfport Casino last May. This giant of English jazz and jive is known for his Louis Prima stylings on vocals & sax and his amazing stage show. What a coup to have Ray back in Tampa!" "Centro Ybor Plaza is a beautiful open-air venue in the new Centro Ybor complex. There is a portable dance floor, which works just great for swing dancing. Parking is available at the Centro Ybor Garage, just south of 7th Ave, between 15th & 16th Streets. It's $1 for the first three hours in a secure, well-lit garage." Next Friday (Nov 3), Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famers Jerry Lee Lewis & Dion appear live at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Jerry Lee Lewis is most famous for his hits, "Great Balls of Fire" & "Whole Lotta Shakin'", which both hit the #1 spot on all music charts -- pop, country, and R&B, a unique feat in the music industry. He's been regularly performing, touring, and recording ever since 1956, and at age 64, the Killer is still going strong. Check out www.jerryleelewis.net and www.history-of-rock.com/lewistwo.htm for more info. Dion (of Dion & the Belmonts) is most famous for hits such as "Runaround Sue" and "The Wanderer". For a bio, visit www.history-of-rock.com/dion_dimucci. The concert starts at 8pm and tickets run $32.75 to $42.75. Phone 727-791-7400 for more info. Mon (Nov 20), Dianne Reeves performs with the Count Basie Orchestra at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota. "The dazzling jazz vocalist meets the Grammy Award-winning swing orchestra, and watch sparks fly!" [Van Wezel]. Tickets are $27-$33 and the show's at 8pm. Van Wezel is located at 777 N Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Phone 941-955-7676. Tue (Nov 21), the Count Basie Orchestra performs at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater at 1pm. A pre-show picnic is also scheduled. Tickets are $11 for this afternoon concert and are available at 727-791-7400. Ruth Eckerd Hall is located at 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd in Clearwater. Tue (Nov 28), the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra plays Ruth Eckerd Hall with vocalist Nancy Knorr. Tickets are $11, the concert's at 1pm, and there's a pre-concert picnic. Phone 727-791-7400. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CLUB EVENTS Fri Oct 27: Bombed Out Cat @ Cha Cha Coconuts on St Pete Pier; Outdoors, All Ages, No Cover, 8pm-Midnight, 727-822-6655 Sat Oct 28: Bombed Out Cat @ Cha Cha Coconuts on St Pete Pier; Outdoors, All Ages, No Cover, 8pm-Midnight, 727-822-6655; Halloween Costume Contest with $500 in Prizes Wed Nov 1: Bombed Out Cat @ BG-011 on St Pete Beach; Smoking, All Ages, No Cover, 8pm-Midnight, 727-363-7623; Address: 6800 Sunset Way Fri Nov 3: Bombed Out Cat @ Speakeasy Grille in Bradenton; Smoking, Ages 21+, No Cover, 9pm-1am, 941-747-2729; Address: 1012 Manatee Ave Sat Nov 4: Dan Electro & the Silvertones @ Gator Club in Sarasota; Smoking, Ages 21+, No Cover, 10pm-2am, 941-366-5969; Address: 1490 Main St Sat Nov 5: Bombed Out Cat @ Speakeasy Grille in Bradenton; Smoking, Ages 21+, No Cover, 9pm-1am, 941-747-2729; Address: 1012 Manatee Ave Tue Nov 14: Paul Mallett & various bands @ Orpheum in Ybor City; Smoking, All Ages, $5/adv or $7/door, 9pm, 813-248-9500; Address: 1902 Republica de Cuba Every Sun: Bombed Out Cat @ Cha Cha Coconuts on St Pete Pier; Outdoors, All Ages, No Cover, 5-9pm, 727-822-6655 Every Thu: Bombed Out Cat @ Rare Olive II in Downtown St Pete; Smoking, Ages 21+, $3, 9pm-1:30am, 727-822-7273; Address: Central Ave & 3rd St Every Sat: Bombed Out Cat @ Bahama Mama's on St Pete Beach; Outdoors, All Ages, No Cover, 3-7pm, 727-360-1811; Address: 5250 Gulf Blvd (Holiday Inn) For up-to-the-minute info on Bombed Out Cat gigs, phone 813-960-1426. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- GULFPORT CASINO TO RE-OPEN James & Arleene tell us that the Gulfport Casino will reopen on Nov 1, a Wednesday night. Starting that night, the Wednesday-night swing dance will return to the Gulfport Casino after its temporary relocation to the Polish-American club. James & Arleene write: "Join Strictly Swing Entertainment on Wednesday, November 1, [at the Gulfport Casino] for great music, the best dancers in Florida, and all the usual suspects. Although no work has been reported done, the Casino closed its doors September 1st for the first phase of renovation. The Casino is scheduled to close again, May 1, 2001. Strictly Swing Entertainment is already planning their move in May, seeking a bigger, better facility for their Wednesday Dance." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING DANCE INSTRUCTOR WANTED The Dunedin Community Center is looking for someone to teach swing dance classes on Tuesday evenings or another evening on a weekly basis. Contact Elaine or Holly at 727-738-1937. Tell them you saw it in the Swing News. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING TIME REVIEW Sheila writes: Just wanted to take a minute to thank Rachel and the other organizers for the nice time I had at the Centro Asturiano last Friday [10/13]. The place was perfect for a swing dance. It has all the nostalgia of the era -- the romantic lighting, the spacious, smooth dance floor, and that unique feeling of taking you back in time. I really love the atmosphere. I do hope that the dances will continue and that other dancers, as well as admirers, get the opportunity to experience the great time I had. The central location is really convenient for everyone. I loved the fact that the parking was right there, fenced in, and it was free. Not too often does that happen in Ybor City. I was also informed that the restaurant, right in the building, has very good food. I will have to check that out next dance. Dinner and dancing in one place makes for a wonderful evening. I’m really looking forward to next month. It’s nice that it is on Friday too -- what a way to start the weekend. Thanks again for the simulated step back in time where we, both dancers and spectators, can go and experience the elegance and taste of the era that we all love so much. [The next Swing Time is Fri, Nov 3 -- See "Dances" section above.] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCERS WANTED FOR RETIREMENT COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE/DANCES "Do you know any swing dancers that would perform at our retirement community on Pasadena Ave in St Pete? We are always looking for fun and new entertainment for the residents. I am the community relations director. This is a large community, which has just been totally renovated. We have an auditorium, small dance floor, and a stage. Also, we are planning a casino night/dance in November and a New Year's Eve dance in December. We welcome dancers, especially men at these events. All we ask is that they ask the ladies who don't have a partner to dance once in awhile! We have a good time at our parties -- you won't be disappointed! Contact me at 727-812-3927." Judy O'Brien ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SPREAD THE NEWS -- THE SWING NEWS, THAT IS Do you know someone who's interested in swing but doesn't receive the Swing News? Feel free to forward it to them. Or have them send a request to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX and we'll sign them up. No e-mail address? One solution is get on the internet once a month at your local public library or cyber cafe, at a friend's house, or at work, then go to www.swingnews.com and print out that month's calendar or newsletter. Also, Swing News sends out event info occasionally via US mail; to be included, just send your name and address to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Finally, if you'd like to help spread the word about local swing, a good way is to carry some Swing News business cards with you or to put them in public places. If you'd like some cards, they're available at many of the local swing nights, or by request to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Be sure to include your name and mailing address, plus how many cards you'd like, and we'll send them out. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ORLANDO HIGHLIGHTS The Delegates are on this weekend (Fri & Sat, Oct 27 & 28), at Atlantic Dance in Orlando (407-939-5100). This jump-blues band hails from NYC and has released a debut CD entitled "Delegatin'". For more band info, see www.thedelegates.com . Ray Gelato has arrived in Orlando. He'll be playing November 1 at the Blue Room (downtown, 407-423-2588), November 2 at Peter Scott's Supper Club (407-834-4477), and every Saturday in November at Peter Scott's. The Orlando-based Florida Lindy Association will hold its next "Back to Basics" workshop and dance on Saturday, Nov 4. Check-in starts at 11:30am, followed by an afternoon full of four Lindy Hop workshops. That night, workshop attendees will dance to DJ Steve, 8pm-12:30am. Admission ranges from $5 per class to $23 for everything. The location is Park Central Gym, 5009 Park Central Drive in Orlando. Phone 407-857-7275 or e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX for more info. George Gee & the Jump Jive and Wailers perform Veteran's Day Weekend at Atlantic Dance in Orlando. In honor of Veteran's Day, the dance on Saturday, Nov 11 will have a USO theme, with no cover for guests in military uniform. The Cherry Poppin' Daddies appear live on Wednesday, Nov 29, at Disney's House of Blues. Tickets are $13.50 for this all-ages show, which starts at 8pm. Phone 407-934-BLUE. Every Tuesday night, DJ Steve spins the big band sounds from the 1940's, using the original 78rpm records! It all happens at 4th Fighter Group, located next to the Orlando Executive Airport. The night runs 7:30-11:00pm, is open to all ages, and costs $5. Address: 494 Rickenbacker Dr, just off Colonial Dr. Phone 407-898-4251 for more info. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DAYTONA BEACH Ronni of the Daytona Beach Swing Cats writes: "We are hosting the HALLOsWEENg Dance on Tuesday, October 31st over here in Daytona, at the Schnebly Recreation Center, 8pm-Midnight. Details: $5 admission, huge wooden dance floor, live DJ, all ages, open to the public, refreshments available. It is on the corner of Driftwood & A1A, 2.8 miles North of Int'l Speedway Blvd." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING DOCUMENTARY WILL RE-AIR "In case you missed it the first time around, the high-quality Bravo Network's swing documentary, 'This Joint is Jumpin', will be airing again: Sat Oct 28 @ 5pm ET & Sun Oct 29 @ 11am ET on Bravo. This documentary has big bands of yesteryear up to contemporary swing bands of today, such as Big Bad VooDoo Daddy and The Brian Setzer Orchestra. It also has interviews with Frankie Manning & Norma Miller, dance clips of our dancers on the 3rd St Promenade [of Santa Monica] (shot a year ago), and much more! For your edification, make it a point to watch it! Please check your local listings to verify the times!" Joshua Co-Manager 3rd St Swingers See Our Website at www.geocities.com/thirdstreetswingers ---------------------------------------------------------------------- VINTAGE CLOTHES AT OLDSMAR FLEA MARKET Maryce writes: "I have been at Oldsmar Flea Market for 12 years. I carry vintage clothes & accessories for both male and female. Many of the swing dancers have shopped with me on a pretty regular basis for a long time. We are fully air-conditioned and keep swing tapes playing at all times. I hope you'll stop in one weekend." The Antique Addict Vintage Shoppe is open 9pm-3am Sat & Sun, located in the 2nd row on the west end of the Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 Race Track Rd. Phone 727-464-2499 weekends. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LETTERS Re: "What Is Swing?" editorial. Jeff writes: "The main part that bothered me is 'In Tampa Bay, the main driver for the swing community is dancing'. Do you realize that the music, bands, and retro culture are not just part of the equation. They are the reason swing even started here in the first place. Can you dance without music, be it from the DJ or a band? No. I feel that 'the main driver of the swing community is dancing' is the main reason why swing is almost gone in Tampa. The people who supported and still support the scene are few and far between now. And the on again, off again swing nights at local bars and cafeterias are almost to the point of being sad." "Of course, we all remember the Sugar Palm, right? Why is it we all got along there? Because of the club itself. It was intended for all of us. And when people stopped caring about the scene and more about the dancing, our beloved Sugar Palm closed it doors forever. Don't you see the pattern? Not enough people cared about the scene the club gave us, so they closed it. You can't support a club when people pay only $5 at the door, then don't spend another dime the rest of the night." "I once saw Skinny McGee at the Atomic Lounge, and most of the people who came to see the band were in the club before they started asking for the cover at the door. When the man went outside to collect the cover, I would say 98% of the people that were inside went outside to pay -- to support the scene. No one said they had to. But if you don't help things grow, they die." Kamran writes: Regarding the statement, '... swing is a culture which, apart from music & dance, has elements of history, fashion, etiquette, photography, tradition, and art', I am inclined to agree with the first part. Swing is a culture in that it is a group of people with a common set of interests and (sometimes) beliefs. But aside from that, I would have to disagree wholeheartedly. Swing is about the music and dance. The history, fashion, etc, is all a part of the retro culture. The rest of the things that were listed above are not exclusive to swing. They are derived from the time period from which swing appeared. Furthermore, the photography and art, and to some point, the etiquette and tradition, don't even appear in the late 20th century appropriation of 40's and 50's culture. Thanks for the forum." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PROUD TO BE A SWINGER Dennis "Swing-Shorts" Hans has informed us he's running for President. Read the article describing his candidacy and his life as a swinger at www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=9919 . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Swing News Managing Editor: Sam Mahfoud (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) Contributing Editor: Arnold Kasemsarn (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 . **********************************************************************