********************************************************************** SWING NEWS, JANUARY 2001 (Thursday 12/28/00), ISSUE #69 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, 1/26/01; Publication on 1/29/01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Greetings, and welcome to a new year (and to some, a new millennium) of swing. Still looking for something to do New Year's Eve? A few options have surfaced since the last Swing News, including a Lindy Hop 411 dance at Bayou Dance Club, two swing events at First Night St Pete, a Swing City dance, Lucian & the All Stars at Tierra Verde Resort, and a big-band swing party at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Check out the special New Year's Eve section for details. PBS is airing a 10-part documentary this January called "Jazz", which covers jazz music from the late 1800's to today. It's a must see for anyone who thinks they know their swing music and for everyone who wants to know more about jazz, swing, and American culture in general. Check out the details at the bottom of this issue. See you out at the upcoming year's events! Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCE CONCERTS Fri Jan 5: Swing Time w/ Pepper & Fine Thyme @ Centro Asturiano; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $10, 9pm-1am (Lesson 8-9); Ybor City: Palm Ave & Nebraska; (727) 894-1893. Sat Jan 20: Charly Raymond Orchestra @ Coliseum; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $13/adv or $15/door, 8pm-12am; St Pete: 535 4th Ave N; (727) 892-5202. Fri Feb 2: Swing Time w/ Dan Electro & Silvertones @ Centro Asturiano Fri Feb 9: Sweetheart Sock Hop w/ Confetti @ Coliseum Sat Feb 10: Abe Guard Orchestra (Salute to Glenn Miller) @ Coliseum Next Friday (Jan 5), Swing Time kicks off its Live-Band Dance Series at Centro Asturiano. The featured band, Pepper & Fine Thyme, is a Chicago-Style Jazz & Swing outfit with years of experience on the U.S. & International Jazz circuits. If you like real swingin' jazz so hot it smokes, this band is all about improvisation, playing what they feel and drawing on the energy of dancers and spectators to make each song unique. Pepper & Fine Thyme is led by outstanding vocalist, Paulette Pepper. Her all-star musicians include Herb Bruce on trombone, Spike Bamsey on piano, Mark Neuenschwander on upright bass, and Gary Denton on percussion. The band has recorded numerous albums and collectively boasts a repertoire of thousands of songs. Details: * Swing Music & Dancing w/ Pepper & Fine Thyme, 9pm-1am * Dance Instruction by Sam, 8-9pm * Dance Contest + Prizes * Elegant & Historic Grand Ballroom * Admission $10: includes Free Parking & Free Lesson * All Ages Welcome * Smoke-Free * Full Bar Available, including Bottled Water & Soft Drinks * For more info, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX , phone 727-894-1893, or visit www.swingnews.com/tampabay/swingtime.html * 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. For a map, see web site above. Saturday (Jan 20), the St Pete Coliseum brings in the Charly Raymond Orchestra for a big band tribute to Harry James & the Andrew Sisters. For those who like to dance the full range of ballroom dances, this is your chance. (It won't be all swing.) Details: * Dance 8pm-Midnight on the largest floor in the area * Nonsmoking; BYOB & Food; Snacks & Setups Available * Dance Hosts Available * All Ages Admitted * $13 in Advance or $15 at the Door (Reserved Seating) * Phone 727-892-5202 * Address & Directions: 535 4th Ave N in St Pete. Take I-275 to I-375 in downtown St Pete. Look left at bottom of ramp where I-375 ends. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCES Fri Jan 5: Art-Walk Dance @ Gulfport Casino Deck; All Ages, Outdoors, Free, 6-10pm; Gulfport: 5500 Shore Blvd S; (727) 893-1070. Sat Jan 6: Lindy Hop 411 w/ Bill Borgida @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5 (Dance), 8pm-1am (Dance); Pinellas Park: 7690 59th St N; (727) 894-6325. Fri Jan 12: Swing Dance @ Gulfport Casino; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $6, 9pm-12:30am (Lesson 8-9); Gulfport: 5500 Shore Blvd S; (727) 893-1070. Fri Jan 19: Lindy Swing Night (Hollywood Style) @ Swing City; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$16, Starts 9pm (Lessons 7-9); Tampa: 7532 N Armenia Ave; (813) 935-7458. Sat Jan 20: Lindy Hop 411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$18, 2:30pm-12am; Pinellas Park: 7690 59th St N; (727) 894-6325. Sat Jan 27: Swing Dance @ Polish-American Society; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $6, 9pm-1am (Lesson 8-9); St Pete: 1343 Beach Dr SE; (727) 821-9420. Fri Feb 2: Art-Walk Dance @ Gulfport Casino Deck Sat Feb 3: Lindy Hop 411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium Fri Feb 9: Swing Dance @ Gulfport Casino Fri Feb 16: Lindy Hop Dance (Steven & Virginie Weekend) @ Casino Sat Feb 17: Lindy Hop Dance (Steven & Virginie Weekend) @ Casino Sat Feb 24: Swing Dance @ Polish-American Society Every Wed: Swing Dance @ Gulfport Casino; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5, 8pm-12am (Lesson 7-8); Gulfport: 5500 Shore Blvd S; (727) 893-1070. Every Thu: Swing Dance @ Magnolia Bldg; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $4, 8pm-12am (Lesson 7-8); Lakeland: 702 E Orange St; (863) 603-6281. Every Sun: Swing Sundays @ Zendah Grotto; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $4-$5, 6:30pm-12am (Lessons 6:30-8); Tampa: 4109 N Lauber Way; (813) 985-8216. Next Friday (Jan 5), the City of Gulfport holds its monthly Art Walk, with dancing outdoors on the deck of the Gulfport Casino. DJ Jumpin' James spins the music. It runs 6-10pm, is open to all ages, and admission is free. Dancing is subject to cancellation in case of rain. For more info, phone 727-893-1070. The Gulfport Casino is located at 5500 Shore Blvd S in Gulfport. Next Saturday (Jan 6), Lindy Hop 411 hosts a dance at the Pinellas Park Auditorium, following the workshop with star instructor, Bill Borgida. The workshop is sold out, but anyone may still attend the dance that night for a mere $5. You'll get to dance with many of the area's best Lindy Hoppers who will be attending the workshop, plus you can meet Bill in person since he'll be on hand for the dance. The dance runs 8pm-1am, with DJs Tim & Gabe spinning the tunes. The dance is all-ages and nonsmoking. For more information, phone 727-894-6325. Pinellas Park Auditorium is located at 7690 59th St N in Pinellas Park. Directions: 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. Friday (Jan 12) is the first of four monthly swing dances at the Gulfport Casino. The dance is put on by Strictly Swing, and will feature Jumpin' James as DJ. It will run 8pm-12:30am, starting with a lesson 8-9pm. The event is open to all ages, is nonsmoking, and a full bar is available. Admission is $6. The Gulfport Casino is located at 5500 Shore Blvd S in Gulfport. Phone 727-893-1070. Friday (Jan 19) is Lindy Swing Night at Swing City Dance Studio. This is a new event slated for the 3rd Friday of each month, devoted to Hollywood-Style Lindy Hop. It features two lessons by Forrest Outman. The first, 7-8pm, covers the basics of Hollywood-Style Lindy Hop; the second, 8-9pm, covers Intermediate-Level Hollywood-Style Patterns. At 9pm, the dance party starts, with music provided by DJ Abdel. Lessons are $8 each, and include admission to the dance; the dance by itself is $5. Swing City is all ages, nonsmoking, and located at 7532 N Armenia Ave in Tampa, between Sligh & Waters. (Take I-275 to Armenia, and head north until you find the correct address.) Call 813-935-7458. Saturday (Jan 20), Lindy Hop 411 sponsors a day of classes followed by a night of dancing at the Pinellas Park Auditorium. Full details are still in the works, but past events have had workshops starting at 2:30pm and dancing running 8pm-Midnight. Cost will range from about $5 for just the dance to about $18 for everything. Pinellas Park Auditorium is located at 7690 59th St N in Pinellas Park. Phone 727-894-6325 or e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX for more info. Saturday (Jan 27), the Polish-American Society in St Pete returns as a swing venue, courtesy of Strictly Swing Entertainment. The evening starts off with a lesson 8-9pm, followed by a dance 9pm-1am. It's all ages, nonsmoking, and $6. DJ Jumpin' James will spin the swing tunes, plus maybe a polka or two if requested. The Polish-American Society is located at 1343 Beach Dr SE in St Pete. 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. Phone 727-821-9420. Every Wednesday, swing night continues at the Gulfport Casino. January 3rd will mark the 2nd Anniversary of this swing dance. 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. 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, swing continues in Lakeland at the Magnolia Building. After taking a brief holiday in December, this dance returns in January. It starts with a 7-8pm lesson by James & Arleene. Dancing runs 8pm-Midnight, with DJ Jumpin' James spinning the tunes. You may bring your own drinks and even a picnic, but no alcohol is permitted. The night is all ages, smoke-free, and costs $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. Every Sunday, swing happens at the Zendah Grotto in Tampa. January will feature swing lessons by Sam & Rachel -- Beginning Level runs 6:30-7:00pm and is free with paid admission; Intermediate Level runs 7-8pm and is $5 with paid admission. Dance on the main floor, 7pm to midnight, with DJs Abdel and Paul. The Zendah Grotto features a large (2200 sq ft) floating wood dance floor, plus new decor and sound. It's BYOB, with sodas, bottled water, juice, and snacks available for purchase. All ages are welcome, it's smoke-free, and admission is $5 ($4 for students). 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, pass Lois, and turn right onto Lauber, two streets after Lois. Zendah Grotto is the only building on the right. Park free in Zendah's lot. Football Warning: Sunday January 28th, the Super Bowl will take place at Raymond James Stadium, which is fairly close to Zendah Grotto. To avoid spending hours in traffic, it's highly advisable to take the alternate route and bypass the Stadium. For alternate directions, see www.swingnews.com/tampabay/past/2000/sn065.txt . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CONCERTS Fri Jan 5: Bombed Out Cat @ BayWalk; All Ages, Outdoors, Free, 6-10pm; St Pete: 101 3rd Ave N; (727) 895-9277. Tue Jan 16: Nelson Riddle Orchestra & Harry Connick Sr @ Ruth Eckerd; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $11, 2 Shows: 1pm & 5pm; Clearwater: 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd; (727) 791-7400. Thu Jan 18: Elvis -- The Concert @ Van Wezel; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $40-$45, Starts 8pm; Sarasota: 777 N Tamiami Trail; (941) 955-7676. Sat Jan 20: Elvis -- The Concert @ Ruth Eckerd Hall; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $37.50-$45.50, Starts 8pm; Clearwater: 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd; (727) 791-7400. Mon Jan 29: Glenn Miller Orchestra @ Van Wezel; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $18, Starts 2pm; Sarasota: 777 N Tamiami Trail; (941) 955-7676. Tue Jan 30: Preservation Hall Jazz Band @ Ruth Eckerd Hall; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $11, Starts 1pm; Clearwater: 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd; (727) 791-7400. Wed Jan 31: Preservation Hall Jazz Band @ Van Wezel; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $22-$26, Starts 8pm; Sarasota: 777 N Tamiami Trail; (941) 955-7676. Sat Feb 3: Wycliffe Gordon Sextet @ Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Sat Feb 3: Glenn Miller Orchestra @ Busch Gardens Mon Feb 5: Cab Calloway's Legacy of Swing @ Ruth Eckerd Hall Mon Feb 5: Tommy Dorsey Orchestra @ Van Wezel Mon Feb 5: Diana Krall @ Van Wezel Tue Feb 6: Cab Calloway's Legacy of Swing @ Van Wezel Tue Feb 13: Diana Krall @ Ruth Eckerd Hall Fri Feb 23: Tribute to Louis Armstrong @ Van Wezel Friday (Jan 5), Bombed Out Cat tells us they're playing at the still- partly-under-construction Baywalk shopping and entertainment center in downtown St Pete (101 3rd Ave N), 6-10pm. Phone 727-895-9277. Tuesday (Jan 16), the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and Harry Connick Sr put on "A Salute to the Music of Frank Sinatra" at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Shows are at 1pm & 5pm. Tickets are $11. Ruth Eckerd is located at 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd in Clearwater; phone 727-791-7400. "Recapture the magic of the glory years with the memorable music of Ol' Blue Eyes. The nostalgic afternoon will feature a wealth of Sinatra's signature songs" [Ruth Eckerd Literature]. "Elvis -- The Concert" comes to Van Wezel (Thu Jan 18, 8pm) and to Ruth Eckerd (Sat Jan 20, 8pm). This show recreates the atmosphere of a live Elvis Presley concert, complete with Elvis' original band and backup singers, a full orchestra, and jumbo-screen footage of The King. Tickets range from $37.50 to $45.50. Van Wezel is located at 777 N Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. (Phone 941-955-7676.) Ruth Eckerd is at 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd in Clearwater. (Phone 727-791-7400.) Monday (Jan 29), the Glenn Miller Orchestra performs at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Admission is $18 to this 2pm concert. The Glenn Miller Orchestra is likely the most popular big band in the world, famous for numerous hits such as "In the Mood" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo". The present orchestra was formed in 1956, and is currently under the direction of Larry O'Brien. They play an average of 300 dates a year around the world. Phone 941-955-7676 for more information. Jan 30 & 31 (Tue & Wed), the Preservation Hall Jazz Band plays Ruth Eckerd (Tue Jan 30, 1pm, $11) & Van Wezel (Wed Jan 31, 8pm, $22-26). For over 50 years, this band has preserved the original New Orleans Jazz. In addition to playing nightly at Preservation Hall in New Orleans' French Quarter, part of the group tours the world. Ruth Eckerd is located at 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd in Clearwater. (Phone 727-791-7400.) Van Wezel is located at 777 N Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. (Phone 941-955-7676.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CLUB EVENTS Tue Jan 2: Raunch-n-Roll w/ DJ Paul Mallett @ Orpheum; All Ages, Smoking, No Cover, Starts 9pm; Ybor City: 1902 Republica de Cuba; (813) 248-9500. Fri Jan 12: Bombed Out Cat @ Living Room; Ages 23+, Smoking, $7, 9pm-1am; Clearwater: 13707 58th St N (ICOT Center); (727) 531-0332. Tue Jan 16: Raunch-n-Roll w/ DJ Paul & Band @ Orpheum; All Ages, Smoking, $5, Starts 9pm; Ybor City: 1902 Republica de Cuba; (813) 248-9500. Fri Jan 19: Bombed Out Cat @ Speakeasy Grille; Ages 21+, Smoking, No Cover, 9pm-1am; Bradenton: 1012 Manatee Ave; (941) 747-2729. Sat Jan 20: Bombed Out Cat @ Speakeasy Grille; Ages 21+, Smoking, No Cover, 9pm-1am; Bradenton: 1012 Manatee Ave; (941) 747-2729. Tue Jan 23: Raunch-n-Roll w/ Skinny McGee @ Orpheum; All Ages, Smoking, $5, Starts 9pm; Ybor City: 1902 Republica de Cuba; (813) 248-9500. Fri Jan 26: Big Z & the SophistiKatz @ Speakeasy Grille; Ages 21+, Smoking, No Cover, 9pm-1am; Bradenton: 1012 Manatee Ave; (941) 747-2729. Sat Jan 27: Big Z & the SophistiKatz @ Speakeasy Grille; Ages 21+, Smoking, No Cover, 9pm-1am; Bradenton: 1012 Manatee Ave; (941) 747-2729. Sat Jan 27: Bombed Out Cat @ King Creole; Ages 18+, Smoking, $3, 10pm-1am; Sarasota: 1991 Main Street; (941) 365-7474. Tue Jan 30: Raunch-n-Roll w/ DJ Paul & Band @ Orpheum; All Ages, Smoking, $5, Starts 9pm; Ybor City: 1902 Republica de Cuba; (813) 248-9500. Thu Feb 1: Reverend Horton Heat + Another Band @ State Theatre Fri Feb 16: Big Z & the SophistiKatz @ Speakeasy Grille Sat Feb 17: Big Z & the SophistiKatz @ Speakeasy Grille Every Thu: Bombed Out Cat @ Sugar Reef; All Ages, Restaurant, $5, 8pm-12am; Dunedin Causeway: 318 Causeway Blvd; (727) 734-5450. Every Fri: DJ Paul @ Ybor City Diner; All Ages, Restaurant, No Cover, 10pm-2am; Ybor City: 1724 E 7th Ave; (813) 248-2828. Every Sat: Bombed Out Cat @ Bahama Mama's; All Ages, Outdoors, No Cover, 2-6pm (4-8pm on 1/27); St Pete Beach: 5250 Gulf Blvd; (727) 360-1811. Every Sun: Bombed Out Cat @ Cha Cha Coconuts; All Ages, Outdoors, No Cover, 5-9pm; St Pete: The Pier; (727) 822-6655. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENTS LINDY HOP 411 @ BAYOU DANCE CLUB: Lindy Hop 411 hosts a New Year's Eve Dance Party at the Bayou Dance Club, 10001 66th St N in Pinellas Park, 8pm-2am. Three DJs -- Tim, Gabe, & Abdel -- take turns spinning the tunes. Refreshments, including punch, sodas, and snacks, are provided. You may BYOB. Admission is $15 for those who RSVP in advance and ask to be put on the guest list. (Phone 727-894-6325 or 727-409-3187 or e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX .) Admission for others is $18 at the door. Directions: From Tampa, take I-275 S over the Howard Frankland bridge, take the Ulmerton Rd exit (west), turn left (south) when you reach 66th St N, and proceed to about 100th Ave. Bayou Dance Club is on the left, just past McDonalds & next to Southland Roller Palace & Bowl. FIRST NIGHT ST PETE w/ BOMBED OUT CAT & STRICTLY SWING TENT: First Night St Petersburg presents a couple more swing options. James & Arleene of Strictly Swing will have a swing dance tent set up at the corner of Central Ave & 3rd St, 7pm-midnight. Bombed Out Cat will be at Central Ave & 2nd St, in front of "The Garden", 7-11pm. Also, throughout the downtown area will be music, food, entertainment, and fireworks. Downtown venues will be open, including museums, parks, churches, the Palladium Theater, and The Pier. First Night is an alcohol-free celebration. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12, and free for under 6. Tickets (badges) are available at Publix Northeast Shopping Center, City Hall in Tyrone Square Mall, Bayfront Box Office, The Pier, Ticketmaster, and Right Step Dance Studio. Phone 727-822-5090 for more info. LUCIAN & THE ALL STARS @ TIERRA VERDE RESORT: Lucian & the All Stars with Susan Jones Williams will be appearing at the Tierra Verde Resort, 200 Madonna Blvd in Tierra Verde, 9pm-1am. Special guest artist is Vic Roland on keyboards. Prime Rib Dinner will be served, and each attendee will receive a noisemaker and a hat to bring in the new year at this gala affair. Tickets are $75, and can be reserved by calling 727-867-8633 and asking for Marilynn or Randy. SWING CITY DANCE STUDIO: Swing City Dance Studio will host a New Year's Eve dance: "No fancy frills -- just great dancing, food, and friends!" It starts at 8pm, costs $10, and includes champagne, appetizers, party favors, and fireworks. Swing City is located at 7532 N Armenia Ave in Tampa. Phone 813-935-7458 for more info. TAMPA BAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER PHANTOM PARTY The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center will have Phantom of the Opera, followed by a Big Band & Swing New Year's Eve Party. The Phantom starts at 8pm in Carol Morsani Hall and the Party runs 11pm-2:30am in the Jaeb Theater. You can do both for $125 or attend just the party for $75. The New Year's Eve Party includes an hors d’oeuvre buffet, coffee & desserts, hats, party favors, noisemakers, a midnight champagne toast, and dancing to the swing and big band sounds of The Center’s own Cabaret Band. A cash bar is available. Phone 813-229-STAR to reserve your tickets. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ROAD TRIPS Fri Jan 12: Artie Shaw Orchestra @ Peter Scott's Supper Club; All Ages, Smoking, $25, 8pm; Longwood: 1811 W State Rd; (407) 834-4477. Sun Jan 21: Glenn Miller Orchestra @ Gulf Coast High Auditorium; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$15, 2 Shows: 4pm & 7:30pm; Naples: 7878 Immokalee Rd; (941) 430-2691. Wed Jan 31: Glenn Miller Orchestra @ Gina's on the Water; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $49 includes dinner, 5:30 & 8:30pm; Altamonte Springs: 309 N North Lake Blvd; (407) 834-5880. Mon Feb 12: Tommy Dorsey Orchestra @ Gina's on the Water; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $49.50 includes dinner, 5:30 & 8:30; Altamonte Springs: 309 N North Lake Blvd; (407) 834-5880. It seems like all the ghost bands of yesteryear's famous big bands are touring in and around Tampa Bay this winter -- it must be the fairly warm weather down here. Above are some big shows within a couple of hours of Tampa Bay. The nice thing about most of these shows is that they provide an actual dance floor (as well as dining). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- STEVEN & VIRGINIE WEEKEND APPROACHES February 16-18 (Fri-Sun), Steven Mitchell & Virginie Jensen, considered by many to be the top Lindy Hop instructors in the world, teach a weekend of workshops at the Gulfport Casino. The weekend includes dances on Friday and Saturday nights, and classes all day Saturday and Sunday. The weekend is sponsored by Lindy Hop 411. The schedule is: * Friday Night: - Dance 8pm-12:30am with DJs Gabe, Tim, & Abdel * Saturday: - Workshops 9:30am-5:30pm with Steven & Virginie - Dance 8pm-12:30am with DJs Gabe, Tim, & Abdel * Sunday: - Workshops 10am-3pm with Steven & Virginie Three tracks are available for beginning to advanced dancers. For Tracks I & II, registration is $80 before Feb 6; $90, after. For Track III (which allows the participant to take both Track I & II courses), registration is $105 before Feb 6; $115, after. Registration fees include admission to both dances. For more info or to register, contact Lindy Hop 411 at 727-894-6325 or at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING TIME EXTENDS SEASON PASS DEADLINE Swing Time has extended the deadline for purchasing Season Passes to its Live-Band Dance Series at Centro Asturiano. Pass-Holders are admitted to the first six Swing Time events, which run the 1st Friday of every month from January to June. Season Pass-Holders also receive two guest tickets, and an overall discount of 40%. To purchase passes by mail, your completed form & check must be postmarked by Saturday, Dec 30th. The final deadline, for purchasing online via credit card, is Thursday, January 4th at 11pm. Passes purchased between now and the deadline will be available for pickup at the upcoming Swing Time event next Friday, January 5th. To purchase online or for a mail-in registration form, visit www.swingnews.com/tampabay/swingtime.html . For more info, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or phone 727-894-1893. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WEST-COAST SWING LESSONS & WORKSHOPS AT SWING CITY Lee Holton will be teaching west-coast swing lessons in January at Swing City Dance Studio. Level 1 classes are at 8:30pm on Thursdays, starting January 4th. Level 2 classes are at 7:30pm on Tuesdays, starting January 2nd. Classes ar $7 each or $25 for four. In addition, U.S. Open Swing Champion Beata Howe will teach two workshops in West-Coast Swing at Swing City. January 25th at 7pm, the topic is "West Coast Swing Funk -- get down, get funky, get the L.A. look". February 7th at 7pm, the topic is "Rolls, Ripples & Rebellion" -- rolling the body, hip hop funk, and "radically cool" moves. Early registration is encouraged. Workshops are $15 each or two for $25. Private lessons are also available by appointment. For more information, phone 813-935-7458. Swing City is located at 7532 N Armenia Ave in Tampa. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- EAST-COAST SWING LESSONS Vivian Wright will be teaching east-coast swing for beginning-to- advanced students on Monday nights from January to March (starting January 8th). Lessons run 7-8pm with open dancing afterwards, 8-9pm. It's $6 a person and no partner is necessary. The lessons take place at Larry Silvers Studio, 6210 44th St N in St Pete. For more info, phone 727-422-0968 or visit www.vivianwrightsdanceclub.com . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ROCKET 88 DISBANDS For those who haven't yet heard, the band Rocket 88 no longer exists. After 10 years of rock & roll and jump jive, and several lineups of musicians, core bandmembers Chuck (bass) and Steve (drums) will be moving on to something new in the upcoming months. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING CULTURE: LECTURE SERIES Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center sponsors a free "Insights Lecture Series" that is open to the public. Coming up are several lectures covering topics of historical, musical, and cultural significance. To reserve a seat or for more information, call 813-222-1049. Wed Jan 17: Duke Ellington & the Influence of His Music; 7pm, Off Center Theater. Sat Feb 3: Post-performance talk-back with Wycliffe Gordon Sextet; After the 8pm Show. Wed Feb 21: The Harlem Renaissance: Dr Sybill Johnson moderates a panel of experts to discuss the unpredictable outburst of creativity during the 1930's & 40's; 7pm, Louise Lykes Ferguson Hall. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- LOCAL NEWS STORY AIRS ON FRANKIE MANNING Congratulations to Jim Webb, local news and swing personality, who completed a story on Frankie Manning, which aired earlier this month on News Channel 8. The story included an exclusive interview that Jim conducted with Mr. Manning during Frankie's recent visit to Tampa Bay. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ERIK & SYLVIA RETURN TO ORLANDO January 26-28 (Fri-Sun), Erik Robison & Sylvia Skylar teach a series of Hollywood-Style Lindy Hop classes in Orlando, for novice to experienced dancers. Erik & Sylvia are former American Lindy Hop Champions and are credited with resurrecting Hollywood-Style Lindy Hop. For more workshop info, visit www.orlandoswing.com/workshop . For more instructor info, visit www.erikandsylvia.com . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WHERE TO DANCE IN FT MYERS Tom & Ona write: We got back from Ft Myers last weekend and wanted to let you know of a place to go dance -- even though there's not a big Lindy scene ... yet! It's called Squiggy's Diner, located right on the main drag in Ft Myers Beach across from Hooters. It's a 50's-style diner with a big pink Cadillac out front. They have a band Fri/Sat nights that plays swingable music. The band's name is the Magic Moments. We had a good time giving them a crash course in Lindy, and they were very friendly. Hope you get a chance to check it out! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FRANKIE MANNING TO TEACH IN JACKSONVILLE Sunday, Feb 25, swing pioneer Frankie Manning will return to his place of birth -- Jacksonville FL -- to teach a set of workshops at the Boleros Dance Center. This will be part of the Boleros Dance Congress, a weekend of classes and dancing. Phone 904-721-3399. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MIXIN' IT UP Ken Klein writes: I've watched with interest the ongoing discussions on the definition of swing. One thing certain in my mind is that there is no consensus. Nonetheless, some DJs are striving, to the detriment of attendance at events, to dictate their definition of swing. My partner and I recently went to the dance hall in Drew Park. We were there just short of 90 minutes and, during that time, we noted not one rockabilly or jump-jive tune played. About 20 minutes after arrival, I approached the DJ and requested that he mix the tunes up some, but this didn't happen. Unfortunately, this is the same type of scenario being played out at the Casino. One other thing I've noted is little or no music by local bands. Many have released CDs, but we aren't hearing their music. Why? My partner and I will no longer be attending either of the above or similar events, as we are not inspired to get on the floor by the "period music" being played. We will stick with the bands until there is a change. Hopefully, DJs with agendas will give them up before they contribute considerable damage to the "swing scene". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BOMBED OUT CAT UPDATE Billy writes: "What a great weekend we had at Atlantic Dance! Many, many thanks to those that drove to Orlando to see us. We look forward to being back there St Patrick's Day weekend. To answer the most asked question, we have a ton of new material on the table, both covers and originals; you should be pretty surprised in the weeks ahead." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- FORMER INDIGO SWING FRONTMAN RELEASES NEW CD Johnny Boyd, former leader of Indigo Swing, has recorded some new solo material -- over a year after the split-up of the band. The new CD, entitled "Last Word In", contains twelve fresh tracks written and produced by Boyd. More info can be requested at www.johnnyboyd.com . Thanks to Dan Parshall for sending this in. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- JAZZ If you want to learn a lot about swing, and take a historical journey from the beginnings of jazz to modern-day, PBS is airing a 10-part documentary this January called "Jazz". The description of the series and of its episodes are fascinating. Check them out at: http://www.pbs.org/jazz/about/about_behind_the_scenes.htm http://www.pbs.org/jazz/about/about_behind_the_scenes4.htm http://www.pbs.org/jazz Show times are below, but be sure to check local listings. Each episode runs a couple of hours and will likely be aired several times. Episode 1: "Gumbo", Beginnings-1917, Jan 8 @ 9pm Episode 2: "The Gift", 1917-1924, Jan 9 @ 9pm Episode 3: "Our Language", 1924-1929, Jan 10 @ 9pm Episode 4: "The True Welcome", 1929-1934, Jan 15 @ 9pm Episode 5: "Swing: Pure Pleasure", 1935-1937, Jan 17 @ 9pm Episode 6: "Swing: The Velocity of Celebration", 1937-1939, Jan 22 @ 9pm Episode 7: "Dedicated to Chaos", 1940-1945, Jan 23 @ 9pm Episode 8: "Risk", 1945-1955, Jan 24 @ 9pm Episode 9: "The Adventure", 1956-1960, Jan 29 @ 9pm Episode 10: "A Masterpiece by Midnight", 1960-Present, Jan 31 @ 9pm Excerpted below is the first episode's description: "JAZZ begins in New Orleans, nineteenth century America's most cosmopolitan city, where the sound of marching bands, Italian opera, Caribbean rhythms, and minstrel shows fills the streets with a richly diverse musical culture. Here, in the 1890s, African-American musicians create a new music out of these ingredients by mixing in ragtime syncopations and the soulful feeling of the blues. Soon after the start of the new century, people are calling it jazz. Tonight, meet the pioneers of this revolutionary art form: the half-mad cornetist Buddy Bolden, who may have been the first man to play jazz; pianist Jelly Roll Morton, who claimed to have invented jazz but really was the first to write the new music down; Sidney Bechet, a clarinet prodigy whose fiery sound matched his explosive personality; and Freddie Keppard, a trumpet virtuoso who turned down a chance to win national fame for fear that others would steal the secrets of his art. The early jazz players travel the country in the years before World War I, but few people have a chance to hear this new music until 1917, when a group of white musicians from New Orleans arrives in New York to make the first jazz recording. They call themselves the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, and within weeks their record becomes an unexpected smash hit. Americans are suddenly jazz crazy, and the Jazz Age is about to begin." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Swing News Managing Editor: Sam Mahfoud (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) Contributing Editor: Arnold Kasemsarn (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) Subscriptions: Lynn D Hopper (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) 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 . **********************************************************************