********************************************************************** SWING NEWS, MARCH 2001 (Tuesday 2/27/01), ISSUE #71 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, 3/26/01; Publication on 3/29/01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear all, The month of March starts off with a big weekend of swing & Lindy hop in Tampa Bay. Out-of-towners who want to make a weekend of it can start with this Friday's Swing Time live-band dance event at Centro Asturiano; continue on Saturday with a set of LindyHop411 workshops and a DJ'd dance at the Pinellas Park Auditorium; and finish on Sunday with a workshop put on by the UK's Jiving Lindy Hoppers at the Zendah Grotto, followed by the Jiving Lindy Hopper's performance at the Ice Palace with the Boston Pops and a DJ'd dance at the Zendah Grotto. If you're looking for a swing weekend or camp to attend this spring or summer, check out the selection at the bottom of this issue. In other "swing news", the graphic Swing News Calendars for March & April have just been updated at www.swingnews.com . Finally, whenever you attend an event, a class, or even a dance weekend that you see listed here, be sure to let them know you saw it in the Swing News. See you out on the dance floor! Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCE CONCERTS Fri Mar 2: Swing Time w/ Pepper & Fine Thyme @ Centro Asturiano; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $10, 9pm-1am (Lesson 8-9); Ybor City: Palm Ave & Nebraska; (727) 698-2212. Sat Mar 17: Sammy Kaye Orchestra @ Coliseum; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $13/adv or $15/door, 8pm-12am; St Pete: 535 4th Ave N; (727) 892-5202. Fri Apr 6: Swing Time (band to be announced) @ Centro Asturiano This Friday (Mar 2) Swing Time happens at Centro Asturiano in Ybor City. The featured band is Pepper & Fine Thyme, a swinging combo of talented jazz musicians, led by outstanding vocalist, Paulette Pepper. They've played festivals across the country, they've recorded numerous albums, and they boast a repertoire of thousands of songs. Last time Pepper & Fine Thyme played Swing Time, they kept the dancers moving all night, and even played live for the dance contest. Speaking of dance contests, this one features over $100 worth of prizes, including a $50 massage gift certificate, a $50 CD prize package, Swing Time guest passes, candy tins, and more. Contestants are paired by luck of the draw, making for an entertaining experience for both spectators and participants. * Swing Time at Centro Asturiano -- Friday March 2nd * Swing Music & Dancing w/ Pepper & Fine Thyme, 9pm-1am * Dance Instruction by Sam & Rachel, 8-9pm * Dance Contest (Live!) -- Over $100 in 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 a map, visit www.swingnews.com/tampabay/swingtime.html * For more info, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or phone 727-698-2212 * 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. Saturday (Mar 17), the Sammy Kaye Orchestra appears at the Coliseum's Big-Band Series. Unlike most recent big-band events at the Coliseum (which are often labeled "A Tribute To" or "A Salute To" some big band), this one features a bona-fide, trademarked big band of the Swing Era (albeit in its current incarnation as a ghost band). Since the 1930's, the Sammy Kaye Orchestra has been one of the world's most popular big bands, known for its "sweet" style of dance music. Since 1986, the band has been under the direction of Roger Thorpe. For more info on the history of Sammy Kaye, Roger Thorpe, and the band, check out www.producersinc.com/artists/sammykay/bio.html . The evening will feature swing numbers, plus a range of ballroom-dance music. - 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: The Coliseum is located at 535 4th Ave N in St Pete. Directions: Take I-275 to I-375 in downtown St Pete; look left at bottom of ramp where I-375 ends. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCES Fri Mar 2: Art-Walk Dance @ Gulfport Casino Deck/Sidewalk; All Ages, Outdoors, Free, 6-10pm; Gulfport: 5500 Shore Blvd S; (727) 893-1070. Fri Mar 2: West-Coast Swing Night @ Swing City Dance Studio; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5, Starts 9pm; Tampa: 7532 N Armenia Ave; (813) 935-7458. Sat Mar 3: Lindy Hop 411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$18, 2pm-12:30am; Pinellas Park: 7690 59th St N; (727) 894-6325. Sun Mar 4: Dance w/ Jiving Lindy Hoppers @ Zendah Grotto; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $4-$5, 8pm-12am (Lessons 6:30-8); Tampa: 4109 N Lauber Way; (813) 985-8216. Fri Mar 16: Swing Dance @ Gulfport Casino; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $6, 9pm-12:30am (8-9 Lesson); Gulfport: 5500 Shore Blvd S; (727) 893-1070. Fri Mar 16: Lindy Swing Night w/ DJ Abdel @ Swing City Dance Studio; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$12, Starts 9pm (Workshop 7:30-9) Tampa: 7532 N Armenia Ave; (813) 935-7458. Sat Mar 17: Lindy Hop 411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$18, 2pm-12:30am; Pinellas Park: 7690 59th St N; (727) 894-6325. Wed Mar 21: Swing Dance @ Italian Club; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5, 8pm-12am (Lesson 7-8); Ybor City: 1731 E 7th Ave; (813) 248-3316. Wed Mar 28: Swing Dance @ Italian Club; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5, 8pm-12am (Lesson 7-8); Ybor City: 1731 E 7th Ave; (813) 248-3316. Sat Mar 31: Swing Dance @ Polish-American Society; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $6, 8:30pm-12:30 (Lesson 7:30-8:30); St Pete: 1343 Beach Dr SE; (727) 821-9420. Sat Mar 31: Lindy Hop 411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$18, 2pm-12:30am; Pinellas Park: 7690 59th St N; (727) 894-6325. Fri Apr 6: Art-Walk Dance @ Gulfport Casino Deck/Sidewalk Fri Apr 6: West-Coast Swing Night @ Swing City Dance Studio Sat Apr 7: Lindy Hop 411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium Fri Apr 20: Swing Dance @ Gulfport Casino Sat Apr 28: 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, 8pm-12am (Lessons 6:30-8); Tampa: 4109 N Lauber Way; (813) 985-8216. Friday (Mar 2), the City of Gulfport holds its monthly Art Walk, with dancing outside the Gulfport Casino, either on the sidewalk or the deck. DJ Jumpin' James spins the music. It runs 6-10pm and there's no admission charge. 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. Also on Friday (Mar 2) Swing City Dance Studio in Tampa holds a West- Coast Swing dance. The music will be west-coast jazz, funk, and blues, with some music thrown in for other dances such as hustle, slow dance, and cha cha. You're asked to bring your favorite wine to share for the wine & cheese social, plus any CDs you'd like to play. It starts at 9pm and admission is $5. Swing City is 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.) Phone 813-935-7458. LindyHop411 puts on three workshop/dance events at the Pinellas Park Auditorium during March -- on Saturdays March 3rd, 17th, and 31st. All dates include a fundamentals class, a variations class, and an evening dance. Admission is $18 for three classes plus the dance; $15 for two classes plus the dance; $7 for individual classes; and $5 for just the dance. All functions are all-ages and nonsmoking. The schedule for Saturday March 3rd is: 2:00pm- 3:30pm: Balboa w/ Tim & Jenny Faye 4:00pm- 5:30pm: Lindy Hop Fundamentals w/ Gabe & Anna 6:00pm- 7:30pm: Lindy Hop Variations w/ Bob & Lee 8:00pm-12:30am: Dance w/ DJs Tim, Gabe, & Abdel Schedules for subsequent dates will be posted to www.LindyHop411.com as those dates approach. 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. Sunday (Mar 4), some of the UK's Jiving Lindy Hoppers are expected to make a guest appearance (and perhaps dance) at the Sunday-night swing dance at the Zendah Grotto. The Jiving Lindy Hoppers are performing that night at the Ice Palace with the Boston Pops, and are teaching a workshop that afternoon at the Zendah Grotto. (For information on the performance, workshop, or Sunday-night dance, see the relevant articles elsewhere in this newsletter.) Friday (Mar 16), Strictly Swing Entertainment holds a swing dance at the Gulfport Casino. It runs 8pm-12:30am, starting off with an 8-9pm lesson by James & Arleene. Dancing runs 9pm-12:30am, with DJ Jumpin' James spinning the tunes. The event is all ages, nonsmoking, and $6. A full bar is available. 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; turn right. (From the south, take I-275 N to St Pete's 26th Ave S exit; turn left, right at light (34th St), and left at next light [22nd Ave S].) Turn left when you reach Beach Blvd (55th St will be on your right). Head south until the street ends at the Gulfport Casino, located on the water. Also on Friday (Mar 16), Swing City Dance Studio holds its next "Lindy Swing Night", with DJ Abdel spinning the tunes starting at 9pm. Prior to the dance, Tim & Jenny Faye teach a Lindy Hop workshop, 7:30-9pm. Admission is $5 for the dance or $12 for the workshop and the dance. Swing City is all ages, nonsmoking, and located at 7532 N Armenia Ave in Tampa, between Sligh & Waters. Phone 813-935-7458. Starting Wednesday (Mar 21), a weekly swing dance takes place at the Italian Club in Ybor City, sponsored by LindyHop411 and the Italian Club. This every-Wednesday swing dance starts off with a beginner's lesson 7-8pm, taught by members of LindyHop411. Dancing runs 8pm to midnight, with DJs Tim & Abdel. Admission is $5. The dance is nonsmoking, open to all ages, and features a full bar and large dance floor. Free street parking is available near the Italian Club. For more information, phone 727-409-3187. Address & Directions: The Italian Club is located at 1731 E 7th Ave in Ybor City. Take I-4 to Exit 1, head south several blocks, and turn right on 7th Ave. The Italian Club is between 17th & 18th Streets, the tallest building on the south side of 7th Ave. Saturday (Mar 31), Strictly Swing Entertainment puts on a swing dance at the Polish-American Society in St Pete. The evening starts off with a lesson 7:30-8:30pm, followed by a dance 8:30pm-12:30am with DJ Jumpin' James. It's all ages, nonsmoking, $6, and bar service is available. Phone 727-821-9420. Address & Directions: The Polish-American Society is located at 1343 Beach Dr SE in St Pete. Take I-275 to I-175 E (5th Ave S) and follow it until it ends. Go east to 3rd St S. Turn right (south). Turn left at 18th Ave S and follow the "Truck Route" signs. Don't turn into any road that says "Dead End". Every Wednesday, Tampa Bay's longest-running swing night continues at the Gulfport Casino. 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. The Gulfport Casino is located at 5500 Shore Blvd S in Gulfport. Every Thursday, swing continues in Lakeland at the Magnolia Building. The night 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. The 3rd Thursday of every month, special guest DJ Steve (of Fourth Fighter Group fame), spins 10pm-Midnight. 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 takes place at the Zendah Grotto, located near Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. March brings swing lessons by Fran -- Beginning Level runs 6:30-7:00pm; Intermediate, 7-8pm. All lessons are now free with paid admission. Dancing runs 8pm-midnight, with DJs Paul and Abdel. The Zendah Grotto features a large (2200 sq ft) floating- wood dance floor. 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. This event is sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang. 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CONCERTS & CLUB EVENTS Sat Mar 3: Bombed Out Cat @ Classic Wax Bar; Ages 21+, Smoking, $1-$2, 9pm-1am; Sarasota: 2119 Siesta Dr; (941) 364-8653. Sun Mar 4: Jiving Lindy Hoppers w/ Boston Pops @ Ice Palace; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $11-$100, Starts 7pm; Tampa: 401 Channelside Dr; (813) 301-2500. Mon Mar 5: Maureen McGovern & John Pizzarelli @ Van Wezel; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $27-$31, Starts 8pm; Sarasota: 777 N Tamiami Trail; (941) 955-7676. Fri Mar 9: Bombed Out Cat @ Limey's; Ages 21+, Outdoors, No Cover, 8-11pm; St Pete: 1492 4th St N; (727) 895-2049. Sat Mar 10: Bombed Out Cat @ King Creole; Ages 18+, Smoking, $3, 9pm-1am; Sarasota: 1991 Main Street; (941) 365-7474. Fri Mar 23: Bombed Out Cat @ BayWalk; All Ages, Outdoors, Free, 6-10pm; St Pete: 101 3rd Ave N; (727) 895-9277. Sat Mar 24: Candye Kane & the Swingin' Armadillos @ Skipper's; Ages 18+, Outdoors, $7/adv or $10/day of, Starts 8pm; Tampa: Skipper Rd & Nebraska; (813) 971-0666. Sat Mar 24: Bombed Out Cat @ Limey's; Ages 21+, Outdoors, No Cover, 8-11pm; St Pete: 1492 4th St N; (727) 895-2049. Tue Mar 27: Connie Haines w/ Pepper & Fine Thyme @ Harborview Center; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $40-$50, Starts 11am; Clearwater: 300 Cleveland St; (727) 584-2885. Tue Mar 27: When Swing Was King @ Ruth Eckerd Hall; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $11, Starts 1pm; Clearwater: 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd; (727) 791-7400. Wed Mar 28: When Swing Was King @ Ruth Eckerd Hall; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $11, Starts 1pm; Clearwater: 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd; (727) 791-7400. Fri Mar 30: Bombed Out Cat @ Living Room; Ages 23+, Smoking, $7, 9pm-1am; Clearwater: 13707 58th St N (ICOT Center); (727) 531-0332. Sat Mar 31: Bombed Out Cat @ Living Room; Ages 23+, Smoking, $7, 9pm-1am; Clearwater: 13707 58th St N (ICOT Center); (727) 531-0332. Tue Apr 3: Woody Herman Orchestra @ Ruth Eckerd Hall 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 (Except 3/17); All Ages, Outdoors, No Cover, 2-6pm; St Pete Beach: 5250 Gulf Blvd (Holiday Inn); (727)360-1811. Every Sun: Bombed Out Cat @ Cha Cha Coconuts; All Ages, Outdoors, No Cover, 3-7pm; St Pete: The Pier; (727) 822-6655. This Sunday (Mar 4), the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra celebrates the Big Band era at the Ice Palace, in a show featuring Keith Lockhart conducting, the UK's Jiving Lindy Hoppers dancing, and Kelly Eisenhour singing. The show starts at 7pm. Tickets range in price from $11 to $100 and are available at 813-301-2500 or through Ticketmaster (813-287-8844). The Ice Palace is located at 401 Channelside Dr in Tampa. The Suncoast Swing Gang has arranged a special group rate of $40.75 for floor-level seating, with access to a 300 sq ft dance floor. To reserve one of these seats, speak to Fran at 813-985-8216 as soon as possible. Monday (Mar 5), Maureen McGovern, the John Pizzarelli Trio, and the Big Band Swing Orchestra give a show at Van Wezel in Sarasota. "One of the most versatile and highly acclaimed vocalists of this generation joins the stylish young singer/guitarist for a night of heavenly music-making." [Van Wezel]. Tickets are $27-$31 for this 8pm show. Van Wezel is located at 777 N Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Phone 941-955-7676. Saturday (Mar 24), Candye Kane & the Swingin' Armadillos return to Tampa Bay for the first time in over a year, for an 8pm concert at Skipper's Smokehouse. "Theatrical, campy, bawdy, high energy blues, rockabilly & swing. Two hundred pounds of fun, Candye takes on censorship, homophobia, sizism & sexism. Hints of Etta James, Big Mama Thorton, Wanda Jackson, Patsy Cline ... All-star band features her husband & ex-Paladin on stand-up bass, plus Sue 'Beehive' Thompson on piano." [Skipper's Smokehouse] Candye Kane has recorded four CDs and won numerous awards, including the 2000 San Diego Music Award for Best Blues Artist. See www.candyekane.com for more band info. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 the day of concert. It's open to ages 18 & up (under 18 admitted if accompanied by parent). The show takes place in the open-air "Skipperdome", with dancing in front of the stage. 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. Tuesday (March 27), the Clearwater Community Women's Club presents its Swing into Spring Fashion Show Luncheon, starring Pepper & Fine Thyme and special guest, big-band singing star Connie Haines. Connie is perhaps best known as singer for the Harry James Band (starting in 1939) and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. (For a bio, see www.conniehaines.com/Connie/index.html .) The show & luncheon take place at the Harborview Center, 300 Cleveland St in downtown Clearwater, starting with a social hour at 11am, and continuing with swing at 11:30am. Tickets are $40 or $50, which includes a tax-deductible donation of $24 or $34. For information and tickets, call Sandee Pfister at 727-584-2885 (and tell her you saw it in the Swing News). Mar 27 & 28 (Tue & Wed), the show "When Swing Was King" takes place at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. "The Big Bands are back, all wrapped into one! This fast-moving retrospective of the Big Band era includes tunes from the Benny Goodman Carnegie Hall concert of 1938, to the last of the great innovators, Stan Kenton. Recall the styles and images of all the great bands, their leaders and singers as they are recreated live and on screen, and their music is performed." [Ruth Eckerd Hall]. Tickets are $11 to this 1pm show. Ruth Eckerd Hall is located at 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd in Clearwater. Phone 727-791-7400. Every Friday night, DJ Paul Mallett spins your favorite rock & roll dance tunes at the Ybor City Diner, a retro 50's diner located at 1724 E 7th Ave in Ybor City. It runs 10pm-2am. Phone 813-248-2828. Bombed Out Cat continues its heavy schedule of local appearances, which are detailed above. The band also appears Mar 15-17 (Thu-Sat) at Atlantic Dance in Orlando. Billy writes: "For those of you that have been asking about Ally & Mark, they're doing great! Mark will be playing some dates with us next month. In fact, he'll be with us at Disney [Atlantic Dance] St Patrick's Day weekend. Ally is in great spirits. She's singing on a local morning show every Monday and she's teaching a music class at a school for troubled teens. By the way, it's good to see how many of you have figured out what a great place Cha Cha's is to hang out on a Sunday Afternoon! See 'ya soon." ---------------------------------------------------------------------- JIVING LINDY HOPPERS TO TEACH & PERFORM IN TAMPA This Sunday (Mar 4), the world-famous Jiving Lindy Hoppers arrive in Tampa Bay as part of their current US tour with the Boston Pops. They teach an afternoon workshop at the Zendah Grotto (noon-4pm), perform with the Boston Pops at the Ice Palace (7-10pm), and possibly return to the Zendah Grotto for the swing dance (8pm-midnight). The Jiving Lindy Hoppers are a British-based troupe of Lindy Hoppers that were formed in 1984 with a dance goal of emulating "the stage and screen versions of the 1930’s and 40’s Lindy". Since their formation, they've given over 2000 performances as well as countless instructional sessions. (For more information, visit www.jivinglindyhoppers.com .) - Noon-4pm: Russell Sargeant (troupe captain) and Carolene Hinds teach a Lindy Hop workshop at the Zendah Grotto. Russell & Carolene are full-time dancers, instructors, and choreographers for the Jiving Lindy Hoppers, and Russell is the troupe captain. (They taught last year's workshop at the Highland Rec Center.) Workshop participants must already know the Lindy Hop basics. Workshop registration is $26 in advance or $29 at the door, which includes admission to that night's dance. - 7-10pm: The full Jiving Lindy Hoppers troupe performs with the Boston Pops at the Ice Palace in Tampa. The Suncoast Swing Gang has arranged a group rate of $40.75 for floor-level seating, with access to a 300 sq ft dance floor. (Contact the organizers to make sure this rate is still available.) - 7pm-Midnight: The Sunday-night swing dance takes place at the Zendah Grotto, with a likely appearance by Russell, Carolene, and possibly other members of the Jiving Lindy Hoppers. - To register, send your name, address, e-mail, phone number, check (payable to Suncoast Swing Gang Inc), and whether you're a leader or follower to: Suncoast Swing Gang, Inc. c/o Robin Moore 113 Lake Ave SE Largo, FL 33771 - For more info, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXX or phone 813-985-8216 - The Zendah Grotto is located at 4109 N Lauber Way in Tampa. Directions: 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. - The Ice Palace is located at 401 Channelside Dr in Tampa. - Sponsored by the Suncoast Swing Gang and Right Step Dance Studio ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MONDAY-NIGHT SWING CLASSES Vivian Wright teaches east-coast swing every Monday night from now to the end of the year at Larry Silvers, 6210 44th St N in St Pete. Each night starts with a 7-8pm dance lesson for beginning to advanced levels, and finishes with an hour of open dancing, 8-9pm. No partner or reservation is required. Cost is $6 per class or $20 for 4 classes. Lessons take place on an 1800 sq ft dance floor. Door prizes, sodas, water, and snacks are provided. For more info, phone 727-422-0968. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERMEDIATE SWING WORKSHOP Saturday afternoon, March 24th, Sam & Rachel teach a swing workshop at the Dancer's Rendezvous in Clearwater. The workshop is designed for intermediate-level dancers, and will be tailored to improving the individual dancing abilities of those in attendance. Participants may request that particular moves or aspects of swing dance be covered. No partner is necessary. The workshop runs 1:30-4:30pm, and costs $15 in advance or $20 at the door. To register in advance, mail a check (payable to Sam Mahfoud), along with your name, address, e-mail & phone to: Swing Workshops, c/o Sam Mahfoud, 3665 E Bay Dr #204-429, Largo FL 33771 . For more information, e-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX . Dancer's Rendezvous is located at 4445 East Bay Drive, Clearwater. Directions: From Tampa, take I-275 S to 688 W (Ulmerton Rd). From St Pete, take I-275 N to Exit 16 (686 W) to 688 W (Ulmerton Rd). After a few miles, turn right on Belcher. Turn right on East Bay. Turn into the first shopping plaza on your right. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WWII HOMEFRONT RE-ENACTMENT NEEDS DANCERS Swing dancers of all ages and skill levels are wanted to dress in 1940's vintage clothes and take part in a WWII homefront re-enactment, Sat Mar 10, 12-4pm, at Heritage Village in Largo. Contact Arleene Norman at 727-821-9240. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SUNCOAST SWING GANG ANNUAL MEETING The Suncoast Swing Gang, Inc., a nonprofit organization for supporting swing in Tampa Bay, will hold its Annual Meeting to elect officers and directors on Thursday, March 1st, at 7:30pm. The location is Toonas Sports Grill on Busch Blvd, just east of Nebraska, in Tampa. The phone number there is 813-935-5220. All are invited to attend. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW SWING DANCE IN GAINESVILLE "Hi -- my name is Sara Nash and I have been dancing and teaching Lindy Hop and six-count swing in Gainesville FL for 3 years. I have just re-started a swing dance at the Unified Training Center, 811 W University Ave in Gainesville." Details: - Two Dates: Friday March 2nd & Friday March 16th - Lesson 8-9pm; Dance 9pm-midnight - Huge Wooden Dance Floor - DJed Music - Refreshments - $5 at door - Info: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or 352-278-4416 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- UPCOMING SWING DANCE WEEKENDS TAMPA BAY: The Tampa Bay Beach Boppers host the 8th Annual Beach Boogie the weekend of August 16-18 at the Clearwater Beach Hilton, a weekend of east- & west-coast swinging, Carolina shagging, bopping, and jitterbugging. The weekend includes workshops and lots of dances. Tickets are $30 before July 16th or $35 after. For more information, contact BJ Miller at 813-931-3884 or Joyce Lucas at 813-915-9577, or visit www.tampabaybeachboppers.com . ORLANDO: The Floorplay Dance Clubs of Florida host an Orlando Swing Vacation, Apr 12-16 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel on International Drive, featuring dance contests, a cast of instructors, workshops, raffles, and dances. For more information, phone 407-370-0097. ATLANTA: Ryan Francois & Jenny Thomas teach Lindy Hop in Atlanta the weekend of Mar 9-11. See www.geocities.com/atlantaswing/ryan_jenny.html . VENTURA, CALIFORNIA: The Monsters of Swing weekend takes place the weekend of March 23-25 in Ventura CA. The Weekend features dances with bands, The Swing Session, Lee Press-On & the Nails, The Jive Aces, and Swingerhead. It also features classes in all styles of swing by famous instructors. Contests and performances round out the weekend. For more information, visit www.flyinlindyhoppers.com/mos.html . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMER LINDY HOP CAMPS BEANTOWN LINDY HOP SUMMER CAMP: The 5th Annual Beantown Lindy Hop Summer Camps take place two separate weeks: June 16-22 & June 23-29, 2001, at Wheaton College in Norton MA. The camps feature classes during the day and dancing at night. Instructors include Ryan Francois & Jenny Thomas, Steven Mitchell & Virginie, Paul Overton and Sharon Ashe, Rob & Diane van Haaren, Kenneth & Helena Norbelie, and many more. Special guests include Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, and Dawn Hampton. Music is provided by a combination of bands and DJs. Besides Lindy Hop, optional classes are available in Jazz Movement, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, Hip Hop, Styling, Aerials, and Shim Sham. See www.HopToTheBeat.com/camp for more information. "LINDY U" SUMMER DANCE CAMP IN CHICAGO: Lindy U Dance Camp takes place Aug 14-19 in Chicago, with intensive classes daily and dances nightly. Instructors include Steven Mitchell & Virginie, Ryan Francois & Jenny Thomas, Kenneth & Helena Norbelie, and Bill Borgida. Music is provided by two bands and a variety of DJs. Visit www.lindyu.com for more information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- "HEARTBREAKERS" OPENS MARCH 23RD Michael Andrew of Orlando's Swingerhead band appears in the MGM movie, "Heartbreakers", which opens March 23rd at theaters nationwide. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 . **********************************************************************