********************************************************************** SWING NEWS, MAY 2001 (Monday 4/30/01), ISSUE #73 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, 5/25/01; Publication on 5/29/01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi everyone, Some famous bands are making rare Tampa appearances this month, and at venues that actually provide dance space! The Squirrel Nut Zippers are appearing very soon (Tue May 1st) at Skipper's -- read the details atop our "Concerts & Club Events" section. Later in the month, Big Sandy & his Fly-Rite Boys play Skipper's (see "Concerts & Club Events"), and Ray Gelato plays Memorial Day Weekend's Swing Sunday at the Zendah Grotto (see "Dance Concerts"). Many other fine swing events take place in May, plus two new swing dances are starting up. The new dances will happen every Tuesday at BayWalk, and two Fridays a month at DanceLand. See the "Dances" section for details. Finally, May marks the end of an era, as Dan Electro (Mike Shannon) departs the US to live in Europe. Over the last several years, no band has done more to shape local swing than Dan Electro & the Silvertones. Dan has been a good friend to local swing dancers, always promoting dancing in general, and never afraid to venture onto the floor himself. After Dan departs the end of May, the Silvertones will be forming a new band. But until then, Dan Electro & the Silvertones have a few final local appearances. Friday, May 18th, is the band's last Tampa-Bay gig, running 7:30-9:00pm at the Lowry Park Bandshell in Tampa. If you've enjoyed Dan Electro & the Silvertones these past few years, please try to make this final appearance. It'll make for some great outdoor dancing as we say farewell to Dan Electro. See the "Concerts & Club Events" section for details. Sam ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCE CONCERTS Fri May 4: Swing Time w/ 42nd Street Band @ Centro Asturiano All Ages, Nonsmoking, $10, 9pm-1am (Lesson 8-9); Ybor City: Palm Ave & Nebraska; (727) 698-2212. Fri May 4: Spats Club Night w/ Dan Electro @ Sarasota Park Auditorium All Ages, Nonsmoking, $8, 8:30-11:30pm; Sarasota: 2100 Laurel St; (941) 316-9798. Sun May 27: Ray Gelato @ Zendah Grotto All Ages, Nonsmoking, $10/adv or $12/day of, 8pm-12am; Tampa: 4109 N Lauber Way; (813) 985-8216. Fri Jun 1: Swing Time w/ Charles Atkins Trio @ Centro Asturiano Fri Jun 1: Spats Night w/ Bombed Out Cat @ Sarasota Park Auditorium This Friday (May 4), Swing Time happens at Centro Asturiano, featuring the big band sounds of the 42nd Street Band. You might remember this group from their days as house band at famous swing landmarks, the Sugar Palm Club and The Ritz. Since 1985, they've played hundreds of locations across Tampa Bay, including the Coliseum, Gulfport Casino, Ruth Eckerd Hall, and Harborview Center, and have appeared at major performing arts centers and ballrooms across Florida. Band members bring numerous years of professional experience, having played with every major big band in the US. Swing Time details: * Swing Music & Dancing w/ the 42nd Street Band, 9pm-1am * Dance Instruction by Sam & Rachel, 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 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. This Friday (May 4), Spats Club in Sarasota brings in Dan Electro & the Silvertones for an 8:30-11:30pm, all-ages dance. Admission is $8 and the night is smoke- and alcohol-free, with a large, smooth dance floor. Phone 941-316-9798 for more info. The dance takes place at the Sarasota Park Auditorium, 2100 Laurel St. Directions: From I-75, take Exit 39 (Fruitville Rd). Head west. Turn left (south) on East Ave, and proceed to the end where it crosses with Laurel. The Auditorium is on the right. Sunday (May 27) -- Memorial Day Weekend -- Ray Gelato plays his first swing dance in Tampa Bay since moving to Florida late last year. It takes place at the Zendah Grotto in Tampa. Carson writes: "We have waited a long time for Ray to return to Tampa for a big dance show, and we were able to book him before he goes back to Europe. Ray and the band bring down the house, so don't miss this show! The Zendah has an excellent dance floor and recently installed huge stacks of sound in all four corners. The Zendah has been licensed to serve alcohol the day of the show, so there will be a cash bar. Of course, there will also be soft drinks and snacks available." - Swing Lessons 6:30-8:00pm by Fran; Beginning: 6:30-7:00pm; Beginning/Intermediate: 7-8pm; Free w/ paid admission - Dancing 8pm-Midnight w/ Ray Gelato; Swing DJs during breaks - All Ages & Smoke-Free - Tickets $10 in advance or $12 Day of Show. Advance Tickets can be purchased during any Swing Sunday at the Zendah Grotto. - Ray Gelato Info: www.raygelato.com - Event Info: 813-985-8216 - 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. (Phone 813-872-0812.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCES Fri May 4: West-Coast Swing Night @ Swing City Dance Studio All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5, Starts 9pm; Tampa: 7532 N Armenia Ave; (813) 935-7458. Sat May 5: LindyHop411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5, 2pm-12:30am; Pinellas Park: 7690 59th St N; (727) 409-3187. Fri May 18: Lindy Swing Night w/ DJ Abdel @ Swing City Dance Studio All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$12, Starts 9pm (Class 7:30-9); Tampa: 7532 N Armenia Ave; (813) 935-7458. Fri May 25: Swing @ DanceLand All Ages, Nonsmoking, $3-$5, 8pm-12am (Lesson 7-8); Pinellas Park: 8451 49th St N; (727) 525-8313. Sat May 26: LindyHop411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$18, 2pm-12:30am; Pinellas Park: 7690 59th St N; (727) 409-3187. Fri Jun 1: West-Coast Swing Night @ Swing City Dance Studio Sat Jun 2: Tampa Bay Beach Boppers @ Zendah Grotto Fri Jun 8: Swing @ DanceLand Fri Jun 22: Swing @ DanceLand Every Tue: Swing Dance Nights @ BayWalk; All Ages, Outdoors, Free, 7:30-10pm (Lesson 7-7:30); St Pete: 153 2nd Ave N; (727) 895-9277. Every Wed: Swing Dance @ Moose Lodge; All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5, 8pm-12am (Lesson 7-8); St Pete: 2525 58th Ave N; (727) 524-8394. 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. This Friday (May 4), Swing City Dance Studio in Tampa hosts a West- Coast Swing dance. The music will be jazz, funk, and blues, with some tunes thrown in for other dances such as hustle, slow dance, and cha cha. The theme this Friday will be a Pre Cinco de Mayo Party, with free margaritas and Mexican food. You're asked to bring any CDs you'd like to hear. 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. This Saturday (May 5), LindyHop411 invites the entire swing community to the Pinellas Park Auditorium for an all-day open house/practice session, with a potluck/cookout, followed by a dance. Bob writes: "LindyHop411 will supply burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, condiments, and juice with the meal. Soda and water will be available for purchase. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dish (with some food in it). Everyone is welcome to come and hang out, practice with your dance partner or friends, meet and get to know people in the swing community, eat some food, and relax." The open house starts about 2pm, and the dance starts at 8pm. It's $5, nonsmoking, and open to all ages. Phone 727-409-3187. 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 (May 18), Swing City Dance Studio hosts its monthly "Lindy Swing Night" with DJ Abdel, starting at 9pm. (If you go, be sure to wish Abdel a happy birthday!) Prior to the dance, Forrest Outman teaches a special-interest swing workshop, 7:30-9:00pm. 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 Friday (May 25), swing at DanceLand in Pinellas Park the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month. (The first three dances are Fridays, May 25, June 8 & June 22.) Shawn writes: "Come join us on a spacious floor for some great dancing in a smoke-free room -- East-Coast, Rockabilly, Lindy, West Coast, and whatever else -- Feel free to bring some refreshments and a CD or two, if you’d like to hear a favorite song of yours! We'll have some soft drinks for sale. Our DJs are happy to play requests. We have a couple of different instructors, so our lessons may vary in style (East Coast, Lindy, etc), but we’ll always cater to the beginner! If you host dances or workshops in the area, please bring some flyers." * Dance 8pm-Midnight * Lesson 7-8pm * Admission $5; $3 for Students; Free for children under 10 * Location: 8451 49th St N in Pinellas Park (on the 2nd Floor) * Contact Shawn at 727-525-8313 or at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Saturday (May 26), LindyHop411 hosts two classes plus a dance at the Pinellas Park Auditorium. A fundamentals class will be followed by a variations class and then an evening dance. Admission is $18 for everything; $7 for individual classes; and $5 for just the dance. The classes and dance are open to all ages and smoke-free. Classes are held in the afternoon, starting about 2pm. The dance runs 8pm-12:30am. For more info, call 727-409-3187 or visit www.lindyhop411.com as the date approaches. The Pinellas Park Auditorium is at 7690 59th St N. Every Tuesday (starting May 1st), BayWalk in St Pete hosts Swing Dance Nights. Seminole Ballroom teaches lessons 7:00-7:30pm, and dancing follows 7:30-10:00pm. It all takes place outdoors in the plaza with free admission. BayWalk, downtown St Pete's newly built entertainment complex, is located at 153 2nd Ave N. Call 727-895-9277 for more info. Wednesday-night swing, formerly at the Gulfport Casino, has now moved to the Moose Lodge, 2525 58th Ave N in St Pete, while the Gulfport Casino undergoes renovations these next many months. It takes place every Wednesday. Details: - 7-8pm Intro Lesson by James & Arleene - Dance 8pm-Midnight w/ DJs Jumpin' James & Arleene - Big 2000 sq ft Dance Floor - All Ages & Smoke-Free - Admission $5 ($3 for Children under 10) - Full Bar w/ Dollar Drafts - Free Parking - New Sound System - Phone 727-527-8394 - Directions: I-275 to 54th Ave N. Go west. Take first right after the interstate ramps. Follow road to 58th Ave N. Entrance is at 58th Ave N & 25th St N. 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. The 3rd Thursday of every month, special guest DJ Steve spins 10pm-Midnight. 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. Swing dancing takes place every Sunday night at the Zendah Grotto in Tampa. Sunday, May 27th, Ray Gelato will be live in concert. (See the "Dance Concerts" section above for info.) Otherwise, details are: - Swing Lessons 6:30-8:00pm by Fran & Guests; Beginning: 6:30-7:00pm; Beginning/Intermediate: 7-8pm; Free w/ paid admission - Dancing 8pm-Midnight w/ DJs Abdel & Paul - Big New Sound System - Large (2200 sq ft) floating-wood Dance Floor - BYOB; Soft Drinks & Snacks can be purchased at concession counter - All Ages & Smoke-Free - Admission $5 ($4 for Students) - Phone 813-985-8216 - Address & Directions: 4109 N Lauber Way in Tampa. For directions, see the Ray Gelato dance/concert above. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CONCERTS & CLUB EVENTS Tue May 1: Squirrel Nut Zippers w/ Cabaret Diosa @ Skipper's Ages 18+, Outdoors, $15/adv or $20/day of, Starts 8pm; Tampa: Skipper Rd & Nebraska; (813) 971-0666. Fri May 4: Florida Orchestra's Best of the Big Bands @ TBPAC All Ages, Nonsmoking, $20+ to $38+, Starts 8pm; Tampa: 1010 N MacInnes Place; (813) 229-7827. Thu May 10: Katt Heffner Trio @ Largo Cultural Center All Ages, Nonsmoking, $6, Starts 7:30pm; Largo: 105 Central Park Dr; (727) 587-6793. Fri May 11: Dan Electro & the Silvertones @ Five O'Clock Club Ages 21+, Smoking, $3, 10pm-2am; Sarasota: 1930 Hillview St; (941) 366-5555. Fri May 11: Saturn 5 @ Skipper's Smokehouse Ages 18+, Outdoors, $5, Starts 8pm; Tampa: Skipper Rd & Nebraska; (813) 971-0666. Sat May 12: Big Sandy & his Fly-Rite Boys @ Skipper's Smokehouse Ages 18+, Outdoors, $7/adv or $10/day of, Starts 8pm; Tampa: Skipper Rd & Nebraska; (813) 971-0666. Sat May 12: Dan Electro & the Silvertones @ Five O'Clock Club Ages 21+, Smoking, $3, 10pm-2am; Sarasota: 1930 Hillview St; (941) 366-5555. Fri May 18: Dan Electro & the Silvertones @ Lowry Park Bandshell All Ages, Outdoors, Free, 7:30-9:00pm; Tampa: 7530 N Boulevard; (813) 259-9506. Sun May 27: Memorial Salute w/ 42nd Street Band @ Westin Innisbrook All Ages, Nonsmoking, $28/adv (includes dinner), 1-4:30pm; Palm Harbor: 36750 US 19 N; (727) 919-3866. Thu May 31: Bombed Out Cat @ Centro Ybor All Ages, Outdoors, Free, 9:30pm-12:30am; Ybor City: 1600 E 8th Ave; (813) 242-4660. Mon Jun 25: Diana Krall @ Ruth Eckerd Hall Tomorrow (Tue May 1), the Squirrel Nut Zippers return to Skipper's Smokehouse -- their first local appearance in several years. Prior to the neoswing revival, the Squirrel Nut Zippers were playing "hot music" reminiscent of the 1920's and 30's, during which time they made their first appearance at Skipper's. The neoswing revival brought this band to the forefront and made hits of their CDs, including songs such as "Suits are Picking Up the Bill", "Put a Lid on it" and "Bad Business Man". The Zippers' recent activity has included national TV and movie appearances & songwork ("Monkeybone" soundtrack, "Live with Regis", "Sesame Street", etc), critical acclaim from music magazines ("Rolling Stone", "Billboard", etc) for their new "Bedlam Ballroom" CD, playing for presidential candidate Al Gore, and touring the nation. The band makes use of an exotic blend of instrumentation, including trumpets, trombone, sax, ukelele, fiddle, and clarinet. Opening up this 8pm show at Skipper's will be Cabaret Diosa, a 9-piece musical ensemble whose "Hi-Fi Latin Exotica recalls the days of Carmen Miranda, Joe Cuba, and Dean Martin from the 1930's-60's." Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 the day of show and can be purchased either through Ticketmaster or at Skipper's. The Squirrel Nut Zippers take the stage around 9:00 or 9:30pm. The show is open to ages 18 and up (under 18 admitted if accompanied by parent), and takes place in the open-air "Skipperdome", with dancing in front of the stage on Skipper's famous plywood floor. Skipper's features a full bar & restaurant, and is located at Skipper Rd & Nebraska in North Tampa. Phone 813-971-0666. Directions: Take I-275 to Fletcher, head east, turn left on Nebraska, and right on Skipper Rd. This Friday (May 4), the Florida Orchestra presents "The Best of the Big Bands" at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, featuring guest conductor, Richard Hayman. Tickets run $20-$38, plus surcharges. The concert starts at 8pm. Phone 813-229-7827. Next Thursday (May 10), jazz songstress Katt Heffner and her trio play the Largo Cultural Center's "House of Jazz" series, starting 7:30pm. Katt Heffner has been described as "the Big Band singer for the next generation". Tickets are $6 for cabaret-style seating, but there's no dance floor. The concert is nonsmoking and open to all ages. A cash bar is provided. The Largo Cultural Center is located at 105 Central Park Drive, south of E Bay Drive between Highland Ave & Seminole Blvd, adjacent to the Largo Library. Phone 727-587-6793. Next Friday & Saturday (May 11-12), Dan Electro & the Silvertones play their final Sarasota-area gigs, before Dan Electro (Mike Shannon) moves to Europe. Ken Torvik of the Suncoast Blues Society writes: "Not only will Dan be leaving Sarasota but also his band of the past five years, the Silvertones, who are: JP Coley on bass, Greg Poulos on guitar, and Art Siegel on drums. Since this will be a going-away celebration, Dan would like to invite any former Silvertones to bring their instruments and jam at the end of each night." The Five O'Clock Club is open to ages 21 and up, and allows smoking. Cover is $3. The band performs 10pm-2am. The Club is located at 1930 Hillview St in Sarasota. Phone 941-366-5555. Next Saturday (May 12), Big Sandy & his Fly-Rite Boys return to Skipper's for the first time in almost two years. This band turns out some of the best swingin' rockabilly in the world. Last time they played Skipper's, dancers packed the floor all night. For more band info, visit www.bigsandy.net . Opening up the concert will be local rockabilly act, the Midnight Bowler's League. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 the day of show. It all starts at 8pm. This outdoor show is open to ages 18 and up (under 18 admitted if accompanied by parent). Phone 813-971-0666. Friday (May 18), don't miss Dan Electro's going-away party at the Lowry Park Bandshell in Tampa. This is the final Bay-area gig for Dan Electro & the Silvertones before bandleader Mike Shannon (Dan) moves to Europe. Join all your friends for one great outdoor show & dance, as we bid farewell to an icon of the local swing scene. The show runs 7:30-9:00pm, is free, and is open to everyone. The Lowry Park Bandshell is located at the corner of Sligh & N Boulevard in Tampa. The address is 7530 N Boulevard. Directions: From I-275, exit at Sligh. Head west. Cross the river and proceed two blocks to the corner of N Boulevard. That's where the Bandshell is. Sunday (May 27), the 42nd Street big band will play for a Memorial Day Salute at the Westin Innisbrook Resort, 36750 US 19 N in Palm Harbor. Scheduled in celebration of Memorial Day 2001, this Memorial & Salute is the major gathering for all veterans organizations in Pinellas, Pasco, and surrounding counties. The program for the day: - 1:00pm Cocktails - 1:30pm Dinner - 2:30pm Memorial Service - 3:00pm Big Band Show w/ the 42nd Street Band The program includes honor guard, a special MIA-POW ceremony, and lots of big-band dancing. The cost of dinner and show is $28 per person, and reservations are required. (Phone 727-919-3866.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WEST-COAST SWING LESSONS Vivian Wright's Dance Club will feature west-coast swing lessons during the month of May, taught by Vivian Wright. Lessons take place every Monday night, are open to beginning-to-advanced dancers, and cost $6. No partner or reservation is necessary. Each lesson runs 7-8pm and includes an hour of open dancing 9-10pm. It all takes place at Larry Silvers, 6210 44th St N in St Pete. This studio features an 1800 sq ft dance floor. Door prizes, sodas, water, and snacks are provided. For more info, phone 727-422-0968. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED WEST-COAST SWING CLASSES Beata Howe, US Open Swing Dance Champion, returns to Swing City during May to teach a series of west-coast swing classes. All classes are Wednesdays at 7:30pm. The schedule is: - Wed May 9: Ladies Styling - All Levels / All Dances - Wed May 16: Basics of Playing/Syncopations - Beginning/Intermediate Must be comfortable with Push Break & Passes - Wed May 23: Music Interpretation: Theory & Application - All Levels Must be familiar with basic West-Coast Swing - Wed May 30: Hitting the Breaks with Patterns and Styling - Intermediate/Advanced Swing City is located at 7532 N Armenia Ave in Tampa, between Sligh & Waters. Phone 813-935-7458. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERMEDIATE SWING WORKSHOP Saturday, May 19, 1:30-4:30pm, at the Dancer's Rendezvous studio in Clearwater, Sam & Rachel teach an intermediate-level swing workshop. The workshop is designed to improve the dancing of those who attend. No partner is required; however, to assure a good balance of leaders and followers, registration for dancers without partners must be received by Tue May 15th. It's $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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW TO TAMPA BAY "Hello, My name is Todd Siegrist. I'm 21 and writing from Wichita, Kansas. I've been Lindy hopping for about three years now. I'm President and founder of the Wichita Swing Dance Society, and I teach at various places in Kansas. I'm planning to move to the Tampa area this coming August. I've never been to Florida, but decided that if I'm ever going to leave Kansas, it's gotta be now! I thought it would be good to get in touch with my fellow dancers down there to maybe get some help with some things. I'm currently looking for a roommate in the Tampa area. Also, I don't know a single person in Florida and thought it would be nice to meet people who could show me where the dances were, etc. Thanks so much for your help!" Todd XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BOMBED OUT CAT PLAYS KEY WEST Local band, Bombed Out Cat, will be traveling to Key West, playing clubs dates there May 8-15. For up-to-the minute info on the band's Tampa Bay and Key West appearances, phone 813-960-1426. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- JERRY LEE LEWIS PLAYS ORLANDO Sunday, May 20, Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer Jerry Lee Lewis plays the House of Blues, located in Downtown Disney near Orlando. Tickets for this all-ages, 7pm show are $23.50 in advance or $26 the day of show. Smoking is allowed. Phone 407-934-2583 for more info or tickets. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWINGERHEAD NEWS Michael Andrew & Swingerhead recently won the "Best Jazz/Swing Band" category of the Orlando Music Awards -- for the 3rd straight year. Congratulations to Swingerhead! The band appears the third Thursday of every month, 9pm-midnight, at Timpano's Italian Chophouse in Orlando. See www.swingerhead.com for more information. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CAMP HOLLYWOOD Camp Hollywood is a summer dance weekend dedicated to Hollywood-Style Lindy Hop and other dances of the 1930's & 40's. This L.A. weekend takes place July 20-22, and includes world-famous instructors, bands, and more. Visit www.camphollywood.net for more info. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- TAMPA BAY WIRED SOCIAL CLUB The folks at local business portal, TampaBayWired, have started a new club. Avi writes: "Our activities include social events, sports activities, and community service projects. The club is the perfect way to meet other exciting people, especially those new to the Tampa Bay area." For more information, visit www.TampaBayWired.com . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MAY FESTIVALS A couple of upcoming major festivals you might want to check out: Saturday, May 19, community radio station WMNF puts on its 20th Annual Tropical Heatwave in Ybor City, featuring an eclectic mix of bands representing most musical genres under the sun. Visit www.wmnf.org for more info. Late-breaking news: Our good friend Liz Krebs (aka "Bug"), now a CA resident, writes: "I just found out James Intveld is playing at Tropical Heatwave this year! He's from around here (L.A.), and he plays great danceable rockabilly -- he's one of my favorites!" Check out www.jamesintveld.com . Memorial Day Weekend, Fri-Sun May 25-27, the 49th Annual Florida Folk Festival takes place in White Springs, featuring a variety of musical acts, performances, and dance opportunities. For more info, see www.flheritage.com/folkfest . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 . **********************************************************************