********************************************************************** SWING NEWS, SEPTEMBER 2001 (Friday 8/31/01), ISSUE #77 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Submissions to this newsletter XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - Addition/deletion/address-change requests XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX - All other correspondence http://www.SwingNews.com - Swing News web site Next Issue: Submission Deadline 5pm, 9/26/01; Publication on 9/30/01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCE CONCERTS Fri Sep 7: Swing Time w/ 42nd Street Band @ Centro Asturiano All Ages, Nonsmoking, $10, 9pm-1am (Lesson 8-9); Ybor City: Palm Ave & Nebraska; (813) 274-4950. Fri Oct 5: Swing Time w/ Pretty Boy Freud @ Centro Asturiano Fri Oct 19: Johnny Angel & the Swingin' Demons @ Coliseum Fri Nov 2: Swing Time w/ Toni Lynn Washington Band @ Centro Asturiano Sat Nov 10: Eight to the Bar @ Zendah Grotto Sun Nov 18: Ray Gelato @ Zendah Grotto Fri Dec 7: Swing Time w/ Pepper & Fine Thyme @ Centro Asturiano Sun Dec 9: Jive Aces @ Zendah Grotto Friday (Sep 7), the 42nd Street Band returns to Swing Time at Centro Asturiano. The band put on a very impressive show at last May's Swing Time, mixing their high-energy, big-band swing with occasional Latin numbers. A dance contest will feature the band performing live for the contestants, with grand prize winners taking home the new Swing Time bowling & baby-doll shirts. ( For full band and event info, including a map, visit www.StudioRetro.com ) * Dance Instruction by Sam & Rachel -- 8-9pm * Live Swing Music & Dancing w/ 42nd Street Band -- 9pm-1am * Dance Contest at 11pm * Prizes -- Trivia Prizes, Contest Prizes, Drawing Prizes * Elegant Grand Ballroom / Smoke-Free / Full Bar * Friendly Social Atmosphere / All Ages Welcome * $10 Admission includes Free Parking & Free Lesson * E-mail XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX or Phone 813-274-4950 * Address/Directions/Parking: Centro Asturiano is located in Tampa at the corner of Palm Ave & Nebraska Ave on the edge of Ybor City. It has its own free gated parking lot right next to the building, and is located many blocks from Ybor City's center, allowing easy access on lightly traveled streets. Take I-4 to Exit 1, go south, right at 1st light (Palm Ave), left at 2nd light (Nebraska Ave), and make an immediate left into Centro Asturiano's gated lot. Look at the schedule above, and you'll notice that 2001 is going to have a very strong finish, with five nationally and internationally renowned bands playing Tampa Bay's live dance events. As Carson puts it, "The Tampa swing scene is getting a kick in the pants at the end of this year". Famous bands include: - Eight to the Bar, pioneers of the swing resurgence, known for the vocal harmonies created by their two female singers, and backed by boogie woogie piano, sax, and an all-star rhythm section. They've been swinging 26 years & recorded 7 albums. (www.eighttothebar.com) - Ray Gelato, Louis Prima's jump-jiving stunt double, returning to Tampa Bay all the way from Britain. (www.raygelato.com) - The Toni Lynn Washington Band, nominated for multiple W.C. Handy (international blues) awards, including 2001 Female Artist of the Year. They've played swing events across the country, including summer 2000's Beantown Lindy camp. (www.studioretro.com) - The Jive Aces, British world travelers who put on a flashy and motivating show for dancers and onlookers wherever they appear. (www.atomicmag.com/articles/2000/jive_aces.html) - Johnny Angel & the Swingin' Demons, New Orleans' favorite swing band, and regular performers at the famed "Rock 'N' Bowl". (www.johnnyangel.net) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DANCES Sat Sep 1: LindyHop411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$23, 2:30pm-12:30am; Pinellas Park: 7690 59th St N; (727) 577-6684. Fri Sep 14: Swing @ DanceLand All Ages, Nonsmoking, $0-$5, Starts 9pm (Lesson 8-9); Pinellas Park: 8451 49th St N; (727) 724-8313. Sat Sep 15: LindyHop411 @ Pinellas Park Auditorium All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$29, 11:30am-12:30am; Pinellas Park: 7690 59th St N; (727) 577-6684. Fri Sep 21: 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 Sep 28: Swing @ DanceLand All Ages, Nonsmoking, $0-$5, Starts 9pm (Lesson 8-9); Pinellas Park: 8451 49th St N; (727) 724-8313. 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. Every Tue: Swing Dance Nights @ BayWalk All Ages, Outdoors, Free, 8:30-11pm (Lesson 8-8:30); 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) 527-8394. Every Thu: Swing Dance @ Magnolia Bldg All Ages, Nonsmoking, $4, 8-10pm (Lesson 7-8); Lakeland: 702 E Orange St; (863) 603-6281. Saturday (Sep 1), LindyHop411 hosts a workshop & dance event at the Pinellas Park Auditorium. The schedule is: 2:30pm - 2:45pm: Warm Up 2:45pm - 4:15pm: Charleston & Lindy Hop Variations 4:30pm - 6:00pm: Big Apple (group swing dance) 8:00pm - 12:30am: Dance w/ DJ Abdel A la carte pricing is $5 for the dance and $7 per class (the Warm-Up class is free). For those attending the dance and at least one class, cost is $5 + $6/class. The workshops & dance are all-ages, smoke-free, and held on Pinellas Park Auditorium's 2500 sq foot wooden floor. 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. The Auditorium is on the left. Fridays (Sep 14 & Sep 28), DanceLand -- the biggest bargain in local dances -- swings in Pinellas Park. Often this dance will be free or donations will be taken at the door. Otherwise, it's $3 for students and $5 for others. This volunteer-run swing dance takes place the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month. It starts with an 8-9pm lesson by Forrest, covering a variety of swing and dance topics for beginners to experts. Dancing starts at 9pm (and ends whenever everyone decides to leave), to tunes spun by a number of volunteer DJs. DanceLand has a spacious wood floor, is smoke-free, and is open to all ages. Bring your own soft drinks or sometimes they're provided. You may bring favorite CDs and flyers for other events. DanceLand is located on the 2nd Floor at 8451 49th St N in Pinellas Park. (To volunteer or for more info, contact Shawn at 727-742-8313 or at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) Saturday (Sep 15), LindyHop411 hosts a series of afternoon workshops, followed by a dance at night. It all takes place at the Pinellas Park Auditorium. Schedule: 11:30am - Noon: Shim Sham / Warm Up Noon - 1:30pm: Lindy Hop Fundamentals 1:45pm - 3:15pm: Lindy Hop Variations 3:30pm - 4:45pm: Leaders' Styling / Followers' Styling 5:00pm - 6:00pm: Intermediate Balboa/Bal-Swing 8:00pm - 12:30am: Dance w/ DJs Tim, Abdel, & Gabe Pricing and other details are the same as the Sep 1 event, above. Friday (Sep 21), DJ Abdel spins for "Lindy Swing Night" at Swing City Dance Studio, starting 9pm. Prior to the dance (7:30-9:00pm), Tim & Jenny Faye teach a class on Lindy Hop fundamentals, technique, and patterns. Admission is $5 for just the dance, $10 for just the class, or $12 for both. Snacks are provided. Swing City is all ages, nonsmoking, and located at 7532 N Armenia Ave in Tampa, between Sligh & Waters. Phone 813-935-7458. Swing every Sunday night at the Zendah Grotto in Tampa: - Dance 8pm-Midnight w/ DJs Abdel & Paul - Swing Lessons 6:30-8:00pm -- Free w/ paid admission: Beginning: 6:30-7:00pm; Beginning/Intermediate: 7-8pm - Large (2200 sq ft) floating-wood Dance Floor - BYOB; Soft Drinks & Snacks may 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. Take I-275 to E Dale Mabry (Northbound). Turn 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. BayWalk's free outdoor swing dance continues every Tuesday evening: - Free Lesson by Seminole Ballroom, 8:00-8:30pm - Dancing, 8:30-11:00pm - Outdoors on the Plaza - 153 2nd Ave N in St Pete - Phone 727-895-9277 Swing continues every Wednesday night at the Moose Lodge. Recently, this dance added a giant cooling fan to augment the A/C. - Lesson 7-8pm w/ James & Arleene - Dance 8pm-Midnight w/ DJ Jumpin' James - Shim Sham at 9pm - All Ages / Smoke-Free / 2000 sq ft Dance Floor - Free Parking - $5 Admission; $3 for Children under 10 (must be supervised) - Phone 727-527-8394 - Address & Directions: 2525 58th Ave N in St Pete. Take 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, Lakeland swing continues at the Magnolia Building, although the dance is now being run by some Lakeland folks. - 7-8pm Lesson by Darryl & Sherri - 8-10pm Dance w/ DJ Ron - All Ages / Smoke-Free / Large Dance Floor - BYO Drinks & Food, but No Alcohol is Permitted - $4 Admission - Phone 863-603-6281 - Address & Directions: 702 E Orange St in Lakeland; I-4 to Exit 16 (Memorial Blvd), East to N Florida Ave, South to downtown Lakeland, Left at Orange St, Pass the municipal parking garage, and the Magnolia Bldg & its parking lot will be on your left. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CONCERTS Sat Sep 8: Bombed Out Cat @ BayWalk All Ages, Outdoors, Free, 5-9pm; St Pete: 153 2nd Ave N; (727) 895-9277. Sat Sep 15: WMNF Birthday Bash @ Coliseum All Ages, Nonsmoking, $16-$20, 8pm-12am; St Pete: 535 4th Ave N; (727) 892-5202. Fri Sep 21: Buddy Verde Band @ Royalty Theatre All Ages, Nonsmoking, $5-$10, Starts 7pm; Clearwater: 405 Cleveland St; (727) 441-8868. Sun Oct 14: Johnny Varro Swing Seven @ Egypt Shrine Temple Sun Oct 14: Swingin' & Singin' in Stride @ Sarasota Opera House Fri Oct 19: Bellevue Cadillac @ Belleview Biltmore Hotel Sat Oct 20: Bellevue Cadillac @ Clearwater Jazz Holiday Sat Oct 20: Bellevue Cadillac @ Belleview Biltmore Hotel Thu Oct 25: Chuck Berry & Little Richard @ Ruth Eckerd Hall Fri Oct 26: Buddy Verde Band @ Royalty Theatre Friday (Sep 21), the Buddy Verde band plays the Royalty Theatre in downtown Clearwater. The Royalty Theater is a beautifully restored, 1920's-era theater which seats up to 500 and features a wooden dance area in front of the stage. It is smoke-free and all ages are welcome. The band will play big-band music, including quite a bit of swing. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for students. The Royalty Theatre is located at 405 Cleveland St (the main road in downtown Clearwater). Show time is 7pm. Phone 727-441-8868. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CLUB EVENTS Sat Sep 1: Bombed Out Cat @ Martini Bar at BayWalk Ages 21+, Smoking, $5, 8:30pm-12:30am; St Pete: 131 2nd Ave N; (727) 895-8558. Mon Sep 3: Bombed Out Cat @ Cha Cha Coconuts All Ages, Outdoors, No Cover, 3-7pm; St Pete: The Pier; (727) 822-6655. Wed Sep 5: Bombed Out Cat @ Rare Olive Ages 21+, Smoking, No Cover, 10pm-1:30am; Ybor City: 1601 E 7th Ave; (813) 248-2333. Sun Sep 9: Bombed Out Cat @ Cha Cha Coconuts All Ages, Outdoors, No Cover, 3-7pm; St Pete: The Pier; (727) 822-6655. Wed Sep 19: Bombed Out Cat @ Rare Olive Ages 21+, Smoking, No Cover, 10pm-1:30am; Ybor City: 1601 E 7th Ave; (813) 248-2333. Fri Sep 21: Bombed Out Cat @ Jungle Island Ages 21+, Smoking, No Cover, 9:30pm-1:30am; Madeira Beach: 50 153rd Ave; (727) 394-7939. Sat Sep 22: Bombed Out Cat @ Jungle Island Ages 21+, Smoking, No Cover, 9:30pm-1:30am; Madeira Beach: 50 153rd Ave; (727) 394-7939. Sun Sep 23: Bombed Out Cat @ Cha Cha Coconuts All Ages, Outdoors, No Cover, 3-7pm; St Pete: The Pier; (727) 822-6655. Wed Sep 26: Bombed Out Cat @ Rare Olive Ages 21+, Smoking, No Cover, 10pm-1:30am; Ybor City: 1601 E 7th Ave; (813) 248-2333. Fri Sep 28: Roomful of Blues @ Bourbon Street Ages 18+, Smoking, $15-$17, Starts 9:30pm; New Port Richey: 4331 US Hwy 19 N; (877) 843-0686. Bombed Out Cat will be playing Key West September 11-15, but there are plenty of opportunities to catch them in town this month. See the schedule of gigs above or call the hotline at 813-960-1426 for up-to-the-minute info. Friday (Sep 28), renowned jump-blues band "Roomful of Blues" returns to Tampa Bay for one night at Bourbon Street in New Port Richey. The band, since the late 1960's, has kept alive the jump/R&B style that grew out of the big-band era. Roomful of blues has worked, played, and recorded with many of the pioneers of this genre, including Big Joe Turner and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. They've also spawned several famous artists over the course of their existence. The show starts at 9:30pm and costs $15 (or $17 for ages 18-20). Smoking is permitted throughout the club. A dance floor is available in front of the stage. Bourbon Street is located at 4331 US Hwy 19 N in New Port Richey. Phone 877-843-0686 for more info. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- JENNIFER & THE VENTURAS / WMNF BIRTHDAY BASH There's a new band in town, and they go by the name "Jennifer & the Venturas". Earlier this month, the band brought down the house at their swing debut, energizing the near-record crowd of dancers and enthusiasts that came to see them play Swing Time at Centro Asturiano. Joining the band that night was saxman, Mark Gould, who helped electrify the crowd with his standout solos and all-around jamming. Even though Jennifer & the Venturas is a fairly new band, it actually contains several seasoned swing veterans -- among them three former core members of Dan Electro & the Silvertones. Fronting the band is Jennifer Sweat, whose impressive vocals deliver everything from 1920's hot jazz to Elvis' "Heartbreak Hotel". The band will be one of three playing WMNF's 22nd Birthday Bash on Saturday September 15th at the St Pete Coliseum. (The other two bands are The Prodigals (described by WMNF as "Irish jig punk") and Rico Bell & the Snakehandlers (described by WMNF as "accordion-driven Celtic roots rock"). When they're not playing a swing event (as will be the case at the Coliseum), expect to hear a very diverse selection of music from Jennifer & the Venturas -- ranging from swing jazz, to sultry blues, to surf, pop, R&B, and rock & roll. The bash runs 8pm to midnight. Tickets are $16 in advance or $20 at the door. You may bring your own snacks and soft (or hard) drinks. The Coliseum is all ages, nonsmoking, and features the largest dance floor in the area. It's located at 535 4th Ave N in St Pete. For more info, call the Coliseum at 727-892-5202 or visit community radio station WMNF's website at www.wmnf.org . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SWING TIME PICTURES Pictures from the first 8 Swing Time events (Oct 2000 - May 2001) are now up on the web site, www.StudioRetro.com . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- WEST-COAST SWING CLASSES Vivian Wright's Dance Club will be offering a six-week series of West-Coast Swing classes every Monday night, 7-9pm, starting Sep 3 and continuing through Oct 8. Classes will be taught by John Henning, National Bop Association Hall of Fame Nominee; John will be assisted by Kathleen Stone. The fee is $10 per class or $40 for all six. Beginner to advanced levels will be taught, with new patterns each week. No partner is necessary. Refreshments and door prizes will be provided. Classes take place at Larry Silvers studio, located at 6210 44th St N in St Pete. For more info, phone 727-402-5540. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ORLANDO BENEFIT EVENT Saturday, October 6th, a "Swing - Swing - Swing" benefit takes place at the Renaissance Resort at Sea World (6677 Sea Harbor Drive in Orlando; 407-351-5555). The Hershey Symphony Orchestra's 21-piece Swing Band (from Hershey PA) plays for the 7-11pm dance. A silent auction runs 6-9pm. Proceeds benefit the World Class Amateur Sport Karate Team, "Team Intensity", who will make an appearance. Tickets are $45 per person or $400 per table for 10. Purchase advance tickets at 407-382-8888 or 407-306-0606 (credit cards accepted). One organizer writes that the band "will be playing your favorite big band hits from the 30's to the present: Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, George Gershwin, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and many more. There will be complimentary swing dance lessons on site, as well as dessert, coffee, and hot tea. There will be six full-service cash bars. Come mix and mingle with 500 new friends age 20-60. This will be a great 'date' couples event; but if you are single, you'll have fun alone or with a friend. Dress in your best zoot suit or upscale casual. Spend the night at the Renaissance Resort at the special event price of $109 plus tax -- you must mention that you are with the Swing-Swing-Swing event. See you there!" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RADIO SAMMY KAYE A new internet radio station broadcasts Sammy Kaye around the clock. It's at www.live365.com/stations/154507 . ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 . **********************************************************************