This Friday (March 1st), Swing Time journeys back to the early days of jazz (or jass, as it was once spelled), for that 1920's New-Orleans-Style swing made famous by artists such as Louis Armstrong and Jellyroll Morton. It's always a special occasion when Roy Lang gets together his Traditional Jass Band, made up of talent from across the state and country! But this Friday's Swing Time will be extra special, as Roy is bringing in two trumpet players, plus clarinet, trombone, piano, tuba, banjo, and drums. His eight-piece band will recreate the authentic "two cornet" style made popular by King Oliver in the 1920's and Lu Watters in the 1940's. Roy Lang says that Traditional Jazz is designed for dancing, so be ready to swing! Roy Lang's Traditional Jass Band has been together since 1981, playing jazz festivals, clubs, and venues across the state & country.

The evening starts off with an intro swing lesson, 8-9pm, taught by Sam & Rachel, with no partner necessary and new moves each event. Then the band takes the stage, 9pm-1am, with dancing throughout the evening on Centro Asturiano's spacious dance floor. The evening features prize giveaways, plus a brief show at 11pm put on by your fellow dancers to live music provided by the band. Swing Time takes place in Centro Asturiano's elegant Grand Ballroom, which provides a beautiful retro atmosphere and a full bar. Admission includes the free lesson & free parking.

When the Toni Lynn Washington Band plays Swing Time, expect to hear some of the world's best swing-jazz and jump-blues, guaranteed to keep you dancing all night! The band was an exceptionally pleasant surprise at their Swing Time debut in 2001. People who attended said the dancing was superb, the band was one of the best they've seen, and to please bring them back! Likewise, the band really enjoyed playing for us Tampa Bay swingsters, and are looking forward to their upcoming return engagement! Toni Lynn Washington has been singing for the swing crowd for several decades now, so this remarkable lady more than knows what it's all about. Most recently, she was nominated for the 2001 "Female Artist of the Year" W.C. Handy Award. This talented 6-piece band is traveling all the way from Boston to play for us again, so don't miss out -- be there!

The event takes place in Centro Asturiano's vintage Grand Ballroom, and includes a free swing lesson, free parking, a dance show at 11pm, prize giveaways throughout the night, a full bar, an abundance of swing dancing, and the friendly social atmosphere that's made Swing Time famous.

Atlanta's Cigar Store Indians bring their energetic live show to the Zendah Grotto, for a special Saturday-night dance put on by the Suncoast Swing Gang. The band is well-known for its danceable blend of American roots music, including rockabilly, southern boogie woogie & swing. The Cigar Store Indians have been entertaining audiences for 10 years, and have recorded 3 CDs of original music, which include hits like Tossin' & Turnin'.

The night starts off with swing lessons by Fran, 6:30-7:00pm for beginning and 7-8pm for intermediate. DJ Paul spins, 8-9pm, then the band takes the stage 9pm-midnight. A full cash bar is provided, with snacks also available for purchase. Tickets are $11 in advance or $13 the day of show. To purchase your advance tickets online, click the link below.

"The new Bob Crosby Bob Cats are a continuation of the line of highly skilled musicians, who for more than 60 years have set the standard for ensemble oriented Chicago style jazz. Since they first appeared in 1937 as a band within a band, the Bob Cats have been recognized around the world for their hard swinging musicianship as well as for their ability to deliver smooth, danceable ballads. Here then, are the current Bob Cats under the direction of Ed Metz, not merely a ghost band emulating musicians of the past, but real live present day musicians, who appeared as the Bob Cats under Mr. Crosby until his passing in 1993." [band web site]

This afternoon event is sponsored by the Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society. The venue provides a good-size dance area in front of the stage, and a cash bar. The event is nonsmoking and open to all ages. Admission is $15 for anyone who's not a member of the Society or $10 for members. The public, and especially swing dancers, are welcome. Call 727-584-0585 for more info.

Spats Club dances provide a healthy (smoke-free and alcohol-free) environment for youth from elementary to high school. Adults are also welcome. For more info, contact Pam Callender at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Directions: from I-75, exit west at Fruitville Rd, and proceed to the proper address.

"I want to extend a special thanks to all the Lindy dancers who came out [last time to] our Lindy Night. What a fabulous night of music and dance! Abdel outdid himself with some great music, and we had a full house of dancers with some coming from Gainesville and Lakeland! Thank-you guys; you are a fun group and a pleasure to dance with!" [Lee Holton]

Lindy Swing Night, the best bargain in local dances, happens the 2nd Friday of every month at Swing City in Tampa. $5 Admission includes lots of lindy hopping, a table full of snacks, plus swing circle & line dances such as Big Apple, Shim Sham, & Rueda. It all takes place on a nice dance floor, with DJ Abdel spinning jazz, big band, and blues from 9pm until late. Prior to the dance, Tim & Jenny Faye teach a workshop covering different aspects of lindy hop and related dances. Admission is $10 for just the workshop, or $12 for both the workshop & dance.

After more than a year's absence, swing dancing returns to the Marshall Center Ballroom on the USF Campus! The dance runs 8pm-midnight, preceded by a free 6-count-swing beginner's lesson, 7-8pm, taught by members of LindyHop411. There's no admission charge, but a $3 donation is requested. The dance is open to the public and cosponsored by the new Swing Dance Society at USF and LindyHop411. "This is the Swing Dance Society's debut event so we're keeping it super cheap and hope to see a lot of support!" [Jenny Faye]

That afternoon, prior to the dance, LindyHop411 teaches three classes in the Marshall Center Ballroom, with admission per class of $3 for students and $5 for non-students. The class schedule is:
    1:30 - 3:00 - Lindy Hop Basics
    3:15 - 4:45 - Lindy Hop Moves & Variations
    5:00 - 6:00 - Shim Sham

Swing every Sunday night at the Zendah Grotto, Tampa's big weekly swing dance put on by the Suncoast Swing Gang. DJ Abdel or Paul spins the tunes, while Fran teaches the lessons (6:30-7:00pm for beginners; 7-8pm, intermediate). The Zendah Grotto features a large (2200 sq ft) floating-wood dance floor. You may BYOB or buy soft drinks & snacks at the concession counter. Due to road construction, directions have changed; click below for a map & directions.

"The Tuesday night Jam at the Sandbar continues. Last Tuesday, we had 3 trumpets, 2 saxes, and 3 singers sitting in with the 6-piece band. It was standing room only and the dancers had a ball." [Randall Ierna, 1/30/02]  The Swing Jam is hosted by band, Lucian & the All Stars. All singers, musicians, and dancers are invited to join in. The Sand Bar, located at the foot of the Tierra Verde Bridge, has a restaurant and a full bar.

The March of Jazz is a huge annual festival that brings in over 50 of the biggest name jazz (& swing) musicians in the world. It's sponsored by Clearwater-based Arbors Records.