June, 1998 Reviews
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Review of Dance Events During June, 1998

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DANCE REVIEWS






Monday June 1, 1998

Well, what can I say -- Indigo Swing blew everyone away! I think that this was the best swing dance that I have ever attended. The band and the dancers sort of melded into one big whole swinging thing. I really don't know how to describe the atmosphere without sounding like some sort of New Age mystic. It was really special, in the best sense of that expression.

It was really special for us, because Time Bomb Records sent us an advance copy of the new Indigo Swing CD called "All Aboard". We had a chance to listen to some of the new numbers before the band played them. When we got to the dance, we asked the guys to autograph the new CD --- and they were surprised because they had not yet seen it! Now, that's really something --- we seem to have the only copy on the East Coast, and it is really good. You're going to love it when it comes out July 14. Meanwhile, you can count on hearing it anytime you ride in our car.

The boys led off with "Indigo Swing", which is also the first cut on the new CD. From the minute they started to play, everyone knew that this was going to be a fantastic evening. They play very good music for Lindy and they are very sensitive to the dancers. We were also favored with two of the best cuts on the CD, "Baron Plays the Horses" and "I Want to Make Violent Love to You". We really like Indigo Swing's compositional style --- they seem to borrow riffs from an unusual variety of songs and weave them into their new material. We were listening to the CD and folks were sure that they heard things like "Heart and Soul", "Blue Lights Boogie", "Caldonia" and others interwoven with the melody of one particular song. This technique enables Indigo Swing to have the sound and feel of a 1940s jump blues band while delivering high energy dance rhythm.

About their clothes: These guys were impeccable! They were so well dressed that even Dr. Daniel's mouth would drop. I counted two scimitar tie clasps and a couple of very nice Sulka ties. The shoes were strictly Allan Edmonds spectators. Very very nice threads, boys!

Johnny Boyd, the lead singer, seems to enthrall the girls. My personal favorite is Baron Shul, the tenor man who looks like Mel Blanc and belts it out like Illinois Jaquet. We have to rave about Bill Beatty's boogie woogie piano -- what a wicked left hand! Josh Workman plays a very nice rockabilly flavor guitar --- and was even a minor casualty when the dancers did a "Praise" at the end of the first set -- someone bumped his mike an it hit him in the head. Mass apologies, Josh. The group is rounded out by Vince Ehlers on standup bass and "Big Jim" Overton on double shuffle drums.

There was lots of spontaneity and innovation during the evening. There were two purely impromptu jams and a Shim-Sham broke out during one of Bill Beatty's extended boogie-woogie solos. We got some great photos and they will be up on the website next Monday.

Meanwhile, here are the reviews:

From: Elizabeth Weaver Engel
ewengel@apsanet.org

WOW! What an amazing evening! Those tickets were worth every penny. If they were playing again tonight (Tuesday), I'd go again, tired as I am today. The ballroom was packed with enthusiastic dancers, and the band totally fed off our energy. This is The Right Way to hear swing bands: in a small venue with other dancers with room to dance.

Indigo Swing played numbers off both their old and new albums (just recorded and due out July 14). They played plenty of really fast music and joked with the crowd (and especially with Mr. Koerner) all evening long. They wre relaxed and in excellent form. We were treated to some fine sax and string bass solos, and some really hot boogie-woogie piano (yes, they travel with a REAL piano, thank you very much!). The jam was fast and furious with lots of people showing off new stuff. And later in the evening, we did a really fun round of speed Shim Sham (one of Auntie Deb's favorites). We took TONS of pictures of everyone, danced until our feet about fell off, and are both totally exhausted today.

During the break, we got to chat with some of the band members - really nice guys - and Jim got our CD signed by everyone. Tom and Carolyn did a very cute engagement spotlight dance that ended up being a line-up for Carolyn as leader after leader cut in to dance with her. Despite the heavy-duty AC at the Ballroom, we were all a sweaty mess by evening's end, but it was one of the finest evenings of swing music I've been privileged to be a part of.

Indigo Swing will be at the 9:30 club with Brian Setzer on July 24. Those of you who were there on Monday: I'll look forward to seeing you again. Those of you who missed Monday: GET TICKETS THIS TIME (you cheap bastards, as Tom would say)!

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail .house.gov

Indigo Swing was hot. The SF swing band lit up the room Monday for the dancers at Chevy Chase Ballroom. The songs they played varied in tempo so every dancer could be satisfied with the speeds. A Jam spontaneously broke out twice on the dance floor to some really fast tunes. During the break, Bernstein behaved himself and played some good tunes.

The highlight of the night was when my friend Laurel came after much prodding. I promised her that there would be no pressure for her to dance. Well, that went out the door when the dance started. She told me that she really enjoyed herself and found that most dancers were nice and friendly to her.

The night ended when I watched Jim and Elizabeth try to catch a cab on Wisconsin around midnight. They must have looked like gang members because no cab would stop to pick them up. You know those Hell's Lindy Hoppers. Ask St. John's folks. After I had a good laugh, I took them home.

From: Ellen Werther
Heartsdesi@aol.com

At about 1:00 am Friday, I was thinking of writing a review of Indigo Swing and then figured it was too late. I just read this week's reviews and as good as they were, I do not think they came close to expressing the power of the evening. I don't know what more one can say than has already been said, but I gotta add SOMETHING!!!! It was, as you --Frank--say, perhaps the best night of swing ever.....well worth the $20 bucks we had to pay.....what a great venue. The dance floor is superb and spacious. And the owner WANTS US THERE. What a joy to put our money on a great band and a great space rather than on lousy food and overpriced drinks. Indigo Swing was even better than they were at Chubby's in Red Bank--and I thought they were incredible then. A note to dear Cameron---yes, the girls appeared to have crushes on Johnny Boyd--the lead singer--the operative word being APPEARED. I for one have a mad crush (and I don't care who the hell knows!) on William, the piano player. (He and I had some time together the morning after I.S. played in Red Bank. I taught him how to curse in Yiddish. And that is all the gushing about him I will share at this time.) A small group of us went to the Amphora after the gig. Frank, the OTHER Frank, performed card tricks to Johnny's amazement. Who knows, Frank might become their opening act! Sadly the evening had to end (who cares that it was now 3:30 and most people had work the next morning.) but not before I got to sit in Frank's stunning 50s something Chevrolet.....It is exquisite.

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Tuesday June 2, 1998

We joined the gang at Vienna Grille for a very nice time. Iver spent some time working with us on a few moves. It looks like attendance is back on the upswing.

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Wednesday June 3, 1998

We have no reviews for this date

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Thursday June 4, 1998

From: Dana
Starjuice@aol.com

On Thursday Ben and I headed out to the Fairfax Fair's swing dance with the ever so popular Tom Cunningham Orchestra. We showed up please to see a few familiar faces. Dancers traveled from all over the area for this free swing dance opportunity, thanks to the local radio station, WTOP. When the band first began no one wanted to be the first to test out the cement dance floor (i.e. parking lot). With the outdoors setting, this was definantly the coolest ballroom ever. Eventually a good size group of Lindy Hoppers were dancing all over the place. There were many spectators and beginners out for a good time. The group even pulled off a good jam session, despite the rock hard dancing conditions. The band was great and a pleasant evening was had by all.

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Friday June 5, 1998

We eagerly joined a very large throng to welcome the Tom Cunningham Orchestra back to America. The place was jam-packed with Lindy Hoppers and when we got there at about 9:00, all the tables seemed to be full as well. We had a very good time, although it was as usual hot and crowded.

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Saturday June 6, 1998

We headed over to Glen Echo to see the Hula Monsters, but a series of mishaps made us late, and we arrived at 8:30 pm, only 1/2 hour before dancing was to begin. Alas, we got clobbered by the capacity limits --- there was a long line. Accordingly, we went directly to our #1 fallback, Daryl Davis at Vienna Grille. This turned out to be a very good pick. Daryl had insisted that the entire dance floor be kept free and thus there was plenty of room. We were fortunate to find a booth filled with lots of our old friends, including Mark and Wendy, Dave and Marie, Bob Kleinpeter, Eric Clelarier, Liz Turner, Larry Mac Donald, and numerous others. Daryl played his usual high energy boogie-woogie and it turned out to be a very nice evening. Since Daryl insists on playing "Baby Elephant Walk", we even managed to turn this into a plus by showing the crowd an uptempo Shim Sham.

Later in the evening, several couples drifted in from Glen Echo with less than optimistic reports on the Hula Monsters. The general thrust of the comments was that the band was much too slow, talked for a long time between numbers and did not have enough sound to fill the whole ballroom. This is in direct contrast to our experience with the Hula Monsters in the two events we have seen them. Of course, these were dances at a much smaller hall and the crowd was practically all Lindy Hoppers. Here is a direct report from Glen Echo:

From: Elizabeth Weaver Engel
ewengel@apsanet.org

I hate to say I was (sadly) a little disappointed on Saturday night. I had heard many good things about this band, and we arrived plenty early because we were anticipating a good night of dancing. Unfortunately, they didn't seem to be in great form and played a lot of really slow songs, particularly in the first set.

On the other hand, as the night progressed, they did pick it up a little. At the end of the second set an impromptu jam circle had formed with about 15 of the "regular suspect" couples dancing and a good crowd watching us, which is how we ended the set. The third set was actually quite nice, starting as it did with the jam and being mostly comprised of faster numbers. Unfortunately, by that point many folks had already departed out of irritation at the slow pace of the songs.

It was good fun to see everyone all decked out in Hawaiian prints - Duke felt right at home and showed us all up with his constantly changing array of shirts. And the jam was quite nice. Tom had already departed, and I don't think anyone thought there was going to be a jam. However, the band was very gung-ho to do it, and Debra, despite some initial trepidation, ran it very well. We even had enough time to do a full round of speed Shim Sham at the end. Jim and I, sleep deprived from rising at 6:30 am and dehydrated from the morning's Race for the Cure, had had a long conversation on the way over about why we were NOT going to jam tonight - but then Debra came running over at the beginning of the jam and ordered us onto the floor (the jam had a somewhat slow start). I'm not even sure what we did, but the crowd seemed to enjoy it.

The evening was capped off with the traditional trip to Amphora, where we passed out some of the double copies of our BET/engagement night/Indigo Swing pictures and caught back up with Tom and Carolyn. Jim took notes on the conversations that were flying around the table, and I practically fell asleep in my Greek Pocket.

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Sunday June 7, 1998

First, the exciting news from Julie and Ed of Rockin' Bones:

From: Julie Day
jday@tidalwave.net

Dear Frank and Carole:
Just wanted to let you guys know IT'S A BOY! Alexander Edward Day was born by Caesarean section Sunday, June 7. He weighed in at a hefty 9 pounds, 1.5 ounces. Ed and I are at home recuperating with the baby. Ed hopes to see some our our lindy hopping friends at L'Enfant Plaza next Wednesday!
---Julie

Mazel Tov, Julie, Ed and little Alex!

Carole spent the day at a wedding shower for Chrissy Hall that was hosted by Jenny Manlove. I got to deliver Carole at the beginning and to retrieve her at the end. Fortunately, when I got there at the end, a lot of FOOD was still there, including some of Jenny's Scones, Beverley's sandwiches, Wendy's chocolate cookies and lots of other good stuff. While the hen-chat died down, I helped "clean off" the dinner table.

Claire Colbert showed up and we had a nice chat about her Jazz Step classes --- they were well-attended. We also talked about the UK and Catalina, her next destination. It's always nice to see Claire again.

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Monday June 8, 1998

We went over to Glen Echo to witness a dmeonstration of the "C. C. Shuffle" a new jazz routine devised by Claire Colbert. This was quite impressive -- it looks a lot like the Big Apple in that it is done in a circle, but it has a lot of interesting movements, particularly one where couples separate and do "Split and Shoot" (some call this move "The Chase") . This is a fun thing that is not too hard to learn --- it has a good chance of catching on.

There is a lot of space available at the Monday night swing dances, so those of you looking for a big floor to practice or do expansive movements, this is the place.

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Tuesday June 9, 1998

We joined the gang at Vienna Grille for a very nice time. Iver spent some time working with us on a few moves. It looks like attendance is back on the upswing. Claire Colbert showed up with Cherri Harris. It's good to see both of them again. We know that Claire lives in the U.K., but Cherri has been a stranger for about as long, and she only lives in Rockville.

The crowd seemed to be full of energy -- there was a big line for both the Shim Sham and the Jitterbug Stroll. The crowd seemed to enjoy another demonstration of the "C. C. Shuffle" and this may just push Hutch back over the edge in teaching more Big Apple.

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail.house.gov

The other day, I was coming back for a Veterans hearing when a friend of mine came up to me and asked me about the whip. Since he is in the Capitol Hill Swing Club and is taking Tom and Deb's Sunday night class, I felt obligated to show him. So I told him I would show him but not in the hall. We proceed to the freight elevator because it is hidden from the public. After a few demos steps, someone walks by but she doesn't see us, but that was a close call and we left. As we round the corner, we ran into Chrissy Hall. Chrissy and I were talking politics and got rudely interupted by my friend who wanted more tips on the whip. I look around and realize there is no one around so Chrissy and I demo two whips for him. As I turn the second time around, there are five lobbyist just starring at us with huge grins on their faces. My last words were, "Lesson over!" so the moral of this story is be careful where you dance.
---Cameron

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Wednesday June 10, 1998

We spent the day out on the road searching for antiques and other goodies. Actually, the purpose of the trip was to return to Central Pennsylvania to try to find some of the yellow acid-free tomatoes that we had last summer. They were unusually productive and very good for both freezing and pasta sauce. Our travels led us first to Thurmont, Maryland where we had lunch at the Cozy Inn. This is very easy to find -- just get off US 15 at Thurmont and follow the gigantic signs. We have always been curuious about the Cozy Inn, because it is the place where journalists stay when they are covering events at Camp David. Well, it turns out that this is an unusually eclectic place done in homestyle vernacular. It, like the "Little House" in Shepardstown, is a one of a kind, very quirky place that is clearly the vision of one individual and far from something that might be created by a slick chain. There are unusual gardens, fountains, pieces of railroad cars, part of a nickelodeon, and all sorts of other fragments of old Thurmont interweaved into thhe complex of buildings that serve as the inn. There are also extensive historical exhibits featuring souvenirs from all of the diplomatic and press delegations which have stayed here, especially during major events like the Camp David peace accords. They are unusually sentimental, because they feature the autographs of third-string diplomats and reporters who got stuck here while the bigshots got to stay at Camp David.

The good news about the Cozy Inn is that it is an "All You Can Eat" place at $4.59 for lunch. The bad news about the Cozy Inn is that it is an "All You Can Eat" place at $4.59 for lunch. There are a lot of interesting dishes available in the line including ham salad, tuna salad and chicken salad. There were a wide range of "comfort food" desserts. The fresh fruit bar actually had big fresh strawberries, watermellon and crenshaw melon, but the pears and pineapple were canned. They had a very nice selection of breads, including an off-the scale cinnamon loaf. (This is worth the $4.59 alone). The unnerving thing about the place is that it attracts a clientele that is seeking to get its "money's worth" --- as I navigated the aisles, it seemed that one could legitimately put a "Wide Load" sign on most of these folks. So, our advice is go, eat what is good, but leave the rest.

We then journeyed to Emmitsburg, where we found another of those pre-war Presto pressure cookers, complete with the very rare "Rocker" pressure regulator. We also found a very nice hand-blown Chemex coffee maker with wood handle fitted around the neck and held by a rawhide thong. (There is one of these in the Museum of Modern Art's display on "Utilitarian art of the 20th Century")

We pressed on to New Oxford and actually found tomato plants at the same place that we got them last year. We stopped for coffee (only) at the Hotel Oxford --- a really nice place with excellent locally inspired cooking. We made our way down the street to an antiques mall and hit the jackpot. This was an unusually high-class place that had extremely high prices on many things --- Carole found a box that was marked "Lodge Clothing" and priced at $15. We opened it up and were STUNNED to find a full uniform for a Grand Commander of the Knights Templars (the highest order of York Rite Masonry) --- this includes a coat (in my size!!!), a cocked hat decorated with outrageous red and black ostrich feathers, sash and sword belt. Everything is in great condition. Well, we are READY for the Belmont Ball this year... Carole also found another great piece of dollhouse furniture and yes, it was seriously underpriced.

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Thursday June 11, 1998

WE have no Reviews for this Date

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Friday June 12, 1998

We eagerly joined a very large at Zones, the new club in downtown DC that is getting into Swing. This was a good first night and it turned out almost everyone that we know. I thought that the "Swing Zone" was the most popular room --- at least, it was really crowded. Ben Rathbone served as DJ and kept up a constant flow of good music. The evening was not "perfect" but we thought that --- on balance --- this was an auspicious occasion. Yes, the floor was crowded, yes the non-LIndy crowd broke into "Johnny Swing" after getting enough beer, yes, it was hard to get water. But, that happens everywhere. Looking beyond the trivial, this was a real opportunity to show Lindy Hop to a brand new audience --- and from the mail response, it looks like they are eager for both Lindy lessons and vintage clothes. Yes, we got kicked several times, but we met a whole lot of very nice people, something that outweighs momentary discomfort. So, "Zones" continues to be one of our reccommended places.

We note that they will be offering Swing after midnight, a commodity nonexistent elsewhere. So, we urge Lindy Hoppers to get on down for the late night festivities. A Good Thing.

From: Mark Judge
MJudge8449@aol.com

Hey Lindy Hoppers -
Something intersting happened on the drive home from Zones - which I thought was a brilliant success, by the way. I was listening to Z104, the all-hit station that, judging by the phone calls that came in, is a fave of young teenagers. Anyway, before I had turned on the radio there had been a phone-in contest for the favorite song of the night - they could pick one of two that had been played by the station - and I was stunned when all these kids kept calling in and saying "Jump, Jive and Wail" and "the Gap commercial song." Well, it wasn't exactly the Gap song. The one they played is a version done by the Brian Setzer Orchestra. It was up against Puff Daddy, the number #1 rapper/producer/pop star, and it trounced him. The DJ was stunned. Apparently they had played the Setzer song as not much more than a goof, expecting that Puff Daddy would rule. Well, they got a shock.

Of course, we know what this means: swing is taking the upper hand in popular culture. The kids want it, as evidenced by the fact that Tom and Debra have standing room only classes (an appropriate reward for all their tireless work.) But there's more to it. Several years ago I started doing this for fun, but the cultural and spiritual richness that's come in return has been breathtaking. I went from Glen MIller to Basie to Ellington and am now listening to MIles Davis, Gil Evans, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane as well as the swing faves. This is our musical heritage as Americans - hell, as humans who like great art - and I couldn't help but feel that maybe one of those teenagers who liked the Gap ad would buy the Setzer song, learn to lindy, and start that road to transformation so many of us know.

Can I get an amen?
-Mark Judge

From: Elizabeth Weaver Engel
ewengel@apsanet.org

Talk about your basic culture clash! I mean, sure, in my Lindy-less heathen infidel days, I had spent many an evening at various local bump-n-grind palaces. But showing up to Zones on Friday in my early 50's dress and street black and whites (yep, the old saddle shoes have been officially demoted to street wear) was just a wee bit disconcerting - and you should have seen the looks Jim and I got along the ultra-hip U Street corridor on our way to the Metro!

We arrived before the swing room was officially "ready," so we got to watch Andy doing a basic lesson for folks in the Salsa Zone and chilled to the excellent rhythms (love those Latin beats!). At about 9:30, we got tired of waiting and slipped past the rope at the foot of the stairs. Some of the regular folks were already up in the Swing Zone, and Ben was spinning the CDs, so we started dancing. The floor was...well, at least it was wood. It was a little sticky ("Decades" of spilled beer?) and pitted, but at least it was more resilient than America's famous wood-over-concrete.

Ben did a FABULOUS job with the CDs, mixing vintage swing, nouveau swing, and rockabilly with ease and flair. Musically, there was indeed something for everyone. The temperature was good, as they had CRANKED the A/C in the Swing Zone (it actually seemed downright chilly when we first got there) - someone must have warned them ahead of time. The dancing was good early on, too - not too crowded, the "just watching" crowd staying well back, people not yet drunk enough to attempt Charleston.

About 10 or 10:30, Tom started a jam. I suspect it was the first jam many people had ever seen, and we actually pulled our first air step in a jam (for the curious, it was a fairly poorly executed A kick - but give us a break - we are the official "keep it on the floor" couple, right?). The crowd seemed totally wowed by everyone, and I thought a couple of people were going to pass clean out when Tom and Debra pulled out a particularly zippy Death Spike.

Shortly after that, word must've spread to the rest of the club and/or all the beer the crowd had been consuming kicked in. The result was an extremely crowded dance floor with lots of folks kicking wildly in their best imitation of a Charleston. The "just standing around" crowd began seriously encroaching on the small dance floor as well. Like I said, it was a cross cultural event: in club dance scenes, things don't really get going until everyone gets a little buzzed and loosened up, and nobody cares if people are just standing there in the middle of the dance floor. It's hard to be too upset, though, because why on earth would these kids be aware of swing etiquette, when even folks at Glen Echo have to be reminded week after week to clear the dance floor if they aren't currently dancing?

Well, we only danced a few more numbers because we were having trouble finding enough room for basic six-count and were in constant imminent danger of being kneecapped by platform shoes. When Frank and Carole started collecting their stuff around 12:30 and asked if we wanted a lift, we weren't sorry to leave. For all you SERIOUS night owls, Buck did report that it cleared out again after 2 am, and he and Sarah had a lovely time dancing on a relatively empty floor.

So, since I know Greg is going to be reading the Web site for the reviews this week, it's suggestion time: first, put us in one of the larger, better lit rooms (incidentally, the salsa folks need the same thing - it was a mob scene down there!). Second, stock bottled water and maybe Gatorade at the Swing Zone bar - and sell it for a reasonable price ($2 for 6 oz. of soda that's mostly ice? Come on!).

It's the serious swing dancers who can really make this thing fly - if all you know is two swing moves, you'll dance a couple of songs and split to one of the other rooms. It's the serious dancers who will dance all night - and keep the folks who want to watch and drink entertained.

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail .house.gov

If you started lindy hop to pick up the opposite sex, this place is for you. One can show off his or her stuff, drink, get numbers, and not go home alone. If you came just to dance, you may have walked away a little disappointed. Zones, which used to be call Decades debuted to a full house. When I was there from 9:00pm to 1:00am, the Swing Room or "Zone" was crowded. People lined along the floor and watched the dancers as they drank. The dance floor was small so it was hard to hold all the eager dancers.

Around 10pm, Tom started a JAM as the audience watched in delight the aerials. There were lots of ooh and ahhs as Carolyn, Thomas, Tricia, Steve, Christy, Elizabeth, Peter, Carla, Frank, Carole, etc... did their routines. After the first JAM, many dancers asked questions about the dance and inquired about lessons.

Ben Rathbone was up in the DJ booth acting as quality control. He ensured that the DJ played appropriate swing music. Ben did a great job blending in old and new, fast and slow. I heard Cherry Poppin' Daddies along side Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Andrew Sisters, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and Indigo Swing. He played a good set for anyone new to the swing scene.

As the night wore on, more and more people crowded on the dance floor causing it to look like a mosh pit. Julia and I were pushed off the dance floor and we ended up on the carpet. Hey, the sacrifice was worth it if more people become swing dancers.

For Tom and Debra, they recuited heavily for their classes from this crowd. Some have said that they are shameless promoters, but they are picking up the slack and going where most dance instructors would never go. I just wish there were more shameless promoters like them.

If you haven't been there , check it out.
---Cameron Sellers

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Saturday June 13, 1998

We headed over to Forest Glen for a great time. Sue and Steve have the story:

From: Sue and Steve Devoney
Deevoo@aol.com

While not a rip roaring success, the benefit for the Seminary at Forest Glen was a money maker and a good start for the future. We made around $700 and 10 of you are now sporting very lovely "Save our Seminary" t-shirts . Please wear them with pride and wear them often -- especially if you plan to be around any Maryland politicians.

Thanks to all who helped us set up, work the door, and clean up. We could not have done this alone and free admission is such a small price to pay for priceless support. So we invited everyone over for pancakes. More about that later. Thanks to Tom and Debra for the beginner's lesson and thanks to Tom C. and the band for their unfailing professionalism in the face of adversity.

The turnout was slightly over 150, which meant there was plenty of room for dancing. TCO was fabulous as usual. Some of the neighbors made it out and it was the first time that some had ever seen the ballroom in use. They were impressed. Even the guard that the Army hired was tapping his feet.

And now, the rest of the story... as there always is.

About 3 pm, we (Steve, Cameron, and I) joined Tom and Robin, already in progress, setting up and getting the wires unwound and microphones tested. About 3:30, the power went off. Optimistic fools, we proceeded as if nothing was wrong. It was still light enough to set up, so we ignored the inconvenience. When the power was still off at 6 pm, we were amused. We had discussed with Tom and Robin just how we could still hold the dance without electricity....TCO Unplugged, if you will. Cameron suggested we get miner's helmets. Robin said there would be no vocals, but I told her I would still like to hear her sing "Fever". She could stand in the middle of the floor, with the guitarist, and we'd all snap our fingers to keep the beat.

Steve and his friend, Matt (who ran the sound board) were cooking up "plan B", which involved running heavy duty electrical extension cords from our house (across the street from the complex) where we had plenty of power. While I wondered who was going to reimburse us for the electricity, an Army crew pulled up and started working feverishly. Andy Wallo and a bunch of high schoolers showed up early for the lesson and were there to witness the return of glorious electricity.

I feel the need to explain a few things, based on comments that were sent my way during the course of the evening.

#1--Steve and I made no money off of this. Save our Seminary got all of the money, after we paid the band.

#2--the $15 price tag was steep, but we knew we would not have time to promote the event heavily because we were in Germany for two weeks prior to the event. The price was designed so that we'd break even at 100 folks--a number we could achieve through word of mouth. Another reason to not heavily promote this was that we did not want a huge rush at the door for this event. A waltz is one thing. A swing dance with hundreds of teens (and adults who still think they're teens) is quite another. We don't want to turn the Army into another U.S. Park Service, so we didn't want to scare them with huge numbers of rabid lindy hoppers the first time out. We'll save that for later. So I appologize for not giving special prices to late comers and students, but we were trying to raise money. Actually, the real reason for having a dance at all is to expose this place to the general public and to generate the kind of grass roots public sentiment that Glen Echo enjoys. If you enjoy ballroom dancing and want to see this venue continue, visit the SOS website for suggestions on what you can do.

www.operant.com/sos

There, you will also see a wonderful picture of what the ballroom looked like it its heyday.

# 3--"Save Our Seminary" is raising money this year to begin full restoration of some of the buildings. This will occur while the Army begins to stabilize all of the buildings and prevent further deterioration. SOS's first project will be to paint and seal the exterior of the pagoda. This has turned out to be a far more complex task than originally envisioned. Paint has to be removed before a new coat can put on and our architect is trying very hard to restore some of the special exterior treatments. It's an expensive proposition and one that cannot be funded from dances alone. We're beginning a major fundraising effort, already begun with the award of a few State and Federal grants for our architectural and archival activities.

What we do have, however, is a champion in Senator Paul Sarbanes. He has supported us during our lawsuit against the Army. We lost the suit, but during the appeal process, the judge suggested the Army and SOS enter into binding arbitration. The result of this is a contract, that the Army is close to signing, that would have them turn the property over to a third party (likely the General Services Administration) which would market the property for development. It would be a nationwide search for a developer. The neighborhood and SOS would have a say in the development and it is a pretty agreeded upon belief that the ballroom should remain open to the public for public events. So there you have it, in a nutshell.

Historywise-- It is unclear to me whether bands actually played in the ballroom when it was a girl's finishing school. Most of you probably noticed the huge speaker in the middle of the back wall on the second level. This was a Victrola speaker, which was plugged into a connection in the middle of the floor, where the turntable console sat. The sound was conducted under the floor to the speaker above. State of the art, around the early part of the century. That connection was covered by a small, metal plate, which you may have noticed while dancing. The stage was added by the Army in the 1940's, when many of the popular swing bands came to entertain the troops and convalescing soldiers. Benny Goodman played the ballroom.

Dancewise, it was good to see both Dave and Jen dancing together again. Jen has returned from Mexico and Dave is very happy about that. Of course, the big, big news was the rare sighting of John McCalla (aka Psychoboy), looking and dancing sharp as can be. I had a wonderful mini-lesson from Jim (the Dean Collins student) which I think will help me when Steve and I start digesting all of our Erik and Sylvia lesson tapes. TCO was fabulous and treated us to a reprise of "In the Mood" with the wandering horn section. My neighbors remarked that the strange acoustics of the place made them sound even better on the floor than they did on the stage.

I have to thank Frank for his impeccable timing on the jam, sending us out with just enough time for some swing outs into our sidecar/straddle/spike combination, which I think we do better than the Gap commercial. But the highlight of my evening came quite by accident, when I cut in on Buck and Erika, only to have Buck proceed to dance with us both during an entire song--transitioning from underarm turns to side-by-side-by-side Charlestons and Suzy Q's!

Pancakewise, once again, it was a typical dance party where everyone stayed way past their bedtime. We went through half of the big-ass bag of pancake mix we bought at the Price Club. And Frank cooks a lot like I do. You can't leave either one of us alone with a plain batter or mix without us doctoring it up. I started with the vanilla (bachelor hint: buy pure vanilla extract and use it in pancake batter and french toast). Frank followed up with some cinnamon. Steve cooked two-dozen eggs, making an impeccable combination of all the spare stuff we had in our refrigerator (salsa, feta cheese, etc...) You people are insatiable.

You people are also a bunch of slobs. (which means you fit right in at our house) Someone left a bag of sweaty clothes (a striped shirt and underwear!) Someone else left a towel, which is either dark pink or light red--take your pick. These will be yard sale items unless they are claimed. We made Cameron clean up the kitchen after everyone left. This may be the last time he ever visits us.

Tom and Robin also joined us for pancakes and videos. We showed them Hellzapoppin' --and in keeping with our Hellzapoppin' viewing tradition, it was officially Sunday (we're thinking of starting a new religion around this movie. Let me know if you are interested). I wanted them to see the "Watch the Birdie" part. I have visions of Robin singing this with the band. Psychoboy also wanted to see this section, as it features Dean Collins dancing with Martha Rae. Note to PB: Dean is also in Buck Privates dancing with the fabulous swivel gal. Tom and Robin also wanted to see the Lindy section. Amazingly enough, each of them could name all of the musicians.

Keep watching for future events at the ballroom. We want to have more dances and we're exploring various options and possibilities.

From: Elizabeth Weaver Engel
ewengel@apsanet.org

"THE ARMY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITSELF!" my brain screamed as we came through the "seminary" and into the magnificent but decaying Forest Glen Ballroom. What a fabulous place - it makes me sick to see the state it's in. How sad, and how unnecessary. For heaven's sake, skip buying a couple of tanks and restore Forest Glen!

The band sounded great in the ballroom, which possesses incredible acoustics! Unfortunately, I think Tom may have been experiencing some valve troubles throughout the evening. Here's hoping he's able to put the horn back in good order quickly! Julian and Robin were in fine voice, however, and the band sounded - and looked - just grand in those fine surroundings.

It was a tremendously eventful night - Carole hurt her ankle early on due to the intermittently sticky floor (not seriously, though, we think), we amazingly pulled off a jam and a Shim Sham without either Tom or Debra present (Frank ran the jam very ably, and Steve and Jim kept us all together on the Shim Sham), JOHN MCCALLA (aka Psychoboy) showed up after a VERY protracted absence (only time will tell if he's back for good, but we're all keeping our fingers crossed), and you should've seen what Steve and Sue pulled off to end the jam - but I won't steal Sue's fire! The band was convinced to play one more song at the end of the evening, and did their now-famous "circle and permeate the dancers" routine to "In the Mood."

Afterwards we went back to the Devoneys' lovely old home for pancakes, eggs, and more dancing in their spacious, wood-floored living room. Frank demonstrated his skill with a spatula and griddle, John worked with us on our swing out, and Cameron and I had a very interesting conversation about learning different styles of whips and different styles of swing outs and the inherent danger of them all mis-mashing into one glutinous mass of bad technique.

Gay and Buck managed to sell me more Dancestore.com merchandise - never a difficult task - in the form of one of the very, very cute Hell's Lindy Hoppers baby t's. LOVE it, love IT, LOVE IT! I think we're going to try to go to the Takoma Park dance on Saturday, and if we do, I'll wear it so all you ladies can check it out for potential purchase. Meanwhile, they also brought some of their first Zoot pants for the boys to try on, and they looked very groovy. I think I know what Jim will be wanting for his birthday in August

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail .house.gov

I wish a had a tape recorder of the first words out of people's mouth as they entered the Seminary's Ballroom at Forest Glen. I heard everything from "Holy @**!" to "oh my God! to this is soooooooo beautiful!!!" The entrance is so shocking because before you enter the place you walk down such a sterile hallway into the place. Thanks to Steve and Sue Devoney, 175 people got to see the beautiful ballroom.

Tom Cunningham sounded grand in that old ballroom as 175 dancers had enough space to dance. Psycho boy showed up and he danced as though he was never gone. The lovely ladies lined up to dance with him and afterwards, they lined up to learn from him.

I hope the ballroom will have more swing dances in the future because it was made for it. Thanks again to Sue and Steve for their hard work.

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Sunday June 14, 1998

We joined almost everyone else at the Art Deco exposition. This was like taking a trip to a great big department store forty years ago. The dealers had collected together a wondrous array of art, furniture and clothes --- including big men's sizes.

From: Debra Sternberg
debster@clark.net

Well, Uncle Frank, as well you know the place to see and be seen this past weekend, aside from the dance venues, was the Art Deco Expo. We had so much fun we could hardly stand it!

Jeff and Carolyn came over to my apartment and we walked across the lovely Taft Bridge into Woodley Park to the former Wardman Park Hotel. Who the hell knows what they're calling it today. The three of us stepped foot in the door and immediately went into shark-like buying frenzy. There was that delicious first moment of panic when you're looking around and you want to buy EVERYTHING YOU SEE and don't know where to start first.

I quickly refined my shopping strategy: follow Carolyn around. Now we all know that Carolyn is a real classy dame with great taste. What you might not realize is that she's a few inches taller than me and therefore a few pounds heavier. She's also long in the torso, where I am very high-waisted. So by pretending to serve as Carolyn's dressing assistant, I was actually able to be there with her when she tried on some fabulous little dress that was just a little too small! (I also tried the same strategy on Carole and it worked like a charm!) I got four dresses and some great vintage fabric for sewing some other wonderful little frock. I also picked up a couple of things for Bobby.

Everybody was there! You couldn't turn around without bumping into Dr. Woof-Woof Daniel, or Frank and Carole (of course!) or Peter or faces you recognized from the crowd at Glen Echo. I also managed to serve as Julia's dresser as she tried on some fabulous gown; quote of the day: "My nose!" It was great fun to see so many dance friends in a non-dance venue. And of course, we must now plan more non-dance social activities so I can wear all these clothes!!

Other news: PLEASE make sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming dance featuring Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. By all reports, this band is even more incredible than Indigo Swing (as if that were possible!). They'll be at the Student Union Building II ballroom at George Mason University on Wednesday, July 1, from 8 until 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, but I do have pre-sale tickets if you Just Want To Be Sure. This is a nice large room, though, and there should be plenty of room to stretch out. Let me know if you need directions (debster@clark.net). This is a Cabana Boy Production.

And lastly: we had our big meeting with the new management at America and have a contractual understanding! The Tom Cunningham Orchestra will appear at America the first and third Friday of every month, and if there's a fifth Friday will pick that up too. Check out the Dance Party page on the Tom and Debra website (www.website100.com/t omanddebra!) for specific dates. This agreement is good through September and we'll reevaluate for October. So now you know where to dance through the summer!

Hugs and kisses to all.
---Auntie Deb

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail .house.gov

At America(s) on Sunday night, Bernstein, as always, was great at spinning the CDs even though he won't play the Andrew Sisters. He played a lot of J Street Jumpers and he even talked between songs which was very unusual. Shaving off his beard has made him a different man now.

Towards the end of the night, anyone who was left on the dance floor did the lindy chorus. This is where couples line up in a line and demonstrate the dance moves as a person calls it out. I saw this in Swing Fever and Buck Privates and we didn't even come close to looking that good, but we tried. Hopefully we will try it again in the future and get better.
---Cameron Sellers

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Monday June 15, 1998

This week, We had to be on the road for a few days, so we had to (gasp..) cut back on our dancing for a bit. The high point of Monday was that Carole found a Federal Express envelope wedged in her front door. It turns out that she had tossed an entry into a contest that was being held at "Zones" --- and we won! Four days at a dude ranch in Montana, plus airfaire and spending loot. This is a great chance to get out in the Big Sky country --- but is there any Lindy Hop there?

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Tuesday June 16, 1998

We met with our new client, who is going to take us to Europe four times during the next year. Accordingly, we spent an extra large amount of time preparing for the meeting. We missed the Cunningham gig at Strathmore and Vienna Grille. The buzz is that attendance at the Grille was fairly light.

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Wednesday June 17, 1998

We spent the day in Cape May, opening our house for the season. There is a persistent rumor that Swing is going to break out in Atlantic City in a big way. So, we wanted to make sure that the house is in tip-top shape. Needless to say, a combination of El Nino and normal wear and tear gave us a full day of problem solving and fixing. BUT -- if Mr. Trump wants big band dancing, we are ready!

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Thursday June 18, 1998

We were on the road, so Sue Fedor has the floor:

From: Sue Fedor
Deevoo@aol.com

I love Blobs...from way back when, when my old drinking buddies used to go out on Saturday Polka nights. We'd down some Jagermeisters for courage (God, that stuff tastes awful--like Fletchers Castoria) and hop around like mad bunnies... 1-2-3, 1-2-3....It made me homesick for Cleveland. And at around 10 pm, they'd do the Alley Cat. I learned that line dance in kindergarten--and I still remembered it. Me and the old blue hairs, steppin' away. Then they'd do the chicken dance...and all the men who told me they couldn't or wouldn't dance would suddenly stand up and rush to the floor to make total fools of themselves.

Why is this?

Well, we were eager to check out the new swing band and I wanted to see my old haunt once again. I walked Steve over to the front bar, where we paid our respects to one of the largest Hummel Elvis collections I have ever seen. Bob Kleinpeter was there and Lizzie showed up. There were a handful of Lindy hoppers, mostly young folk. Our resident veteran dancers, David and Suzanne were there. Suzanne and I were almost dressed alike--but she wears those fancy ballroom shoes.

Mood Swings is not bad for a new band. They're better sounding than a few area bands who have been around a while and shall remain nameless in this review. But they are not perfect and have a long way to go. First of all, the drummer needs to control himself and pay attention to the beat. Second, while the band has a lot of spirit, they seem more focused on their image than on making real music. Some things really shined--Sun Valley Serenade comes to mind. But a few things were real clunkers. Before the drummer or the horns launch into solos, they need to learn the melodies--like the back of their hand. It's akin to the dancers who learn all of the aerials and cannot do a decent swing out. But as I said before, the band's spirit and energy are just the kind of thing that will make them a great band if they concentrate on polishing the details. Look for them on Monday nights in Annapolis.

We ran into several new dancers. The women seemed to line up to dance with Steve, while I wandered off with one of the young guys to teach him the basic 6-count. Not a bad evening, and Steve was home in bed by 10:30.

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Friday June 19, 1998

We went to both America and Zones, and we had a great time. We want to make special note of the benefits of hitting Zones after the more traditional places close! Think about words to "Lullaby of Broadway" and get out in the middle of the "Hi-De-Ho" and "Boop-de-boop" until the "Milkman's on his way." Both of these events have been very adequately reviewed by our readers:

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail.house.gov

While the rest of the world was watching the X-Files, the Movie, Ron and I took our time getting to Americas. When we got there, we ran into Tom and Carolyn in the parking garage. Surprised, I asked Tom why aren't you starting off the festivities. While I understood Debra wasn't there, it has not stopped him before from using Carolyn to do the first dance when Tom C. opened. Tom responded nonchalantly, "We were at Debra's wedding."

It took me a minute to register what he had said and then waited another minute for him to say, "Just kidding!" It never came. Ron and I had surprised look on our face and for the next few minutes and all we said was "I don't believe you... You're kidding... Carolyn you don't lie..."

So by now everyone knows that Aunt Deb got married to Bobby in a small wedding up in Northwest D.C. so Tom and Deb say. Doesn't anyone find this coincidental that it happened the same day, X-Files the Movie opened up. And talk about conspiracies, has anyone ever met Bobby. I have NEVER met Bobby. As far as I'm concern Bobby might as well be the invisible rabbit Harvey. Aunt Deb always talks about Harvey but I never seen him, so if Harvey doesn't exist, she never got married and I still have a chance. So Aunt Deb if you are reading this, produce Harvey or marry me.

That night was a strange night anyway. The floor was not crowded, no spike in the JAM, Kelli showed up, Godiva Chocolates opened up in the Mall, and Heather paid. What a weird night. "I know they're out there..."
---Cameron Sellers

From: Andy Wallo
wallo@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu

Greetings All! Wanted to tell you about my second Zones experience. [Considerably more enjoyable than my first Zones experience.] No, they didn't turn on the lights in the Swing room. No, we didn't get moved to a bigger floor. Yes, some of the bar tenders looked at you funny when you just asked for water....BUT!@!!! On the good side, Carla and I taught for the first time in public, We subbed in for Tom who was at America's and Deb was, {{for some strange reason, Gee}} unavailable too....-grin.

So, our first lesson went well. We conveyed some etiquette on the masses and they actually listened, cause I only got repeatedly kicked once all night, yeah I said repeatedly-once,and (believe it or not) it was by someone doing a rather refined hustle...take it to another floor bub...All the rest of the night we had nice space, and (at least while I was there) no beer on the floor. That could have been due to my rather strong instruction on the subject....but hey...I was told we were in charge while we were teaching...so we made the most.

Carla and I single handedly also improved the floor by a factor of a hundred...its amazing how a little teacher's chalk will grind a floor a new surface when you get the masses working....so we could spin after about a half hour. And Ben....Ben!!! YOU ARE THE MAN!!!! This guy had me jumpin' ALL NIGHT LONG!. Only the best, comin'from the man on the machine. Hoppin'Jive rhythms that stirred my soul. Even the fact that both Carla and I weren't in top health couldn't keep us from feeling the incessant call....... Anyway....my thanks to Tom for the Chance to fill his shoes, (I even wore a grey suit so I could be JUST like him........Oh, Tom, you can forget what we talked about...I'm sorry, my idolization stops there, I am NOT going to shave a little bald spot on the back of my head.... Later Swingers, Keep your Shoes Shined.
---Andy.

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Saturday June 20, 1998

We were joined at Talianos by Chris Cowles and his friend Nicholson, Jim and Elizabeth Engel, Peter Gehring, Julia Stewart, Eric Celarier, and Mike Mandel. Later, Tom and Robin joined us.

From: Elizabeth Engel
ewengel@apsanet.org

At Frank's recommmendation we decided to skip Glen Echo on Saturday (yes, I still feel some after-pangs of guilt) and check out the "Western Swing" at Talliano's in Takoma Park. Jim and I arrived in time to walk around the downtown area, do a little window-shopping, and practice some jump Charleston in a nearby park. Takoma Park certainly is a quaint little place, particularly so when you consider how close it is to the DC line.

The evening turned out to be quite a bargain. For $5 each, we got 3 full hours of music (and we left before the final band/final hour of music) and waitstaff who were actually nice to us - our waiter refilled our sodas without even being asked all night long, and, as the temperature in the small restaurant soared, kept us well supplied with pitchers of ice water. And we drank 'em as fast as he could lay 'em down. We may look like dancers, but actually we're camels.

Let's see: who all joined us? Chris and his young friend Nicholson, Frank and Carole, Peter, Julia, Eric, Michael and a lovely friend of his who I didn't actually meet, and later on, the Cunninghams. The dance area was small (it accomodated about 2 couples comfortably, 3 as a squeeze) and tiled, but the bands, the crowd, and the WAMA folks really seemed to enjoy us. People were asking about lessons, our shoes, and my "Hell's Lindy Hopper" baby t, so we got to do a little marketing for Dancestore.com and for Tom and Debra!

The Ornery Boys were OK - definitely local faves, but not really my cup of tea. They played standard country, and the running gag was me saying, "You could Lindy Hop to this!" and Chris, Jim, and Nicholson looking at me as if I were completely mad. However, during the first break between bands, they put on some danceable music, so Chris and I kicked off the evening's dancing with style.

The Reluctant Playboys and the Oklahoma Twisters were both really fun bands who played consistently danceable tunes, despite the fact that they were a bit different than the normal fare. We danced as much as we could, and since there were far more boys than girls, I think I danced just about every song one could dance to. I also got to dance with Eric for the first time - what a treat! I definitely am in need of remedial slot technique, however. Thanks for not pointing that out to my occasionally embarassed self, Eric!

Unfortunately, we did not get to hear the Atomic Hillbillies as the overmatched A/C system left us all pretty much wrung out by the end of the Oklahoma Twisters' set at midnight. All in all, it really was a fun evening. Thanks for steering us in the right direction Frank.
---Elizabeth

Let's see, there was a dance at Glen Echo, too:

From: Gretta Thorn:

Saturday at Glen Echo was disappointing. The band was slow and the crowd was mostly beginners (I know, the future). We did get to see the Swedes, though. I was impressed, especially by their last routine which included more lindy hop than the others. Later that night, at the start of one song, everyone formed a circle signaling that they expected a jam.... So we threw out Nina and Naomi out there and some of the rest of us followed. People seemed very reluctant to go out. I was glad, then, that the audience was mostly inexperienced, and that the Swedes were outside. Holding with tradition, about 12 of us quietly ended the night at Amphora.
---Gretta Thorn

From: Doug Pierce
tmi@access.digex.net

You two really missed a treat at Glen Echo. You were right about the band -- still not playing to the Lindy crowd. Still it was a pretty HOT time. The "SWEDES" were awesome. It wasn't just the two champs from '97 but rather a small performing troupe....they were great! They did the Big Apple.

They are having workshops this evening, but I can't go....got to take TandD's class to help pay for Carolyn's ring.

See ya.
---Doug

From: Diane L. Carroad
dcarroad@FTC.GOV

Thanks for the info. Hope you all enjoyed Takoma... will admit that I found Jen's "Dancing to Slower Music" message very much on target in your last FORUM. But then again, I'm the one who would go to almost any O'Tones dance. Diff strokes for diff folks as "they" say.

I had a wonderful time at GE (which was packed again), practicing many moves I have been learning on Sunday nites at America. The slower tempo gave me the opportunity to figure out the count, the steps, etc., and to dance with long lost pals who haven't gotten up to speed yet with lindy but appreciated the tutorials and are now determined to learn. We've learned some great routines, a few somewhat choreographed on Sunday nites at America, and you can't get them down at 200 bpm. And when I wasn't into that, I practiced some WCS which I have begun to miss. The band was ok, I like the singer very much (Leigh) tho she seemed somewhat more subdued than usual, and the jam allowed those who normally don't get out there to do their thing. Plus, I got to see Jen and Mike do their snazzy swingouts and swivel just the way I hope to do them in a year! And, the Swedes did the intro lesson which was interesting since the footwork, even for the basic swingout, is different and worth learning. And later, before the jam, they performed some great routines. Credit goes to Ellen Engle for arranging all of this -- what a pro!
---Diane

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Sunday June 21, 1998

We went to a Sunday day baseball game in Frederick -- this is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon. We were surprised to hear that Swing music (RCR, BBVD, CPD, Goodman, Basie and Shaw) was being played over the PA system. Seats right behind home plate were $10 -- but half off if you showed a Safeway Savings card. We saw an unusual game -- a couple of fantastic plays, a 420' + out-of-the-park home run and some comedy --- in the 8th, the Key's pitcher sealed their doom by first loading the bases and then walking in TWO runs. You don't see that very often. The peanuts are great, the hot dogs are so-so.

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail.house.gov

Tom and Carolyn taught the jump charleston that Eric and Sylvia taught last Spring to about a zillion people in the intermediate class. Before the class, my friend Eric came up to me and told me how hard the whip was and I told him to join the club. Naomi and Nina made their debut at America(s) to Cabana Boy's delight. Half way through the open dancing, Aunt Deb showed up without Harvey and all the lucky boys got to dance with her in honour of her marriage. Sunday at Americas had quite a crowd. Bernstein got rich that night because 20 dancers showed up for the open dancing to add to the hundred who were already there. It was quite a night.
---Cameron Sellers

From: Diane L. Carroad
dcarroad@FTC.GOV

Am in total shock -- expected you to send a flash announcement that your Auntie Deb had gotten hitched on Friday nite. Tom and Carolyn taught the Sunday America lesson which was enjoyed by all from what I could see -- S turn leading to travelling charleston into a cool jump charleston move which Tom acknowledged Carolyn had taught HIM. Debra showed up later -- and didn't seem to look any different, surprise, surprise!
---Diane

We also have two reviews in from Swing Camp Catalina 98 - was it Lindy Heaven?

From: Trish Mannetti
tmannetti@eisintl.com

Between MobTown and Catalina, in the last two weeks we have seen most of the world’s best Lindy Hoppers. 5 of the 6 World Champions were at Catalina alone. The performances and classes were all great. Catalina is a beautiful location (an island off of Los Angeles), and the ballroom is awesome (larger than Glen Echo, and much more elegant).

Swing Camp Catalina had a large (960 people at camp, with classes at 6-8 simultaneous locations, class size of up to 300; there were about 1,500 people at Saturday's dinner and dance) but manageable crowd. The emphasis is on Lindy. Both a national (250 from San Francisco, 40 50 each from Phoenix, Seattle and Chicago; only 4 of us from DC) and international (20+ from Sweden, Rhythm Hot Shots and Shout and Feel It; 20+ from Singapore, and a few from Australia) camp, the size gives Erin Stevens (the organizer) the money to have 20 world class instructors, and also to put on quite a good show. And the quality of the dancers from other areas is very humbling.

At the dances, we both liked Lavay Smith and Red Hot Skillet Lickers, although the 2 instrumentals the band does at the start of each set were a bit long. We have mixed reviews for Bill Elliott, those who like the classic big band/vocal sound (ala Artie Shaw) thought they sounded great. There were many wonderful vintage dresses and a few zoot pants or suits.

6 of us rented a house: Brian McGill, Trish, Bill, Cindy and Nancy from CA, and Aida from PA. Next year's dates are June 3-6. Renting a house is definitely the way to go cheaply, but the good ones get taken early.

From: Ron Arons
reaxprs@ix.netcom.com

The weekend was amazing. Baltimore on steroids. While there were only 110 people in Baltimore [Mobtown Weekend], there were close to 1000 taking class in Catalina and 1500 for the 'big dance' on Saturday. The Bay Area was very well represented having 500 people there, the single largest contingency. Other people came from all over, including Singapore and Australia.

The downside of being on steroids was a less intimate environment. Classes were much, much larger. In Catalina, my classes typically had 150 students.

I signed up for beginning/intermediate Lindy, the second of five levels of instruction. So...On Thursday I took two 1 1/4 hour classes and went to the dance that night. Friday I took four 1 1/4 hour classes and went to the dance that night. Saturday I took three classes and completely passed out in my hotel room in the afternoon. I needed the rest to be energized for the big dance that night. Sunday I took two classes in the morning before hopping on the ferry to the mainland. To say the least, it was grueling (although it was completely self-imposed). Most people in my class on Sunday morning were complete zombies. Took took three classes with Frankie Manning, including one on the Big Apple and one on the Shim Sham Shimmy.

Other highlights: there were two kids around the age of ten who were fabulous dancers - watch out, they'll be superstars some day. Frankie and his son danced together. Then Frankie danced with Erin Stevens, the woman to encouraged him to come out of retirement; he did an aerial with her throwing her across his back. Quite an inspiration to us all! The Rhythm Hot Shots were doing their thing again, although the woman who had the pink top (blouse) and danced with Frankie at his birthday party was wearing a huge brace around her leg. She indicated that she was not going to be doing any aerials anytime soon.

I learned a ton and had a wonderful, wonderful time. Catalina was charming: not as touristy as I expected and very easy to get around. The 'Casino' had a beautiful art deco interior with a HUGE dance floor - it truly was the perfect place to hold a dance. Have to go back next year. Have to sign up early as I was told hundreds of people were turned away this year.

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Monday June 22, 1998

From: Elizabeth Engel
ewengel@apsanet.org

Last night was a very eventful evening. It was the first time since October that Jim and I haven't been in a T&D class (and I had to fight the overwhelming urge to leave the house at 7:20, despite the fact that we were in the middle of dinner), it was the first time we'd seen Debra since the Big Event, the ballroom was hotter than the gates of hell, and of course it was Ms. Shepardson's BIRTHDAY!

We arrived towards the end of the HUGE intermediate class only to discover that they were, as usual, short on boys, and they were working on the very move we'd been wanting to practice ourselves that evening - Eric and Sylvia's take on the Jump Charleston. Apparently, Tom and Debra had the same thought we did: "Hey, that was a nice move and nobody really dances it!" Is it GREAT minds that think alike, or SMALL minds, I can never remember....? Anyway, Jim jumped in and got a nice refresher course on the very move we wanted to work on, which came in very handy.

The ballroom was packed and steamy. It was good to see a lot of the new folks hanging around for the practice dance. If any newbies are reading this, take it from me, the only way to learn this stuff is to practice and practice and practice and practice and...well, you get the idea.

Buck coordinated a nice cake, some very cute gag gifts (and the list of women with "devices" grows ever longer), and a nice long line-up dance for Gay. She mentioned wanting to dance with 40 boys for her 40th birthday. Around 32, things were looking a little sketchy - Gay was wilting in the heat and some of the boys had been through the line 3 times (hey, it was about quarter of eleven at that point). Frank had the great idea of a very long Charleston line so that she could get the last 8 in all at once. I got a couple of pictures, so some should be on the Web site soon. Meanwhile, Tom provided the last major key to our almost-ready-for-debut Flying Lindy, soon to appear in a jam near you (we hope!).

Afterwards, we went to our very first Cheesecake Factory after-nosh, which was great fun. My drooping eyes and nodding head this morning remind me why I don't do this on a regular basis. But for you, Gay, I'll even be tired at work on a Tuesday morning.

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail.house.gov

Glen Echo was too hot so I had a hard time having fun there. I met some nice people and the Swedes were fun to watch and they were helpful, nice and patient during the lesson.

After Glen Echo, I headed off to Chevy Chase for some A/C, Bernstein and Gay's birthday bash. There must have been over 100 poeple in that room so the A/C didn't help. I met a friend there from work who decided to take lesson with Tom and Deb. He loves swing dancing now because he couldn't believe how many women asked him to dance, so I have a feeling he will be around for awhile. Around 10:30, we celebrated Gay's 40th birthday. Her wish that she wanted to dance with 40 men and her wish came true.
---Cameron

From: Janice Saylor
janices@aiaa.org

I had an absolute blast with [Shout N Feel It] this weekend. They were very fun! And great talents.

I tried leading during their lesson on Saturday night. I was very impressed by the fact that they taught everyone a basic 6-count step and 6-count underarm turn. Then they immediately started teaching a basic lindy. Unfortunately for me, I had to go man the door after learning to lead the first lindy pattern. So, I can't review on the remainder of that class.

On Monday evening, I opted to take the intermediate and the styling and techniques classes. Now, most of my dance friends know that I can't remember patterns. Nor am I able to break down moves. Since learning this about myself, I've given up on the dream of dancing with "Dancers of the Third Age" when I reach the appropriate age. I just follow whatever is lead. And, I'm pretty good at following. But, if it's not a leadable move, I'm more than likely going to mess up.

Every move that the group taught on Monday night was lead! They were not choreographed moves that you had to remember. And, while the moves added a great deal of play, pizzaz and style to your dancing, all the moves were fairly easy to execute. And easy to recall! Lead, follow, play, and recall are the points that I value the most in dance classes! Oh, and I also got to do the simple, sexy, non-gymnastic lift. So, I was in heaven.

Of course, the main reason that I was in heaven was because the group was so charming, talented, helpful -- and let's be honest here -- beautiful! While two people were teaching the class, the other six members of the group were constantly working the room to help people. They stayed all night on Saturday night to dance with anyone who wanted to dance. Another quality that I admire in a person.
--Janice Saylor

From: Page Thornton
tymflyz@geocities.com

The final workshop offered by Shout'n'Feel It at Glen Echo was a real treat! We worked with five moves, all of them sexy and playful and perfect for those slow tunes. The highlight, I think, was a simple little lift which looks terrific with minimal risk (well, no slipped discs for us girls, at least). Kudos to the Swedes, who taught simply and well and were still charming after several hours worth of lessons in the dripping heat. They staged a couple of snazzy demos for us after the workshop and still had enough face power to pose for photos. Thanks to Marc and Ellen for setting this up.

From: Ellen Werther
Heartsdesi@aol.com

I knew if I waited long enough, I would have something GOOD to say about the Art Deco show and that is this: It occurred last week, and not this. That is because the Swedes were at Glen Echo Monday night giving lessons....and I took them all! Thanks so much to Ellen E. and Mark for arranging them. For the beginners' class, I took the boy's part, a humbling experience--especially when it comes to backleading. Did I ever do that? Do I ever do it now? Gracious, forgive me if I did/do.....here I am struggling to get the count and make my feet move at the same time, and these sweet young things are already dancing...and doing exactly what the instructors said to do, not what I led. "She said TWO underarm turns, you only did one!" How do you guys put up with us? I was glad to see a few really good dancers in the beginners' class...always good to get back to basics. A few more familiar faces showed up for the intermediate class, which was good. The best class was the last: breaks and styling. We learned swivels and dips and social lifts (mostly how to listen and react--play with-- the music. All to SLOW music. (See Jenny's Forum article from last week) Try being sexy when you are wondering where your next breath is coming from! All in all, I was glad to have take the classes--all three of them..Again, I was glad it was the week after the Deco Show. For those who are interested, it was not a good show from the dealers' perspective. The Marriott took over this hotel (somewhat) recently and has not (we'll be gracious) had the chance to renovate it yet. A track for a room divider ran thru my booth and around the exhibit hall. (The track was curve/ S shaped, leading me to believe the room divider must have been quite snazzy at one time) It (the track) was filled with debris from the Great War. I finally got the folks in charge to put carpeting down when I created a mental image of a lady in heels tripping into my show case. I think it was actually the picture of said lady in court that convinced them. On top of that, the ceiling leaked, gushing at times. None of this would matter had sales been great, but they were not good at all. On a brighter, less whiny note: It was good seeing so many dance folks there. I certainly hope they all had a good time. From what I could tell, they seemed happy. And so it should be!

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Tuesday June 23, 1998

We were at Vienna Grille with a BIG turnout (thanks, gang!) No birthdays, but lots of new people and we got in "Jitterbug Stroll" and "Shim Sham". Keep on coming out and bug Hutch to lead the Big Apple.

From: Ellen Werther
Heartsdesi@aol.com

It took two years of planning and promising and talking about it, but We finally got our rears in gear and made a day of thrift shopping and antiquing. On Wednesday we drove up to Frederick, hitting a number of thrift shops and antique malls. Our first stop was Ol' Glory, outside of the historic part of town. Carole wanted to show me an antique wedding dress and shoes. They were marked "Victorian" but were really circa 1930s, bias cut, etc. The dress, with my dealer's discount, was a steal! (Is anyone ELSE getting married???) but we left the shoes behind. I did find a vintage girl scout leaders uniform--in my size!--as well as a vintage baseball mitt (for my son) and a vintage monkey (I collect monkeys!). Our next stop was one of the many thrift shops that Carole knows so well. Carole found the cutest 50s dress and I a man's suit circa late 50s, early 60s. We were then off to the Salvation Army and, across the street, a place neither of us had seen before: Junktion Thrift. No vintage (but great swing-type skirts and dresses and other knick knacks) The place is right out of the East Village in the 1960s. I remember walking down St. Mark's place and being overwhelmed by the scent of Patchouli oil and incense. This place was just like that....so much so that I kept looking for the bongs and other "head" gear hmmmmmmmmm that I had hmmmmmmmmmm heard all about. Carole found a great swing dress circa 1990s and a Madras skirt, also modern. But it LOOKS tie dyed !!!!! We stopped off for lunch in a place called the Orchid, which was perfect for my vegetarian habit. Carole loved it. And we hit a few other places. All in all, a fun--and productive--day.

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Wednesday June 24, 1998

From: Matt Smiley
Windomere1@aol.com

For a graduation gift, my family shipped my friend Charles and I to New York City to take in the big-city atmosphere, see a few shows on the Great White Way, and, of course, check out the NYC dance scene. We were there Tues. and Wed. nights and as luck would have it, found two fantastic dance events.

Tuesday night we headed to a place I had heard about called Swing 46 to see a local band called The Flipped Fidoras. We had tickets to see Chicago (which, by the way, was excellent for all you theater fans), so we arrived around 10:45. The club itself was pretty cool. Lots of the cigar smoking-martini nation crowd, but it had a nice little dance floor in the back. On the whole, I would give the club two thumbs up, the band gets five stars, however the dancing was less than stellar. I was hard pressed to find anyone who could Lindy - there was lots of wild, flailing, 6-count, and Johny Swing. By the end of the night, I retired myself from the dance floor and just sat back and listened to the band. They were impressive. I would definitly recommend any gig with the Flipped Fedoras.

So the first night was okay, but I was still feeling a bit unsatisfied by the legendary New York Swing Scene. Then, to my delight, Wednesday rolled around and brought with it the most fun I've ever had. Luck smiled upon us during this trip. Quite by accident, the dates of our excusursion coincided with the inagural performance of an event called A Midsummer Night's Swing. It is a month long outdoor festival of dancing and music that takes places at the Lincoln Center. It is now in its tenth year and as I said, we were able to see this year's first performance. There was a nice stage, a good sound system, beautiful weather (luckily it cleared up after some threatening rain), and the band was great.

Frankie Manning taught the lesson and "MC"ed the whole event. The night was perfect - there were some amazing dancers there, some high speed reporters (look for coverage in NY Times and US News and World Reports), a bunch of really cool people, and again here's another example of just how lucky the evening was - out of three priza drawings, my buddy Charles and I each won something. He won tickets to an upcoming Lincoln Center show, and I won tickets to return on July 22nd to do it all over again! The odds against this happening are, needles to say staggering, so we were stunned. Anyway, I'll let you know how my next trip to the big apple goes when that happens next month. Check out Midsummer Night's Swing at the Lincoln Center and definitely check out the Flipped Fidoras if you get a chance.
Later,
Matt Smiley

From: Christopher Cowles ccowles@TIGER.rst.com

I know that I don't usually don't write a review, but then again rarely am I alone listing to a really HOT swing band (Bill Eliot Trio [This is the correct spelling he made me memorize it when I told him I was writing this up]) ...

It all happened last Wednesday, in all places Westminster Maryland (right next to middle-of-nowhere Maryland), in a nice restaurant called Johansons. I walked in dressed in my usual swing attire (Fedora, suspenders, tie, and black&white saddles on (Blyers in my bag)) and the hostess commented on my "nice looking shoes." I had arrived about an hour before the band was to go on, and so I strolled through the many different dining rooms of the restaurant (5) looking for a familiar face, or a pair of black&whites, but to no avail, so I sat down and ordered a nice, light dinner. My server was also quick to notice, and comment on my shoes. (Mental note, if this happens again you are not in a big swing dance environment)

Well, as I finished up my dinner I saw the band arrive, and I went over to say hi, and see what, if any, dance scene existed in this place. The band consisted of a Clarinetist (Bill), keyboard player, a drummer, and a vocalist. Awesome voice (could be a very close second to Robin)!

Well the band members were all very friendly. I got the history of the place, and the band. It seems that they play every Wednesday from 7:30 -11:00, and have been doing so for the past three months. They also do gigs for the Baltimore area. As for the scene they said its fairly quiet, they have a few 'kids' from the local college who come in a dance. The band said that the kids don't usually get in until 9 or so. So I sat back eager to hear what this trio was all about.

They were AWSUM!!, not TCO full big band in your face (don't get me wrong I love TCO and ALL of their music), but a Benny Goodman Quartet nice soft, but always jamming. As I sat, listening to song after song, I could imaging how it felt back in the '30s listing to Benny on the Clarinet. This band was tight, and playful at the same time. ALL their music was danceable, covering slow ballroom style songs, to some really HOT (220+ bbm) tunes. Well it was ending the first set, and I found that I was still sitting, so I looked around and finding no one to dance with (only people dining) I made a request for Goodmans Stopin' at the Savoy, and proceeded to do the Shim Sham, which I am proud to say that I know now it, including a new (for me anyway) jazz break move. As I was finishing the first 'round' of the shim sham, I heard the drummer start to accent my steps, kicking the beat at just the right places. It was a blast (Even if I was alone :-( But the best part was at the end of the Shim Sham, when we do the clap-kick ball change, the drummer was kicking along with my claps. I must say that this was the first time in a long while that I was able to 'play' with the band while dancing.

Well, I could go on forever, but I won't. All I'll say is that you HAVE to come up to Westminster and hear these guys your self. The band and managers/staff are very friendly. As it was their was only room for one couple, but if we get more people to show up, I'm sure that we can get all the room we need to show'm how the Lindy is done...
---SaxMan (aka Tall Chris)

P.S. I also did my evangelist. I passed out T&D fliers to a couple who was interested in dancing, and gave out F&C's web site to many other people.

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Thursday June 25, 1998

We have no reviews for this date.

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Friday June 26, 1998

We went to Zones, and we had a great time. We want to make special note of the benefits of hitting Zones after the more traditional places close! As we said, last week (and will continue to say: Think about words to Lullaby of Broadway and get out into the middle of the "Hi-De-Ho" and "Boop-de-boop" until the "Milkman's on his way." We had a great time and we are goingg to put a photoessay on Zones up on the website. Of note, we will be having another CONTEST. To wit, there are so many new people on the scene that we don't know them all --- yet. We took a lot of photos, but we haven't a clue as to the names of the persons in said photographs. So, check out our Zones Photoessay and "Identify the Mysterians"!

From: Elizabeth Weaver Engel
ewengel@apsanet.org

Jim and I were debating the Zones versus Peaches at the Black Cat thing, when I received an e-mail from the lovely Ms. Bamberger indicating an interest in going to Zones and a reluctance to go alone. So that decided it for us - we met Chris for dinner and then went over to Zones together, arriving a little after 9 pm. We climbed all the way to the top floor and discovered a packed room with Tom and Debra about to start the triple-triple-rock lesson. As it was a long narrow room, we volunteered to be "extra feet" further down the line. Tom joked to the crowd that we were the real teachers and he and Debra had gotten the teaching gig because they showed up first. Thanks a lot, Tom - a number of people didn't realize you were joking and kept asking us about lessons all evening. Fortunately, we set them straight and steered them in the direction of the pros (and their ever-present fliers)!

The room, while still not ideal, was certainly an improvement over the pervious locale - the dance floor is back from the door, the room itself is much larger, and the dance floor is larger as well. Although it was certainly crowded at points, we were never without space to dance. AND the bar was stocking BOTTLED WATER!!!! YEA!!!!! Now all we need is slightly better lighting - something between the usual gloom of club lighting and the harsh brightness of the "you don't have to go home but you can't stay here" fluorescents.

Early on, there weren't a whole lot of the usual suspects there; just T&D, us, Cameron, Chris, Deb Brooks, Dan Steeples, and Peter - I think I got everyone - for the first little bit. I got to dance with Peter for the first time on Friday. He's steady as a rock - now I just need to learn to keep my arms from flailing all over. I really enjoyed dancing with him. And it was great to be able to work on the more linear style swing out with him - what a smooth leader he is!

Frank and Carole showed up not too much later (and in time for the first jam). It's really fun to do jams for the just-getting-the-basic-step crowd. As Tom puts it, get the beginners off the floor, let the experienced folks have some space, and see what Lindy is really all about. (Hopefully, in the process, generating more business for the erstwhile teachers.) I jammed with Jim, I jammed with Cameron, I jammed with Jim again and Cameron cut in - it was a good time, AND Cameron did not drop me, nor did I drop him.

Some more regulars joined us later - Jeff, Carolyn, Dr. Dan, Julia, Buck, Sarah. The second jam was even better than the first, with T&D doing the death spike, despite the rather low ceiling, to the wonder and amazement of the crowd. The on-lookers seemed to enjoy our fast (but not yet T&D speed) pretzel, too. Buck and Sarah jammed for the first time, and looked terrific. FYI, Sarah has only been dancing for TWO MONTHS! By that point in my dancing, it was a banner night for me if I was able to remember the basic foot work for both the whip and the Charleston. We didn't jam until we'd been dancing for SEVEN months - she is coming along so fast I can hardly believe it!

All in all, we danced until after 2 am. By the time we left, only Buck and Sarah remained. I really think the Zones thing could be huge - we just need to get some more regulars coming, so those of us who are there don't end up dancing non-stop all night so that the spectators have something to spectate.
---Elizabeth

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail .house.gov

The Swing zone moved locations at Zones on Friday night. The promoters moved it to the top floor because the room and dance floor were bigger. After the experience with America, it's weird dealing with management who want swing to succeed. Instead of trying to kill it, Greg one of the promoters continues to try to get feedback from the dancers on how to improve the Swing Room. This explains why he has made Tom and Deb the Swing Zone Advisors. Good choice.

The only glitch with the room was the lights kept going off and I forgot heat rises. The lights would periodically go off as if it was possessed by a disco ghost. Because whenever the fluorescent lights would go off, the laser lights would go on. As for the heat being on the top floor, it was like being in a sauna. If anyone wanted to lose weight this was the place to be. These glitches were a small price to pay and worth the trade off for the extra space on the dance floor.

When I got there with my friend and her husband, the place was already packed with people ready to start Tom and Deb's free swing lesson. Roaming amongst the crowd was a reporter from USA Today interviewing dancers about the new swing craze. Many experienced dancers showed up later so the first JAM lack many participants. Frank and Carol and Jim and Elizabeth had to go out multitudes of times to keep the crowd happy. However, by the second JAM around midnight, Daniel, Julia, Peter, Sara, and Buck were there to participate.

Around 2:30, it was time to go home when the lights went out and a Van Morrison song was played. Where is Bernstein and Ben when you need them. Judging from my second outing to Zones, the Swing Room really improved.

From: Diane L. Carroad
dcarroad@FTC.GOV

Hi Frank, Well.....as far as Zones, I thought I would give it a second try after the changes. I admire the management for seeking out customer reaction, making improvements, communicating via e-mail, having a VIP list -- that is quite rare! And the concept of offering different dance music all in one place is great. Plus, I work nearby, had dinner with a friend, and by then it was around 10, so figured, why not?

However, I will admit that it is too much of a dive for me -- I prefer the bright lights, no alcohol and smoke, and wholesome feeling of a Glen Echo or Forest Glen so that was my Zones swan song. However, the floor area was bigger so it was easier to dance. Saw so many young novices there that it is good feeding ground for T&D, if you want to put it that way. And there were several old-timers hanging around when I got there, too.

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Saturday June 27, 1998

We attended the delightful wedding of Chrissy Hall and Mike Reis. A huge crowd of Lindy Hoppers were present and dressed in vintage regalia., including Peter Gehring, Julia Stewart, Eric Celarier, Liz Turner, Jenny Manlove and Mike Dugan, Mark Ormsby and Wendy Dutcher, Diane Hutson-Wiley, Beverly Bixler, Bob Kleinpeter, Ron Haron,Ellen Engle, Marc Shepanek, Sue Fedor and Steve Devoney, Gay and Dave Shepardson and Tom Koerner and Carolyn Biczel. Special mention goes to "Dr. Daniel" Fierer and his white linen "Bwana Devil" suit. Ellen Werther was there and gave her blessing to the vintage attire. Peaches O'dell provided the music with lots of style and class. The treat of the evening wa a special appearance by Marcus Koch and Barbl Kauffer, the lindy/charleston/black bottom gurus from Bavaria. There is a whole feature on Chrissy and Mike's Wedding, including a fashion review from Ellen Werther, who, by the way has a new vintage fashion website at:

http://www.cos tumegallery.com/hearts/desire

From: Janice Saylor
janices@aiaa.org

I was surprised that you were not at Reston Town Center last night. Perhaps you were are Chrissy's wedding [Editor's Note: Yep.]. Here's a review for yesterday:

The moment that I discovered that the WSDC would be having a dance on July 4th, I started conceptualizing a grand fireworks lighting display for the ballroom. Fortunately, it was prior to the big after-Christmas sales on decorations. So I packed off to Target and bought out the store.

I sought the help of our NYE balloon drop engineer, Gary Egerton. Being a conceptual person, I needed help to implement the idea. So Gary took my simple sketch, drew skematics, calculated weight, arc, and other things in equations that I couldn't possibly describe because I couldn't understand them. Bottom line: to fulfill my dream lighting display wouild take an incredible amount of time, money and effort to construct. And if it happened to fall, it would probably kill about 20 people! Since Gary won't be here on the 4th, we spent just six hours constructing an alternative design on Saturday. Although not my original design, I think it's pretty nifty. So, come on out on the 4th and see it!

I was amazed at the number of people you run into during a day at the ballroom. Besides the score or more people who came in to pick up dance flyers while they were waiting for the Puppet Theatre performances, I talked with the Cunninghams -- and of all people, the great Kenny Roesel. He came in to drop off some flyers. He tells me that he's sorry he can't make it to Buffalo Gap this year because he had so much fun last year. And Donna is bugging him to start teaching some smooth Lindy lessons.

I travelled home to remove all of the dirt and sweat that one accumlates from spending a couple hours in the ceiling at Glen Echo -- so that I could go out and get all gritting and sweaty again!

I live in Reston. So, it was only natural that I go see one of my very favorite bands, the J Street Jumpers, who were playing a free concert at the Reston Town Center. The place was packed because the Taste of Reston was also going on.

In the past, when I've attended other free concerts of my favorite bands, MAYBE I'd see one or two other dancers. Usually it was Tom and Debra (Tom's family also lives in Reston). Not so this Saturday night.

Buck, Andy, Carla, Steve, and a couple of other recruits were doing a dance performance with the band. Carla told Ed Burak and I that everything they did was unchoreagraphed. They took a look at the music, briefly talked about who would go first, etc. And then they danced to the music. They did an outstanding job and the crowd went bonkers! Jones Cable was taping for the Reston station. I'll see if I can catch it and tape it.

There were scores of new dance converts doing their best to dance around the cabling and kids. During the break, many people sat on the dance floor. The organizers were kind enough to ask those people to move off the floor for the second set so that people could dance. I had some marvelously fun dances with Ed. And some pretty good dances with a number of other youngsters. Some of them asked me for pointers about their charleston (ironic isn't it?).

The most surprising comment of the evening came from Marianna. Apparently the booking agent wasn't sure if Marianna's voice was good enough to warrant a booking. She knows now.

From: Elizabeth Weaver Engel
ewengel@apsanet.org

Glen Echo was HOT HOT HOT, and I don't just mean the temperatures. Despite a few little bobbles and sound glitches in the first couple of numbers, TCO sounded great and, once they got their groove on, jammed away all evening long, ending the evening with a special treat for those of us who were cleaning up - a smokin' jazz jam session. Robin, despite a lingering cold and a recalcitrant microphone, sounded delicious as always, and Julian was in his usual excellent voice.

Things weren't quite as nutty crowded this week - the lesson was jammed, and the doors were closed right before nine, but there was no line by 10 pm, testament both to Mike and Chrissy's wedding and to the heat, I think. Newbies - they're just not ready to lose 8 pounds in an evening! We sweated, and chugged water, and sweated, and chugged Gatorade, and sweated and toweled off, and sweated and sweated and sweated all evening long.

The jam was good fun and a bit different, with lots of the regular jammers elsewhere for the evening. It was started by the very tall Steve and his energetic lady friend Carla, and ended by the still tall Steve and the always fabulous Debra. So here's a question: how come Steve's swivels are better than mine? The boy has no hips, dammit! It just isn't fair....

Naomi and Nina, continuing their reign as the titans of the new Lindy Hoppers, won the evening's amateur dance contest, and rule as the current holders of the Lindy Cup. Chris and Trista looked mighty fine, too, dancing well in honor of Trista's 18th birthday. One of these days, we'll dance through enough of these young'uns to take that cup home ourselves!

The Shim Sham featured a rather interesting new move by Steve Cowles known only as "spritz the bystanders" (and you said it wasn't possible to sweat the whole way to the bottom of a tie!). Buck, Sarah, Steve, Carla, and Andy (and I think one other follower) showed up at Glen Echo to sweat some more after dancing for the Jumpers - and TV! - out at the Reston town center earlier in the evening. Rumor has it they'll have a tape of the live broadcast in a week or so, so be on the lookout for a showing near you. I was also able to dance with a very nice gentleman named Doug from Pittsburgh who led some very fun turns and spins! And Iver showed us a couple of very cool whip variations from the Shout and Feel It crowd - if you're interested, ask us the next time you see us.
---Elizabeth

From: Arnold Taylor
Ahnoldt@aol.com

This cookie had a really happy time at Glen Echo this past Saturday night 6/27 despite the fact that my sweetheart was at home with a bad cold. I could do nothing to help her, so she sent me off swing dancing. It was my first dance since the 17th; but let me tell you about that.

We were in California for the 6/24 wedding of our son, Tom. There was dancing after the ceremony, but all of the friends of the newlyweds were frantic loners, accustomed to fabulous (and sometimes provocative) moves; but without partners. The only swing dancers for me were: Lil, our daughters Alice and Laura, and the bride's sister, Annie. Since the most recent dance I attended before that session was at Glen Echo on the 6th, I made the most of it. I tried to teach some of the provocative movers, but they resisted even the slightest lead - with great enthusiasm and gleeful laughter, mind you, ACTING as if we were dancing together, but being very independent.

During a later three days in San Francisco with Lilian's two brothers and sisters-in-law, Lil and I only managed one dance night. None of the others were up for dancing, let alone swing. Based on an article in this Dance Forum, I tried to contact an outfit called Allegro in Emeryville across the Bay. I had called them from here well in advance to be sure they would be having a swing dance while I was in San Francisco. Yes. They would hold one on Wednesday. In tries all that Wed. afternoon and early evening all I could get was an answering machine that beeped a squeal and did not shut up so I could confirm.

The Southwest Airline promotion magazine had an article in it devoted to swing, at the end of which was a list of leads in various cities. For Washington, DC, it included Avalon, DANCERS, Phantasmagoria, Spanish Ballroom, Vienna Grille. Of the several spots listed for SF we chose what appeared to be the closest one: Hi Ball Lounge.

This genuine hole-in-the-wall place was said by folks there to be historic, the venue of lots of famous musicians - Basie comes to mind. It is located in the historic part of downtown SF amidst a plethora of Adult movie shops that advertise with heroic size neon female nudes. There also was the offer of private viewing booths (no pun intended - their wording, accurately reported) . Several places advertised the real thing. But I digress.

All the tables in the Hi Ball Lounge were filled. Folks were drinking likker and a few, off to the side, were even smoking. There were two empty chairs at the edge of the dance floor. Wonderful, I thought. If this is anything like America, I will not be jostled into buying a drink for Lilian. (Come on! It cost $5 apiece to get IN there!)

The band was hot, and at the first only two couples (who were quite good) danced - which was a good thing, because one more couple would have created orthopedic problems the way they were dancing. The floor could not have been more than 9' x 15' (smaller, I think). Anyway, I did not spend $10 to be a wallflower. Lil and I started in just about the time six other couples did, and I had to back into a few bruisers in order to keep our space. But it was fun.

After Lil called for a breather, a young gal - a beginner - asked me to dance. I coached her into some good basic 6-count and a few turns. From then on, I was kept busy. A nearby table emptied (I think they were going to go to the movies...) so we moved in. The waitress had nailed us earlier and we had to store our drinks on a ledge behind a curtain, since we had no table. It worked, but I worried about roaches back there, so it was nice to at last get a table.

The band's name was (and is) Steve Good, and Steve himself gave me a demo CD. (If anyone would like to hear it, just ask). The tempo was fast, but with the floor being so crowded, it was easy to fake frantic footwork. I had a ball! The owner came to our table and said he was happy to have new swing dancers at his place and hoped we were having a good time. He did not send any drinks. However, as we were leaving, making our way between the crowded tables, folks reached out and shook our hand, saying they enjoyed watching us (we were the only white haired persons - okay, so Lil's is gray - in the place), the owner met us at the door, gave me his card and TWO FREE ADMISSIONS for the next time!

If any of the Koerner/Sternberg bunch goes to San Francisco I would be happy to give them these tickets for the same price I paid for them: $600 airfare. JUST KIDDING! They are free. Just ask. We would be happy to share.

On Sunday 6/21 we attended worship in Grace Cathedral with some long-time friends, then took an elevator ride to the Top of The Mark Hopkins Hotel, where there is dancing on a small floor every evening. Different kinds. Monday it is Tango. Tuesday swing dance classes by Rob van Haaren and Diane Thomas. On July 7, 8, 14, and 22 the band will be LaVay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers who will be here with Auntie Deb on Wed. July 1 at the George Mason Student Union Building II Ballroom.

All in all, Lilian and I had an exhausting two weeks in SUNNY California; but it is a happy exhaustion. It is so good to be back home. And, for me, it was lots of fun to be back in the Glen Echo steam room dancing with gals who make me look fancier than I can imagine being and chatting with so many folks in such a friendly fashion.

All the best.
---Arnold

From: Diane L. Carroad
dcarroad@FTC.GOV

Speaking of which, Glen Echo was HOT in every way on Saturday night. After sweating bullets at Zones after only 3 dancces (was it A/C'd?), I figured I'd go to GE, support the TCO for an hour or so, and then maybe head up to Avalon or Balto or else (perish the thought) get some needed ZZZs. And I thought the crowd would be small. By 8:20, the magic Park Service top capacity number (640?) had hit and the place was jumping. I don't recall the actual numbers, but remember thinking that Robin sounds better than ever -- and the TCO was on fire -- the energy in that place was high and I ended up staying til the final dance. Everyone I spoke to was having a great time and ignored the heat. Am sure someone told you that the jam was spirited although neither you nor Tom were there to open it up -- and Deb did some cool maneuverings with other partners . Iver was around to teach two of us a Savoy Charleston move and some of the techniques taught by the Swedes whom I had missed. And Debra did a lot of teaching to the newcomers -- both at 8 and later on, showing Charleston steps. Bottom line: I was glad I went and stayed! So, despite the heat, folks should bring their water and towels to the GE Benefit Dance on July 18 w/ the J St. Jumpers!
-- Diane

From: Julie Sargeant
CujoSarge@aol.com

Hey,
As usual the Tom Cunningham Orchestra was phenomenal and much enjoyed...the line at the door was a little shorter than usual it seemed, but the ballroom was filled just the same. The weather was HOT, as it has been the last week or two, there was heat lightning throughout the night which lead to small showers towards the end, giving the idea that perhaps it might help to cool down the air. However, not succeeding in the least bit as far as the hot and sweaty dancers were concerned. Debra managed a pretty good jam considering a lot of the regulars seemed to be at a wedding. She also conducted a quite entertaining amateur dance contest with Steve helping out as a Vanna White double (making a very convincing one at that). Nina and Naomi won with their flashy style and humor which moved the energetic audience (I have heard from some that this is an illegal win, however, since one of the rules in the contest provides that the couple must be boy-girl and not girl-girl). [Editor's Note: Not True! -- anyone can lead and anyone can follow! No Sexism in Lindy] All-in-all it was a lovely evening and "much fun had by all"
---Julie Sargeant

From: Lian Eoyang
lianorama@hotmail.com

Glen Echo is always a good remedy for extreme swing withdrawl...everything about it gets you excited again after being away for a while (as I was--three months! ugh). Last Saturday was no exception--Tom Cunningham was wonderful, despite the sweltering air. Even with a few rain showers it was hot and humid inside the ballroom throughout the night. However, that didn't stop the usual crowd from coming--the line looked a bit shorter and quicker than usual, but none the less still there. By the time the jam came around, it was capacity as usual. A few jam regulars were disappointedly missing thanks to various weddings, so we were treated to a few new combinations of dancers. Steve and Andy kicked up quite a storm, but Nina (with her hair newly dyed) and Naomi stole the show both in the jam and the amateur cometition. Unable to submit to the temptations of home, a few of us polished off the night at Amphora devouring buckets of fries.
--Lian Eoyang

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Sunday June 28, 1998

We went to hear the Oklahoma Twisters at Glen Echo. It was a thoroughly charming and pleasant afternoon. The Twisters played their arrangement of Mel Powell's Mission to Moscow, and we really enjoyed it. We always get a kick out of their Bob Wills inspired Western Swing. These guys are really great and you should go see them wherever they are playing.

From: Elizabeth Weaver Engel
ewengel@apsanet.org

We were only able to be at Glen Echo for the first of the Twisters two sets due to the script meeting, but we enjoyed getting a chance to listen their brand of country swing and practice some of our non-Lindy moves (waltz, polka) in addition to dancing to plenty of nice fast Lindy tunes. We're almost to the point that we can waltz and polka safely with other people around us - no crashes this time! (OK, so the floor was fairly clear - it still counts!)

Trish Mannetti was there with pictures of the fabulous Catalina weekend in hand. WOW! Have you ever seen the ballroom out there? If not, ask her for the pictures next time you see her! It's a bit of a taste of what Glen Echo could be if someone would produce the money to really take care of it and fix it up. What a gorgeous setting for a swing weekend! And Bill - GREAT suit!

The Sunday afternoon tea dance music may often be a bit different from what many of us are used to, but it is still a very fun time. I really think it's important for Lindy Hoppers to make an effort to get out and dance to other types of music. One of the traditional complaints about us is that all we can do is all those crazy Charleston based moves to really fast tunes. Consider getting out and learning how to dance to slower music and showing up to support other types of swing events (rather than just going to the traditional big band dances) as your community service to the dance community, not to mention the benefits of broadening your own dance skills and your musical tastes at the same time.

The swing tea dances are a great bargain - $5, often lesser-known and/or slightly more exotic bands, but always still danceable, and plenty of room (for once) on the top-notch Spanish Ballroom floor. I believe the swing tea dances will now be taking place monthly, and you really cannot beat $5 for a live band in the Spanish Ballroom.

From: Ron Meadows
MtnMnKy@aol.com

I attended the Capital Shag Classic on June 26, 27 and 28 in Alexandria, VA. This was a very successful dance event sponsored by the Northern Virginia Shag club. The club meets every Wednesday at Blackies Springfield. This event included shag workshops by highly qualifed instructors, open dancing and an outstanding exhibition by instructors and professionals. Over 250 dancers attended representing dance clubs from as far away as Atlanta and Pittsburgh.

The highpoint of the weekend was the demonstration dances which included championship caliber shag dancing and our own Craig and Lucy and Tom and Debra. Craig and Lucy performed a Hustle while Tom and Debra demonstrated, of course, The Lindy Hop. I will not attempt to review any individual performances but, suffice it to say, the performances were on a par with The Virginia State Open or even the U.S. Open, which I had the pleasure of attending.

Certainly, worth mentioning ,was the dancing of Steve Mitchell and his partner representing the DC Hand Dancers. You have to see it believe it!!! Also, Boss Hogg and Auntie Deb received much recognition, deservedly so I might add, as many of the dancers had never seen Lindy Hop. None will forget Tom and Debras outstanding performance. Craig and Lucy were, as expected, professional.

What a great group of people. Cerainly Shag is an integral part of Swing Dancing enjoying its history and enthusiastic devotees. If you cant find a place to Lindy I would recommend it to all.

I would like to share a few observances with you on the differences between Shag and Lindy. My remarks are not intended to be serious or, for that matter, even accurate. These comparisions were instigated by Tom who greeted me with, "Jesus, there is no one here under 65 except me!" For once, I was prepared. "Yes, Tom, but the instructor with the mike is actually FUNNY!"

SHAG VERSUS LINDY
  1. Shaggers drink beer from long necks between dances (no kiddding)
  2. The Instructor with the mike was actually funny (worth repeating)
  3. Shaggers take time out from dancing to eat and attend cocktail parties called "Pours" even when the music is playing.
  4. Their Asian was bigger (Koerner's contribution) but not nearly as suave or special as ours.
  5. Shagger ladies are dry. (this is not to be construed as a complaint about our ladies who give it up for the men and sometime glow)
  6. Shagger men dance in expensive loafers with no socks.
  7. Shagger ladies wear jewelry, perfume and long expensive dresses when they dance. (why?)
  8. Shaggers dance to slow blues music.

Lots of similiarities-including wonderfull people willing to share the latest step or tecnique, ladies who will dance until they drop , even with inept leads, and lots of people who want to dance all night to any step or music.

I am sending in my application now for next year.
---Ron Meadows

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail.house.gov

The GAP ad has done more for the swing revival than all the promoting the Swedes and the various committees could do. Swing Khaki has brought swing from an underground sub culture to almost mainstream. I used to tell my non-swing friends a year ago that you could live in D.C. and never know there was a swing subculture. Not anymore and Tom and Deb's class on Sunday night proves it. Both the beginner and intermediate classes are packed with young and middle aged couples.

And after the lesson, they stuck around. The floor was really crowded as Bernstein spun the cds. It felt like a Friday night. With this many bodies, the place was hot as usual. Towards the end of the night, the men lined up to dance with Trista. It was her birthday.
---Cameron Sellers

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Monday June 29, 1998

I dropped in on Chevy Chase Ballroom to pick up my tickets to Lavay Smith. Geez! the place was absolutely packed and I hardly knew anyone. This thing is getting bigger exponentially! I had a nice chat with Randi-Sue Rimerman who was there dancing to relieve some of the stress from her upcoming wedding on July 4. I also spent about 20 minutes with Frank the Magician talking about New York, and particularly the New Morty Show who is going to be down here on July 20. These guys are FANTASTIC. I also had a long chat with Jim "The Guy Who Studied With Dean Collins" Kranyak about historical video and the Dean Collins style. The stunning news of the night was that MAXIE DORF IS STILL ALIVE. For those of you who don't know, Maxie was the fastest dancer who ever hit the floor. He could transition smoothly from Savoy Lindy to Collins Lindy to Balboa and never missed a step even at speeds of over 330bpm. Apparently, Maxie was also a Dealer at Las Vegas --- what a character! He is supposed to be somewhat reclusive, but we're going to try REAL HARD to get an interview with him.

Later, Jim sent me this:

From: James Kranyak
Jim_Kranyak@classic.msn .com

The skinny girl dancing with Dean Collins in "Buck Privates" who does the nasty swivels/switches is his longtime partner and girlfriend, Jewel McGowen (I'm not sure if the spelling is correct). She also dances with him in the Jerry Lewis movie "Living It Up".

From: Cameron Sellers
Cameron.Sellers@mail.house.gov

Heather and I arrived at Chevy Chase Monday night for open dancing only to encounter a line. When I finally got to the door, I expected I got the date and time wrong for Lavay Smith and thought she might be here only to find out that it was only Bernstein. Most of the people in line were from the beginner class, patiently waiting for the open dancing. Bernstein still played a great set of tunes that would make any purist drool. Along with all those bodies was the heat. No Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers needed here. Dance a few tunes and lose a couple of pounds.
---Cameron Sellers

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Tuesday June 30, 1998

We were NOT at Vienna Grille. We were putting the final touches on the Script. As you may have heard, a college buddy of mine called me about a month ago and said "Do you have a script for a movie on Lindy Hop?" Mom didn't raise me to be a dummy so I said "Yes". In order to get the thing finished in a month, We invited a committee of dancers to work with us on a fully equal basis. This was sort of like giving birth to a baby in one month by using nine mothers. In fact, the script turned out much better than I could have ever imagined. The crew, composed of Jeff Booth, Chris Cowles, Steve Cowles, Elizabeth Engel, Jim Engel, Christy Etcher, Gay Shepardson, Buck Smolow, Eric Thornett, Andy Wallo did a first rate job of creating a workable script.

They also did a fine job of preventing me from over-intellectualizing. They took out my homages to Alexander Nevsky (Lindy Hoppers slowly dancing down a giant staircase), the Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang ("How do you live? I Lindy..."). They also removed some of my unnecessary characters (a talking dog) as well as some expensive special effects (the view from a bee's eye as he flies among the dancers).

Entitled Lindy Hoppin', this a dance and musical film of approximately 100 minutes duration. There are three major subplots:

  • Romance: Poor boy finally chooses between poor girl and rich girl
  • Redemption: A Lad rises from the depths of Grunge into the bright lights of Swing
  • Success: A lovable rogue, builds a business around the Swing lifestyle

According to our sales pitch: "The very thin plot is an excuse to show a lot of attractive, verbal, and gregarious kids doing Lindy Hop --- the 'Gap Commercial' dance --- with visually interesting gymnastic throws, flips, slides and dips. We showcase the best in contemporary and classic swing music in a soundtrack that might go platinum. We illustrate the very best of vintage clothes from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. The target audience is ages 18 - 24, people who will see the film several times to hear the music and learn all about the catchy slang, outrageous dance steps, and the ultra-chic retro look."

The script is in --- but any of you out there who know OTHER producers should talk to us. There is nothing like a little free-market competition. Lord knows, we need the money --- I've been feeding this gang for a month. Steve Cowles alone eats more than Bangladesh.

From: Sue Fedor
Deevoo@aol.com

Frank? Where were you? Because of your absence, there was no jitterbug stroll. There was, however, newlyweds and a birthday. Chrissy and Mike were there and Gator played a nice tune for them. Erika Rubel had a birthday and her line up took two songs to complete. It was a rare appearance for my husband, Steve, much to the delight of many of the women there--finally, some dance parity.

Iver rose to the occasion with that drop that Frank and Carole have been doing lately and a new lift for slower music. In exchange, Steve taught him the "John Hudson Drop." Then, Gator put on "Jeep Jockey Jump" and Steve and I attempted to recreate last year's winning VSO routine. Even done poorly, it managed to elicit the attention of the bar crowd. Spanking will do that.

Gator's song list for the VSO is out and I'm nonplussed. Is there still time to lobby for better tunes?

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