SWING NOTES (April 7, 2006)

[Jim Travers]

Hi Swing Friends,

Swing has sprung,
The grass is green,
It's time for twirls,
And dips and leans.

OR...

Swing has sprung,
The grass is riz',
Here is where,
Your swing news is.

OR...

Maybe I should keep away from the pathetic poetry and just torture you
with swing info.
-------------------------
To the dismay of many and delight of few, SWING NOTES are back
once again to clutter up your junk mail folder. As usual, there's lots
going on in the Swing world and here are the highlights for the next
couple of weeks. (Remember, if you're interested in attending any
dances, classes, or workshops, consider posting your interest to the
group and see if others would like to join you.)

1) SWING CITY:
After 7 years, Swing City ended its run at the Cambridge VFW with a
wild night of dancing and swing jams last Friday. The Love Dogs kept
the place packed and swingin' until 1 AM. Swing City will be reopening
at its new home at the Bishop MacKenzie Center in Newton on April 21.
The MacKenzie Center is a large, air conditioned facility close to
numerous restaurants and bars. It's a short walk to the D branch of the
Green Line and has a large parking lot. We could see Swing City back in
Cambridge in a few years when the City of Cambridge completes
renovations and expansion of the VFW. Current plans include building a
new, large, dance floor.
For directions to the MacKenzie Center, located at 1337 Centre
Street, Newton Centre, MA; here's the link:
http://www.wannadance.com/ .

2) WHERE TO DANCE:
There'll be no swingin' at Swing City for a couple more weeks, but
that's no reason to put your dance shoes in the closet and glue your
eyeballs to the TV. There's still lots of dancing to be done.

FRIDAY 4/7:
Here's 2 alternatives to Swing City this Friday.
A-- Swing dance at the German Club in Pawtucket, RI with Roger Ceresi's
All Starz. Nice venue, great band, 1 hour from Cambridge.
http://salsrbclub.com/the_club_003.htm .
B-- Learn to Blues Dance at the "It's All Blues" dance at the Watertown
VFW. Lesson included with Ogden and Amanda from the "It's All Swing"
studios. http://www.itsallswing.com/blues/ItsAllBluesWeekend.htm .

SATURDAY 4/8:
The always popular Watertown Dance features the most popular swing
band in New England this Saturday. (My sources say vocalist Megan and
drummer David will soon be leaving Eight to the Bar. This weekend may
be their final performances. I've heard great reviews about their
potential replacements). Get there early. It will be packed.
http://www.bostonswingdance.com/schedule.html .

SUNDAY 4/9:
If you missed Eight to the Bar Saturday night, you can catch them
Sunday at the Leominster Swing Dance. This is a really nice venue and
(obviously) they get some great bands there too. Lesson included.
http://dance2swing.com/danceschedule2.html .

MONDAY 4/10:
Monday Night Practice with "5 Guys Named Mike" in Cambridge.
http://jera.pair.com/~mjonas/ .

WEDNESDAY 4/12:
FREE Swing dance at MIT. This week's location is the Lobdell
Cafeteria (back entrance) on the 2nd floor of the student center.
Probably no lesson this week. http://mit.edu/swing/index.html .

FRIDAY 4/14:
Here are 2 more Friday night alternatives to Swing City:
A-- Swing dance at the Peanut Butter Eggstravaganza in Pawtucket, RI.
Lesson included. http://www.providenceswings.com/pdf/eggstravaganza.pdf
.
B-- Expand your horizons. Learn a little Salsa and Night Club 2 Step.
NC2 Step is a nice way to actually dance to those slow songs instead of
hanging on to your partner and just swaying back and forth. Over 2
hours of dancing plus 2 hours of lessons for $10. In Arlington.
http://www.danceboston.com/fridays.html .

SATURDAY 4/15
A-- The Love Dogs 12th Anniversary Party at Johnny D's in Somerville.
http://www.johnnyds.com/ .
B-- Swing dance with The Red Riders in Worcester. Lesson included.
http://dance2swing.com/danceschedule2.html .

SUNDAY 4/16:
There's no band at the Leominster Swing Dance this week, but DJ Alan
Hep 2 the Jive will be spinning great tunes at this week's "Doo Wop Sha
Bop Sock Hop." http://dance2swing.com/danceschedule2.html .

MONDAY 4/17:
Monday Night Practice with "5 Guys Named Mike" in Cambridge.
http://jera.pair.com/~mjonas/

WEDNESDAY 4/19:
FREE Swing dance at MIT. This week's location is the Lobdell Cafeteria
(back entrance) on the 2nd floor of the student center. Probably no
lesson this week. http://mit.edu/swing/index.html .

3) DANCE LESSONS:
A-- Gotta Dance: (Cambridge) No Lessons. Ken Kreshtool is on
sabbatical, scouring the earth for new and exciting swing and lindy hop
steps to teach us when he returns in September.
B-- Hop to the Beat: (Newton) Tony and Aurelie's next session of swing
and lindy hop classes begins April 30. We'll have more info in the next
SWING NOTES. In the mean time, if you are reasonably comfortable with 6
count swing and have some familiarity with the 8 count lindy swingout
and lindy circle, think about taking their "Flashy Moves for Swing
Dancing" class. They teach some dips and jumps that are a lot of fun. I
took it last year and I'm looking forward to some exciting new steps
this year. http://www.hoptothebeat.com/classes.html .
C-- It's All Swing: (Watertown) The 4 week Lindy Hop sessions usually
start the 1st Wednesday of each month. We'll have more info in the next
SWING NOTES. http://www.itsallswing.com/ .

4) WORKSHOPS:
Ryan & Jenny Workshop. Brought to us by Hop to the Beat. Sat 4/22 &
Sun 4/23. Cambridge. Early registration discount deadline is Wednesday,
April 12, 2006.
This is a chance to learn some Lindy Hop from 2 of the best in the
world. I've taken classes with them and highly recommend them. If
you've started learning Lindy, you'll like the workshop. If you've
never tried Lindy Hop, Workshop A (Fundamentals) will be a nice
introduction.
http://www.hoptothebeat.com/workshops.html#ryan_jenny

5) COMING UP:
FRIDAY, APRIL 21: SPRING FLING Dinner/Dance to benefit The Bridge of
Central Mass. Beechwood Hotel, Worcester, MA. Good food, good music,
good dancing, great cause. http://dance2swing.com/danceschedule2.html
.
FRIDAY, APRIL 21: Grand opening of Swing City in its new home at the
MacKenzie Center in Newton.

6) NEW MEMBERS:
Let's all welcome the following new members to the Learnin' 2 Swing
group: Julie B, Susan D, Meghan P, Sarah R, Harvey N, B Ellis, Karl A,
Jennifer M, Peter S, Denise H, Sara A, Jim L, Gregory C, Myron F,
Nathaniel Z, Sharon O, Dorothy F, Macrina R, Cari K, Stephanie V,
Randy, Babu 6, LF Meenan, Jose D, John C, Beth M, and Emily C .

7) AUSSIE WORD OF THE WEEK:
And now, back by an overwhelmingly popular demand, is our Australian
Word Of The Week. (If you have no idea what this is about, I've pasted
the explanation from the Feb 14 edition of SWING NOTES at the bottom of
this page.)
STUBBIE: A small bottle of beer.
MIDDIE: A 10oz glass of beer.
TINNIE: A can of beer.
So, if your matey asks for a sip of your stubbie (or middie or
tinnie), don't be offended. Just pass him your Budweiser (or perhaps
your Foster's would be more appropriate).
Finally, should anyone have the pleasure of bumping into the
lovely Ms. N. (our inspiration for Aussie Word Of The Week) on any of
the local dance floors, be sure to wish her a "G'day Matey"!

Well, winter is gone and spring is for swingin', so I hope to see
you all soon on the dance floors.

Thanks,
Jim Travers

COPY OF "AUSSIE WORD OF THE WEEK" FROM 2/14/06
Since I began swing dancing 18 months ago, I've had the pleasure of
meeting and dancing with countless wonderful, friendly, interesting
people from all over this country and around the world. None, however,
are quite so intriguing as the Australians. The Aussies, you see,
purport to speak English, but don't let yourself be fooled. When
speaking to an Aussie for any length of time, you'll find they
invariaby revert to an incomprehensible, slang filled, distant cousin
of what we know as the English language.
So, in an effort to improve dance floor communication and harmony
between Americans and our friends from the bottom of the globe, I offer
my 1st (and maybe last) Aussie words of the week.
1--Buckleys: No chance at all.
If an Aussie says you've got "Buckley's" when you ask for a dance,
it's time to move on to someone else.
2--Tucker: Food.
If she wants some good "tucker", take her out to dinner.
3--Splosh: Money.
If you've got no "splosh", she'll be buying her own dinner, and
maybe yours too. (Of course, at that point, you'd have Buckley's chance
of getting another date with her.)
I'm sure it would take quite a long time to become fluent in this
bizarre dialect. I'll give it a shot though, because, despite the
enormous language barrier, I've always found the Aussies to be lovely,
intelligent people, and great dance partners too!
OK, that's enough "farnakeling" for me today!

[Mary Caldwell]

I'm hoping to go to Watertown  Saturday night  to hear Eight to the  Bar once again.  They truly are great!  Hope to see many familiar (and even not so familiar) faces  there.

And Jim, please  don’t stop amusing us  with your  little ditties.  I love stuff like  that.

Mary C.

[Jenny Gutbezahl]

Count me in as one of the delighted. Thanks so much for keeping us all informed, Jim.  I was afraid I'd miss my swing fix tonight.

Q: Is anyone heading to RI tonight who can give me a lift?  If not, I'll be at the Watertown VFW (which is bikable for me - sadly Pawtucket is not).

Jenny

[Mike Sasso]

   Thanks to Jim for resuming the Swing Notes.

 

   In addition to all the events Jim listed, it looks like the Brown Swing Club is hosting a weekend workshop April 15-16 with David Rehm and Kate Hedin, in combination with a dance April 15 featuring Swing Legacy.

http://students.brown.edu/swing/index.html

 

   Also, a reminder for anyone who’ll be at the dance in Watertown tomorrow (April 8) and wants a chance to meet and greet other L2S members: As soon as the band’s first set ends, gather in front of the center of the stage for a few minutes to say Hello.

 

Mike Sasso

[Ken Kreshtool]

I attended the Lindy day of a Lindy+Balboa weekend workshop run by David Rehm (solo) recently. He teaches "Dean Collins" style (Saul Cohen style, I'm going to start saying: that was Dean Collins' real name). Lively and informative workshop. Just be warned that he tends to go through stuff quite fast. The Saul Cohen style of Lindy is especially popular in the Washington, DC, area for some reason. It has an interestingly different emphasis in its timing and technique and is well worth adding to one's repertoire. The swivels and footwork that the women learn are quite cool. And in the later classes of the day, he tends to cover slips & slides for the men, so be sure to bring at least one pair of slippery shoes if you go. (You might say that Saul Cohen style Lindy is more slippery-footed, whereas the more common Savoy style is more sticky-footed, especially for the men.)

- Ken Kreshtool

[Rebecca Wilson]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for all the great information. I was interested to see the
reference to the blues dance thing. Unfortunately, I didn't check it
out until today only to find out it was a one time thing. I couldn't
get any information off their web site about any other blues dance
lessons. Do you know of any?

Rebecca

[James Devine]

"Its All Swing" has 3 lessons on Wed. nights that run from
7:00-10:00...usually, the intermediate or the advanced lesson will offer a
blues series...I'm not too sure what their weekly lesson schedule looks like
now but I bet Ogden and Amanda could help out...Are you going to the
Watertown dance? I'm sure they'll be there...

[kamu...@eink.com]

Hello -- this is Karl, new to your group. First of all, thank Jim for
putting this together!
I attended the Blues Dance last night at the Watertown VFW. My best
understanding is that this was a one-time event, but the organizers
have an interest in having more blues dances, perhaps on an
"irregular regular" basis, and they are considering Saturday nights.
I will be monitoring www.itsallswing.com for updates.
- Karl

[Rebecca Wilson]

Thanks, Karl. I'd love to know if there's another one.

Rebecca

[Rebecca Wilson]

I couldn't find an email address for them, but I did sign up for news.
I'm not going to the Watertown dance, unfortunately. Thanks for the
information.

[kamu...@eink.com]

The web site for "It's all Swing" is www.itsallswing.com. There, you can
find information on dances and classes.
- Karl

[Andy Schweitzer]

I went to the blues dance last night, it was AWESOME. There was a 8
o'clock lesson which was soooo good. Blues dancing seems really really
simple with loads of connection. There's fewer move patterns but more
leading and following than swing. Can't wait to do it again.

[Jim Travers]

Hi Swing Friends,

RE: Blues Dancing;
Beginner blues dancing classes can be found only sporadically now in
the Boston area. Tony and Aurelie Tye (Hop to the Beat) are in the
final week now of a 6 week blues dancing class. (I'm taking the class
and highly recommend it.)
Ogden and Amanda, who hosted last night's blues dance at the
Watertown VFW, taught a free 4 week blues class at MIT last fall (open
to the public). They are 2 of the more prominent blues dancers/blues
instructors in the area. They've been teaching lindy hop and blues at
It's All Swing for a few years now and recently started their own
studio, "independently Blue Studios" ( www.ibluestudios.org ).
I don't know of any upcoming scheduled blues dance classes in the
area right now. With the growing popularity of blues dancing and the
emergence of the new "independently Blue Studios", I don't think it
will be long before we see more beginner blues classes being offered.
I'll keep my eyes open and let you all know in the "Dance Lessons"
section of SWING NOTES.
In the off chance that there were enough people from the Learnin' 2
Swing group (and their friends, etc) interested in learning blues
dancing, I don't think it would be hard for us to get a class started.
If anyone wants to find out how much interest there would be, click
"Start a New Topic" on our home page (
www.google.com/group/Learnin2Swing ) and title it "Who Wants to Learn
Blues Dancing?". We'll see how many replies we get.

Jim Travers

[Jim Travers]

Hi Swing Friends

Two quick updates to my last SWING NOTES column:

1--There will be free lessons at the free MIT Swing Dance the next 2
Wednesday evenings. On Wednesdays, April 12 & 19, "Lauren and Kevin
will teach a two-week beginner Balboa class. Balboa, or "Bal", is a
type of swing originally inspired by small crowded dance spaces, and
frequently (but not necessarily) danced to fast music."

"This class is open to everyone, from complete beginners who have never
danced any swing to anyone wanting to review and refresh their Balboa
steps."

Dances and dance classes at MIT are open to the public. Balboa is a
dance which is growing in popularity, often seen at some local swing
dances.

For more information and links to the MIT Swing Dance, see my April 7
SWING NOTES.

2-- With Swing City on the move, here's another option for this Friday
night:
There's a FREE Swing Dance Friday, April 14, at the East Sandwich
Grange Hall, 91 Old County Road, East Sandwich, MA (Cape Cod). The
dance is being organized by Steve (big friendly guy, good dancer, at
every local swing dance). Lesson 7:30 - 8:30. Dancing 'till 11:30.

For more information on what else is happening this Friday and the rest
of the week, see my April 7 SWING NOTES.

Keep Swingin',
Jim Travers

[James Devine]

Hi Jim, are you thinking of heading down to East Sandwich?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Travers" <Jimtr...@gmail.com>
To: "Learnin' 2 Swing" <Learni...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 11:15 PM
Subject: Re: SWING NOTES (April 7, 2006)

>

[Mary Caldwell]

Thanks, Jim.  Appreciate your keeping us in the loop, as always.
Mary C.

[Rebecca Wilson]

I've never been to the MIT swing dance, but I'm interested in the Balboa
lessons. Can someone give me directions to wherever it is?

Mike, thanks for the great story about the 89 year old woman and for
dancing with her. I hope someone does the same for me when I'm that
age, because I definitely plan to be dancing.

Rebecca

-----Original Message-----
From: Learni...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:Learni...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Jim Travers
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 11:15 PM
To: Learnin' 2 Swing
Subject: Re: SWING NOTES (April 7, 2006)

[Heidi]

Tonight's class and practice are in the Lobdell cafeteria, second
floor. This is MIT building #20. To get there via public
transportation, take the green line to Hynes/ICA. Change there for the
#1 bus towards Cambridge (or find the #1 bus from anywhere else along
its route). Get off at the 77 Mass Ave/MIT stop. The building is
directly across Mass Ave from where you'll get off the bus. Inside the
building, take the stairs to the second floor. The room will be behind
you and to your left when you're at the top of the stairs.

If you're driving, all I can tell you is go to 77 Mass Ave and look for
parking. I don't know the exact address of the building we'll be in. I
also don't have any information about parking, other than it's tough to
find a spot so public transit is better.

[Rebecca Wilson]

Thanks, Heidi.

-----Original Message-----
From: Learni...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:Learni...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Heidi
Sent: Tuesday, April 11, 2006 7:51 AM
To: Learnin' 2 Swing
Subject: Re: SWING NOTES (April 7, 2006)

[Erica L. Gralla]

A few more notes on getting to MIT (from an MIT student)...

Take public transport if possible (you can also take the red line to Kendall
or Central and walk -- just walk down Mass Ave from Central, but from
Kendall check a map).

If you want to drive, there are a few options. You can often find spots at
night on Vassar St, especially west of Mass Ave. There's also a parking
garage and a lot, and if the gate is up, you can just park there. I've done
it many times, and I've never heard of anyone getting ticketed. Then walk
back out to Mass Ave and follow the directions below... or ask someone where
Lobdell cafeteria is.

And, finally, a helpful map of MIT...

http://whereis.mit.edu/map-jpg

[Rebecca Wilson]

Hi,

What time are the Balboa lesssons tonight?

Rebecca

[Heidi]

Class starts at 7:30. Information and schedules for MIT Wednesday
nights can be found at http://mit.edu/swing.

[Rebecca Wilson]

Thanks,Heidi.

-----Original Message-----
From: Learni...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:Learni...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Heidi
Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 4:08 PM
To: Learnin' 2 Swing

Subject: Re: Getting to MIT

[Jim Travers]

Hi Swing Friends,

MIT DANCEATHON 2006 will take place tomorrow from 1:00 to 9:00 PM
to benefit Boston Children's Hospital. $5 fee (additional donations
welcomed). Location: Johnson Rink and Athletics Center (no ice or
skating during the event). Here's a link for the location:
http://whereis.mit.edu/map-jpg?mapterms=johnson&mapsearch=go .
There will be: "dance performances, dance lessons, dance
competitions, ping pong tournaments, free food, a capella performaces,
juggling lessons, the sharing of personal experiences, and much more."
Free food from "Bertuccis, Toscannini's, Anna's, Papa Johns, Boloco and
more!" "Over $2000 in prizes!" "Beginner Lindy Hop lesson from 6:30 pm
(sharp!) to 7:00 pm."
It sounds like a lot of fun for a very worthy cause. Here's a link
to more info: http://web.mit.edu/zbt/dm/about.htm .

Jim Travers

[Amber Conley]

FYI - local festival with many great bands.....including The Soul Band, The Racky Thomas Band and Luther Guitar Jr Johnson

 

 

http://www.waterworksboston.com/blue.html