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Swing Time Newsletter — Friday JULY 29th 2011

Next Friday AUG 5th is Swing Time's Blast-from-the-Past SOCK HOP featuring THE IMPACS live at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom!  Now, we've been having a lot of fun showing you photos, news clips, and details from the band's rich history, and we've only scratched the surface!  (See below for more news articles, one featuring the band at Gulfport Casino, itself, in 1962!)  Interestingly enough, I knew nothing of the band's piece of Rock'n'Roll history when I booked them.... Their music spoke for itself.  I was out on St. Pete Beach late last summer, when from far off in the distance, the sweet sounds of dance music hit my ears.  First was a blues song, "She's gone, but I don't worry, I'm sittin' on top of the world..."; Next was Mustang Sally; Runaround Sue; There were uptempo swingin' rock-&-rollers, mid-tempo, down-tempo; you name it, this band played it and played it well!  After I followed the music to its source, out on the deck of "The Wharf" restaurant were musicians from a band called The Impacs ...and the rest is history!  I know you'll enjoy this band!  Oh, and don't forget to dress up 1950's-style for next Friday's Sock Hop!  --Sam


Swing Time!

LINDY HOPPERS OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA SWING SENSATION DANCE CRUISE ...Daily Classes ...Nightly Dances ...World-Class Instructors include champions, Minn Vo & Angel Jenkins! ...Super Crew of Lindy Hoppers from CA & FL!  Get your deposit in by August 1st (refundable through October) to reserve your spot and receive the best possible rate.  January 15th-22nd 2012, the 2012 Sea Swing Sensation, a 7-day Caribbean swing-dance cruise, sails out of Tampa with stops in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize, & Isla Roatan!  Join an expected 100-200+ swing dancers and lindy hoppers from California, Florida, and elsewhere for the cruising and dancing experience of a lifetime!  While most cruises billed as "dance cruises" are geared toward ballroom dancing and have maybe a few dozen dancers among a boatload full of non-dancers, this cruise is a lot different, just like the last one Swing Time took part in for Frankie Manning's 89th Birthday party ...and let me tell you, that one was a blast!  The Sea Swing Sensation is an annual cruise put together by Lindy Hoppers from California, and in the past it has left from California and attracted 75 to 240 dancers.  This year, it leaves from (and returns to) the port of Tampa, Florida!  So not only do we get to depart from our hometown, but we get to join a fun group of avid swing dancers and lindy hoppers from California.  Check out the cruise and sign up at www.SeaSwingSensation.net.

Next Wednesday AUG 3rd, join us at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night for CHARLESTON Lessons 6-7pm -- Add 100+ exciting Charleston moves & styles to your swing dancing! (Wednesdays in August)  ...Then it's Swing Dance Lesson 7-8pm, followed by Swing Music & Dancing 8-11pm SCHOOL'S OUT FOR THE SUMMER Special...  Attention Students!  Show your school ID when you buy your ticket, and receive a Free Pass good for any upcoming Wednesday Swing Night!  Admission is just $7, which includes both lessons, dancing, and great all-around fun for all ages!  No partner is needed.  (details below)

Wednesdays in August: CHARLESTON Lessons 6-7pm at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night!  Learn:

Tomorrow -- Saturday July 30th -- is Ken Walters' 14th Annual CELEBRATE SINATRA!  One of Tampa Bay's premier parties, this black-tie optional affair happens at the Ritz Ybor, 1503 East 7th Avenue in Tampa.  (See Jim Webb's Video #1 and Video #2 from Last Year's Celebrate Sinatra!)  Celebrate the life and music of Frank Sinatra with dancing to the sounds of Tom Tiratto and the 16-piece Kym Purling Orchestra.  In addition, Lisa Casalino and Paul Phillips perform with the Latin Lovers in the Copa Room.  The event runs 8pm-1am and features passed hors d'oeuvres by Bernini, complimentary signature vodka martinis the first hour, a cash bar, and valet parking.  Celebrate Sinatra recreates an era of style and sophistication.  Join Swing Time and a who's who list of Tampa Bay personalities for this grand celebration!  Admission is $60 and is available online until 4pm Saturday, or at the door.  Visit www.CelebrateSinatra.com or phone 813-251-0500 for tickets or more information.



Friday,  August 5th,  2011
Swing Time!  SOCK HOP -- BLAST FROM THE PAST
featuring Original Rock'n'Roll Stars...
THE IMPACS!
LIVE at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom

Swing Time!

Original Rock'n'Roll stars, THE IMPACS, formed in 1961 and rocked the USA from Florida to California!  In addition to their own hits, The Impacs became well known for their faithful renditions of other artists hits... so much so that The Impacs backed the great hit-makers of 1957-1964 as part of that famous traveling roadshow, Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars!  Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Roy Orbison, Jan & Dean, The Coasters, Ray Stevens, The Everly Brothers, and many more... when these artists came to Florida, The Impacs were their band!  The Impacs recorded three albums and 13 singles on Dick Clark's Cameo/Parkway Records, King Records, and two of their own labels.  Now celebrating their 50th Anniversary, The Impacs return to the same Gulfport Casino where they played teen hops in the early 60's to capacity crowds!  Get ready to rock and roll!

Doors Open 7:30pm
Swing Dance Lesson 8-9pm (no partner needed)
Live Music & Dancing 9:00pm-12:30am
1950's ATTIRE ENCOURAGED!
Hula Hoop Contest at Band Intermission
Admission $12; buy tickets at the Door
Prize Giveaways
All Ages Welcome!

The Gulfport Casino Ballroom is one of the world's top dance destinations, offering social dance excitement in a picturesque beachfront setting.  It features a huge dance floor, a full bar, and a smoke-free atmosphere.  It's located in the St. Petersburg, Florida area at 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport FL 33707.  For more info, phone 813-840-3715, visit www.SwingTime.info, or see the following links:

Lesson     Map/Directions     Parking


Swing Time!

 


Gulfport Casino Swing Night -- Please Enable Images in Your Email program

GULFPORT CASINO SWINGS! -- Every WEDNESDAY

Every Wednesday in AUGUST 2011, the 6pm Bonus Lesson topic is Charleston
Bonus Lessons are yours FREE! ...with paid admission to the event.

Bonus Lesson 6-7pm
Swing Dance Lesson 7-8pm
Swing Music & Dance 8-11pm

*  All Ages  *  No Partner Needed  *
Huge Dance Floor -- One of World's Best!
Beautiful Retro-Era Waterfront Dance Hall

Admission $7 (includes 2 Free Lessons!)
Students get 2-for-1 Admission!

Full Bar  ~  Prize Giveaways  ~  Smoke-Free  ~  Free Parking
Celebrate Your Birthday at the Gulfport Casino Swing Night!

The Gulfport Casino is one of the world's best ballrooms, offering up social dance excitement in a picturesque beachfront setting.

Map & Directions     Dance Lessons     More Info


UPCOMING SWING TIME EVENTS
Mark your calendars... + watch this schedule as it's updated in the upcoming weeks!

   EVERY WEDNESDAY: Gulfport Casino Swing Night!

Aug  5, 2011 (Fri): Swing Time! LIVE at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom
                     SOCK HOP... BLAST FROM THE PAST! 
                    featuring  The Impacs
                    Original Rock'n'Roll Stars!

Sep  2, 2011 (Fri): Swing Time! LIVE at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom
                    11TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
                    featuring  The Venturas
                    + Jack & Jill Dance Contest w/ $100 Cash 1st Prize!

Oct  7, 2011 (Fri): Swing Time! at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom   (stay tuned for details)

Nov  4, 2010 (Fri): Swing Time! LIVE at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom
                    1940's USO SWING DANCE
                    featuring  The Ten O'Clock Band
                    Florida's Leading 18-Piece Big Band!


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