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Recent Melbourne Group E-mail - 1st September

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Swingtime in the Springtime               1 September 2010


The whole point for the original lindy hoppers was dancing to live music. The musicians could dance; the dancers were also musicians.

This Thursday MOJO (Monash Jazz Orchestra) is playing the social night at North Melbourne. Given all the fuss in Melbourne of late regarding music venues, licensing, and the severe reduction in work for bands, reduced opportunity to see bands - when Melbourne used to be the jewel in the crown for live music venues – it's great that we can support upcoming musicians and get them in, to give us some LIVE MUSIC to swing out to.

Back in the day you could go and see at least 3 big bands weekly in Melbourne, but venues and times change and now that is long gone. Yes, there are a few jazz combos around, but few and far between that can function as a faux dance band.

Even more opportunities to dance to live music follow on after Thursday - get your happy feet to the B# Big Band at the Copa on Sunday or catch Michael McQuaid's Red Hot Rhythmakers at Hop Off on September 16th - they love to play for dancers!

Come and dance to the real thing!

INDEX
1. Class Diaries and News
2. Other SP News
3. What’s On
4. Links, Legends, Birthdays, Odds & Ends


1. Class Diaries and News

a. Big Band night at North Melbourne!!

So excited about our Big Band night this Thursday night!! This is a once in a year event and unique to North Melbourne. Would love all of you to be part of it. Classes will run as usual and then the live music kicks off at 9-30pm.

There will be a charge of $10 for social dancing or $5 if you have taken a class. This is just to help support the 17 musicians that are coming to join us from Monash Jazz Orchestra!

Dress up a bit to add to the atmosphere and there'll be prizes for best dressed. We have confirmed performances from both Swing Patrol troupes Brat Pack and Harlem Shout, plus strolls, jams and more!!

Classes at Czech House
Thu 6.30pm – Level 1
Thu 7.30pm – Level 2
Thu 8.30pm – Level 3
Thu 9:30pm – BIG BAND!!!!!


Czech House
497 Queensberry St
North Melbourne

b. FUN PIT time again this Friday!


At 7.30pm in L2/3 we are going to warm you up with some fun loving winter dancing - expect some cruisy moves with a challenge at the end of class. Then following it up will be our L1 class at 8.30pm for all those first timers - we have six beat planned to get you ready for a big night of social dancing. Then it is on to the best social dancing in Melbourne - lots of room, great floor and awesome DJ's.
So see you there!

Click HERE for more

c. Blues nights

Pencil this into your diaries… Sept 12th & 26th!!

Blues dancing is an amazing way to master lead/follow connection and musicality.
Check it as it’s a whole lot of fun! Details HERE

d. Class Venue Diaries
Please check out the timetable for the full list of current classes as not all the venues use the class diary system. TIMETABLE

Brunswick - Super special guest Cam in da hoose
The Gremlins seem to have got into the machine and our diary won't load...so here is a quick summary!
Our loveable lindy hop guru, Josh, has gone off to Bali to get wedded and so Cam Mitchell is bringing his awesome style & great teaching to Brunnie. Also, it's not too late to join in the routine for the Performance Ball...it's a fun one..especially the 'happy slappy clappy' combo!

Camberwell - It’s happy hour here at Camberwell. We’re doing 20s Charleston, breakaway and continuing our routine. It’s not too late to join in! Click HERE

Fitzroy - Vintage night plus Rockstar DJs Loz and Matt tonight!

North Melbourne - BIG BAND NIGHT and PERFORMANCES!!!!!! 

South Melbourne - Basic Beginner 6-Beat

Thornbury – Still a great time to join our Lindy Hop course & Charleston Routine!

Ringwood – 8 beat lindy hop course starting up, plus ROUTINE!

e. The Bees Knees: Solo Blues Week (TAKE 2)!

After taking a week off due to illness, Loz is back this week and is ready to solo blues it up with you!

It’s never too late to start class, so pop along and see what the buzz is all about!

Also, in BREAKING NEWS – Loz is excited to announce that the Bees Knees will be starting a performance ball routine in a few weeks’ time!

We’ll be doing a super cute little charleston number so if you’d like to be part of an all gals routine, stay tuned for more details!

You won’t want to miss it!

Thursday nights (until Thurs 16th September)
Studio 1
Broken Mirror Studio
2C Staley St, Brunswick
7.30pm-8.30pm
$15 or SP Class Card


AND we’re on Facebook:
Group: Click HERE
Event: Click HERE

Email loz@swingpatrol.com.au if you have any questions!

f. The Tackle Box*
Solo movement, style, and technique for Lindy Hop leads

After their first stab in July, Cam Mitchell and Evan Hughes bring you the SECOND season of The Tackle Box this August! This season will have will have all the things you love about rockin' out on your own, plus a little bit more! Classes will be taking inspiration from One Man Dance, the Big Apple, plus great guest teachers. If you want specific tackle in your box, then don't hesitate to contact us!

The Tackle Box will focus on dancing, rather than repertoire; movement, rather than moves. Being able to control your own movement is crucial to communicating with a partner, as well as crucial to rocking out on your own! Want to take the next step in your dancing? Open The Tackle Box.
 
The low-down:
Five week season commencing Thursday 19th August
7.30pm-8.30pm SHARP
$15 for 1hr casual class - No course, no partner required
VENUE - Broken Mirror Studio, Brunswick! (Off Blyth St)


Email evan@swingpatrol.com.au or cam@swingpatrol.com.au if you're interested or for more info.

All levels welcome!

*Tackle-Box - A box, for storing one's tackle. Nothing like ‘the Cat’s Meow’ or the ‘Cat’s Pyjama’s’, unless you're fishing for cats, but that would be weird. Who fishes for cats? Honestly?

g. Lindy Hop Course for Beginners!! Still time to join in!!


Check out all the info HERE

Want to learn the Lindy Hop??
This class will be great for people who have never danced & for people wanting to move into Level 2. This 5 week course will get you social dancing by the time the performance ball comes around! This will still run as a regular drop in casual class but will progress each week.
Come along & take your first steps to Swingin’ Out!!

 “Thornbury” @ YDance, 909 High St
 6:30pm Tuesdays
 $15 for 1hr casual class (no partner required)

Email noni@swingpatrol.com.au for any questions
Facebook group “Swing Patrol Thornbury”


2. Other Swing Patrol News


a. Swing Footy Tipping - FINAL SIREN 2010!

... and as Mad Monday descends over much of the AFL competition, a clear winner has emerged: Finbarr finished on 121 correct tips, 5 ahead of Eleanor, with Chris 2 tips further behind.

Stay tuned for details of the trophy presentation. Well done to Finbarr and to all tipsters on a fantastic season, and we'll look forward to having another red-hot crack in 2011!

GO HAWKS for the finals.... Bernard.

**The Brass Traps (also known as Bernard & Friends) are launching their Swing CD called "Shoulder Season" on Tuesday 7th September - see HERE for details**

b. Seeking a Fitzroy Door Person

We still need one more regular door person for the Fitzroy classes fortnightly on Wednesdays. The lovely Kirsten is doing every 2nd week so we need the alternate weeks filled.  If you are an avid social dancer who does not take classes there, but comes for social and would like to get involved and read a book whilst watching the world go by in Fitzroy, AND be paid for a short very easy fortnightly job  - please call Claudia on 0418550993 or email Claudia@swingpatrol.com.au.


3. What’s On


a. B# Swings The Copa One More Time! Sunday 5th September

That's right folks, time has come to wrap up our 2010 Swingin' The Copa dates with one more bash on Sept 5th. We've had 3 big, wonderful afternoons over the past 3 months and our final date is sure to be no different!

Table bookings have already begun, so if you've got a group of 6 or more - and what a great Father's Day idea this gig is - give the Copa a call on 9417 7099 and they'll reserve a table for you. But remember, you must arrive by 1pm in order to secure it.

So c'mon, let's Bounce! on Sept 5th. Spread the word amongst like-minded friends. You're all gonna love it again!

Here's the quick low-down:

* The B# Big Band (17 piece) with Frank Benedetto & Hetty Kate.
* Sunday 5th September at The Copacabana, 139 Smith St, Fitzroy.
* Copa Kitchen, full bar & coffee facilities available, plus the open fireplace roaring away!
* Swing Patrol 'beginners / refresher' swing dance class, with the renowned teaching duo -
Shob & Andy: 12pm to 12:45pm
* B# Performance: 1pm to 3:30pm

* Dance Class & B# Performance: $25
* B# Performance Only: $20


* $5 discount for Swing Patrol 'Multi Class Pass' holders, PBS FM members, 'Seniors Card' holders, FOB holders and those that purchase our debut CD - Bounce! on arrival for $25.
* General Admission. However, to book a table for 6 or more, call The Copa - 9417 7099.

See you all there.
And remember, for full details, visit our website 

b. Hop Off!

Have you gotten along to this yet??!! A lesson, a live band and a gorgeous venue for dancing!



Thursday September 16th
Venue: Estonian House, 43 Melville Rd, Brunswick West.
(Tram 55 from the CBD or Tram 55 from Royal Park Train Station)
Check out all the info HERE

7:00pm Beginners Swing Dance Lesson
7:30pm -8:30pm The Red Hot Rhythmakers
8:30pm - 9:10pm Swing DJ
9:10pm - 10:00pm The Red Hot Rhythmakers

$10 entry or $15 including the dance lesson from Swing Patrol


c. The Gangsters Ball


The standout event on the Australian Swing Dancing, Cabaret & Vaudeville calendar is back! The Gangsters’ Ball is a fully themed night of non-stop entertainment featuring the biggest names in Australian & International, Cabaret, Vaudeville and Swing Dancing.

Melbourne - Forum Theatre - Saturday 18th September


This year’s stellar line-up includes MC: Madame Leila Montansano (Paris/Berlin), Conjuring: Mada V’s Vegas – The Duelling Magicians, Magic & Illusion: Julia Madotti, Swing Band: The Velvet Set (10-piece)

Dress code is 1920's - 50's: Gangsters, Flappers & Molls, Burlesque, Vintage, traditional Dance Hall Swing & Rockabilly.

Tickets sales are strictly limited to ensure sufficient dance floor space...

Visit www.gangstersball.com.au for more information

d. The Pearly Shells


Hi Moovers and shakers,

-The Pearlys Hot 4 continue on Fridays at Acqua e vino in Yarraville thru till the end of September.
(that’s 18 Ballarat St Yarraville, 10pm start, free entry)

-This sat, 4th Sept we are at Transit lounge, fed square 10pm start - Always rockin!

-This Sunday 5th Sept we are very happy to make a return to our old stompin' ground, the Cornish Arms , 163 Sydney Rd, Brunswick. Again with the Hot 4, starting 3pm till 6, this is our first dealings with new owners so please make it down if you can.

Cheers
Steve Purcell
www.thepearlyshells.com

e. Cairo Club at Red Bennies

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19 - CAIRO CLUB ORCHESTRA

Shimmy Shake
The Cairo Club Orchestra is a  Vintage Dance Orchestra based in Melbourne, Australia, comprising Ten Specialist Musicians dedicated to the faithful interpretation of the hot and sweet sounds of the 1920's, 30's and 40's.
9pm - 3am $10 on the door
www.redbennies.com

f. Man of La Mancha

Cloc Musical Theatre's production of Man of La Mancha - starring our own TIM OON is on soon!

The season runs from 17 Sep to 2 Oct at the National Theatre, St Kilda.

Cloc is one of Melbourne's best amateur theatre companies and our Tim is a man of many talents!
Check it out HERE

g. Victorian Jazz Club Dinner Dance


Friday 1st October 2010
Bentleigh Club, Yawla St., Bentleigh
Band: Cairo Club Swing Orchestra
Music—7pm—12midnight
Tickets: $45 each (includes 2 course meal)
Ample Parking. Great Dance Floor.
Tickets—Phone Marg 9553 3850 or Doreen—9597 0128

h. Swing at the Hangar 9 October

Imagine swinging out in an airport hangar!

Hangar 5, Wirraway Rd, Essendon Airport

Benny & the Flybyniters and the Straight 8s with DJ Jeff 7.00 – 11.30 pm
$18 pre booked, $20 at the door. To pre book call Marlon on 0425 826 513
Post World War II 1940s to 1950s theme.
You can even fly in a pre-war DC3!! (please book befoerhand)

Find it on Facebook HERE

i. Swing Camp Oz 2011

JAN 16-22, 2011

January 2010 will mark the 11th year that Steven Mitchell has come to Australia.

Join over 200 dancers as we once again invade Adelaide for a week of incredible workshops and dancing...

This is the one time each year in Australia that dancers can experience Steven's unique skills and talents.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from STEVEN MITCHELL and other instructors invited by Steven to share his love of Lindy Hop:

MAX & ANNIE
MIKE & LAURA
MANU & EVITA


$400 - EARLY-REG - Oct 15 - Nov 30
$450 - PRE-REG - Dec ends JAN 7
$500 - DOOR - after JAN 7


Full details and registration HERE


4. Links, Legends, Birthdays, Odds & Ends


a. Wedding of the week


Congratulations to Meaghan (Megsy) and JF who were married last weekend. Much love, blessings and lifelong happiness to you both.

b. Legend of the week

Mika for just being awesome and for last-minute knight-in-shining-armour-ness.

b. Birthdays of the week

Happy Birthday and best wishes full of spring joy to Noni Clarke 1-Sep, Jess Gilbert 1-Sep and David Routley 2-Sep

c. Link of the week

Lindy in slo-mo

d. Clips of the week

Amazing footage from the ILHC 2010 (International Lindy Hop Championships) held in the USA recently.

Max & Annie Showcase

Andrew & Karen (If you’ve been around a while, some of this may look familiar – the evolution of lindy hop)

Performance by the Dopey Joes


Invitational Jack & Jill – Kevin & Alice

Solo Charleston

f. Photo of the week

Our gorgeous dancing gals - Steph, Nat & Cinnamon



Have a wonderful week,
The whole SP team
www.swingpatrol.com

 

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