Welcome to the official e-update from your Charlotte Swing Dance Society (CSDS)

Welcome to the official e-update from your Charlotte Swing Dance Society (CSDS)! As always, get directions and more details on-line. Check out CSDS for dances and info at www.charlotteswingdance.org. (*) = new info

Hope you had a great Independence Day! This day means much more to me this year with a son in Iraq. Hope yours was great.

While we’re on a patriotic theme this week, you don’t want to miss out on this upcoming fund raiser. The Charlotte USO proudly presents a 1940-s USO Big Band Dance on Saturday, August 4th. All proceeds benefit the Charlotte USO Center’s Service to the Troops. They will have The Lake Norman Big Band with lots of great dancing plus heavy hor d’oeuvres. Forties or WWII attire is encouraged. There’s only 350 seats available and they are going fast. Don’t wait to get your reservation.

If you’re getting this newsletter, it means you successfully verified that you want to continue to get the CSDS Updates. We recently changed our web host and have had to have everyone verify that the really want to know about swing events in the Charlotte area.

I just heard a great radio interview today with Lindy Hop great, Frankie Manning. Check out the link below to listen to it yourself. If you only have dial-up access to the internet, you may want to pass. It looked like it downloaded a very large file (around 24 MB) to play the interview.

It just showed up on the radar screen. It’s getting close to Great Gatsby time. This is fabulous 20’s event is put on every year by the MS Society. This year’s Great Gatsby event will be Saturday, August 18. They will again have ASOTT (A Sign of the Times Big Band), that huge dance floor they had last year and incredible food from many popular Charlotte restaurants. Those of you who rent your 20’s costumes may want to beat the crowd and get yours reserved while there’s still plenty of selection. When tickets become available, you can get them from Denise & Joe Polsgrove at Grand Central Events on Mondays and at Lynn’s on Tuesdays. CSDS will have 2 tables where dancers can set their stuff. By all means come out to this great event but please be courteous to others in the VIP section where our tables are by not congregating too much around the tables as it blocks the view and obstructs the movement of others in the VIP section where we’ll be.

There’s a new lineup of swing dance classes on the schedule at Lynn’s. Check the lessons section at the bottom. Remember the new weekly place to dance is Tuesdays at Lynn’s Speakeasy from 9-11. Only a $5 cover. When you come, please remember to support the venue by making purchases at the bar (whether alcoholic or not) and to tip the bartender if you want to keep a great weekly place to dance.

Big news!!! Grand Central Events is already a great place for dancing to live big band music on Mondays. Starting Thursday, Aug 23^rd, Grand Central Events will also become a weekly swing dance event on THURSDAYS and new location for lessons. This will be our first smoke free weekly dance venue for swing dancing. They even have a cigar room for any that just have to have a smoke so the rest of us don’t have to breathe the second hand smoke. Starting June 25^th, on Monday nights there will also be a “Dance Survival” lesson from 7-7:45 PM taught by Denise & Joe Polsgrove so folks new to dancing can come and learn some basic dance steps and have fun on Monday nights too. I’m also including their very affordable appetizer menu in the weekly dancing info.

Do you know any Lindy Hoppers in Columbia, SC? If so, please put them in touch with Kelly Waller at (remove the ZZZ) ZZZram73@juno.com. He’s trying to get a scene going in Columbia. Way to go Kelly.

Speaking of South Carolina, just heard that Brian Petrone has gotten a Rock Hill, SC dance event up and running on Monday nights at Celebrations. It’s the bar inside the Ramada Inn right off of I-77 at Cherry Rd. He’ll be doing a free lesson and will have some open dancing afterwards. Lesson starts at 7:30 PM.

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Mark Your Calendars:

Dates for the next upcoming dances around the Charlotte area are...

Mon, July 9 Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, July 9 Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, July 10 Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Mon, July 16 Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, July 16 Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, July 17 Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Sat, July 21 CSDS Dance – details TBA

Mon, July 23 Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, July 23 Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, July 24 Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Mon, July 30 Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, July 30 Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, July 31 Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Sat, Aug 4 The Big Chill - USO Dance with The Lake Norman Big Band

Mon, Aug 6 Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, Aug 6 Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, Aug 7 Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Mon, Aug 13 Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, Aug 13 Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, Aug 14 Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Sat, Aug 18 Wachovia Atrium, The Great Gatsby with A Sign of the Times Big Band

Mon, Aug 20 Grand Central Events – Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band

Mon, Aug 13 Celebrations, Ramada Inn – swing dance night

Tue, Aug 21 Lynn’s Speakeasy – Swing Tuesday

Thu, Aug 23 Grand Central Events – Swing Thursday

For directions and additional information, see below, or check the website: www.charlotteswingdance.org

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Frankie Manning - The King of Swing Dance - NPR Radio Interview from July 4, 2007

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Sat, July 21 CSDS dance

Details TBA but hold the date

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*Saturday, Aug 4 USO Dance with The Lake Norman Big Band

The Charlotte USO proudly presents a 1940-s USO Big Band Dance. All proceeds benefit the Charlotte USO Center’s Service to the Troops.

7:00 PM to Midnight

Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased by July 25, 2007

There will be a cash bar and heavy hor d’oeuvres

Photographer will be onsite.

1940’s era attire encouraged

More info: (remove the ZZZ) ZZZusodance@uso-nc.org or 704-359-5581

The Big Chill

911 E. Morehead

Charlotte, NC

704-347-4447

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*Saturday, Aug 18 The Great Gatsby 20’s party with A Sign of the Times Big Band

The Great Gatsby Party is returning to celebrate its 19th year in Charlotte, NC. The traditions of the Gatsby era will return with costumes and dancing on August 18th, 2007. Guests will enjoy dancing along to live music, bidding on silent auction items and tasting a variety of food and drinks from local restaurants.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter is proud to host this event. If hearing ASOTT (A Sign of the Times Big Band) isn’t enough, they will also have the same huge dance floor they had last year and all that fabulous food. When tickets become available, you can get them from Denise & Joe Polsgrove on Mondays at Grand Central Events during the Big Band dancing and on Tuesday nights at Lynns.

Wachovia Atrium

8:00 to Midnight

$40 Advance Tickets, $50 at the door (this will probably sell out so make sure you have an advance ticket)

Note: Alcohol is served at this event so you must be 21 to attend

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LOCAL WEEKLY DANCING

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MONDAYS - Bill Hanna’s Vintage Dance Band at Grand Central Events

A smoke free location (with a separate cigar room for those who must smoke)

Remember the old “Swing 1000”? This is the same place, just a different name. Grand Central will be hosting Monday dancing with this fabulous band led by Bill Hanna. The band is stocked with seasoned professionals like Dr. John Harding and talented college musicians. Enjoy dancing to the sound of 5 saxes, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets and lots more. There will be alcohol, soda and hors d'oeuvres available for purchase at this event. You can come even if you aren’t 21 but can’t purchase or consume alcohol.

Please remember the cover you pay at the door goes to pay the 19 band members. The venue only makes money if you purchase a drink or food item. If the venue doesn’t turn a profit, the event won’t be able to continue.

7-7:45 Dance Survival lesson for new dancers taught by Denise & Joe Polsgrove

8 PM-11 PM Band plays

$10 Cover

($5 cover for students with valid ID)

Dress code is dressy casual for dancers. Please no jeans, T-shirts or shabby shoes.

Grand Central Events

1000 Central Ave

Charlotte, NC 28204

704-373-1699

www.grandcentralevents.com

When there are large crowds, the parking lot by the building will be full. Be sure to review this map to be aware of additional parking available.

Map of Event and parking: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?f=d&hl=en&saddr=1241+E+10th+St,+Charlotte,+NC&daddr=1000+Central+Ave,+Charlotte,+NC+28204&ie=UTF8&om=1&msa=0&msid=111813570052080639575.000001129a74278d07c4a&ll=35.222379,-80.822436&spn=0.004014,0.007231&z=17

Check out their Appetizer menu.

“Lighter food for hotter weather will make you lighter on your feet.”

Pimento Cheese or Buttermilk Herbed Dip

Crackers and veggies for dippin in your choice or Pimento Cheese or Buttermilk Herbed Dip………………………………………………$4.95

Hummus

A mild chickpea puree topped with olive oil served with a lemon wedge, crackers, veggies and olives…….………………………………$5.95

South-of-the-Border Cheese Fries

Basket of French fries with cheese sauce, salsa, jalapenos and sour cream on top…………………………………………………………$5.95

Baked Chicken Wings

Seasoned with key-lime-pepper and baked to perfection served with blue cheese or ranch dressing, baby carrots and celery sticks…$7.95

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MONDAYS – Celebrations Bar at Ramada Inn, Rock Hill, SC

Brian Petrone will begin a series of Free Swing dance lessons this upcoming Monday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Celebrations in the Ramada Inn on Cherry Road in Rock Hill. (This is right off of I-77 next to the exit). Stay after lesson for dance practice. The lessons and practice will continue each Monday evening.
2640 Cherry Rd

Rock Hill, SC 29730

(803) 329-1122
For more information call: 803-984-3816

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TUESDAYS - Swing Tuesdays at Lynn’s Speakeasy

Swing Tuesday is alive again and has been moved to Lynn’s Speakeasy with DJ Savoy Joe Polsgrove.

9:00-11:00 PM

$5 cover (for all – including members of Lynn’s)

No outside beverages or water bottles allowed. We need to support the venue to ensure a weekly place to dance!!

Casual attire is fine.

As you come each week, plan to sign in and get a wrist band for the weekly dancing. Please remember to tip the bartender.

Lessons available from 7-7:50 and 8-8:50 PM but you must register for a series. No drop ins.

Contact Denise Polsgrove at (remove the ZZZ) ZZZdenise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304 for info on lessons

Lynn's Speakeasy

4819 S.Tryon Street

(704) 527-3064

http://www.lynns.20m.com/

Directions to Lynns: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=111813570052080639575.00000112b659d4359005a&ll=35.179666,-80.889952&spn=0.008033,0.014462&z=16&om=1

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MISCELLANEOUS & SWING RELATED

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Complete DJ rig for sale!

Charles Held, who DJ'd many CSDS dances, is "hanging up his headphones" and selling his entire Disc Jockey setup. Dual CD player, mixer, EQ, amp, microphone, headphones, speakers - everything you need to get a DJ business going. $1500 takes it all - contact Charles at 704-965-7932 or (remove the ZZZ) ZZZcharles@charlesheld.com.

§ American DJ DigiPro Dual CD Player (has analog and digital outputs). Instant start. Master tempo (change speed while keeping in the right key).

§ Furman PL-Plus power distribution center (1U 19" rack; has two adjustable rack lamps)

§ Gemini PS-700 Pro Mixing Board, with Mixing Board lamp

§ Sonic DJ-1500 speakers (two pieces per side; bottom cabinet houses 15" woofer; top houses 10" mid plus compression driver tweeter. Top cabinet has volume knob. Bottom cabinets on heavy-duty casters for easy rolling.)

§ Alesis M-EQ 230 30-band stereo graphic equalizer

§ Shure BG2 microphone with XLR cable

§ 2 - Beyer Headphones DT108 (broadcast style with one earcup and adjustable microphone. Mic has XLR input; headphone is 1/4" jack)

§ SKB "Mini Gig Rig" case that accomodates mixer and CD player controls on top slanted shelf, plus 10U of storage for player, amp, eq, etc. below. Can be seen here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280092113184 (only the Gig Rig on the left; I don't have the rollers).

§ QSC MX1500a amp (500 watts into 4 ohm; 350 watts into 8 ohm, 1500 watts mono bridged into 4 ohm) with MARS Music 4U Amp Case

§ USB "audio card" - allows two discrete outputs from computers/laptops with only one built-in audio jack. Fully recognized by most DJ software

§ 6' long x 30" wide folding table.

§ All the various cables and plugs to connect everything (including some spares), plus a bag to hold them all!

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AROUND THE CAROLINAS....

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July 13-15 2007 Sugar Foot Stomp in Asheville, NC

www.sugarftstomp.com

Registration ends July 6

Features classes in 20's Charleston, Peabody, Lindy Charleston and Solo Jazz. There will also be competitions.

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Sept 14-16, 2007 Dirt Cheap Blues Exchange, Virginia Beach, VA

http://www.dirtcheapblues.com/

15 Blues Artists! • 3 Bluesin' Days at the Beach • 3 Late Nites • 5 Groovin' DJs

Concerts are FREE! Late Nites only $40! How's That For Cheap?

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Aug 29, 2007 - Mon, Sept. 3, 2007 Swing Out New Hampshire (SONH) Lindy Hop Dance Camp in Hebron, NH

http://www.swingoutnh.com/

As of June 20^th, all levels are still available at Swingout New Hampshire. Registration is on target and if it is like last year will be sold out.

Swing Out New Hampshire is a dance camp focusing primarily on Lindy Hop, offering four full days of classes and five nights of dancing at Camp Wicosuta in Hebron, NH. Wicosuta is a real kids' summer camp, and each summer, at the end of August, it transforms into SONH over an extended Labor Day Weekend.

SONH features world class Lindy Hop instruction, as well as optional classes in other forms of swing dancing.

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For other events around North and South Carolina, check out:

Greensboro, NC: www.piedmontswingdance.org

Raleigh/Durham, NC: www.triangleswingdance.org http://www.musicanddance.com and a bunch of others...

Asheville, NC: www.danceasheville.com

Greenville, SC: www.swingreview.com

Charleston, SC: www.charlestonswing.com

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BEYOND THE CAROLINAS....

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Local Lessons:

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Lynn’s Speakeasy

The Charlotte Jitterbugs, Denise & Joe Polsgrove, instructors

Lynn's Speakeasy

4819 S.Tryon Street

(704) 527-3064

http://www.lynns.20m.com/

Directions to Lynns: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=111813570052080639575.00000112b659d4359005a&ll=35.179666,-80.889952&spn=0.008033,0.014462&z=16&om=1

Tuesday, July 3 Shim Sham and Stray Cat Strut 2-hour workshop (7:00-9:00 PM)

Open to all. The Shim Sham is a dance based on jazz steps done by swing dancers around the globe. If you’ve been to the Monday night dancing at Grand Central Events you’ve probably seen several dancers doing the Shim Sham during the band breaks. The jazz moves in this dance are also moves that contribute to being a more advanced swing dancer. The Stray Cat Strut is a simpler swing line dance done to Brian Setzer’s Stray Cat Strut song. $15 for this 2-hour workshop. (This also includes the $5 cover for open dancing from 9-11 that evening.)

Note: The 2 classes below from July 10-Aug 7 are important primers to prepare for future Intermediate classes in August and beyond. Cost for those taking both classes is $125 and includes your cover for the open dancing on day of class.

Tuesdays, July 10 – Aug 7 Lindy Hop Basics 7:00-7:50 PM (5 week series)

Participants should have already taken a beginning swing dance class. $65 each for the 5-week series (this also includes your $5 cover for open dancing each evening) No partner necessary, we will rotate partners. You are encouraged to stay for open dancing to practice what you’ve learned. No drop ins for this class. Spaces are limited. Contact Denise Polsgrove at (remove the ZZZ) ZZZdenise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304 if interested in attending.

Tuesdays, July 10 – Aug 7 Partner Charleston Basics 8:00-8:50 PM (5 week series)

Charleston is where swing dancing began. Charleston is a wonderful skill to have to make your dancing more interesting. Participants should have taken a beginning swing dance class. $65 each for the 5-week series (this also includes your $5 cover for open dancing each evening). No partner necessary, we will rotate partners. You are encouraged to stay for open dancing to practice what you’ve learned. No drop ins for this class. Spaces are limited. Contact Denise Polsgrove at (remove the ZZZ) ZZZdenise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304 if interested in attending.

New format - 8 week classes begin Aug 21

Tuesdays, Aug 21 – Oct 9 Beginning Swing Dance 7:00-7:50 PM (8 week series)

This class will cover basic 6 and 8 count swing dancing as well as basic partner Charleston moves. Knowing how to do the material in this class will be the prerequisite to attend the Intermediate Swing Dance class. More details will follow. Contact Denise Polsgrove at (remove the ZZZ) ZZZdenise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304 if interested in attending.

Tuesdays, Aug 21 – Oct 9 Intermediate Swing Dance 8:00-8:50 PM (8 week series)

To participate in this class, you should be able to do all of the material taught in the 8-week beginning swing dance class. The intermediate swing dance class will continually change so that dancers can continue to learn a variety of moves and styles. More details will follow. Contact Denise Polsgrove at (remove the ZZZ) ZZZdenise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304 if interested in attending.

Grand Central Events

A smoke free location (with a separate cigar room for those who must smoke)

The Charlotte Jitterbugs, Denise & Joe Polsgrove, instructors

8 week classes begin Thursday, Aug 23

Thursdays, Aug 23 – Oct 11 Beginning Swing Dance 7:00-7:50 PM (8 week series)

. Sorry, no drop-ins allowed.

Thursdays, Aug 23 – Oct 11 Intermediate Swing Dance 8:00-8:50 PM (8 week series)

Sorry, no drop-ins allowed.

Open dancing Thursdays from 9-11 will follow lessons and is included for those registered for lessons. A separate cover will be charged for those coming for dancing only.

Grand Central Events

1000 Central Ave

Charlotte, NC 28204

704-373-1699

www.grandcentralevents.com

When there are large crowds, the parking lot by the building will be full. Be sure to review this map to be aware of additional parking available.

Please contact (remove the ZZZ) ZZZdenise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304 if you are interested in attending any of these classes to reserve your spot. Registration is limited.

Group & private lessons plus dance demos and DJ services and lessons for weddings, social and corporate events.

For more info, contact Denise Polsgrove at (remove the ZZZ) ZZZdenise@charlottejitterbugs.com or 803-548-2304

Joe and Denise Polsgrove have been dancing together since 2001 and are known by their high energy dancing and performances that make you want to get out of your seat and onto the dance floor. Because Denise was a nationally ranked gymnast, you are just as likely to see her in the air as on the floor as they dance. They are often seen around the Charlotte, Fort Mill and Rock Hill area at community and private events, fund raisers, weddings, WWII dances, Rockabilly BBQs and more either dancing, teaching dance, DJing or all of the above. They share their love of dancing with the community by offering lessons that are made easy and fun even for those with two left feet so others in the community can join them in this wonderful social activity.

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Celebrations Bar at Ramada Inn, Rock Hill, SC

Rock Hill, SC 29730

(803) 329-1122
For more information call: 803-984-3816

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Cornelius Parks and Recreation

Beginning and Intermediate Swing Classes

Anne Kurts & Rick Kipe, Instructors

$35 per participant for a 6 week long session. The classes are held at the Bailey Road Recreation Center, located at 11536 Bailey Road, Cornelius, NC.

Wednesday Evenings

Beginner 6:00-7:00pm or Intermediate 7:15-8:15pm

July 18th - August 22nd

August 29th - October 3rd

October 10th - November 14th

Here's a link for more information and where people can register:

http://parks.sitewizard.biz/swingdance.html

For more info, contact Anne Kurtz at 540-230-0652

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The Johnston YMCA

Swing Dance Lessons (Balboa, Charleston, Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie and more)

Jack Kelly & Angela, Instructors
Class session details are at www.lindybal.com.
See also www.swingcatsociety.com.
704-965-0886
(remove the ZZZ) ZZZjack@eyedialogue.com

Classes will get revved up again in August. Check Jack’s websites in the meantime.

Johnston YMCA
3025 N Davidson St
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 716-6300

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Zoe’s Home Studio

Zoe Whittaker, Instructor

Check with Zoe about any upcoming lessons

Where: Zoë’s Home Studio

9408 E Lexington Circle

Charlotte NC 28213

(remove the ZZZ) ZZZzwhittaker@gmail.com

For more information call (828) 301-1586

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Did we miss anything?

Heard of any good bands coming to town? Any events we might have overlooked? Please feel free to pass along information for inclusion in the weekly update. Just hit 'reply' to this message and give us the scoop. We'll put it in the next e-mail!

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