Birthday Jam Arrives in the 'Nick' of Time

The folks at Friday Night Swing have been wondering when the next birthday jam will take place. Thanks to Nick, we'll be having one this Friday!

A San Francisco native, Nick is new to the lindy hop scene and boasts fancy footwork, a penchant for Smurf t-shirts, and an uncanny ability to blow up his cheeks and then immediately release the air by slapping his own face. You may recognize him from his jaw-dropping performance in the dance showcase Jingle & Rock.

As previously noted, in a birthday jam, the birthday girl or boy begins in the middle of the circle, dancing with one partner -- and before they know it, dancers on the outskirts start cutting in and stealing the celebrant for as many moves as they can fit in before the next steal.

Friday Night Swing a Projected Winner

Democratic hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and republican contenders Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani will enter a new and perplexing phase of the presidential race on Friday night. For the first time in U.S. history, a weekly swing dancing event will declare its intention to run for president of the United States of America.

"Friday Night Swing is not a viable candidate for president," the visibly shaken Giuliani said during a press conference at Burger King this afternoon. "If you vote for Friday Night Swing, the terrorists win."

"I cannot now say whether or not I will make a bid for the White House," Friday Night Swing told CNN's Larry King. "What I can say is that whoever wishes to see an historic and unprecedented announcement must come to Friday Night Swing -- that's me -- on Friday, January 25 -- that's tonight."

Senator Swing added that there may or may not be balloons and crepe-paper streamers at the swing dancing event.

Autumn Thanks His Lucky Stars

I feel lucky to have all of you who come week after week to Friday Night Swing. You come to the lesson, you show up early, you show up late, you dance, you mingle and make friends, you sometimes stay away and I miss you, but you come back eventually and fit like you've never been gone. You're all the friends of Friday Night Swing and I'm lucky to have you.

Dancers Take Little Stock of Troubled Economy

As they excitedly grease their shoes, fill their water bottles, and practice their swivels in anticipation of this week's Friday Night Swing, the Bay area swing dancing community seems unfazed by reports of an ever-weakening economy.

Amid breaking news of the Dow Jones industrial average dropping 136 points, or 1.1 percent, to 12,330.00, local dancers remain serenely unruffled. And today's news of Merrill Lynch's historical fourth-quarter loss of $9.8 billion didn't even make it onto their radar.

"Stocks are slumping, but that doesn't mean I have to slump," said a source close to the organizers of Friday Night Swing.

"Going to Friday Night Swing is a terrific investment in your health and well being," according to Dr. Dan Salott, a local physician and avid lindy hopper. "Besides, it's $14 for the whole shebang, and only $8 for the party alone. You can't beat that -- even during a recession."

Ambassador of Lindy Hop Comes to Oakland

Legendary lindy hopper Frankie Manning -- the only surviving member of Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, star of Hellzapoppin', and inventor of the aerial -- is returning to Oakland for the Frankie Manning 2008 Workshop Weekend. If 93-year-old Frankie is up for three days of lectures, workshops, and dance parties, then you should be, too. So get out your calendars and reserve February 15-17. More details coming soon from the Northern California Lindy Society.

Brush up on your swing history with his best-selling autobiography, Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop. You can buy an autographed copy, or just get a plain one (I'll autograph it for you).

Birthday Jam for Marilyn This Friday!

Join us at Friday Night Swing this week and help celebrate the birthday of everyone's favorite flapper -- Marilyn! If you haven't seen her dancing at FNS, you are probably overdue to crawl out from under your rock. Marilyn has been a regular for a couple of years now, and she has appeared to rave reviews in such dance showcases as Cheek to Cheek, A Holiday Cabaret, For the Love of Dance, and Jingle & Rock.

In a birthday jam, the birthday girl or boy begins in the middle of the circle, dancing with one partner -- and before they know it, leads and follows from the circle start cutting in and stealing the celebrant for as many moves as they can fit in before the next steal.

Want to be the center of attention on your birthday? It's okay if you don't. But if you do, be sure to let us know when it is!

Friday Night Swing Takes City by 'Storm'

In spite of torrential rainfall and gusting winds, we had a great turnout at Friday Night Swing. From beginning dancers to Metronome vets, the dance floor was hopping to Louie Prima, Bull Moose Jackson, Nathaniel Mayer, and others.

If you're one of the few who stayed home and bundled up with a good book and a hot cup of Earl Grey, don't make the same mistake on Friday, January 11th!

It's Raining Cats, Dogs, and Swingouts?

Take one look at this beleaguered, drenched city and you'll come to one irrefutable conclusion:

It's time to go swing dancing.

According to scientists and physicians, swing dancing is the only effective antidote to the rainstorm blues. So get out your galoshes and your bumbershoot and head on down to Friday Night Swing!

Jump Start 2008 at Friday Night Swing!

What better way to kick off the New Year than swing dancing?

Join Autumn and Jane for a showstopping all-levels swing lesson on Friday, January 4th, from 8:15-9:00, and then dance until midnight to a fun and eclectic set of deejayed swing music.

Lesson & party - $14
Party only - $8

The Metronome Block Party is located in Potrero Hill at 300 De Haro Street, between 16th and 17th. Need a map?

See you on Friday night!