On Monday, March 30th, 2009, ABC’s Dancing With the Stars featured a visit by David Alan Grier and Kym Johnson to Lindy Groove in Pasadena! The episode even included a Lindy Groove shout-out by David during the back room interviews! David and Kym seemed really cool and even participated in the jam circle. Unfortunately, it was my birthday too, so I was in the circle too and didn’t get a dance with Kym! The rest of the episode featured “Lindy Hop”, although swing done by ballroom dancers can hardly be called authentic (I don’t think there was one…
Category: Swing News Archives
No More Juke Joint at Paladino’s
Yet another beloved Los Angeles area swing venue will be no more at the end of summer 2009. Kim and Dave’s Juke Joint at Paladino’s Lounge hosted some of the best dancers in the early 2000’s. Dave Frutos is in my opinion the best swing DJ around. I have lots of great memories of this place, and of taking my first swing lessons from Kim and Dave when they taught at the Derby. Check it out while it’s still around! Here’s the Facebook posting from Kim: In 1999 David and I were working at the Derby. At the time the…
One Year Anniversary of LA Lindy Hop!
One year ago, I started LA LINDY HOP because my favorite LA/OC swing site, nocturne, had gone away after many years of service.. I started this site mainly because I wanted the swing info for myself, so I thought I might as well share it with the LA/OC swing community. So many people have thanked me for the site and it has been fun doing it. LA LINDY HOP has been visited over twenty thousand times and the rate is accelerating. Thanks for visiting, and keep on swing dancing!!! – Brian 8/1/09
The Derby Closes Suddenly: The End of an Era
Last Sunday, the manager of the Derby informed patrons that the Derby is closing its doors on January 31st. Next Sunday will be the last night of swing dancing at the world famous nightclub. Even he had only been told about it just the day before. Apparently, Loiuse’s restaurant next door will remain open, so that means the building will still be there (of course it’s a protected architectural landmark now also). No one could say what would move into the space next. The prevailing theory for the closing is that there was a shooting during a hip hop night…
Last Night at the Derby
The Derby was ground zero for the swing resurgence that occurred in the late 90’s. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy was the weekly house band (as can be seen in the movie, “Swingers”). During its heyday, there was a swing dancing to live bands EVERY night of the week, something unheard of now. There would be a line out the door to get in. Classes were taught by world class instructors like Kim and Dave, and Erik and Sylvia. So, the closing of the Derby was a truly momentous and sad event. News came suddenly that the owner was not renewing…
Lindy Groove Halloween 2008 Starts a Tradition
The Lindy Groove 2008 Halloween ball had an impressive turnout of creative costumes. I’d say this is when Lindy Groove started to become the best swing event for Halloween. Amazingly, next year managed to top it. – Brian 11/1/2008
The 2008 Swing Venue Poll
For a few months you’ve seen the swing venue poll questions on this site and have responded. Here are the results (note that I eliminated repeat votes to make this accurate): MOST POPULAR SWING VENUE (where you go most often): 1st Place: Lindy Groove / PBDA (21% each, tie) 3rd Place: Atomic Ballroom / The Derby (18% each, tie) Brian’s Pick: Lindy Groove is where I go most often BEST DANCERS 1st Place: Paladino’s Lounge (26%) 2nd Place: Strutter’s Ball (15%) 3rd Place: Third Saturday Swing / Lindy Groove (11% each, tie) Brian’s Pick: Lindy Groove. Years ago I would…