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Dawn Hampton @ the 9:20 Special

June 5, 2010 By Dave Wong Leave a Comment

Visiting one of my old Lindy Hop haunts is always a (rare) pleasure these days. We were at the 920 Special this past week, excited about testing out a photobooth concept.

An added bonus were special visitors in town. Not only was a special class taught by members of the Swedish performance group the Harlem Hot Shots (who gave the audience a brief performance), but Dawn Hampton was in town, celebrating her 82nd birthday. This wonderful lady is an inspiration to all with her charm and personality. Brimming with talent and musicality, she mesmorized the crowd with her dancing.

In the back room, we had the pleasure to capture some cool, fun images.

Below are teasers.

Click here to see the entire 920 Special Gallery. Password: 20100603

Filed Under: Event, Photography, Swing Dancing/Lindy Hop

Swing or Nothing Promo Shots

March 9, 2009 By Dave Wong Leave a Comment

When fellow Lindy Hopper Nathan Dias called asking if we could do some promo shots for his performance group, Swing or Nothing, we knew it would be a fun romp!

Here are a few favorites from last week’s shoot at the 920 Special.

If you’re in search of a wedding DJ and/or wedding first dance instructor, definitely check out Nathan’s site: www.SwingorNothing.com

Filed Under: Photography, Portraits, Swing Dancing/Lindy Hop

FM2009: Frankie Manning at Ashkenaz

February 19, 2009 By Dave Wong Leave a Comment

The NCLS, a volunteer organization of which we’ve been part of for many years, brought out the ambassador of Lindy Hop, Frankie Manning, back to the Bay Area this past weekend.

We were on hand to cover Frankie’s Friday Night Talk at the Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center in Berkeley, CA.

Even though we’ve done this numerous times, it’s always a tremendous pleasure to listen to his stories (while getting some great shots) — the room is always filled with laughter as Frankie’s quite the storyteller and has a great sense of humor.

Of note was that this year, Frankie’s son, Chazz Young, was on hand (as he was here to teach for his dad, who’s still recovering from hip surgery). It was heartwarming to also hear Chazz laugh at all his father’s stories as well.

It’s hard to believe the man is going to be 95 this May — that’s right, NINETY-FIVE.

After the talk, there was dancing to the lovely Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers.
It was great to see some old friends, and make some new ones, too.

Enjoy!

Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz

Frankie Manning (r) with his son Chazz Young

Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz

Filed Under: Editorial, Photography, Swing Dancing/Lindy Hop

Frankie Manning Workshop Weekend 2008

February 21, 2008 By Dave Wong 2 Comments

Last weekend saw the return of legendary Lindy Hopper Frankie Manning to the Bay Area for his once-a-year swing dance workshop, put on by the Northern California Lindy Society.

The event began Friday night at Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, where the 94(!) year-old Frankie gave another of his signature telling of stories from his youth.

Saturday and Sunday featured the Lindy Hop Workshop with Frankie, as well as optional “elective” classes taught by a whole lotta local swing dance instructors. Saturday night also featured the 6th Annual Shiny Stockings Ball, with the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra.

The NCLS also presented its first ever Distinguished Community Service award to Chad Kubo, one of the long-time pillars of the San Francisco Bay Area Lindy Hop scene (bus ad notwithstanding).

Sunday night’s closing dance featured the Tipsy Gypsy Trio.

Here are some image from the weekend. Enjoy!

Frankie Manning Workshop Weekend 2008

Filed Under: Editorial, Photography, Swing Dancing/Lindy Hop Tagged With: dance, Event

Live Music at the 920 Special

December 29, 2007 By Dave Wong Leave a Comment

The 920 Special, a San Francisco swing dance venue, had a special night of dancing to the live music of two bands — The San Francisco Medicine Ball Band (what a name, huh?) and Corner Pocket — and I was there with my honey for a little bit of dancing, and a little bit (more) of photo-taking.

I used to be a regular when I started learning Lindy Hop, but now with running the photography business, leisure activities like this is often more rare.

It definitely was nice to to be back.

Here’s the scene at the front door.

Live music at the 920 Special