Editorial | A San Francisco Wedding and Portrait Photography Blog

George Gee and the Jump, Jiven’ Wailers at the 920 Special

April 4, 2008 By Dave Wong 4 Comments

Last week, my honey and I headed out the 920 Special for a special evening of dancing to the live music of George Gee’s Jump, Jiven’ Wailers.

It was a night I won’t soon forget. The band was really, really tight, playing many familiar favorites from the swingin’ Big Band era.

George is full of enthusiasm as the band leader, and although he doesn’t play any instruments, he is totally into the music, enjoying every riff, every high note.

The evening also featured a superb vocalist by the name of John Dokes. His smooth, emotive voice really provided an extra punch.

It was a great evening.

Here are some favorites:

George Gee and the Jump, Jiven' Wailers at the 920 Special

For the full gallery, please visit DaveWongPhotography

Filed Under: Editorial, Photography Tagged With: dance, Lindy Hop, live music

SF Flower and Garden Show 2008

March 24, 2008 By Dave Wong Leave a Comment

The Flower and Garden Show was an even bigger success this year. We had the delight of seeing so many wonderful creations.

The theme was gardening and health and there was also an emphasis on sustainable gardening.

There were some amazing gardens and we’re sure that attendees got some great ideas for their own backyard, front yard or anywhere they like to garden.

SF Botanical Garden Show

Filed Under: Editorial, Photography Tagged With: San Francisco

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

Chris Horton – Olympic Hopeful

February 4, 2008 By Dave Wong 1 Comment

A different kind of Super Bowl Party

This past Super Bowl Sunday was a little different. It was a special event sponsoring Chris Horton Olympic challenge and the Hume Center. Even a few Raiderettes were on hand to help get everyone in the Super Bowl spirit!

It was held at the Chardonnay Golf Club in Napa. The sun was out as well, what more could we ask for!

Olympic Dreams

Chris hopes to compete in the Summer Olympics this year AND in the Winter Olympics in 2010 — the first athlete to compete in both!

We wish him much success in the Summer Trials in Eugene, OR and look forward to seeing him in the 2008 Summer Olympics, 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2012 Summer Olympics where he hopes to compete in the 400-800-1500 sprints. We get tired just thinking about it, but will be cheering him on from a comfortable arm chair.

Notes:

the large group portrait is some of the Hume Center staff
the medals are all Chris’

For more information, check out:

For another perspective, check out Jessa’s blog.
Chris Horton at Hume Center with Raiderettes

Filed Under: Editorial, Photography Tagged With: country club, Event, olympics

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