WHAT - Join us for a fun evening of swing music and swing dancing 8 - 9 pm Beginner-friendly Jitterbug dance lesson with instructors from Get Hep Swing 9 pm - 12 am Live music provided by Akron based Gypsy Jazz Band - Moustache Yourself WHERE - The Lakewood Masonic Temple is located at 15300 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio. There is a large parking lot behind the building. Enter through the front doors. BAND - One of my favorite styles of swing music, Gypsy Jazz with Moustache Yourself Gypsy jazz, also known as gypsy swing, hot club jazz, or by the French name, "jazz manouche” is a style of jazz music made famous by guitarist Django Reinhardt in the 1930s. It’s infectious rhythm and exotic but familiar melodies will capture your soul and transport you to a different time and place. Band members Jeremy Jones (guitar), Brent Hamker (guitar), Brad Wagner (clarinet and sax), and Matthew DeRubertis (acoustic bass) are on a mission to incorporate the entire history of gypsy jazz into an eclectic mix of songs from ranging from the style’s beginnings to present day, which includes originals written by members. The Band is: Jeremy Jones: Guitar Brent Hamker: Guitar Brad Wagner: Clarinet Matthew DeRubertis: Bass What is Gypsy Jazz? As much as a style of music can be created by one person, Gypsy Jazz was created by one man: Django Reinhardt. Other people played roles in the formation of this style and it continues to evolve today, but Django's influence is the most celebrated. Django was a Gypsy (Romany), and a guitar player of unusual talents despite a serious handicap on his left hand. Gypsy Jazz centers around the guitar; both rhythm and lead, although the violin plays an important role in many Gypsy Jazz groups https://moustacheyourself.wixsite.com/moustacheyourself WHEN - Dance lesson from 8 - 9 pm Live and DJ music from 9 pm - 12 am ATTIRE - Wear what makes you feel good! COST - Dances are $12 per person. $5 for first-timers to a Get Hep Swing monthly dance. Pay at the door. There are no pre-event ticket sales. WHO MAY ATTEND? - You do not need to bring a dance partner but you may be dancing with lots of different people during the lesson and while the band plays, if you like. If you want to only dance with the person you bring with you, that is fine too. You do not need previous dance experience. We do hope you bring a positive and open mind and attitude. We welcome anyone to join us who has an interest in dance, music, socializing and fun. We don't care what your physical ability or size is, where you are in life, where you are on the spectrum of sexual or gender orientation, what color or creed, or non-creed, you are. Are you a man who wants to learn how to follow or a woman who wants to learn how to lead? That's cool! This idea is not new to the swing dance scene. We are the easiest club to join. If you have an interest, you are in. :) WHO WE ARE - We are the swing dance company Get Hep Swing. Get Hep Swing is lead by owner, founder, and multi-year national and international swing dance champion, Valerie Salstrom. We love spreading the gospel of swing dancing and we are excited to share the language and culture of this truly American, urban folk dance form with you. It is important for us to let you know that this dance style started in the African-American ballrooms of Harlem, New York in the late 1920s/early 1930s. This dance has a gritty earthiness that is incredibly empowering and joyful. We can't wait for you to experience this conversation of dance with us. We make learning to partner dance easy and enjoyable. Please join us the second Friday of every month at the Lakewood Masonic Temple and the last Saturday of every month at The Lithuanian Club. We have one of the biggest swing dances in the area with nearly 200 people attending each month. Attendees have a variety of dance experience (including none) and come from all walks of life and ages. You will not need to bring a dance partner. We rotate partners during the dance lesson. How often do you get to meet 50-100 new people in under an hour? We provide the highest quality swing dance instruction from some of the nicest, most patient people you will ever meet. Our staff includes regional, national and international swing dance competitors (and winners) in multiple swing dance forms. Please see www.GetHepSwing.com for the most up to date information on dances, bands playing at the dances, classes, private lessons, school programs, performances, and special topic workshops. For more info, please email Valerie Salstrom; the owner of Get Hep Swing, at info@gethepswing.com