Swing's the thing
Flattop Tom throws a high-energy buzz into PBDA
By John Sollenberger 08/12/2010
The Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association offers classes in social dance for beginners on up. Sisters Tami and Erin Stevens have been promoting the gospel of dance at their school since 1983. But on Saturday nights, students can show what they’ve learned and newcomers can see what it’s all about and have fun at the association’s Saturday night swing dances, with music provided by professional bands. This Saturday night it’s the popular swing and jump blues band Flattop Tom & his Jump Cats.
“Flattop Tom” Hall fronts the band. The singer is a top harmonica player, regarded as one of the best in the blues and roots music scene. Hall also is an accomplished swing dancer; he’s been performing since 1987, and his dancing gained him a spot in the 1991 movie “Shout” with John Travolta.
Hall formed the band in 1992, getting in on the ground floor of the swing music revival of the time. He never looked back and has been bringing his high-energy musical athletics to stages around the world and to movies, including “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” ever since
The evening starts with a free dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, followed by the dance at 8 p.m., at Grace Hall, 73 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena. Admission is $15. Call (626) 799-5689 or visit pasadenaballroomdance.com for more information.
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