Dear Swing City Patrons!

[Note: Scroll down to end for an update on Huron Ave.]

Congratulations to Hal Morse, you've won a pair of tickets to Swing City in this past drawing!

The date is upon us again for "Swingin' at the Courtyard this Friday, July 10, 2009, with the "Love Dogs." Plus DJ Tony Tye, Intro/Beg. lessons with Tony & Aurelie, Intermediate lesson with Alex and Megan.

We had a great time a few weeks back at this new venue, and we hope you'll join us for this next edition!

Clearly there were some issues for the June 19th date, our first Swing Dance in this venue, and we've taken all steps possible to resolve them. As anyone who was there (and then some...) can attest, our staff and the hotel were overwhelmed by the packed attendance. We counted 288 in the house. While most people had a great time, our apologies to those who were displeased. Unfortunately Boston/Cambridge offers almost NO venues that even come close to being affordable, are regularly available, meet building codes and licensing, can handle the capacity, offer parking, are accessible, don't have smoke issues, accept that the swing dance patrons won't bring in much bar revenue, and..., and..., and..., and... As such, we do the best we can with what we can get. Believe me when I say it--Dan Mez, myself, and a few others have looked high and low, and suggestions are always welcome. We also have a little survey coming your way soon. Okay, enough on that.

Changes this time:

- $15 Advance tickets will be tickest are limited to 150. (Note: there is a 75cent service charge/ticket, so $15.75 total) Advance ticket holders will have preferential admission until 10pm. Please arrive before then.

- Additional tickets will be available at the door for $20 as available, based on availability.

- Dance floors are being set up slightly differently to avoid various hazzards which presented themselves last time.

- We have insured that the hotel will maximize its HVAC capability.

- 21+ (Sorry folks... as per hotel's policy)

- No outside food or beverages will be permitted in the ballroom for the event, as per the hotel's policy. Please support the bar or we won't be welcome back.

We and the Love Dogs look forward to seeing you this Friday!

-Olaf and the SC crew

"Swingin' at the Courtyard": a Swing City Special Edition!

Swingin' at the Courtyard is the new version of the popular "Swingin' at the Hyatt" events, held last year just down the river at the Hyatt Regency. We've moved to the smaller but lovely Courtyard Marriott, overlooking the scenic Charles River. Come join us for a classy evening!

Tickets: $15 advance, $20 at the door. $5 discount with valid student ID. Advance tickets may be purchased online here ». Note: tickets at the door may have limited availablity until later in the evening.

Schedule: This event follows the normal Swing City time schedule, which is as follows:

7:30: Doors open, cocktails (cash bar), complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

7:45: Beginner and Intermediate swing dance lesson, no partner needed. Lessons are concurrent, and you may choose either and switch. Lesson lasts about 1 hr. The intermediate lesson focuses on 3-step and lindy.

9:00: Live music starts! The band plays most of the evening until aprox. midnight, with a DJ in the breaks.

Midnight: Last call.

Parking: free garage/lot parking (to the back of the hotel), and free overflow parking at the Trader Joe's.

Dress: "Smart casual" to elegant.

Rooms: $109 room rate, **based on availability**. Call the front desk at 617-492-7777 and ask for the "SalsaBoston/Swing Dance" rate. Courtyard Marriott's Website »

Tables & Groups: Call for group rates and to reserve tables. 617-513-9841

Directions: (map ») The hotel is located conveniently on Memorial Drive, adjacent to the Charles River. Detailed directions below.

Courtyard Marriot Hotel
777 Memorial Drive, Cambridge
617-513-9841 (Swing City's Number)

From Points West: take the Mass Pike to Exit 20, "Cambridge/Alston". Bear right after the tolls, and proceed strait across the river. Once across, turn right onto Memorial Drive and the hotel is 100yards down on the left.

From I-93: Take "Leveritt Circle/Storrow Drive" exit onto Storrow Drive. Follow Storrow Drive along the river aprox. 2 miles, pass under the BU Bridge, proceed another 1/3 mile, and take the "Central Square/Mass Pike" exit. At the light, turn right and cross over the river. Once across, turn right onto Memorial Drive and the hotel is 100yards down on the left.

By MBTA: Take the Green Line to "BU West". Walk over the BU Bridge to Cambridge, and turn left. Follow the river 1/4 mile and hotel is on the right. It's just over a 1/2 mile total (10-15 min). Alternatively, it's a longer walk but a short cab ride from Central Square on the Red Line.

BuyTickets »

An Update on Huron Ave.

Long time Swing City patrons remember the American Legion Hall on Huron Ave as the long time home of this and other dances. It was a great hall, a classic big wooden place. However, around 2006 the City of Cambridge bought the property and just now opened the West Cambridge Youth Center (WCYC). The WCYC is a beautifully architected public building, and in its development, the various groups that hosted regular dances there fought bitterly to retain an accomodating space in the new building. The City actually obliged, and is now in the process of making that space available. It is a nice space, 2700 ft (about the same as the City Club), has a stage, etc.

However... the will not rent it on Fridays. The reason they give is that Fridays are the best nights for parents and children to go to events that would be held in a Youth Center setting.

As you might imagine, this is extremely disappointing, as Swing City not only had a very big hand in establishing the space, but had very much hoped to return there. We are working on it nonetheless. If you have comments on the subject which you would like to send us that will be part of our proposal to get back there Fridays anyway, please email them to olaf@swingcityboston.com.

However, Saturdays are available, and we will considering Saturdays (on nights that are "open") for monthly events as well.