Sweet Home Chicago 2007
Sweet Home Chicago, 2007, was an overwhelmingly successful swing dance convention, held from June 28th to July 1st at the Wyndham OHare in Rosemont, IL. Nearly 500 jitterbuggers attended from throughout the Midwest, others coming from as far away as Arizona and Florida.
The festivities began with a sizzling Wednesday night dance in Maxie’s Lounge, where DJ Norm Oden holds court every week. Then, beginning on Thursday, club President Crazy Sue Mlynski introduced some of the best DJs in the country, who kept the crowd on the floor into the wee hours of the morning. Joining local legends Mike Hartman and Bill Matthews were Terry James from Missouri, Sandy Brown from Tennessee, and Larry Huff from Alabama.
Throughout the weekend, workshops were presented by outstanding local teachers, including Mike & Debbe Lapina, Bev Solazzo & Gloria Medel, Julie Hein and Randy Baustert. Joining them were Carolina’s shag superstars, Steve & Kathy Day. During the evening sessions, as is customary, each teacher gave a thrilling dance exhibition in their respective styles, inspiring and entertaining all in attendance.
Guests were also treated to a Friday night breakfast buffet, a Saturday night sit-down dinner, Sunday morning hospitality, as well as various free pours throughtout the convention.
In addition, a special presentation featured local dancers collaborating with jitterbug friends from St. Louis in a musical production entitled “If I Were Not Upon The Sea.” This rousing, albeit off-color costumed sketch was an hilarious rendition of daydreaming seafarers, fantasizing about their dream occupations. ABA President Gary Chaney played the evil Undertaker, joined by his wife Charlotte as the cutting-edge Seamstress. Also appearing from St. Louis were Tony Griemel as the goofy Nerd, wife Myra as a sexy Blackjack Dealer, Willie Santacruz as the shorts-losing Tennis Player and wife Diane as the other sexy Blackjack Dealer. Making their acting debuts were Chicagoans Terry McDonagh and Gail Schwarz as bikini-clad Lighthouse Keepers, Wayne Rohr as the politically incorrect Taxi Driver, and Ralph Dahma as the tutu-wearing Ballerina.
Not to be forgotten were the dozens of volunteers, the unsung heroes who always make sure conventions like these run as smoothly as possible. Special thanks needs to be given to Windy City President Crazy Sue Mlyinski, and board members Joanne Kokalj, Roxanne Klejna, Pat Agriesti, Janet Campeotto, Linda Nelligan, Mary Pat Lamberty, Mike Lapina and Bill Matthews. Their tireless efforts throughout the year help insure that Chicago's Windy City Jitterbug Club remains one of the premier dance clubs in the country.
Certainly, Sweet Home Chicago 2007 was an experience not to be missed, and everybody is encouraged to get their tickets early for the 2008 convention, which will be held over the 4th of July weekend. For further information, check out the club's web site, www.jitterbugchicago.com . As an added treat next year, you can take a trip to the Cubs’s Wrigley Field, where you'll be able to see the 2007 World Series Trophy! And who knows, maybe next year Oprah will show up at the convention … in a generous mood!
