Shake, Rhythm n' Roll music & dance festival
The shore’s slickest sock hoppin’ dance party

World War II Era Swing Dance
Saturday 19 May 2012
7pm - 10:30pm

We are thrilled to have joined forces (no pun intended) with the Army Ground Forces Association to help design & produce this marvelous day and evening event at Fort Hancock on Sandy Hook. Here are the Details:

World War II era Swing Dance Celebrating the music and entertainment of 1943. Dance to the classic swing of the Early 1940’s as performed by Swingadelic NYC area's Greatest “little big band" delivering traditional big band sounds
Swing Dance Lesson 7pm In the Chapel at Fort Hancock 1940’s period attire encouraged
Suggested Donation: $15 (Covers band, light refreshments and AGFA’s restoration projects)
Part of the Annual Coastal Defense Weekend at Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook, Gateway National Recreation Area (NPS Spring Guide: http://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/upload/GATEspringuide2012SHUrev.pdf )

Sponsored by the National Park Service and AGFA* Volunteers preserving, restoring and interpreting Fort Hancock’s history during World War II * AGFA – Army Ground Forces Association, an NPS Park Partner and a IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer historical association see their work on-line at www.armygroundforces.org

NOTE from 2011 Festival
Thanks Everyone!

We would like to take this time to thank all the STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, DANCE PERFORMERS, INSTRUCTORS, MUSICIANS of the 2011 Shake Rhythm & Roll Festival. It was a BLAST, OVER the TOP and it wouldn't have been as good without all your amazing participation. Those that helped make this work included our partners at Madison Marquette, Asbury Park Musical Heritage Celebration 2011, The Asbury Park Press, Millennium Radio and The Berkeley Hotel. And Special Thanks go out to Carol Fraser our sturdy and reliable dance camp director, The dancers from Troupe 212, Patrick Soluri our publicity coordinator, Charlotte our web programmer, Susan Engbring our brochure designer, Melissa Marion our vendor coordinator, Lala Ghahreman our music consultant, Monica Andrade facebook pro, DeeJay's Rockin' Daddy O, Debra Dynamite, David Frutos, Lollipop Lauren, And there are so many more we'll wind up filling this whole page. Thanks to All and we hope to see you again next year!



The Wrap Up
Here's our Wrap up of the 5 Day Festival!


Saturday August 13, 2011
The Berkeley Hotel - Kingsley Ballroom
Certainly, one of the big Highlights of the week was the Saturday night Dance Showdown featuring Matthew Piazzi & the Debonairs, Bill Haley Jr. & Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats. The evening began with Crooner Matthew Piazzi who was joined by his knockout Debonairs. To say the least, they left us wanting lots more! Then, Rock n' Roll royalty came to the stage beginning with Bil Haley Jr. who recreated the sounds and stylings of his fathers groundbreaking music from the late 1950's. He was joined by Bill Turner on Guitar, who played with Bill Haley for a number of years back in the 1970's. And of course, the amazing dance show put together by the fabulous Carol Fraser was the Show to be seen! World Class Dancers from all across the nation performed. Then, what everyone was waiting for, Show Stopper Lee Rocker, the Bassist of the original Stray Cats! Stay tuned for pics!

Friday August 12, 2011
The Berkeley Hotel - Kingsley Ballroom
Asbury Lanes

Our Friday Night was another Big Highlight when Big Joe & the Dynaflows took to the stage. This band really put some rhythms down and the dancers came from all across the land for this one and our huge dance floor was packed. Those that kept going and attended the Late night featuring Angie Pontani & the World Famous Pontani Sisters were treated to three sets of Knock your Socks off Burlesque. And the dancers got to hit the vintage Asbury Lanes wood floors as David Frutos (CA) DeeJayed during the show breaks. And if you got a change to sample the beers and burgers at Asbury Lanes, you left feeling most satisfied.

Thursday Aug 11, 2011
The Beach Bar

On Thursday August 11th, we were treated to another spectacular sunny day and by the late afternoon, the stage was set for another Unique musical line up. First at Langosta Lounge where Tiki Daddy played live to dancers on the Boardwalk. Shortly after that, we moved to the Beach Bar that's situated on the beach, on the edge of Convention Hall overlooking the Ocean. Our Hawaiian Swing Party began with Rave On, the music of Buddy Holly and what a treat that was as Chris Roselli captured the feel and character and the dancers gave rave reviews. We then heard more from Tiki Daddy who's Hawaiian Sounds brought us to the land of lai. We closed out the night with one more set from Rave On and then our house DeeJay took over. It was the perfect night! stay tuned for photos and video of the evening.

Wednesday August 10, 2011
The Wonder Bar

Our Kick Off concert on Wednesday Aug 10 set the stage for the week of festivities. When Eddie Clendening hit the stage with his Blue Ribbon Boys, the place lit up and the dancers strutted their stuff without breaking to breathe. At the conclusion of their first set at close to 9pm, the Fireworks started and we all headed to the outdoor Deck where we danced while the Skies lite up. It was quite the surrealist scene. Stay tuned for photos!

Sunday August 14, 2011
The Wonder Bar & The Kingsley Ballroom
We began with the Gas House Gorillas' who rocked the House and got everyone flying till about 9pm.
Then, no dance camp is complete without some Hot Jazz and to close our festival, we had the incomparable Boilermaker Jazz Band. When the day started, with rain and all, I have to admit we were a little concerned that our followers might not come, but by nightfall all was Jumpin'!

The Shake Rhythm n' Roll Music Festival is an event like no other, recreating and celebrating the roots of Rock n' Roll, and capturing a remarkable time period in American creativity and lifestyle. Five days and nights of music, performances, contests and a dance camp that will teach you all about the dances for this time period. Our festival will showcase Roots Rock n' Roll, Jump Blues, Boogie Woogie, Rhythm and Blues, Doo-Wop, Swing, Rockabilly, Latin, combined with the social dances that fit, and with just one look, you'll think you've been transported back in time.

You'll enjoy music and dance stages by the Boardwalk, at the famed Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel and on the Beach. Classic Cars, evening and late night dance parties with smokin' hot bands and internationally acclaimed DeeJays, late night Burlesque shows, old fashioned bathing suit beauty competition and professional dance show. And the festival will include a dance camp where you can learn all the dances that were a major part of American lifestyle in the 1930's, - 1950's. This camp will specialize in partner dances of these eras like the Bop, Boogie Woogie, Balboa, Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag alongside line dances like The Stroll, The Madison, The Shim Sham. We’ll have tracks for absolute beginners to advanced levels.

Please Take a Tour and Navigate thru our website to learn more about this fabulous week. If you find a blank page, please be patient as we are currently preparing, updating and adding to our events.

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