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Big Swing Thing II

Presented by Unforgettable Big Band at Valencia Ballroom, York PA

Apr 27 - 29 2018
Big Swing Thing II

Susquehanna Valley Region’s largest big band/swing dance music festival, featuring 8 bands over a 2 day period.

Following up a spectacular debut in 2017, the Big Swing Thing returns to York, Pennsylvania for our second annual tribute to the Swing Era. Once again, we will be bringing the big bands back home to one of just four ballrooms remaining from the Golden Age. Along with great music, we will also offer a full day of dance classes and performances from regional and national instructors and dance ensembles.

York’s historic Valencia Ballroom plays host to the Big Swing Thing. One of the last of the historic grand ballrooms, the Valencia has been cleaned, shined, polished, and restored to its original art deco grandeur. Since last year, the venue’s bar and carpeting have been replaced, returning to a more authentic design reflective of the Valencia’s place in America’s musical history. With its fully spring loaded, 4000 foot dance floor, the ballroom has been called the best dance venue east of the Mississippi River.

The ballroom has played host to a huge list of musical talent, Every major big band performed there, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Kay Kyser, Tommy Dorsey, Les Brown, and the list goes on. During an appearance by the Dorsey band, the Valencia stage was also graced by Buddy Rich, and by Dorsey’s young and upcoming vocalist Frank Sinatra. Big band era history fills every corner of this magnificent building, which also holds the distinction of being the first major ballroom to be air conditioned.

Powerhouse
Chauncey Harris with the Powerhouse Big Band

On Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28, 2018, we are bringing back the fun and excitement of the big band years to the Valencia once again. This year, we have added a Friday night welcome dance to the agenda, which will feature two great bands that will get the weekend swinging. Saturday will be an ALL DAY EVENT, featuring SIX BIG BANDS, with the music kicking off at 9:30 AM, and rolling on until midnight. There will be swing dance performances and workshops throughout the day, featuring the Ladybirds from the Victrola Dance Hall, as well as top regional dance talent, and more. There will be swinging DJs covering the band breaks and stage change times, but mostly, there will be lots and lots of live big band music to appeal to music lovers and dancers young and old. Complimentary Beer and Wine will be available through the generosity of some of our fine local brewers and vintners while supplies last.

We are pleased to welcome he following bands to the 2018 Big Swing Thing.

Chelsea Reed
Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five will headline the Friday night Welcome Dance

FRIDAY NIGHT – WELCOME DANCE

The Hepcats
Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five

Unforgettable
Event Host, Unforgettable Big Band anchors the Saturday lineup

SATURDAY – BIG BAND SPECTACULAR

Riverside Rhythm
Gettysburg Big Band
M&J Big Band
Reisterstown Jazz Ensemble
Powerhouse Big Band
Unforgettable Big Band

Dance performances, classes and workshops will be ongoing throughout the day, presented by the Victrola Dance Hall, and a team of regional instructors and performers.

So, spread the word. Special early bird tickets will be available through February 14. Join us as we bring the swing back to the Valencia, and throw back York to the days when the music and the dancing set the tempo and the mood for the era.

Originally opened in 1911, the Valencia is one of just four grand ballrooms remaining from the Swing Era

Tickets will be sold in three sessions, as well as Saturday full day passes, and full event passes. Attendees will be provided with color coded armbands at check in for identification. Friday’s kickoff dance will run from 7:00-12:30 (doors open at 6:30). On Saturday, the first session runs from 9:00 AM and until 4:30 PM, and the second session begins at 4:30 PM and runs through midnight. Each Saturday session includes 3 big bands performing two hours each. The full day pass includes admission to both sessions.

On Sunday, we are pleased to offer a special sendoff brunch buffet and walking tour, kicking off at the White Rose Tavern, one of York’s favorite and longest running restaurants. Brunch tickets are available at just $15.00. Brunch will be served from 10:00-11:30 followed by a historical walking tour of downtown York focusing on the highlights of the Swing Era and the World War II years.

Plan to spend the weekend with us in York, and discover great places to eat, shop, and play, while dancing to the music that was truly “made in America.”

LOCATION

Valencia Ballroom

142 N. George St, York, PA 17401

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