I just got home from a wonderful dance party to celebrate the 80th birthday of Ms. Dawn Hampton, one of the elder stateswomen of lindy hop and an inspiration to me and thousands of other dancers around the world. As befitting a celebration of Ms. Hampton, the party featured two of her favorite bands, the Ron Sunshine Orchestra and the George Gee Orchestra, with Wycliffe Gordon making a surprise appearance later in the evening. Wycliffe played a rousing solo during “C Jam Blues,” as well as a mean “Happy Birthday”!
There was also lots of delicious soul food, provided by one of Dawn’s best friends. Nothing like a huge plate of fried chicken, meatloaf, corn bread, collared greens, mac and cheese and yams before dancing!
One of the highlights of the evening was Dawn performing her famous “Bhangra” dance, which I never get tired of seeing. So amazing.
(Also check out Swifty’s cool photoset of Dawn’s party!)
Hi,
I have been to the Thursday jams and have met and danced with Dawn there, but I was wondering: do you know how I might get in touch with her? Could you email me – I am very interested in doing a story on her for the online magazine I work for.
Thanks,
Amy
Come to Fram! She’s there most Thursdays. She doesn’t have a cell or email access AFAIK.