Early this morning, my mom, sister and I got VIP passes to see "Good Morning, America" being taped live at Times Square. Apparently every weekday morning, ABC staff let in a small group of about 30 folks to watch the live taping from 7 to 9am. The VIP pass was nice, allowing us to get…
Category: New York
Public Memorial Service for Frankie Manning on May 22 in NYC
For those that were not able to attend Frankie Manning's funeral service earlier this month, there will be a Memorial Service for Frankie on Friday May 22 as part of the Frankie 95 Birthday Festival. The service will take place at 10am at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (Fifth Avenue at 55th Street). Open to…
WNET Broadcasting Special Tribute to Frankie Manning on May 21!
I am happy to announce that PBS affiliate station WNET (Channel 13) in New York will be broadcasting a special tribute show about Frankie Manning on May 21 at 10:30pm. The documentary features the last major interview of Frankie Manning before his death, as well as precious archival footage of his dancing from the 1930s…
Roommate wanted for awesome Fort Greene 2-bd apartment
My buddy Swifty is taking the plunge and moving in with the lovely Lilieblue very shortly. Thus I am now seeking a roommate to share our lovely two-bedroom apartment in Fort Greene, Brooklyn starting on June 1st. Tell them what they get, Don Pardo! A goodly sized two-bedroom pad in a modern apartment complex Full…
My 1st breaking gig: cupcakes, hokey-pokey, and b-boying!
Today I performed at my first paid breaking gig: a kid's birthday party in Queens. The spot was one of those party spaces for toddlers complete with themed decorations (from Power Rangers to Hannah Montana), lots of group games, gift bags, and everything else that a six-year-old wants to celebrate his or her special day. …
The Swinging-est Funeral: Celebrating the life and legacy of legendary lindy hopper Frankie Manning
Today I was fortunate enough to participate in the most swingin' funeral I have ever attended. Today, we laid Frankie Manning in his final resting place. As I entered the Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church in Harlem, I was greeted by the powerful sound of the full Harlem Renaissance Orchestra playing on stage. I saw…
The Frankie 95 Festival is On! Registration Re-opens! Come honor the ambassador of lindy hop from May 21-25 in NYC
I just got the latest news from the organizers of the Frankie 95 Birthday Festival about the status of the Festival with the passing of Frankie last Monday. Among the highlights: The Festival is still on! It's what Frankie would have wanted. Registration has been re-opened now for anyone who wants to come to the…
Public Funeral for Frankie Manning on May 2: All Are Welcome
I received word from Frankie's family that on Saturday, May 2, there will be a public funeral for Mr. Frankie Manning at the Mount Morris Ascension Presbyterian Church. The viewing is from 10am to noon, with a service at noon. The address is 15 Mount Morris Park West (corner of West 122nd Street, facing park)….
Virtual tributes to swing dance legend Frankie Manning on Twitter, FaceBook, Yehoodi, etc
As news about Frankie Manning's passing spreads around the world today, I witnessed an explosion of surprise, grief, and tearful remembrance live on the internet. It was like being surrounded by the voices of hundreds and hundreds of Frankie's friends and fans from around the globe in a collective, ever-changing memorial. It's a fitting tribute…
Frankie’s time draws near: now it’s our turn… a one, a two…
All indications are that — barring a medical miracle — Frankie Manning does not have long on this plane. My understanding is that he is at this point non-responsive to communication and medications, and that his doctors think that he has at most a day or two left. The outpouring of prayers and good thoughts…