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…
Category: New York
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…
Dig Deeper brings Lee Fields to the Five Spot in Fort Greene (video)
I was fortunate enough to catch soul singer Lee Fields performing last night at the Five Spot in Fort Greene, the latest in the impressive monthly live soul music parties thrown by the nice folks at Dig Deeper. What a fantastic night of soul music. Even at Mr Fields advanced age, he still tore it…
Frankie Manning Health Update: prayers, cards, good energy appreciated
Update from folks who are close by Frankie Manning in the hospital: As you might have heard, Frankie entered the hospital a week and a half ago, due to problems with his medication. Then on Friday, he was taken into the intensive care unit after he developed pneumonia. It is a very serious situation. Although…