The problem with memorial services is that the person being honored is not able to appreciate all the nice things that people are saying about her or him. At least, that' usually the way it goes. Today I visited the San Jose Friend's Meeting, a Quaker community that meets in the oldest Meetinghouse in California,…
Tag: memorial
Musical Funeral Today for Benny Powell at Saint Peters Jazz Church
Today at Saint Peters Church on the Upper Eastside there will be a jazz-filled funeral for renowned trombonist Benny Powell starting at 7pm. Jazz and swing fans are invited to come by and pay your respects, and hear some incredible music while you are there. Benny was born March 1, 1930 in New Orleans, learned…
Fantastic photos from Frankie 95 Festival on Getty Images
In all of the hubbub, I forgot to announce that the prestigious Getty Images stock photography service has put up several beautiful photos from the Frankie 95 Birthday Festival, mostly from the memorial service and the dance in Central Park on Friday, May 22. Check out the entire set here. One of them has already…
Frankie 95 Festival Day 2: Frankie’s Memorial, Second Line procession, Central Park, Cangelosi Cards! (vids)
I finished my second day at the Frankie Manning 95th Birthday Festival at 4am, exhausted but inspired by a full day of awesome dancing and loving tributes to Frankie. I recorded some video snippets of the day, for those who want a flavor of what's going on: Swinging Reverends at the Frankie Manning Memorial Dawn…
Pic of me in the New York Times leading Second Line processional for Frankie Manning
There’s a lovely article in the City section of the New York Times today about the memorial service and festival to honor legendary swing dancer Frankie Manning entitled “Honoring the Man Who Helped Make Lindy Hop.” It’s got lots of great quotes from friends and fans of Frankie from the memorial, and a couple of…
Post of the Day: “Dance community really excited to spend five days in New York trying not to cry”
Gotta love this post on the Jam Cellar blog in DC about the Frankie 95 Festival start tomorrow: Dance community really excited to spend five days in New York trying not to cry. This weekend marks the event where dancers from around the world will come together in New York to celebrate the life of…
Reflections on Frankie Manning: my teacher, friend and inspiration
Me dancing the Shim Sham with Frankie Manning at Yehoodi's 10th Anniversary Party in 2008. Photo by OpeningMinds. In just a couple of days, lindy hoppers from all over will be descending on New York City for the swinging-est birthday party ever. The Frankie Manning 95th Birthday Festival will be notable not only for…
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…
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…