The third day of the Frankie 95 Birthday Festival was jam-packed with classes and panel discussions all-day and dancing and performances all night. The highlight of the evening was a blow-out big band concert not seen in modern times, with three swingin' big band orchestras performing in the Hammerstein Ballroom: the Frank Foster Loud Minority…
Tag: swing dance
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…
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…
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)….
Spuds and Rik talk about our hero Frankie Manning on the Yehoodi Talk Show
Legendary lindy hopper Frankie Manning was an inspiration for tens of thousands around the world, include all of us at Yehoodi.com . Spuds and I talked briefly about it last night on a special Yehoodi Talk Show. We miss you, Frankie.
Frankie Manning: May 26, 1914 – April 27, 2009
Just posted this to the news section of Yehoodi.com: It is with great regret that we inform you that legendary lindy hopper and inspiration to tens of thousands of dancers around the world Mr. Frankie Manning passed away peacefully early this morning. More information about memorials and an official announcement as we hear it.