Archived Content
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Workshops and Events
Mad About Swing presents The Speakeasy 2012
Saturday 2nd June 2012
Join us on a journey back to the 1920s; to prohibition when Speakeasies were the hedonistic epicentres of illegal drinking & gambling... a time when these pleasures were strictly forbidden by federal law. To get in the swing of things, you'll need to don your finest 1920s regalia in preparation for a splendid night of Hot Jazz, Illegal Gambling, Charleston and much much more... You'll even get the chance to learn the Charleston and enter our fun contest! At the heart of the Speakeasy, our swanky bar will stock a tempting array of beverages, including delicious wines, chilled beers and exquisite cocktails… all £2.50 or less (because it's the 1920s and times are hard!)
The Timings
| 4pm | 5pm | 6pm | 7pm | 8pm | 9pm | 10pm | 11pm | 12am | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaumont Park | Croquet & Games | ||||||||||
| 1920s Ballroom | Live music, dancing, dance class, performances | ||||||||||
| Mezzanine | Photography | Gambling | |||||||||
| Speakeasy Bar | Open for Business | ||||||||||
| Fat Sam's Kitchen | Cookin' | ||||||||||
| After Party | After Party | ||||||||||
The Speakeasy Entertainment
Hamer & Issacs
Hamer & Isaacs play volcanic, swinging gypsy jazz. Whilst portraying the influence of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France, the unique addition of Rosie Corlett's soaring, flaming vocals is guaranteed to turn the thermostat up a notch. Rich Hamer (lead guitar) provides cut, thrust, panache and inspiration, and Mel Brindle (swing violin) utilises her impeccable classical pedigree to lend virtuosity to the flair of her improvisation. Julian Isaacs (rhythm guitar), a veteran of the gypsy jazz scene for over three decades, and talented composer and multi-instrumentalist Howard Kahn (double bass) provide the driving force that is the rhythm section. Hamer & Isaacs will be playing three sets for us; don't forget your dance shoes!
Mama Tokus
Mama Tokus is an integral, much-valued component of our Speakeasies and this will be her third appearance. This time she's joined by Pete Beresford, an outstanding pianist who is a very welcome addition to this year's line-up. Mama Tokus is a whirlwind of sassy energy who approaches her witty performances with glamour, soul and bags of style. Mama Tokus is a talented singer songwriter who is as at home delivering her own jazzy masterpieces as she is recreating the original flavours from back in the day... you're in for a treat!
Mad About Swing
As well as providing a toe-tapping selection of swing favourites from past and present during the DJ slots, your hosts will be teaching a fun-fuelled Charleston Class to get your feet in the mood and, accompanied by their Charleston Stompers, will also be entertaining you all with a small number of simply smashing dance performances. Don't miss it!
The Venues
| The Speakeasy: 6pm – 11pm (1920s Ballroom, Mezzanine, Speakeasy bar and Fat Sam's Kitchen) |
St Matthias Upper Hall, on the corner of Bedford Park and Clifton Place, just off North Hill, Plymouth PL4 8HN |
|---|---|
| Croquet and Games in Beaumont Park: 4pm – 6pm (weather permitting) |
Beaumont Park, nestled between Beaumont Road, Tothill Avenue and Lipson Road (A leisurely 5-10 minute stroll from St Matthias) |
| The After Party 11pm onwards |
TBC |
The Speakeasy 2012
Last year's Speakeasy was an absolute blast and this year we are making a number of important changes to make the event even better. This time there's going to be a much greater emphasis on dancing, with plenty of Lindy Hop slots between the band's sets to ensure a good blend of faster and slower tracks.
In order to iron out housekeeping issues, we're moving the event into town to our regular venue at St Matthias. Weather permitting, the festivities will begin in Beaumont Park with a round of croquet and Tom Foolery in the open air before moving on to the indoor attractions at 6pm. With all the thrills of last year's Speakeasy, this year we're welcoming back both Hamer & Isaacs and Mama Tokus; not only because they're lovely people and so very fitting with the 1920's theme but also because they're so darn good! We're also pleased to announce that Mama Tokus will be joined by Pete Beresford on piano which will be a very pleasing addition to the line-up. The gambling snug will be there for those that fancy trying their hands at a spot of Roulette and Black Jack and The Photographic Boutique will also be back, enabling everyone to get their photos taken by a professional photographer. As always, at the heart of the event will be the Speakeasy Bar. In order to pay the bar staff, the drink prices will not be as cheap as last year but they'll still be a lot cheaper than anywhere else! For those feeling a little bit peckish, there'll be tempting nosh on offer in Fat Sam's Kitchen. All in all, one heck of an evening!
The Afterparty
If all of that isn't enough for you, you can also go on to the Speakeasy After Party taking place just down the road... details coming soon.
Hosting
If you're an out of towner and fancy staying over then you're in luck; some of our lovely local dancers have kindly offered to host! Places are limited and will be assigned on a first come first served basis. Alternatively, if you are interested in booking a hotel and would like some suggestions, email us for details.
Booking
This year's tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the door (if still available... last year's event sold out!)To book your place, send a cheque made payable to 'Louise Anderson' to 3 Parks Drive, Plymouth PL9 9FG. Please include all of the names of the people you are booking for, a contact number and your email address so that we can confirm receipt of your payment.
If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to get in touch:
duncanandlouise@madaboutswing.com
01752 491739
07882 531712
What to wear
Period attire COMPULSORY! Here are some ideas:
Women
Flapper dresses, evening dresses, boas, long pearl necklaces, fans. Skirts were cut above or just below the knees, shirts became lower cut and sleeveless, showing off the neck and arms. Chiffon, silk and satin were the most popular fabrics. One of the most common fashion styles was the bob hairstyle. It was also very common for women to wear small hats. During the 20s, women began to wear makeup. The main emphasis was the lips. Women wore bold and deep shades of lipstick. Some of the popular shades included red and bright pink. The rest of the face was kept very natural-looking for the most part.
Men
Classic suits, waistcoats, Zoot Suits, black or white ties on a black shirt was popular, braces, spats (white canvas or vinyl shoe covers), fedoras or gangster hats.
