Shanghai 1930’s Speakeasy Swing Party
This is how we introduced it.
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2005
Speakeasy Swing Dance
You walk down a dark dingy alley, stop at the door lit by a single exposed light bulb.
You knock, one –two-pause and knock again (short, short, long)—one-two – one.
Slowly the door opens about five inches with a large, a very large face staring out at you. “Yeh,” he says. You reply, “Everything’s Jake.” “OK, Cats and jammers, come in.”
You are about to re-live one history’s most exciting periods of music and dance.
You are going to a Swing Dance Party in a “speakeasy.” “Speakeasies” were illegal “nightclubs” created during the 1920’s in the United States when prohibition was lurking about and alcohol was ruled illegal. They were given their unique name for the need to whisper, or “speak easy,” as patrons attempted to cross their illegal thresholds. A secret knock, password or handshake could get a prospective drinker through a door that appeared to lead to an ordinary apartment, deli, tailor, or soda shop. Once inside, however, there was plenty of drinking, entertainment and dancing. They were a place where all sorts could party and local cops could make a little extra cash. The Cotton Club in Harlem, New York was the most famous of these speakeasies.
This illicit underground event is being brought to you by Shanghai Swings and M.A.G.I.C. (Multicultural Activities Generating International Community).
M.A.G.I.C. runs a series of events, such as Happy Hours, Wine tastings, dance parties, outings and gala banquets, designed to create a community of co-learners learning about one another through interests in their different cultures. Shanghai Swings is dedicated to promoting swing dancing and other aspects the swing culture in Shanghai.
The festivities will take place at the White House, a speakeasy currently disguised as a Restaurant, 1390 Hongqiao Road on Saturday, April 23. A password for admittance will be given to prospective revelers when they purchase their tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased by contacting of our Shanghai “wiseguys (or their “molls”) they will be wearing black fedora hats and long knee-length coats. The 120 RMB admission price entitles you to an extraordinary evening of music and dance, beautiful women, exciting men in vintage clothing (there is a dress requirement) and some of the city’s best “bathtub gin” and bootleg liquor.
We are collaborating with some outstanding local designers and boutiques to provide 1930’s Swing Era fashions. Our own “Vintage Fashion Boutique” will be available the night of the event to help each and everyone to achieve just the right look (hair-style, make-up, clothing and accessories.
Other expected guests include: “Pretty Boy” Floyd, “Babyface” Nelson, “Mugs”Moran, “Legs” Malone, “Bugsy” Seigel and maybe even, Al Capone (or at least one of his Chinese counterparts). Hope to see you all there but keep it to yourself, we don’t want the ‘wrong people’ to get wind of this.
For information: Such as ‘wiseguy’ contacts and source of tickets, where to find vintage clothing and a backgrounder, “The Swing Era” contact: M.A.G.I.C’s David Sutton at taomagic@hotmail.com or 133-3180-7270. And [bad link] www.shanghaiswings.com
Some great photos and a background piece on “The Swing Era” can be found in “Shanghai Swing” photo album.