Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

March 6, 2008 issue


Boone Kiwanis Club To Host Benefit
Swing Dance March 15

Story by David Brewer

For more than half a century, dance crazes have come and gone with regularity, changing with the popular music of each successive generation. But perhaps the most lasting style of music and dance that continues to transcend generational boundaries is that of big band swing. Reaching the heights of commercial success during the late 1930s and early 1940s, swing music still gets people moving, whether they should be or not.

The Kiwanis Club of Boone is getting into the swing of fundraising in 2008 with a Swing Dance Benefit featuring member Steve Frank’s Silvio Martinat Swing Band. The event will take place at the High Country Homebuilders Association complex on the 105 Bypass on Saturday, March 15. The event will last from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event are $15 for singles and $25 for couples and can be purchased from Kiwanis members and at the door. According to Frank, the facility holds 85 couples, and money raised at the event will benefit the nonprofit’s general project fund.

“We’d like to fill it up,” said Frank. “Everything the Kiwanis does is geared toward projects with local youth.”

According to Frank, the Boone Kiwanis Club has developed into an active group, spurred on in part by new blood provided by new, younger members who want to give back to the community.

“I’m very excited that we’re trying the dance as a fundraiser,” said Frank. “We’ve got some people who will really get out and sell some tickets.”

The Silvio Martinat Swing Band has been performing around the region for more than two decades, filling dance floors and also giving amateur vocalists a chance to shine. In what Frank refers to as “karaoke on steroids,” the band allows budding singers to step up to the microphone and belt out classic songs in front of a live audience.

The band’s repertoire draws from the classic swing era, including classics like Glenn Miller’s “In The Mood” and ballads such as “Misty” and “As Time Goes By.” According to Frank, the band will also toss in a few beach classics, Beatles numbers and even a touch of Western swing. All in all, the tenor sax player estimates that the band could crank out approximately 250 songs.

“We basically stick to the things that people who have heard swing music for a hundred years will recognize,” said Frank.

For more info on the Kiwanis Club Swing Dance Benefit, call Frank at 828-964-8800.

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday, March 15
Time: 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Location: High Country Homebuilders Association
Cost: $15 for singles/$25 for couples