If you enjoy the Swing Music of Miller, Goodman, Shaw, Dorsey, and others and like seeing Swing Dancers in action then the “September Swing” event at the Midtown Landing Parking area directly behind Trade and Transit II in downtown Williamsport, this Saturday, September 8, beginning at 7 p.m. is the thing for you. Bring a camp chair with you so that you can enjoy it comfortably. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Michael Ross Room on the Third Floor of the Trade Transit II. The event is free.

“The big band era not only featured some of the best swing standards of our time, but every performance was always accompanied by dancers as if the music was composed for that specific purpose. It’s the perfect time to come out to not only listen but to watch and reminisce of this great era”, stated Dr. Anthony Cipolla of The Williamsport’s Parking Authority, told “Webb Weekly.” “It is hoped that any out-of-towners should feel free to stay at any number of our downtown hotels and enjoy the many restaurants this town has to offer.”

Just as teenagers today are rediscovering bands that played in the1970s, there is a resurgence of swing dancers in their teens and twenties who are enjoying this art form all over again. Swing dance is a form of ballroom dancing, and those that come out to watch should feel free to engage in all forms of dance.

The music for “September Swing” is being provided by the talented musicians of the Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra.

The Williamsport City Jazz Orchestra is based in Williamsport and is made up of some of the area’s finest jazz musicians. The group plays swing and classic tunes from the 1920s to 40s, obscure, popular, sentimental and exciting big band jazz tunes. The band was founded by current members Eddie Severn and Bill Ciabattari, both of whom are professors and have extensive backgrounds in music.

“We’re very proud of the fact that our primary mission is to nurture an appreciation of jazz music in the next generation of musicians as well as audiences. Almost every participating member of the band is involved in teaching music whether it be academically or with private workshops — and we get to have a blast playing these amazing compositions too!” explained Bobby Leidhecker, also one of the band’s founding members and drummer.

The band consists of other talents such as Dick Adams, Steve Adams, Tim Breon, Michael Damiani, Larry Fisher, Laura Garside, Kevin Henry, Doug LeBlanc, Diana McLaughlin Bailey, Dale Orris, Matthew Radspinner, Adam Wright, and vocalist Suzie Cioffi. Cioffi, who is a vocalist with the WCJO is delighted to be a part of this event.

“This has been a dream of mine to front a big band with such amazing talent. To sing with the caliber of musicians such as these really allows me to ‘cut loose’ and improvise on some of the best compositions ever written” states WCJO’s jazz singer,” Cioffi said. “I grew up listening to Sinatra, Fitzgerald, and Bennett but even my uncle next door was blaring Nat King Cole and Dean Martin when our stereo wasn’t on, so this music is in my blood.”

Tom Inman was always fascinated by the jitterbug, yet started taking dance lessons only nine years ago. He learned swing along with several other styles of dance. Swing is just one of the styles Tom and his wife, Valerie enjoy and teach. “We both started later in life and wish that we had started sooner because, in addition to the exercise and the wonderful music, it’s such a social activity. The people we meet are great, and just a lot of fun — and there’s plenty of romance to be had!” laughed Valerie. “We enjoy dancing to live music because there’s a type of synergy that develops between dancers and musicians. We have been known to jump up and dance anywhere as long as the music is live”, stated Inman.