DOWNTOWN BURBANK NEWSLETTER
 July 2005

Downtown Burbank announces the second year line-up of the popular outdoor music series "Swingin' Sounds from Downtown," eight free concerts with public dancing to the tunes of leading live bands on AMC Walkway at Palm Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard.

The series, which attracted thousands last summer for fun-filled, energetic dancing outdoors, is bolstered this year by a line-up of stellar artists. Several have toured internationally or have performed at top venues to wide acclaim.

Nightly events kick-off at 6:00 P.M. with free swing or salsa dance classes. Bands strike up at 7:00 P.M. Concerts run for approximately 2 ½ hours and are free and open to the public.

July 7
Michael Andrew & Swingerhead

Michael Andrew's singing style and showmanship have been compared to that of Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme and Bobby Darin. >From 1993 to 1995, he performed almost nightly at the world famous Rainbow Room atop Rockefeller Center. Michael and his band, Swingerhead, recently won the Orlando Music Award for Best Band in the category of Jazz & Swing for the 4th year in a row. Join morning DJ, Brad 'Martini' Chambers, from the Fabulous 690 that night and enjoy the swinging good fun!

July 14
Swingin' Deacons

These raucous children of swing blow life back into the great old tunes of T-Bone Walker, Joe Williams, Louis Jordan, Roy Brown and other jazz legends. With athletic horns, strong backbeats and crooning lyrics of love, loss and drinking, the Deacons set a table that's a feast for the eyes and ears. The Deacon's so amazed audiences last year that they are here again for a return engagement.

July 21 Johnny Crawford's Vintage Dance Orchestra

Crawford has gathered an enthusiastic following from appearances at such venues as The Argyle Hotel, Cicada, The Derby, Biltmore Hotel and The Palace. His performances at The Hollywood Athletic Club garnered much attention and are even referred to in Elmore Leonard's 1999 novel, Be Cool. One of the original mouseketeers, Crawford had several top 5 hits in the 1960s as well as four top 40 albums.

July 28
Royal Crown Revue

You may recognize them from their film performance in Jim Carrey's "The Mask," in which they recreated their turbo-charged stage show. This band was, and still is, the spearheading force behind the retro style which has exploded from underground scene into bona fide cultural phenomenon. Downtown Burbank welcomes Royal Crown Revue for an encore show this year!





 		 August 4
The Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars

Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars was born in 2000 at B.B. King's Club at Citywalk, when leader Jose Rizo gathered L.A.'s top Latin jazz musicians for an anniversary concert of his K-JAZZ radio show, "Jazz on the Latin Side." Band musicians, feeling the overwhelming enthusiasm from the audience and a friendly competitiveness among themselves, pushed each other to take individual and collective performances to a higher level. This 16-piece powerhouse has continued to wow audiences ever since.

August 11
Johnny Polanco Y Su Conjunto Amistad

Polanco is one of the most sought-after bandleaders in the U.S. He has gained the distinction for making the type of contagious Latin music that is truly appreciated by dancing connoisseurs. Empowered by an extensive knowledge accumulated throughout nearly 35 years of professional musicianship, he has achieved a high degree skill and can play 13 instruments, including tres and cuatro guitar, trombone, vibes and many more. His ten-piece band tours internationally to wide acclaim.

August 18
The Jumpin' Joz Band

The Jumpin' Joz Band is the swingin'est band in Southern California. The band's style is a wonderful combination of jump, jazz and early R&B, and is reminiscent of Count Basie, Louie Prima, Benny Goodman, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald & Louie Jordan. They put on an incredible show, dress in a classy vintage style and feature Ginger Berglund, who adds an elegant touch that evokes Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald.

August 25
Rickey Woodard

Influenced by the explosive styles of Gene Ammons, Coleman Hawkins and Hank Moberly, and plenty of John Coltrane, Woodard has developed a distinctive, soulful and seductive sound. By his late twenties he was a permanent member of the Ray Charles Band and toured worldwide for seven years. He currently works with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Frank Capp's Juggernaut Big Band. Woodard is also a popular visitor to Europe and the international jazz festival circuit.

For events, shop and restaurant listings, film times, parking information or to contact us, visit

www.downtown-burbank.org

Downtown Burbank's official website.

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