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Dance lovers can swing into step at Inklings Coffee & Tea this weekend as Death and Taxes Swing Band hosts the second event in a series of lessons and dance nights to the tune of live music at the Pleasanton cafe.
Composed of a rotating group of professional musicians and local college students, the band brings swing and lindy hop to an area where it’s scarce, all the while uplifting college musicians.
“It’s something different. It’s something unique to do. How often do you hear about a swing dance in the back of a coffee place?” lead member Rebecca Roudman asked. “It’s a great thing to do for couples or for families or for going on a date.”
To kick off the event set for Saturday (June 1), dance instructor and bass player Colin Williams will review moves from the last session to help repeat attendees refresh and newcomers catch up.
Though the lesson is meant for beginners, all abilities are welcome, as advanced dancers can use it to brush up on their skills, Roudman said.
For the remainder of the lesson, Williams will teach an inside turn and maybe even the bouncy moves of the Charleston.
“Swing dancing is the greatest social skill I have learned since learning to talk because suddenly you can interact with people, even when you just met them, and have a great time with them,” Williams said.
After the lesson, attendees can show off their new moves as the band plays popular 1940s swing tunes like “Jump, Jive an’ Wail”, “Minnie the Moocher” and “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)”.
Guests will even have the chance to dance to some ’90s swing revival songs.
About a year ago, Roudman and guitar player Jason Eckl created the band after hearing the jazz program at their workplace, a local college, might get canceled.
“We wanted to give the college students an opportunity to continue playing jazz and get real world experience,” Roudman said.
Students jumped at the opportunity and even the jazz program continued.
“It is an exciting experience for them and one of my favorite things is to see them experience the fun of their first ‘gig,’” Roudman said in an email. “Their response is always to be slightly out of breath, a bit shell-shocked, but happy at the end of the show.”
Other band members include a rotating group of professional musicians.
Performers on June 1 include Jared Moore on drums, Williams on bass, Eckl on guitar, JT Happ on trombone, Rachel Kimura on vocals and Roudman on vocals and violin.
“It’s a super talented group,” said Brooke Thielen, music event coordinator at Inklings. “Their sound is just beautifully crafted and it’s so solid.”
Roudman hopes the band will continue the series for a long time, offering people a place to swing dance in an area that’s otherwise lacking.
“Sometimes people need a vacation from everything that’s going on in the world or anything that’s going on in their life. And if they can come, hear a swing band, make new friends, learn how to dance and have a good time, then that’s the best thing that can happen,” Roudman said.
All ages are welcome to attend the class and dance. Doors to the back room of Inklings on Main Street in downtown Pleasanton open at 6 p.m. and the event is set to run from 6:30-8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.
