Greenwood Swingout begins tonight

In addition to Mayfest and the Blue Dome Festival, there's a new event this weekend in downtown Tulsa, starting tonight, Thursday, May 17, 2012. Here's the press release for the first-ever Greenwood Swingout.

GREENWOOD SWINGOUT DANCE FESTIVAL PROMOTES RACIAL RECONCILIATION

Tulsa, OK, May. 14--The Vintage Swing Movement, a nonprofit organization started by a inter-racial couple to create a bridge to reconciliation among America's diverse people groups through the positive spirit of the Swing culture, music and dance, will host their first event on May 17-21 in conjunction with Mayfest. The Greenwood Swingout dance festival was birthed out of the hope to promote racial reconciliation from the long standing tension after the Tulsa Race Riots.

One highlight of the festival will be Saturday at the second annual Chalkfest from 1-5pm at 5th and Boston. Guests are encouraged to take part in the free Swing dance lessons starting at 1pm, dress vintage, and join in the dance from 2-5pm. Other events include:

• Three Nights of Dancing with: Steve Ham's Jambalaya Jazz Band, The Rebecca Ungerman Combo, and the Jordan Hehl band with Branjae at Tulsa's American Legion Post 1.
• Daily vintage activities including tours of downtown's art deco building, Cain's Ballroom with historian and radio host John Wooley, the grand opening of Tulsa's Art Deco Museum and more

While some events are free to the public, other events like the guided tour with Tulsa's own Rosie the Riveter, Marina Metevelis, and the evening dances will require a ticket. Some activities can be purchased ala carte, but for a full weekend pass and schedule information go to www.greenwoodswingout.com

In addition to the Greenwood festival, the Vintage Swing Movement (VSM) is excited to roll out its new outreach program this fall. The program will teach students about the music, culture, and dance of the swing era and the rich cultural diversity that existed even during segregation. In the mid 1930s, people from all ethnic backgrounds gathered in Harlem's Savoy Ballroom to listen and dance to the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, smashing racial barriers in the height of segregation. It is in that same spirit VSM seeks to unite the Tulsa community communities around the United States.