(Posted February 8, 2005)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Nimble dancers can lindy hop, jitterbug or otherwise cut a rug at Juniata College at a College/Community Swing Dance event featuring area big band ensemble The Big Band Sound Incorporated and the Juniata Jazz Ensemble at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12 in the lounge of the Tussey-Terrace Residence Hall on the Juniata campus.

Admission is $5 at the door on the day of the event. College students and children under age 18 are admitted free.

The dance is sponsored by the jazz ensemble and the Juniata Swing Dancers Club. Local members of the 20-person Juniata Jazz Ensemble include: Tara Fitzsimmons, Science in Motion mobile educator; David Lewis, of Williamsburg, Pa.; Sara Long, a freshman from Mount Union, Pa.; Aaron Shotts, a freshman from Everett, Pa.; Acacia Brunett, a junior from Portage, Pa.; James Nelson, a junior from Lanse, Pa.; and Peter Knepp, a freshman from Julian, Pa.

The Juniata Jazz Ensemble is led by James Latten, assistant professor of music. The group will play music by some of the most renowned big band composers, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glenn Miller. The ensemble is comprised of the following students:

Free group swing dance lessons will be held prior to the dance at 6:30 p.m. in the intramural gym in the Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center. To sign up for lessons, please call James Laughner, assistant professor of education, at (814) 641-3654

The Big Band Sound is comprised of musicians from Huntingdon, Mifflin, Centre and Juniata counties. The band can play a variety of music, including big band standards, Latin jazz, waltzes, polkas and rock 'n' roll. The 16-member band plays at festivals and concerts throughout central Pennsylvania.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.