CAMP HOLLYWOOD 2005

08-03-05

Dancers & Romancers,
How do I begin to describe the exhilarating Hilary's Camp Hollywood four day Jitterbug extravaganza that took place this last weekend? There were too many activities that ran all day and until late, late, late moonlight to even begin to relive those exciting dance events!
The awesome treat for me was the very danceable music of the 1940s and 50's delivered by three big bands, Dean Mora's Modern Rhythmists, Wild Bill Elliot and his 16 piece band and vocal group, and the surprise of the evening was Jonathon Stout's 'Campus Five' exploding into a full size orchestra with trombones, sax, trumpets and Kid Josh at the drums, and featuring the Impresario of the Camp Hollywood dance event, that enigmatic chanteuse, Hilary Alexander lending her feminine verve, in her tightly wrapped shimmering gold lame' outfit that left me fantasizing, and me going on 83.
Sunday night was topped with a sextet from San Francisco, 'Stompy Jones' with a driving sax player that automatically caused a circle of dancers around the stage for ‘challenge exhibitions’ with the world’s top Jitterbug Champions from Germany, Marcus & Barbl; from Italy Vincenzo and Isabella; from Pasadena, Minn and Corina, two time National Champions 2005 & 2004; Pendalton, 1999 National Champion; Tip West 2003 National Champion; and Shawn Carter, 2000 National Champion; and my favorite dance teams Anthony & Linda, Jan & Bryan Lee doing the Flying Lindy, Ben & Sheri, Steve & Heidi, and Nick & Tise...
Where was Jeremy?
The Male Vocal for 'Stompy Jones Sextet, 'Pops' was inexhaustible with his jazz delivery that added humor and excitement to the band, and Pops is a very easy, lovable guy to be with.
Of course, the after hours dancing went on past 3am when I finally flaked out from dancers' burnout. But I took home many lovely memories, of the great dancers I met like Natalie Gomez, Peter from Minneapolis, and Bella Marie from Quebec, during that memorial Camp Hollywood 2005.
I'm coming back!
Uncle Joe
P.S.
For results of CH 2005 Contest Winners and Photos by Nelson, log onto WWW.CAMPHOLLYWOOD.NET