Swing Dance Will Benefit Ferris High Jazz Band

Forget the Macarena, the Cabbage Patch or even dirty dancing. For one night, Ferris is gonna swing.

The award-winning Ferris Jazz Band has a hot gig Jan. 22, when it will play the second annual “Swing Away the Winter Blues” swing dance in the cafeteria.

The dance will be from 8 to 10 p.m., but the swing-impaired can take free lessons starting at 7 p.m.

The big band shindig is a chance to sweat to the oldies and a real challenge for the musicians, said band teacher Ben Brueggemeir.

“Swing used to be so big in the ‘40s,” he said. “It’s great for the kids to be exposed to the music and to be in a professional setting.”

The band will play 20 songs and take requests from its playlist, which will include favorites “American Patrol,” “Mood Indigo” and “April in Paris.”

For $1, dancers also have the chance to win the band for one hour to play at the social function of their choice.

House party? “Sure,” said Brueggemeir. Serenade a date? “Yep, we can do that,” he said.

The raffle drawing will be held at the end of the night. Proceeds will go to the band.

Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the door or from any band student.

Workshop for parents planned

Parents of teens are invited to a free workshop next Thursday titled “Anger, Adolescents and Depression: Sorting It Out .. When to Listen, When to Refer” from 7-9 p.m. at Deaconess Health Education Center, 910 W. Fifth, room 265. Free parking is available.

Jim States from Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine will discuss the early warning signs of depression and suicidal thinking in teens and teach parents how to deal with anger and defuse hostile adolescents.

Registration is necessary because seating is limited. Call Community Health Education and Resources at 473-6960 to reserve a seat.