Monday, 12th August 2002, 9pm, Harry's Bar, Boat Quay - In my opinion, big band must be listened to live. It is only then can you hear and feel the energy and brilliance of the brass instruments. It is an experience you can never get from a CD.

As Nging would have agreed, Lindy Hoppers are no different. So this is the day we've been waiting for. Nothing beats swinging to a live band.

And for those who complain that Harry's too crowded, you can always do the Balboa. Balboa is a variation whereby the couple's bodies are very close to each other. It was invented decades ago when the dance floor got very crowded. >>

This is also one of those rare occasion when we have every good excuse to dress up in our 1930s/40s Lindy Hop costumes. Then someone told me that Magaret, the general manager of the Harry's Bar, suggested that we dress up everytime we turn up at Harry's. I bet all of us would give a unanimous "No!". Why?

Believe it or not, Lindy Hop is a rather aerobic exercise given that it is rather high-paced. So you sweat a lot. Thus most of the time, t-shirt and shorts is our preferred dress code. Besides, dressing up would lose its novelty when done too often.

For a long time, the Thomson Swing Band of the Thomson Jazz Club has been regarded as the unofficial band of the Jitterbugs Swingapore. Whenever the band has a public gig, you can be assured that the members of the Savoy-style Lindy Hop school will be there.

Led by David Humphreys, the band comprises amateurs who are students or hold full-time jobs.

Nevertheless these jazz musicians are terrific. Go, hear them for yourself.

With the music of Benny Goodman and excellent Lindy Hoppers dressed in smart zoot suits, it's like being in the heydays of the Swing era.

But don't go off yet. You mustn't miss the final performance by our ballet dancer turned Lindy Hopper!