NPC president plans to lead swing dancers at Oct. 27 Silver Owls 'Hoot'

Remember when almost everyone in America, young and old alike, listened to the same records and danced to the same tunes? Maybe you don't, but it happened -- and really not so long ago. Remember the fabulous Swing Era of the 1930s-1950s, when Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Artie Shaw were household names? Well, they were -- and far more famous than any rap or rock star is today!

The Silver Owls will celebrate that "golden age" of American popular music at its upcoming "Hoot" at the National Press Club at noon on Saturday, Oct. 27.

The event is open to all Club members and their guests, not just Silver and Golden Owls. Tickets, at only $30 per person and can be reserved by calling (202) 662-7501 or e-mailing [email protected]. Free parking will be available less than two blocks from the Club at the PMI lot on G Street, N.W., between 13th and 14th Streets (you must bring your parking ticket to the Club to be stamped).

The star of the show will be our own NPC president, Theresa Werner, leading a troupe of swing dancers in all of the classic steps of the Big Band days, especially the jitterbug. Theresa and her friends brought down the house with their performance at her inaugural party in January.

The Hoot, the last of 2012, will occur only 10 days before the national election, so the Silver Owls will also be saluting the lighter side of American politics. A highlight will be a presentation on the activities of U.S. presidents and presidential candidates at the Club throughout its 104-year history.

The festivities will get underway at noon with a cash bar reception followed by a sumptuous buffet lunch. Music will be provided by the Griff Kaz Trio, a jazz ensemble led by trumpeter Griffith Kazmierczak.