Clubs to Swing At

Gemini's Cafe: Located right near Bradley Airport, about 45 minutes from Wes. They usually have a DJ, but sometimes bring in a band. To find out about what's going on there, and when it's happening, call locally to swing promoter Jane Dumont at 267-0613. The day of the week varies. You can call the club for info as well, although Jane will probably have all the info. In past, you could get in underage, but need ID to buy drinks, but call to verify this.

Directions:
  • From the South (from Wes), take I-91 north to exit 37
  • turn Left off of the ramp (305 west).
  • Go 3 miles and take a Right onto 187-N.
  • Go 3 miles to the fork in road and bear Right onto Route 189-N.
  • At the first light go Left on to Route 315.
  • Turn Left at the stop sign at top of the hill.
  • Gemini's is 1.0 miles on the Right.


    • Tuxedo Junction: Located in Danbury, this place is huge--1600 square foot dance floor and 4 bars! It's bigger than some of the area Rock Clubs, like Toad's and such. The crowd is often young, there's usually a DJ, sometimes a band. It's about 50 minutes from Wes. Check out their website at http://www.tuxedojunction.net. Their phone number is (203)748-2561.

    Directions:
  • Take I-84 West (from Wes) to Danbury, get off at exit 5.
  • At the first light take a right onto Main Street.
  • At fifth light take a left onto White Street.
  • Take your first right off White onto Ives Street.
  • Tuxedo Junction is about a hundred yards down on the right.


    • Foxwoods Resort and Casino: Yes, everyone's favorite giant Connecticut casino is now doing Swing Night every Sunday! It's held in the Cenetropolis Lounge, and all dances are free, with top, LIVE bands, and free lessons with some great instructors! There's plenty of room to dance. Although you are only supposed to use it for "gambling info," you can get directions by calling 1-800-PLAY-BIG. To see if you can get in to the dances without an ID, officially you should call (860)312-7946, but first try the 800#, and see if they'll transfer you to the Cenetropolis Lounge. *NOTE: I've been twice, and haven't seen them carding either time, so my guess would be that they aren't but I'd make sure if you're under 21. Sundays, lesson from 7:30-8:30, and the band starts at 9, and runs till midnight. Check out their Swing Web page for some additional info at http://www.foxwoods.com/frameswg.htm.
    (beware of events held at Mohegan Sun Casino--the Wolf Den, where they hold it, is very small, with a tiny dance floor, and shows are usually only about 80-90 minutes. Plus, since seating is so limited, they often have to turn people away, especially with the bigger name acts)


    Bar With No Name: Located in Hartford. One of the premiere Swing nights in CT on Thursdays. 21+ and they do card. They bring in great live bands. $6 cover. About 30 minutes from Wes. Call 522-4646 for info. Night usually looks like:

    7:30 p.m. Paid lesson; progresses each week; good teaching
    8:30 p.m. Free intro swing lesson--usually pretty crowded
    9:30 p.m. Band starts around this time
    12:30 a.m. Band stops
    1 a.m. DJ stops, everyone kicked out


    Toad's Place: They usually set up an area for people under 21 on their Swing nights. They bring in live bands. The cost is usually $10. Located in New Haven, it's about 35 minutes away. Sometimes they bring in Jitterbug Jane to teach an instructional Swing class before the band starts. Call them at (203) 562-5589 or check out their webpage at www.toadsplace.com for info, and a chance at reduced admission in the "Passwords" section.

    Boomers: Located in Groton, about 50 minutes from Wes, near Conn College. Low cost Swing night on Tuesday evenings. 7:30 to 8:30 lesson, the DJ'd music. Bring your own cd's if you want to hear them.