Robin Seymour will be re-creating the glory days of the local TV dance party scene during a special “Swingin’ Time” program Friday, May 1, at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College.
Seymour hosted “Swingin’ Time” six days a week on local TV 1965-1968 after initially creating the show on WKNR radio, known more popularly as Keener 13. While the program only had a relatively short run on TV, it had a big cultural impact and featured hugely popular local musicians including Bob Seger and Motown stars Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Marvin Gaye and The Four Tops.
Accompanied by local 1960s rock cover band VanHammel, Seymour will recreate the dance show atmosphere at the Lorenzo Cultural Center as part of Macomb’s program series on The Sixties: A Decade that Defined a Generation. The “Swingin’ Time” program will begin at 7:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., dancers from Dance Scene, a studio in Center Line, will be on hand to demonstrate the moves to a number of popular 1960s dances, including the Twist, the Mashed Potato, the Swim and others. Macomb Community College’s singing and dancing troupe The Macombers will also be on hand throughout the evening to dance along to the music.
“Throughout the 1960s program, we’ve taken a look back at many of the important cultural and social events that developed during that decade,” said Geary Maiuri, dean of Community & Student Enrichment at Macomb. “The Robin Seymour event is an opportunity to re-live some of the lighter moments.”
Tickets for the “Swingin’ Time” event are $20, and advance purchase is recommended, though tickets will be available at the door. Light refreshments and a cash bar will also be available. Advance tickets may be purchased by calling 586.286.2222 or via www.macombcenter.com. Those attending will also be able to visit the cultural center’s exhibits recalling key local, national and international events from the 1960s.
The 1960s series continues through May 16 and concludes with a 1 p.m. program that day that pays tribute to area veterans who served in the Vietnam War. The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on the Macomb Community College Center Campus, Garfield and M-59, Clinton Township. Exhibits are open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 586.445.7348 or go to www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (lorenzoculturalcenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 59,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.