Party Line: 'Step- tacular' weekend of dancing
Memphis plays host to Chicago-style party
"You think it's hot outside? Just hold on," dance instructor Keith "The Navigator" Hubbard from Chicago told the audience of Chicago Style Steppin' dancers Saturday night at the Whitehaven Celebration Complex.
Dancing rarely stopped at the gathering/awards ceremony, part of Back 2 Back Step-tacular. Dancers from around the country converged for the three-day event hosted by 21st Century Productions in Memphis and Word of Mouth Entertainment in St. Louis. Activities included a workshop, a meet-and-greet and a Sunday champagne brunch -- with more dancing.
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Stephanie Hollamon with 21st Century Productions described Chicago Style Steppin' as a combination of bop, cha-cha and swing dancing. The dance is known for its soulful moves to smooth-sounding music, R&B, neo soul and jazz.
DJ Stretch knew what tunes to play so dancers could twirl their partners during the evening.
Chef Phyllis Crook from Pilar's Pizazz catering kept the Chicago Style Steppin' dancers fortified with Memphis-style cuisine, including hot wings and barbecue.
Teaching girls to rock out
The Hot Pink Paper Clips took the stage Saturday afternoon at "Taking Green to a Rocking Extreme" at the Hard Rock Cafe.
The band, which features lead vocalist/guitarist Nykkoa Morris, 13; bass player/backup vocalist Kylia Morris, 11; and drummer Jasmine McCoy, 17, was the featured entertainment at the fundraiser for Delta Girls' Rock Camp.
During the camp, which will be held July 27 to Aug. 1, staff from the Hutchison School and guest artists will teach girls in grades five to 12 the basics of an instrument and let them practice with a small group. Workshops include songwriting and marketing.
Pearl Jam's WishList Foundation, a major donor for Delta Girls' Rock Camp, hosted Saturday's benefit to collect used instruments and gear for the camp. Among the guests were fans of Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedder, who was in town to perform later that night at a sold-out show at the Orpheum.
The Hot Pink Paper Clips, a rock and pop band, performed their originals "Love" and "Living It."
Contact Michael Donahue at 529-2797 or e-mail donahue@commercialappeal.com
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