Previous Events in 2006

January 5th

New Years Resolution Party!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Kick off the new year right! Have you resolved to learn to dance, maybe with that special someone? Maybe you just want to get some great exercise (and maybe meet that special someone) in one of the most welcoming swing dance venue in the Bay Area. Now's the time! Check out Steve & Heidi's balboa classes before the dance, then stay and practice what you've learned!

January 12th

Second Thursday in January Party!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

C'mon folks. Do you really need that special of an occasion to come out and enjoy the company of old and new friends on the dance floor? I didn't think so. See you tonight

January 19th

Countdown to the Northwest Balboa Fest!!! Door prizes!!!!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Whoo hooo! Northwest Balboa Fest is in a month! Sign up quick, spots are going fast and we want to make sure SF represents like last year! As a special treat, Gary and NWBF team have sent some great Balboa themed presents, and we're giving them away in a drawing around 10pm.

January 26th

Neoclassic Swing Night!

~Plus~

More Northwest Balboa Festival care packages

DJed dance with Special Guest DJ Ben Young

Lest we all think that modern bands can't play classic swing like they did in the 30's and 40's, guest DJ Ben Young is going to school us with a hearty helping of modern recordings that captures the feel of the classic swing masters that usually fill our hall. Were also giving away more Balboa themed presents, courtesy of the Northwest Balboa Fest.

February 2nd

Groundhog Day!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

You know I'll throw a party at the drop of a hat... but what about at the casting of a shadow! You betcha!!! Come swing your swanky shadow all over one of the finest and fun-est floors in the Bay Area. Bill Murray fans need not worry, you never have to re-live the same songs over and over again at 200 Grand, because I never play a song more than once every 4 weeks.

February 9th

Valentines Day Pre-Party!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

It's a little less than a week away from V-Day. Are you eagerly awaiting it or cursing it? Either way, I'll be spinning songs with lot's of different spins on love, from the sublime to the sappy to the "you-done-me-wrong-I'm-a-gonna-kill-you"! The lyrics might sometimes be sweet, but the music is always hot! See you tonight.

February 16th

Northwest Balboa Fest Pre-Party!!!!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Whoo hooo! Northwest Balboa Fest is this weekend! The Bay Area is going to represent! I'll be dishing out an extra serving of hot Bal tracks tonight to start the weekend festivities.

February 23rd

Sock Hop!!!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

~Plus~

Special Guest DJ Mike Quebec

Oh yeah daddy-o, break out your best bowling shirt, 'cause all the little hep kittens will be in their best their saddle shoes and bobbie socks tonight. 200 Grand goes jump blues and early rock 'n' roll tonight for a sock hop to be remembered

March 2nd

Live Music Night with The Frisky Frolics

What can I say... The Frisky Frolics simply bring the house down every time they play here. Come frolic in the exuberance and joy that these guys create on the dance floor. Or heck, just sit mesmerized on the sidelines... this is a great show to share with your non-dancing friends. Either way, it's going to be another unforgettable night!

Click on the band name for special hours, pricing, and other details...

March 9th

Back to Basics

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

We're back to playing your favorite classic swing music in one big beautiful room overlooking Lake Merritt.

March 16th

200 Grand's Annual St. Paddy's Day Party

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Oh yea, it's that time of year again, and you know what that means... Show us your spirit and your green underwear between neck and knees and get in free!

March 23rd

Sacramento Lindy Exchange Night!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Tomorrow is the start of the Sacramento Lindy Exchange. A couple of great groovy/jazzy bands. Go on, get out of town, enjoy. It's less than 2 hours away! We'll be here this Thursday as always, dancin' to more of the Bay Area's classic swing music for Lindy and Balboa.

March 30th

Balboa Rendezvous Weekend!!!

Special Guest DJ Mike Quebec

I'll be dancing and DJing at the Balboa Rendezvous again, but the sign on the door of 200 Grand will say "Yes, We're Open" thanks to a great DJ and good friend Mike Quebec. Tonight is NOT a sock hop night, so he'll be spinning mostly classic swing tunes you are sure to enjoy.

April 6th

Back to Basics

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

~Plus~

Special guest DJ set by Michael Terkowski

We're back to playing your favorite classic swing music in one big beautiful room overlooking Lake Merritt

April 13th

Live Music Night with The Frisky Frolics

~Plus~

Band breaks by special guest DJ Michael Terkowski

The Frisky Frolics simply bring the house down every time they play here. Come frolic in the exuberance and joy that these guys create on the dance floor. Or heck, just sit mesmerized on the sidelines... this is a great show to share with your non-dancing friends. Either way, it's going to be another unforgettable night!

Click on the band name for special hours, pricing, and other details...

April 20th

Back to Basics

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

We're back to playing your favorite classic swing music in one big beautiful room overlooking Lake Merritt

April 27th

Live Music Night with The RubyMae Memorial Dance Band

Led by former Indigo Swing boogie woogie pianist William Beatty, and featuring Josh Workman (guitar), Jules Broussard (saxophone), Vance Ehlers (bass), Marc Lee (drums), this band is perfect for the diverse tastes of the Bay Area... they jump, they swing, they get groovy and bluesy. I can practically guarantee everyone who shows up will have a great time and find plenty of music that moves them!

Click on the band name for special hours, pricing, and other details...

May 4th

Swingo de Mayo Party

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Hola friends! Come join us by swinging in Cinco de Mayo. The guac and salsa will be flowing! Join us after the dance for our weekly excursion to a local eatery for snacks and conversation... tonight we'll go to either Mexicali Rose or Guadalajara.

May 11th

Minnesota Madness!!! Our Sister Lake Celebration!!!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Oh yeah!!! On this date in 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state admitted into the Union. Later that year, the Lake Wobegon Preservation Society began a "Sister Lake" program, and among several others, selected our very own Lake Merritt to be a Sister Lake! Come swing 'till the cows come home to celebrate!

May 18th

Plessy v. Ferguson Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Sometimes it's not all good, not all laughs. Sometimes we dance to honor those who've suffered injustice. On this day in 1896, the Supreme Court ruled separate-but-equal facilities constitutional. It was in the middle of the following 50 years of legalized racial segregation that the music and dance we love were born and popularized. Tonight we swing-out to honor those who suffered from the decision of this day 110 years go, and despite it, brought to life something joyful and enduring.

May 25th

Steve & Heidi's 4 Year Teaching Anniversary

& Baby Break Bon Voyage Party

Live Music Night with The Frisky Frolics

Steve & Heidi have been teaching here for 4 years!!! Plus, this is their last regularly scheduled class for while, since their baby is due June 14th!!! What better way to celebrate their contribution to the Bay Area dance scene (and future contribution to the population!) than by dancing with all three of them to the joyful sounds of The Frisky Frolics?!?! Come frolic in the exuberance that these guys create on the dance floor. Or heck, just sit mesmerized on the sidelines... this is a great show to share with your newbie or non-dancing friends. Either way, it's going to be another unforgettable night!

Click on the band name for special hours, pricing, and other details...

June 1st

Tea Party (Pirate Style!)

DJed dance with Special Guest DJ Michael Terkowski

On this day in 1774 the Boston Harbor was closed due the what history remembers as "The Boston Tea Party". Since we've got a sea faring theme already, and because more than one person (yes, more that one!!!) has asked me to have a pirate theme dance, I say yo-ho maties, let's Lindy our timbers and Balboa our booties! Dress as a pirate (at least a poofy shirt and eye patch) and get in free!!!!

June 8th

Live Music Night with JP & The Rhythm Chasers

Hot jazz and swing music that you love to dance to... that's what JP & The Rhythm Chasers is all about! After playing regularly at 200 Grand last year, they've become popular hits at venues all over the Bay Area. I've missed dancing to their great melodies and hot syncopated beats closer to home though, so what the heck, I've brought 'em back. Enjoy!

Also enjoy a performance or two from members of guest teacher Carla Heiney's performance class during the band break!!!

Click on the band name for special hours, pricing, and other details...

June 15th

Go Fly a Kite Nite!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

It was a dark and stormy night... on this date in 1752... that Ben Franklin flew his kite in a thunderstorm and proved that electricity and lightning the same thing. OUCH! Don't fret, there will be a lot less painful energy in the air tonight at 200 Grand.

June 22nd

Public Enemy Number One Night!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

John Herbert Dillinger was born in Indianapolis on this date in 1903. Just another good midwestern boy, he grew up to become a notorious bank robber and was immortalized as America's first "Pubic Enemy Number One" in a speech by Attorney General Homer S. Cummings. These days, I like dancing to a song called "Public Melody Number One", popularized by Louis Armstrong. Go figure! Also, Public Emily will probably be at the dance, so I'll play the song, dance with Emily, and the circle will be complete!

June 29th

Live Music Night with The RubyMae Memorial Dance Band

Led by former Indigo Swing boogie woogie pianist William Beatty, and featuring Josh Workman (guitar), Charlie McCarthy (saxophone), Vance Ehlers (bass), Marc Lee (drums), this band is perfect for the diverse tastes of the Bay Area... they jump, they swing, they get groovy and bluesy. I can practically guarantee everyone who shows up will have a great time and find plenty of music that moves them!

Click on the band name for special hours, pricing, and other details...

July 6th

Official BlueJean Bop Pre-Party and Fashion Contest!!!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

BlueJean Bop is on Sunday July 9th with tons of killer bands, wicked cool cars, a sexy mechanical bull riding contest and more... We're hosting the Official Pre-Party with your chance to win tickets! Just dress up as Rockabilly as you can! Judging is by audience hoots and hollers!

July 13th

Live Music Night with The Frisky Frolics

The Frisky Frolics simply bring the house down every time they play here. Come frolic in the exuberance and joy that these guys create on the dance floor. Or heck, just sit mesmerized on the sidelines... this is a great show to share with your non-dancing friends. Either way, it's going to be another unforgettable night!

Click on the band name for special hours, pricing, and other details...

July 20th

Music Popularity Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

On this date in 1940, Billboard magazine publishes its first "Best Selling Retail Records" Chart. The first number one song is Tommy Dorsey's (with Frank Sinatra's vocal) "I'll Never Smile Again". To honor this invention, I'll be collecting your favorite 5 swing songs to dance to and on this night, I'll reveal and play the Bay Area Top Ten (or Twenty or Forty, depending on your participation). Please email your favorite 5 swing songs labeled #1 (most favorite) to #5 now to djs@200grand.com

In no particular order, here are all the songs played tonight!!!

July 27th

Camp Hollywood Send-Off party!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Lot's of folks are doing their annual migration south this weekend for Camp Hollywood. Let's send them off right with some great music highlighting the bands that will be performing this weekend!

August 3rd

Live Music Night with The RubyMae Memorial Dance Band

Led by former Indigo Swing boogie woogie pianist William Beatty, and featuring Josh Workman (guitar), Charlie McCarthy (saxophone), Seth Ford-Young (bass), Marc Lee (drums), this band is perfect for the diverse tastes of the Bay Area... they jump, they swing, they get groovy and bluesy. I can practically guarantee everyone who shows up will have a great time and find plenty of music that moves them!

Click on the band name for special hours, pricing, and other details...

August 10th

222 (Too Too Too) Much Fun Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Tonight is the 222nd night of the year! So we're gonna have too too too much fun tonight! How are we going to do that? Well, it starts by having 2 for 1 admission to the dance. Bring a partner and you both get in for price of one. I'll also be playing pairs of songs throughout the night... that is, 2 songs separated at birth. I'll also randomly double the tempo of every 2nd song starting at 22 seconds into the track. Gotcha! Just kidding about that tempo doubling thing!

August 17th

Balboa Dance "Co-Opetition"

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

OK, it's been over two months since our last one. You've been to Cleveland or Camp Hollywood, you've taken our super cool Combo's series, and you got some new game on now. I say it's about time to bring back this "ridiculously good idea". So tonight's the night for another Balboa Dance Co-Opetition... the super fun, super low stress dance contest for all levels of dancer, where you both give and get feedback!

Check out SwingTalk for further reading about the Co-opetition.

August 24th

Penicillin Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

On this date in 1940, Australian-born British pathologist Howard Florey and German-born British biochemist Ernst Chain announce in The Lancet that they have developed penicillin for general clinical use as an antibiotic. Dress up as the medical professional of your choice and get in free! ...OR... recite a haiku about Penicillin and get in free!

This turned out to be quite a night, and brought out the scholars & poets in us all! Here is a sampling of the haikus I received about Penicillin:

August 31st

Jack the Ripper Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

On this day in 1888, between 3:15 and 3:45am, Mary Ann "Polly" Nichols is murdered. She is the first of Jack the Ripper's known victims. Gruesome, yes, but we were going to have a dance tonight anyway, regardless of what horrors occurred on this date in history. Show me a scar of yours and get in free!

September 7th

Miss America Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

On this date in 1920, The first Miss America beauty contest was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was won by Miss Margaret Gorman. We know you can dance ladies, so your "talent" is covered, but show up in an evening gown or swimsuit, though, and you'll get in free!

September 14th

Moon Landing Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

On this date in 1959, the soviet spacecraft Lunik II, became the first spaceship from earth to land on the Moon. There goes the neighborhood!... All the spaceships from Mars promptly blast off and head home. Rocket scientists get in free tonight!

September 21st

Stonehenge Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

On this date in 1915, Stonehenge is bought at auction by Mr. C. H. Chubb for £6,600. He presents the site, containing an ancient circle of large stones, to the nation in 1918. What piece of history do you own? Bring it in for show and tell and get in free!

September 28th

Nothing Good in History Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

OK, nothing good happened in history on this date. What a drag! Well, unless it's your birthday or anniversary I suppose. OK, yea, then that's good. OK, so if it's your birthday or anniversary today, you get in free!

October 5th

"What would the Dalai Lama Do?" Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Well, if it were 1989, The Dalai Lama, exiled leader of Tibet, would be collecting the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent campaign to end Chinese domination of Tibet! Bring me a "Free Tibet" bumper sticker and get in free!

October 12th

Christopher Columbus Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

On this date in 1492, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus sights a Bahamian island and thinks that he has reached East Asia. His expedition goes ashore the same day, and claims the land for Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain. I'll play a couple versions of the tune "Christopher Columbus" that you've never heard before and we'll try to not get lost on the dance floor.

October 19th

Bling Bling Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

On this date in 1872, miners at Hill End in New South Wales, Australia dig up the largest gold-bearing nugget ever found: The 630lb 'Holtermann Nugget'. Wear gold chains like Mr. T. and get in free tonight!

October 26th

USS Hornet Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

On this date in 1942, the US Aircraft Carrier Hornet sinks off the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean. How, then, did it become a museum in Alameda? Well, the one that sank was the seventh USS Hornet (CV-8). It was replaced on August 30, 1943 by the eighth Hornet (CV-12), which is the one we know and love today. Wear your sailor suit and get in free tonight!

November 2nd

Howard Hughes' H-4 Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

By far the biggest airplane ever built, the H-4, also known as the Hercules, had a wingspan of 320 feet, 20 feet longer than a football field. Most commonly known as the "Spruce Goose", it was actually made more out of Birch that Spruce.

2006 continues to be very good for Carol and I. To celebrate, and to give something back to the community in which we met, we're sharin' the love with a very special offer: From now until the end of the year, arrive before 9:15 and get into the dance free!

November 9th

Carl Sagan Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Carl Sagan was born on this date in 1934, and grew up to be one of the most public advocates of science and skepticism ever. He co-wrote and presented the groundbreaking and wildly popular "Cosmos" for PBS, he wrote fiction books like "Contact", he promoted SETI. Let's do "billions and billions" of swingouts to his memory tonight.

Take advantage of our "sharin' the love" special... arrive before 9:15 and get into the dance free!

November 16th

Winds Come Rushin' Down the Plains Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Oklahoma entered the Union as the forty-sixth state on this date in 1907. Did you know that the name of this state comes from the Choctaw Indian words "okla," meaning people, and "humma," meaning red. Now you do!

Take advantage of our "sharin' the love" special... arrive before 9:15 and get into the dance free!

November 23rd

Closed for Thanksgiving!

November 30th

I Love Lucy Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

Desi Arnaz loved Lucy too, and on this day in 1940, Lucy and Desi tied the knot! I'm looking for a swing version of "da da daaaa da da dat, da daaaaaaa". If you got one, bring it!

Red heads get in free tonight, no matter what time you come.

Take advantage of our "sharin' the love" special... arrive before 9:15 and get into the dance free!

December 7th

A Dance Which Will Live In Infamy

DJed dance with DJ Brenda

On this date in 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked, drawing the U.S. into WWII. Tonight we dance to the great classic swing sounds of the war years, and we honor the victims of war everywhen and everywhere.

CD Giveaway tonight!

Royal Crown Review is having a big show at Red Devil Lounge on the 28th. We're givin' away a CD each night leading up to the show!

Despite what's going on in the rest of the world, here at home, 2006 has been very good for Carol and I. To celebrate, and to give something back to the community in which we met, we're sharin' the love with a very special offer: From now until the end of the year, arrive before 9:15 and get into the dance free!

December 14th

Forgive and Forget Night

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

On this date in 1863, Abraham Lincoln pardon's his sister-in-law, Mrs. Emilie Todd Helm, widow of a Confederate general. The pardon was one of the first under Lincoln's Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction. Let's all try to forgive and forget those who have offended us, and while were at it, let's all try to apologize to those we have offended to make that a little easier for them. Hey, it's the holiday season for cryin' out loud! Go ahead, it'll feel good.

CD Giveaway tonight!

Royal Crown Review is having a big show at Red Devil Lounge on the 28th. We're givin' away a CD each night leading up to the show.

Take advantage of our "sharin' the love" special... arrive before 9:15 and get into the dance free!

December 21st

Ho Ho Holiday Dance!!!

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

I'm a big fan of Santa Swing and have a huge collection! Come enjoy a spin on the floor to some of my favorites. I will offer you plenty of evidence that themed swing songs deserve better than "novelty" status!

CD Giveaway tonight!

Royal Crown Review is having a big show at Red Devil Lounge on the 28th. We're givin' away a CD each night leading up to the show.

Take advantage of our "sharin' the love" special... arrive before 9:15 and get into the dance free!

December 28th

French Cinema Night???

DJed dance with DJ Jeff

We've all seen a movie right? We have Louis and Auguste Lumiere to thank... two French brothers who developed a camera-projector called the Cinematographe. They presented the first ever commercial movie screening on this date in 1895 at the Grand Cafe in Paris!

Take advantage of our "sharin' the love" special... arrive before 9:15 and get into the dance free!