​Some DJs like to end with a bang. I prefer to end with a slow song that stands out from the other slow songs of the evening. The best of these songs are those that have a defined ending rather than just a slow fade to silence. Why? I thought you'd never ask.

A song that ends with "a period" seems to trigger a romantic gesture. A kiss, maybe an extended embrace. Something whispered in his or her ear. A smile. I feel like when I end the dance party with a classic slow song the evening doesn't end there. 

I have a small list of favorites that never fail.

At the top of my list is "Forever" recorded by "The Little Dippers." Released in 1960, this tune has grown on me over the past few years. Recorded by a veteran background singer named Anita Kerr and three other studio backup singers, it became a huge hit when Dick Clark heard it and wanted the "group" to perform on American Bandstand. Except...there wasn't really a group. No problem, the record company formed a group which toured and performed as "The Little Dippers" for several years. Don't cry for Anita...she did well performing as backup singer on most of the big hits that came out of Memphis in the early 60s.

Forever shares some of the essential characteristics of my favorite "Last Dance" tunes. The arrangement is sparse; like a Floyd Kramer tune. (Think "Last Dance") A bass, which does the heavy lifting for the rhythm-keeping,  minimal guitars, just a hint of soft drums, and a lean, but haunting piano melody. The tempo is perfect for swaying together with arms around your partner...nothing fancy...no over-complicated exhibition "Dancing With the C-Level Stars" here...this is the "slow dance tune" of slow dance tunes.

But really, it's the vocals that makes this song. Not especially passionate, nor clever. In fact, there is only one verse, repeated twice. The song doesn't build to some Nelson Riddle, Billy May, or Perez Prado crescendo of strings and/or horns. No, not at all. 
Not that kind of song.
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​Hold me, kiss me, 
Whisper sweetly 
That you love me 
Forever.

That's it. And it's just perfect.  See if you don't agree HERE.

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Let me cut to the chase....I am planning on doing some boomer dance parties on a regular basis (um, quarterly, at least until I retire) for...wait for it...FREE at some venues around the East Bay. That doesn't mean the the event will necessarily be free. There are costs to be covered at some of the nicer venues, but I am hoping to keep the "ticket" prices below $10. 

I love retirement parties and wedding anniversaries, but those are private events, not open to the public. The yacht club/marina gigs have been fun, but they aren't inclusive enough. Recently I was Googling clubs and other music dancing venues in the East bay, and ho-lee crap. Things are worse than ever. There aren't many places with boomer-oriented music AND a dance floor any more. Armando's in Martinez is great for music, and anytime "Sunday Papers" plays a gig you can count on great music, but they aren't really a dance venues, although I love that their music starts early on Sundays. I also highly recommend the Half Moon Bay Brewing company when they have a good Boomer band. The music starts early in the afternoon on Saturdays, and the dance floor is packed...but, Half Moon Bay (Princeton to be precise) is a hell of a drive. Any place you can hear Chrome Deluxe is worth the drive, but they are mostly a South bay band. Rats!

So for most Boomers, opportunities to hear Boomer classics (and dance!) are few and far between. it's worth it to me to drop my fee if I can find public venues in and around Alameda. I have a 'day job" and am more interested in preserving the experience of a classic boomer dance party than making a little dough. I find the money less attractive than seeing my wife and our friends out shaking that cake on the dance floor. 

Some limitations: These are Boomer Dance Parties, not club gigs, so they don't go from 8 to bar-closing hours. A two hour boomer dance party will leave you exhausted and sweaty enough. Trust me. I'm looking for public venues, not "member-only" places, and the charge at the door needs to stay below $10. We just want to pay for the location and maybe a custodian to make sure the restrooms are clean and well-stocked during the duration. A cash bar is great, but a caterer raises the ticket price, so that needs to be watched. Dance parties are about the music, the fun, and the laughter, not clearing a profit.

Watch for updates as this project moves forward...and dust off those dancin' shoes.