UF Hosts Ragtime-Style Band for 1920s Swing Dance Party

The University of Findlay’s Campus Program Board (CPB) will celebrate the city of Findlay’s 200^th Anniversary by bringing the 1920s and 30s jazz sounds of Blair Crimmins and the Hookers to campus. The Alumni Memorial Union Multipurpose Room will be transformed into a roaring ’20s dance hall at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 31. The event is open to the public and costs $5 at the door.

Based out of Atlanta, Blair Crimmins and The Hookers is a band influenced by early New Orleans jazz, Dixieland and ragtime sounds. The band has sold out shows across the Southeast with its legendary cabaret- and vaudeville-themed performances. After their debut record, “The Musical Stylings Of,” made Blair Crimmins and The Hookers a college radio sensation, the group began performing at campuses throughout the East Coast and Midwest.

Guests will enjoy dancing to the early 1920s and 1930s jazz sounds similar to that of Etta James, infused with the big band genre of Ellington and the early-era rock and roll of Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and the early Ray Charles. Patrons can be on the lookout for roving band members on the dance floor, adding to the lively and highly interactive show. 1920s costumes are encouraged.

The group’s signature sound of supercharged ragtime is attributed to a combination of Dixieland horns, rowdy ragtime piano and gypsy jazz guitars. Attendees will be impressed by Blair Crimmins’ versatile musical talent as he delivers off-kilter piano lines, guitar, accordion, ukulele and banjo while The Hookers back him up with old-school style vocals. Blair Crimmins and The Hookers have received rave reviews and critical acclaim for their roaring jazz sounds and youthful energy.

The University of Findlay is a dry campus; CPB events are held in accordance with University rules and regulations. For more information, call 419-434-4606.