Vicki Baker
Televised for thirty-seven years American Bandstand, hosted by “perpetual teenager” Dick Clark, brought rock ‘n roll music and dance into every teenagers’ living room. Everybody knew the names of the regulars on Bandstand, and we followed their dance steps on TV and their personal lives in teen magazines. Hundreds of kids lined up each day hoping to be one of the few lucky ones who got to dance alongside the regulars and share part of the magic that was American Bandstand. Your Dance Club brought it all back to Robson Ranch with the “American Bandstand Dance Party” held on the night of April 28.
The ohhhh, soooo cool cherry red 1968 Buick Skylark convertible was parked right outside the clubhouse doors with its hip owners, Jerry and April Bayne, at the wheel. Not a single guy could walk by without giving the car a once-over and at least a little envy in their eyes.
As soon as you entered the ballroom, you knew it was going to be a rock ‘n roller’s paradise. Dance party goers were decked out in bobby-socks and penny loafers, mini-skirts and go-go boots, and everything in-between. Images of Dick Clark and the Bandstand’s regulars filled the room. Vinyl LPs and 45s were everywhere from the wall hangings to the table centerpieces.
Live music from Freddie and the Falcons brought energy to an all-time high and kept everyone on their feet hours into the night to the sounds of rock and roll, pop and swing.
And to top it off, there were great door prizes generously donated by our wonderful sponsors Nothing Bundt Cakes, Henry Evans (dance instructor), The Colonel’s Wife, Doug’s Country Market, Lucido’s Garden, Recycled Books Records and CD’s, Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, Beth Marie’s Ice Cream and Salsa Revolution. The lucky winners were Sandy Olsson, Dan Rich, Don Elick, Ramiro Escamilla and Cheryl Lenski.
It was certainly a special night full of memories, dancing, and rock ‘n roll. Remember to mark your calendar for the next dance, “Summer of Love”, set for July 27 with DJ Joel Morris.
“Rock ‘n Roll might not solve your problems, but it does let you dance all over them!”