“Our hearts are still grieving from the loss of our teacher, our friend, our inspiration, Mr. Frankie Manning two weeks ago. But we know that Frankie would have wanted us to continue to celebrate his life, and the dance and music that he loved so well. Frankie's spirit is definitely still here with us,” said David Jacoby of Jelly Roll Productions, reflecting on the dance icon’s infinite impact on the swing culture.

Frankie95 organizers also acknowledged that “Frankie made it clear that if he didn’t make it to his birthday festival; he wanted everyone to celebrate his life rather than mourn his passing.”

So with his blessing, they announced on the Frankie95 website that original plans for the weeklong Birthday Festival, May 21 – 25, 2009, “will honor Lindy Hop’s greatest ambassador." According to the statement; “the festival will allow the swing dance community to come together in Frankie’s hometown of NYC: the birthplace of Lindy Hop—to grieve, to heal and to celebrate his life in a way that will pay tribute to this extraordinary man.”

Daily News reporter David Hinckley cited in his article that “Frankie toured the world in recent years, teaching and encouraging an international revival of swing dance.” Organizers added that “for the last two decades, as the Lindy Hop resurgence has swept the world, Frankie has been tirelessly spreading his passion, love and knowledge of Lindy Hop.”

The festival team invites everyone “to make the journey for the greatest celebration in honor of the man who did more for the Lindy than any other, and to show the world the strength and vibrancy of Frankie’s legacy.” In addition, they wish to inform the public of several opportunities to join in the celebrations, whether or not they are registered for the festival.

In addition, they note the following changes:

Registration Closing on Wednesday, May 13
Advance registration for the festival closes this Wednesday. So register immediately to guarantee your spot! Space permitting, we will be selling limited tickets on the night of individual dances.

Free/Nearly Free Public Events!
If you or your friends don't have a ticket for the Frankie Manning 95th Birthday Festival, there are still a number of public, free (or almost free) events! So, spread the word!

Friday, May 22

10am: Memorial Service for Frankie Manning at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church

A Public Memorial Service for Frankie Manning will take place on Friday, May 22 at 10AM at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (Fifth Avenue at 55th Street.) Seating is on a first-come first-serve basis, so get there early!

12:30pm: Free Dance in Central Park

There will be a free swing dance at the Central Park Naumberg band shell, featuring George Gee and His Make Believe Ballroom Orchestra! We'll be trying to beat the Guinness World Record for the largest swing dance! (Mid-park from 66th to 72nd Streets, just south of the Bethesda Fountain)

Saturday, May 23

4:30 - 5:30pm: Cynthia Millman Talks to Kids about Lindy Hop at Professional Children's School

Frankie Manning biographer Cynthia Millman gives a free talk for young people on the Lindy Hop & Big Apple at the Professional Children's School, 132 West 60th Street (between 9th and 10th avenues)

Sunday, May 24

7pm: Live Simulcast of All-Star Lindy Hop Show at Manhattan Center's Hammerstein Ballroom

World-class lindy hoppers from all over the world join together for a once-in-a-lifetime dance show that will be shown live on the big screen in the Hammerstein Ballroom. There will be a modest fee to watch this performance. At 311 West 34th Street.

Monday, May 25

12:30pm: Central Park Picnic

Join us in Central Park at the Sheep Meadow for an informal picnic with hundreds of Lindy Hoppers enjoying the spring weather and good company.