By Peter Roos
There has been a big band at the St. Petersburg Coliseum in downtown St. Petersburg as long as I can remember. Renee’s acrobatic dance act was part of the show there in 1970, on our first New Years together as college sweethearts. We celebrated my birthday that night. I turned 19 that night, but I told Renee that I was 24. The following April, I fessed up and proposed.
The spectacular St. Petersburg Coliseum provides historic swing-era ambiance and an unparalleled 15,000 square foot oak dance floor and is located at 535 Fourth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. It’s the ultimate way to usher in 2023 in style!
Ever since, this event has been a New Year’s tradition and fantasy for us. We will be there again this New Year’s Eve, in the first alcove west of the stage. Come by and wish us Happy New Year and me a happy birthday.
SWINGIN’ THE NEW YEAR: GRAND NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION
On Saturday, 12/31, the party kicks off at 7:30pm. Live entertainment provided by the eight-piece swinging BLUES WALK BAND with The Bluesette Singers Shelby Sol and Emily Gail. There are swing dance lessons 8-9pm and live music/dancing from 9pm-1am with a balloon drop at midnight. Enjoy party favors, noisemakers, chocolates, and prize giveaways and be sure to get your photo taken in your dress-to-impress outfit, be it modern or vintage glam. This event is smoke-free and open to all ages with free parking.
Food & Drink: You can bring your own food or purchase snacks from the Coliseum’s snack bar such as popcorn, ice cream and coffee. There will be a full cash bar, with beer, wine, mixed drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and champagne. No outside beverages are allowed into the Coliseum, and no coolers are allowed.
Tickets: Reserved seats $40; VIP Section reserved seats $45. Purchase securely online www.NewYearSwing.com or by phone at 813-579-4645. You can buy tickets in person at Sunday Swing Gang (Torpedo Room, 3810 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 6-11pm) or at Wednesday Swing Time (Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Boulevard S, 6-11pm)
Specialty Seating: Reserve your VIP Private Party Group Alcove while they last. Purchase 20-28 reserved seat tickets. If you purchase in November, the tickets are $10 off each ticket and the $99 alcove rental fee will be waived. Available by phone only, 813-579-4645.