Swing it!

Eat a buffet dinner and energize for dancing to a band that delivers the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington.

By JORGE SANCHEZ

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 14, 2000

One of Florida's premiere big bands, Dan McMillion and the Groovin' High Orchestra, brings its dance music to Rock Crusher Canyon's Garden Pavilion tonight and Saturday.

The band is known for its high-energy renditions of swing dance music from composers like Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington and Maynard Ferguson. McMillion is the featured trumpet player and the bandleader.

"This is a phenomenal group," said Sheree Monroe, spokeswoman for Rock Crusher Canyon. "Many times if people aren't familiar with the artist's name, they may not think so, but this is one of the best dance bands in Florida."

The dance includes dinner. Tickets are $22. The buffet dinner features a beef brisket, chicken or pasta entree, and a dessert arrangement known as the Quarry Dessert, in which all manner of cakes, pies and puddings are stacked on an eye-catching display. Dining starts at 6 p.m. and dancing will be from 7 to 10.

The pavilion at Rock Crusher Canyon is a 20,000 square foot, partly enclosed building overlooking the Rock Crusher Canyon amphitheater. It has tables, chairs, full-service bars and a dance floor. Call 795-1313.

The band has played at the Concerts in the Park series on Clearwater's downtown bayfront, the Chasco Fiesta in Pasco County and at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center.

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