Nashville's John Pyka, commonly known as "Big Daddy Cool," and his Swing Cat Dancers are on tour performing "Swinging at the Roxy," a musical, swing dance and magic show scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday at the Carrboro ArtsCenter.
Unique for its plot line, the show is geared toward entertaining on a variety of levels. To Pyka's knowledge, this is the only show of its kind -- a swing dance performance complete with speaking parts and a storyline.
As Big Daddy Cool (played by Pyka) attempts to overcome his past involvement with the mob, other characters find themselves caught in a dancing love triangle. In between the drama, Pyka will dazzle with magic tricks -- an authentic '40s-style dinner show characteristic.
Pyka said the 20 songs performed by a live band will be "upbeat, fun, happy music. When you hear (them), you can't help but move."
Chapel Hill students are prone to agree, as the 1998 swing dance revival continues to receive heaps of support through on-campus clubs and events.
Born from the Depression and post-war eras, these energetic and meaningful swing tunes seem the perfect remedy for a culturally devoid pop music wasteland.
Pyka said, "(I hope) the audience will leave feeling entertained with one or two particular pieces they found special."
Although he said, "We're not out to change the world or make a moral statement," a percentage of the ticket revenue will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
Tess Mangum Oca
