From New London, Connecticut, the 16-piece orchestra plays original arrangements of timeless classics from the 30s through today. Modelled after the great swing bands, the Dick Campo Big Band is a joy to dance and listen to. After a career on the road with the big band greats, Dick formed his first band in the 1960s. The current band was assembled in 1996 and plays regularly throughout New England.
Ballroom Dance Demonstration
Barbara and Dick Malinsky
Barbara and Dick started ballroom dancing in Connecticut 15 years ago. Their amateur competitions culminated in first place American Star Ball, Atlantic Coast, and New England Regional championships, and third place at the United States Amateur Ballroom Dance Association National Championship, American Smooth competition in 2000. Coached by nationally recognized dance instructor Sandra Fortuna, Barbara and Dick teach ballroom dance classes for the Chester Park and Rec Commission and donate their time to perform at many charitable fundraising events in the area.
Barbara has a Master's degree in dance from Temple University and is a contributor to the International Dance Encyclopedia. She is also a contributing editor for Ink magazine and an advisor to the newly formed ballroom dance program at Quinnipiac College.
Dick is a former advertising executive who now heads his own marketing consulting firm in Madison, Connecticut.
Refreshments and Open Bar
A sampling of savory and sweet delights from local restaurants will be served throughout the evening. Please join us in thanking these participating restaurants and shops for their contributions.
An open bar will include a selection of wine, beer, standard bar spirits, and a speciality drink.
Auctions
Silent and live auctions of items donated by local artists and merchants will be conducted throughout the evening. Here is the current list of auction items.
Tickets
$50 per person for Chester Historical Society Members
$60 for non-members
Tickets are available at the Chester Gallery, 76 Main Street, and Ceramica, 36 Main Street, in Chester. Tickets also may be purchased by mail and online at this website.
To purchase tickets by mail, send your check to:
Chester Historical Society
Dance the Night Away
Post Office Box 204
Chester, CT 06412
Include your name, mailing address, number of tickets, phone number, and email address. Tickets will be sent to you by return mail.
To purchase tickets online using your credit card, click here. This is a secure link. Note that you may get a "certificate error" when you click on this link, but be assured that the link is secure!
Questions? Call Sosse Baker at Chester Gallery. 860-526-9822.
Dress
Dance the Night Away promises to be a memorable and fun evening for you and your friends. We encourage you to dress in your favorite party wear. Any attire suitable for a special evening out on the town is acceptable. Black tie is optional.
Directions
From I-95, take Route 9 North to Exit 6. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Route 148 (West Main Street) and proceed to the stop sign in Chester center. Turn right onto Main Street. At the seond stop sign, turn right onto Route 154 (Middlesex Avenue). The Parish Center is about 100 yards down the road on your right. Free parking is available on site.
Music
Ballroom Dance Demonstration
Dress
Directions
