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Folk Dance Federation of California, South, Inc.
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THIS IS HISTORICAL INFORMATION ONLY
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In January, 1985, we watched with sadness and dismay as The Intersection closed. Many of us had watched over the years as one folkdance coffeehouse after another met its demise. What is to become of folk dancing? Where do we go from here? Is the folk dance coffeehouse a thing of the past?
Many of us know that we loved dancing too much tp be conquered by this dilemma. Sherry Cochran, well known, talented teacher at The Intersection wanted to do her part. She volunteered to organize and run a Saturday evening of dance if a place was found.
Was that all we needed? It sounded like a tall order and it was. But that didn't stop Nancy Tamarin and Ruth Roberts. One Wednesday evening, they happened on a place that would revive our spirits! And the name of the place? The California Jukebox Club.
On February 24, 1985 we embarked on a new experience. And on every Saturday night we've been going strong. The Californie Juke Box Club has been a totally new experience for lovers of all kinds of dance. From 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. every Saturday night, folk dancers from all over the Southern California area have been popping up out of the woodwork to enjoy themselves once again. After 10:00 p.m., the mood continues as the evening changes over to a night of 1950s and 60s music that surprises some and pleases many. Depending on the evening and the crowd, folk dancing and nostalgia mix during the hours after 10:00 p.m.
When asked to compare the California Jukebox Club to past folk dance houses we find few external similarities. It is definitely a place that is geared more to the eighties. We even have a full bar and – would you believe – a go-go booth? But the fun and excitement, not to mention the enthusiasm we all enjoyed, is still a part of our new Saturday nights.
Opening the California Jukebox Club and keeping the evenings a delight was no easy feat, as we quickly found out. Many expenses were incurred at the beginning, including advertising, supplies, and audio equipment. These had to be absorbed by some of us. we found that the five-dollar cover charge could be a problem, until people began to realize that it was not unreasonable. Also, many felt pressured to take advantage of the bar. As the weeks went by, many of these problems were alleviated and the new and returning folk dancers could actually feel at home.
The California Jukebox Club attracts a large crowd interested in reliving the music of days gone by. We quickly found that many of them were somewhat attracted to our music and dance. More and more people were asking how they could leran to do some of these dances. Because there is no time to teach on Saturday nights, Sherry Cochran volunteered to teach a combination swing and folk dance class on Tuesday nights at the Club.
The location of the club is handy for many. It is situated near the junction of the San Diego and Santa Monica freeways, at the corner of Barrington Blvd. and National Blvd., above the Orleans Restaurant at 11705 National Blvd. in West Los Angeles.
Editor's Note: The California Jukebox Club closed after a year.
Sherry Cochran carried out disk jockey duties
from the front of a 1957 Chevy!