The Sun
Sunnyvale's Newspaper

Photograph by Skye Dunlap

Fran and Phil Zeff have danced together for 26 years. 'Wherever there is music,' Fran says, 'we're dancing.'

Seniors get set to 'Swing and Sway' at dance night

Center offers new event for dancers 50 and older

By Justin Berton

Fran and Phil Zeff will go just about anywhere to find a patch of dance floor and an 18-piece big band.

The Zeffs have been loyal dance partners for the past 26 years, but it has been just within the last few that the two decided to settle down. Sort of.

Four years ago, the couple moved to Sunnyvale, where it just so happens a thriving swing scene is enjoying a heyday of sorts. "We got tired of traveling and decided to move here to be closer to the action," Fran Zeff said.

Now, on the first and third Tuesday of each month, the Zeffs can be found hosting the Sunnvyale Senior Center's Swing and Sway dance nights open to adults age 50 and older.

Though participants will be encouraged to dance, those who just want to listen to the 18-piece Sultans of Swing are more than welcome to attend.

Matt Gerhardt, bandleader of the one-year-old band, said the audience is sure to enjoy the repertoire. From covers of Glenn Miller tunes to the Lindy Hop, the band will use the dance nights to try out new tunes.

"We call up tunes out of the book and pick them up quite quickly," Gerhardt said.

Band members range in age from a senior in high school to a musician in his 50s, Gerhardt said.

Nancy Hextell, special events coordinator for older adults, said she received repeated requests from seniors who wanted to a have a big band-style dance night.

"People in this area are avid dancers," Hextell said. "They want to find as many places as they can to dance."

Hextell is hoping the Sultans of Swing will draw at least 40 to 50 people each performance.

The Zeffs are doing their part to get the word out as well.

"It's going to be such a fun evening," Fran says. "It's going to bring out the people who are still thinking young in their mind with the big band music. I think they'll love this."

The Zeffs still make their rounds in search of swing. The couple also dances at the Moose and Elks lodges at least three times a week. The Zeffs certainly are not fussy about whom they dance with--just as long as they dance. "My husband can dance with someone; I'll dance with someone else," Fran says.

"Wherever there is music," Fran says proudly, "we're dancing."

The Sultans of Swing will play the first and third Tuesday of each month until Dec. 15 in Room 601 at the Sunnyvale Senior Center. The SSC is located at 820 W. McKinley Ave. Tickets cost $3, and the performance will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 730-7360.

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This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, September 2, 1998.
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