The ACU Swing Cats and Jazz Band are gearing up to conduct its single and largest event, Yule Stomp.
The annual event will begin with a free dance lesson at 7 p.m. followed by the band’s performance from 8-10 p.m. Sunday at the Elks Hall Ballroom.
Formally known as “Fall Stomp,” the event was intended to be earlier this year, but due to the jazz band director becoming ill, the event was postponed and the name was changed to Yule Stomp.
In the past few years, the event has welcomed people from the community and surrounding areas such as San Angelo, Dallas, Fort Worth and other nearby places. The live music and style of dancing attracts guests and provides an atmosphere with a combination of history and fun.
“Swing dancers love a live big band more than anything else in the world, and each fall, we have hosted well over a hundred people from all over the community who come to enjoy the music, to dance or to just be a part of the fun,” said Cole Bennett, Swing Cats sponsor.
The idea for Yule Stomp is to provide the community with a swing dance and live music event that imitates one of the World War II era. Everyone is welcome to come and join in on the fun of celebrating jazz music and dancing.
“Although Swing Cats is an ACU-specific student club, Yule Stomp is a community event,” said Bennett, Department Chair and director of the Writing Center. “We really want anyone who loves swing music to attend to enjoy the terrific ACU jazz band, dance a few steps or both.”
For Elisa Wyrick, senior English major from The Woodlands, Yule Stomp will be a fun and memorable event for new and old members, herself included.
“We do have quite a few new members in Swing Cats, and our hope is that most of them come to dance and help support the ACU jazz band,” Wyrick said. “This is my last dance as a Swing Cat, so I’m looking forward to hearing the jazz band play one more time and dance with all of my favorite partners.”
