June 5, 2007

It’s time again to go Dancin’ on the Avenue

It’s that time again, time for music, food, fun and laughter, but most of all it’s time to go Dancin’ on the Avenue.
Scheduled for Saturday, June 16, this is the 12th consecutive evening offering great music, food and fun. This year’s event looks to be even bigger and better than last year’s.

Live music will be played on four stages including The Joe Sharino Band, which again will grace the Steven’s Building Lot. Presented by the Peak Travel group, this band—one of Willow Glen’s favorites—has won 15 best band awards in northern California and plays pop, rock, Motown, funk, country, disco, R and B, jazz, Latin and swing.

NuDay appears again this year, courtesy of Prudential Realty, at Brace and Lincoln. The group, which has entertained dancers for the past several years, is back by popular demand. They will offer old school rhythm and blues, funk, Motown, big band swing and Latin.

The Groove Kings, winners of 98.5 KFOX’s Last Band Standing Contest as Best Cover Band of 2005, will entertain at Lincoln and Minnesota. Presented by Washington Mutual Bank, the Groove Kings offer popular rock n’ roll and classic rhythm and blues.

PT and the Cruzers will be playing their brand of rock, blues, funk and R & B. n the Jamba Juice parking lot.

Dancin’s activities are not just for adults. WGBPA again this year will offer a Kids’ Court full of activities for all ages, but mostly designed for the younger set. Sponsored by Tim Casey Construction, the Court will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Parking Lot. Alchemy and the YMCA are offering carnival games, including face painting, a game give away, photography, hoops, crafts and ceramic painting, a bubble station, spin art and a soccer expo. In addition, Hicklebees will hold a book signing.

Kids and parents all get hungry and thirsty, especially after dancing. There will be beverage booths for water, soda, beer and wine at various spots on the avenue. Tickets can be purchased at four different booths. Tickets must be purchased for the drinks and beer and wine will only be given to those wearing wristbands. These will be given out at security desks next to the ticket booths after proof of age. Alcohol will not be sold after 9:30 p.m. and tickets are non-refundable. Water and sodas will be available throughout the evening.

Various restaurants from Willow Glen will offer a number of tasty treats. All food sales are cash only. Round Table and Pizza My Heart will provide pizza; Jerseys will offer cheesesteak sandwiches; Mojo Burger’s fare includes burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, side salads and chips; Kicks will have ice cream sandwiches; Willow Glen Yogurt frozen yogurt and custards, Willow Street will provide BBQ sausages (Italian, Police and Cajun) hot dogs, corn dogs, garlic fries and chicken kabobs; Taiwan will offer Fried Rice and other Chinese dishes; Casa Blanca will prepare kabobs and falafel; Sushi Kazoo’s menu includes California rolls, gyoza, edamane and karaoge; The Eagles offer hamburgers and hot dogs; and Rubios fish and beef tacos. Kettle popcorn will be on sale from Old Tyme Kettle Korn.

Last year more than 35,000 people attended, so plan on dressing comfortably as there may be a walk before you get to dance. While Lincoln Avenue will be closed to traffic between Minnesota and Willow, parking will be available on Lincoln north of Willow and south of Minnesota, and along the side streets.