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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 6, 2007 It Don’t Mean A Thing... If It Ain’t Got That Swing! “Queen of Swing” Minneapolis Film Premiers Reception and Book Signings with Queen of Swing Norma Miller
Queen of Swing Norma Miller returns to Minneapolis for It Don’t Mean a Thing…If It Ain’t Got That Swing, and Jazz celebrating the history of Swing, Jazz & Tap. The ninety minute documentary “Queen of Swing” will be shown at 4:30 PM Friday afternoon, September 14th at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1800 Glenwood Avenue North (Corner of Logan). This is a special kids screening. The event is free, with a suggested donation of $1 for youth and $5 for adults. Also on Friday, September 14th there will be an adult focused event at 7:00 PM at Jordan New Life Church, 1922 25th Avenue (26th & Newton Avenue North). The suggested donation for this event is $5 for $10 per person. “Queen of Swing” is narrated by Bill Cobbs, and Features interviews with Bill Cosby, Frankie Manning and the late Leonard Reed. Florida Filmmaker John Biffar takes an inside look at Norma Miller's influence in the globalization of America's jazz culture, and her and her fellow artists’ role in racial integration (including integrating the first U. S. public facility- the Savoy Ballroom, as well as Las Vegas hotels with Sammy Davis Jr. & Frank Sinatra). The film’s sound track features music and footage of many of Ms. Miller’s road buddies, including Jazz legends Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Sammy Davis Jr. Norma Miller is an author, choreographer, dancer, comedian and actor whose career spans over seven decades. Discovered at the age of twelve by the Savoy Ballroom's legendary dancer Twist Mouth George, Ms. Miller has been in show business ever since. Honored with a National Heritage Foundation Fellowship from the National Endowments of the Arts for her role in creating and continuing to preserve "the acrobatic style swing dance, known as the Lindy Hop," Ms. Miller is an inspiration to all who know her. Featured in Ken Burn’s PBS documentary “JAZZ”, Ms. Miller is also the subject of Al Governor’s recent children’s book, Stompin’ at the Savoy. Ms. Miller is currently working on her third and fourth books, Swing Baby Swing and Me & John Biffar, a behind the scenes look at the deep friendship that developed during the ten years of filming “Queen of Swing”. Ms. Miller will be available for interviews on Thursday, September 13th and the morning of the 14th. For more information please contact Michelle Johnson at (651) 341-9636. For additional information about It Don’t Mean A Thing…If It Ain’t Got That Swing events, view the Collins Production’s website at www.collinsporductions.org or www.normamillerswings.com.
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