First Saturday Swing (live music by Dave Stuckey and the Hot House Gang)

First Saturday Swing is the biggest regular San Diego event. While usually going to the DJ music, this holiday installment will have live music by Dave Stuckey and the Hot House Gang. Due to this admission fee is upped to $20. I cannot recall dancing to the Hot House Hang music; based on the videos, their - quite cheerful - tunes appear to be generally on the faster side (think Charleston or even Balboa tempos).

The event happens on (you've guessed right!) the first Saturday of each month at the Infinity Dance Sport Center. Please check the Facebook page facebook.com/FirstSaturdaySwing/ for details (click on "See more" inside the event page facebook.com/events/2719966001673778). Classes (free with admission) start at 8PM, dance party at 9PM (doors open at 7:30PM). Technically, the dancing ends at 12:30AM, but finding a dance partner closer to midnight might be challenging.

Logistics: Parking is easy and free (use the business parking lots surrounding the building, the other businesses are closed at this time), this light-industrial neighborhood feels very safe. Be prepared for a truly warm atmosphere, despite the large openings in the back wall, the place can get hot in summer. The quality of the large dance floor is mostly OK (there are few soft spots marked by the tape, try to avoid leading into them). Admission includes a free lesson. complimentary soda, chips and other snacks are provided. Water dispenser is available.

Dancers: expect more than 100 dancers present, ranging from beginners to very advanced. The event is quite beginner-friendly.