Wednesday swing night rules again
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Maia Santell and House Blend every Wednesday
by Tony Engelhart
Apr 19, 2007
If you’re jonesing for some swing, Maia Santell and House Blend have the fix. For the past 20 years, House Blend has been injecting a potent, almost lethal, mix of jazz, blues and jump-jive into hardcore swing addict’s veins, and now Maia and company are peddling their remedy to swinging dance aficionados every Wednesday at The Factory at 56th and South Tacoma Way.
From early 2002 until it closed its doors, House Blend had a steady swing night at The Factory’s former namesake, the Brickyard Bar & Grill, attracting dancers from as far north as Arlington and as far south as Chehalis. The band’s high-octane tempos and rhythms are tailor made for partner dancing. Another reason for the success of the night was the offering of weekly dance instruction. Santell and the teachers would advertise each other’s events and even team up on occasion.
Last year, the Brickyard became The Factory. The new owner remodeled the club installing a first class stage, excellent sound system and spacious bar. Santell approached them about re-creating the highly successful dance scene. Their first gig at the new club was a rousing success and each time they would play the Factory, the crowd grew. Now every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. Maia Santell and House Blend keep the joint jumping and hope to do so for long time to come.
[The Factory, 6 p.m. Wednesdays, no cover, 5602 S. Washington, Tacoma, 253.474.1189]
