Okay, so Sinister Swing is about to enter it's second year, and we're in for a bunch of changes, but as far as every member of this tribe is concerned, it's all good... as long as you pay attention.

First, we are introducing a membership club. Joining the Swing Goth Club is a one-time fee of $5, but is very worth it because it comes with a special gift and grants you access to gifts and discounts available only for members - yes. I said "special gift," I can't give away all the surprises. The $5 is a one-time charge, and will never have to be paid again, after that I'll know who you are (which is as much of a hint as I'm going to give regarding the special gift).

Why would you want to be a member of the club? Well, I'm about to tell you if you'd be patient a minute...

Second, George (the owner of Julie's Supper Club) wants to reward us for being with him through the tough times. He's extending a discount to people who come to our club. For just $5 "Swing Goth Club Members" (see above) can purchase a card entitling them (and only them) to $1 off wells and 10% off of food at Julie's. Period. All the time. This is HUGE of George. He's going to start having Karaoke on Wednesday, and other events throughout the week and the month, including some goth nights and some swing/free-form nights, and card holders will be entitled to $1 off wells and 10% off food at all of these events for the entire month. Also, I'm kicking around the idea of having a special Friday or Saturday Sinister Swing once a month.

THIRD... the price for lessons is going to increase to $5/night instead of $3 starting in April. Don't worry, this is still good news for most of you. "Swing Goth Club Members" will be able to purchase "monthly passes" for $10 (which is cheaper than you pay for four lessons now). I put the word monthly in quotes because really the card will be good for 4 lessons (you can come to two lessons with a partner and count it as four, or you can miss one and fill it in in the next month...). The lessons do not necessarily have to be consecutive or in the same month. I don't want to penalize people for only being able to come two nights a month if they're going to come two nights a month every month and sometimes bring a friend.

"Well gosh," you're thinking, "that's a lot of cards and it's all very complex." To which I answer, "Yes and no." For most purposes it's only one card. But it IS very complex. Which is why I wanted to explain it in a discussion thread to the members of the tribe before I tried to explain it to a bunch of people who just finished lessons at the Anniversary shindig. Speaking of which, lessons at our Anniversary are still FREE. The Anniversary is our night to show the world what we've built. There will be a photographer taking pictures. Feel free to show off, and strut your stuff.

To summarize:

$5 member initiation fee.
$5 optional purchase of card entitling owner to 10% off food and $1 off wells at Julie's Supper Club for an entire month!
$10 optional purchase of 4 lessons (which would now normally cost $20 if purchased individually).

More, less complex, surprises still to come!!!

The floor is now open for questions and possibly feedback or other sugestions....