Dr. James "Buster" Brown

On Friday, May 17, 2013, Dr. James “Buster” Brown would have been 100 years of age. On his centennial weekend, we gather to celebrate his soaring spirit of love and generosity and the artful mastery of his chosen means of expression…tap dance. We rejoice in the teaching and re-creation of some of his most famous dance pieces, immerse ourselves in films of his work and discussions of his importance, and bring it home to party at Swing 46, site of one of his most enduring and endearing creations, the Buster Brown Tap Jam. This will be a weekend packed with memories to last a lifetime.

Buster’s achievements are legendary: the only dancer to be a member of both the famed tap groups the Copasetics and the Hoofers, one of the nine “Doctors of Dance” recognized by Oklahoma City University, star of Broadway shows such as Bubbling Brown Sugar and Black and Blue, the movie Cotton Club, and a featured soloist in tours with famed big bands led by Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmie Lunceford, and his personal favorite, Duke Ellington.

Beyond his accomplishments, Buster’s legion of friends and fans loved him for the bounty of his heart, his spontaneous kindness, and his delight in the company of others. His greatest gifts were his openness and joy of life, and he shared them without limitation. To know Buster, for five minutes or five decades, was to be affirmed by him and to be his friend. Buster assumed, for all who knew him, the position of a role model. We come together now, to commemorate his 100th year, because in celebrating the greatness of Buster Brown we elevate the goodness that lives within us all.

Come…join in a copasetic experience.

Master class teachers include: Kazu Kumagai, Mable Lee, Michela Marino Lerman, Max Pollak, Jason Samuels Smith, Dianne Walker with more to be added. Stay tuned for updates. On Sunday, May 19th there will be a “Film Presentation” presented by Hank Smith followed by a Panel Discussion that will be moderated by Constance Valis Hill, so get ready for that too! Meanwhile, the final show will be located at Swing 46 at 6pm.

All master classes are Intermediate + Level and will held at:
American Tap Dance Center
154 Christopher Street
(between Greenwich & Washington Streets)
$25 each
To register for all classes call (646) 230-9564 or visit: http://www.atdf.org/Buster100th.html

FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013
Tap Jam (10:30-1am)
Fat Cat
75 Christopher Street
Tickets: $3 at the door

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2013
Film Presentation (12:00am-1:30pm)
Panel Discussion (1:30-3:00pm)
Zeb's
223 West 28th Street, 2nd Floor (Between 7th & 8th Avenues)
Tickets: $5 at the door

Final Performance & Jam
Swing 46 (6-8:30pm)
349 W 46th Street (Between 8th & 9th Avenues)
Tickets: General $12 with a Two Drink Minimum
For reservations call (212) 262-9554

Buster100th On Friday, May 17, 2013, Dr. James “Buster” Brown would have been 100 years of age. On his centennial weekend, we gather to celebrate his soaring spirit of love and generosity and the artful mastery of his chosen means of expression…tap dance. We rejoice in the teaching and re-creation of some of hi...