Rock & Roll Sock Hop Dance Party

Press release

All photos courtesy of Charles Rosenay

In May of 1987 a nightclub opened in downtown New Haven like no other before it or since. On the corner of College and Crown Streets, in the location that was for years home to Harold’s Restaurant and later on the Court Jester nightclub, it instantly became an institution in the city. Opened by a Connecticut nightclub mogul as a follow-up to his much smaller Hartford venue, the New Haven venue was an entertainment revelation where classic music was played by interactive DJs/MCs alongside dancing bartenders and waitresses (and bouncers/doormen), with line-dances and fun routines sprinkled into the mix. Thousands from all over the state would pack the club and hundreds more would wait in line. The DJs became local celebrities overnight. For legal reasons, the name of that historic club can’t be named in print.

The head DJ and music director in the hot New Haven nightspot, Charles F. Rosenay!!!, was already somewhat of an area celebrity, having been a popular DJ in the state since the late 70s, and also the producer of the annual Beatles Conventions in New England.

Rosenay was the perfect fit for the format. Coming in with one of the largest collection of records (yes, records) in the state, he was one of the first DJs in New England who was a true “MC.” He didn’t just sit behind a booth and play records; he entertained with a smile and a boundless energy. His “show” incorporated comedy, lip-syncing, dance routines, costumes and interaction. He was an award- winning pioneer in the field recognized at the National DJ Hall of Fame ceremonies in Las Vegas, creating or introducing features which became staples at weddings, bar-mitzvahs, and parties. What is now the norm for DJs/MCs, Rosenay revolutionized in the field by leading the crowd in choreographed dances, sing-alongs, interaction games, utilizing props and dressing in costumes. He was one of the first to showcase “team DJs” where more than one DJ would perform at the same time. This two-DJ show featured synchronized choreography, which became a staple.

Decades before there was the hit TV show “Lip-Sync Battle,” Charles wasn’t just lip-syncing, he was acting out complete songs, creating musical vignettes, and mixing songs with visuals and humor. It was very common for the DJs to pick people from the crowd to dance on-stage with them, wear outrageous costumes or act out routines.

The New Haven location gave birth to sister clubs in Stamford, Waterbury and eventually Danbury, but it was New Haven that had the longest run – nine years – which is unheard of for a theme club, and, arguably, the most success. It closed its doors in 1996.

Nearly forty years after the doors opened at the iconic club, a special historic event has been planned. “The CT Rock & Roll Sock Party” will be taking place on Friday Evening, February 14 at Cast Iron Chef in the Klarides Shopping Center, 15 Klarides Village Drive, in Seymour, CT.

The unique event is hosted by Charles Rosenay!!! and Tony Allevato with original DJs, MCs, dancers, and regulars from the iconic New Haven nightclub, and some of the other locations. Attendees will be able to re-live the music and magic of New Haven’s famed rock & roll dance club with all the familiar songs, routines, line dances, skits and interaction. The event is expected to attract many who frequented the club in its glory years, as well as others who may have been too young to experience what the hoopla was all about.

At the dance, all of the most popular interactive dances and routines will be reincarnated, including “Strokin,” “Who’s Making Love,” “Here is My Love” (from “The Idolmaker”), “YMCA,” “Greased Lightning,” “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights,” “Time Warp,” “Hands Up,” “Soul Man,” the “Punching Dance,” and so many more.

It’s clearly a night of oldies and nostalgia, albeit a high-energy presentation, but Rosenay also promises new dances and routines. “Imagine if the original famed club never closed in New Haven, but just moved to Seymour?!” Adds the organizer, “that’s what February 14th will recapture. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Weekend?! Oh, what a night!”

General Admission only $19.99 ADVANCE for 7:30pm or anytime there after entry (standing/dancing room only), V.I.P. Early-Bird Admission 7:00pm-on is $35 ADVANCE (guaranteed VIP table seating and you don't have to wait in line to get in. Limited number available). Admission at the door will be $25 or $45 VIP if not sold out.

Advance Tickets Now Available from www.ticketleap.events/tickets/... or call (203) 795-4737. The Facebook Event Page is www.facebook.com/share/1DtRusf...

Hosted by Charles F. Rosenay!!! and DJ Tony Allevato.

Free parking. Full cash bar. Restaurant food available.

There have been countless clubs and dance spots that have opened and closed since, but none have ever been as special or as memorable. Rosenay, who is still a hugely in-demand party DJ/MC and continues to entertain at parties and events with his own mobile entertainment services, Liverpool Productions, adds that a week doesn’t go by where someone comes up to him and say “I remember that place,“ or “I met my husband or wife there,” or “had the greatest time there.” If all goes as planned, this “reunion” dance will bring back all those great memories and fun times. Come on baby let the good times roll, at least for one night more.