Swingtime rings in the New Year with a historical perspective of the swing era.

The first meeting of the year is Tuesday, Jan. 15, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Community Center.

The afternoon’s session will feature a brief discussion about the history of popular music in the first half of the 20th century and its influence on swing and the big band phenomenon.

While swing music evolved out of jazz, it also was the child not only of some of the most talented musicians ever assembled, but also the technological advances occurring in the radio and recording industries at the time. This happy convergence of music-minded people and commercial developments resulted in the stars and artists of swing becoming national celebrities and the first true popular culture.

On the playlist are the sounds of some of the most famous swing bands from the beginnings of this magical musical era, namely Duke Ellington, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman.

Membership in the Activity Center is required to attend Swingtime meetings. For more information, contact Bill Whittaker at 480-837-7961, or the Activity Center at 480-816-5226.

A spin-off of the Golden Age of Radio, Swingtime plays vintage 78 rpm records from that magical era when swing was king. Listen to the big bands and small ensembles, the crooners and singing groups. Remember the grand ballrooms, the dance crazes and dance contests. While not all the music of the time was swing, the term itself defines that period from the depression years through World War II.