Jukebox jivers still rocking on

THE preferred music of Geelong Jukebox Rockers might date back to the 1950s but members are quite happy to upgrade to the digital age.
President Terri Colliver said the group used a virtual jukebox to play its favourites when members weren’t jiving to live music.
Members of the Geelong Jukebox Rockers have been boogieing to their favourite era for 14 years, holding monthly dances at the club’s base, White Eagle House.
The group now boasted 250 members and had widened its musical tastes, Terri confided.
“We have theme nights for our dances. Recently we had a Michael Jackson Thriller theme going, complete with a cast of zombies,” Terri laughed.
“We broaden the genre to whatever is fun because it’s really about the dancing. We even do line dances.”
As well as regular Monday night social get-togethers, the group runs rock ’n’ roll lessons every Thursday.
Members use their new-found dance moves for demonstrations at aged care facilities, school fetes and community events such as a recent Torquay car show.
The group holds a three-day rock ’n’ roll festival called Summer Rock every January, starting with a dance on the Friday night featuring a top rock and roll band.
As many members are also classic car buffs, they have a car run on the Saturday afternoon followed by another jam-packed dance event in the evening.
Sunday was a family day with lots of stalls, free children’s rides, a show-n-shine competition, an outside dance floor, live music and lots of fun, Terri said.
Geelong Jukebox Rockers raised $1500 for Relay for Life at its annual charity dance this year.
“There aren’t a lot of places for our age group to go out and enjoy ourselves, plus it keeps us fit and laughing, keeps the mind active,” Terri explained.
The nostalgia kick also attracted more young people to join, she said.
“But you’re never too old to join either – our club founder is 80 and still going strong,” Terri said.
Members put a lot of work into their costumes to fit the theme and spent a lot of time decorating the hall appropriately, she said.
“Last year we put on a Grease floorshow. We try and keep the culture alive.
“There aren’t many venues left where you can continue the ’50s and ’60s culture.”
“We try to create a lively, energetic atmosphere. We don’t worry too much about competitions or the odd misstep – the main thing is to have fun,” Terri said.
“People come from all over the place, Colac, Ballarat, Bendigo, and a lot of Melbourne people attend. It’s all part of the rock ‘n’ roll scene.
“A lot of go to a big rock ‘n’ roll festival at Tweed Heads in June and there’s other festivals and events all over the place.
Anyone wanting more information can contact Terri on 0432 503 997 or visit geelongjukeboxrocker.tripod.com.