Casaloma Ballroom and The Book of Dreams

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This is a story about a poor farm boy brought up during the Oklahoma dust bowl in 1918. Orville was a product of his environment which included a dysfunctional family, the depression, and the big banc jazz era. His dreams included dancing with a pretty, blonde-haired girl, but when circumstances come in between him and achieving his dreams he must make choices. In the pursuit of his dreams Orville travels to New York City and the Savoy Ballroom, Kansas City and it's night clubs, Los Angeles, the Palomar Ballroom, and finally

to the Casa Loma Ballroom in St. Louis, Missouri. He meets Frankie Manning, Lester Young and Billie Holiday of the Count Basie Band.

He seeks acceptance to the swing world of the 1930's but instead leaves a trail of death and destruction affecting the lives of many now, and years later.

Fast forward to 1999 and the vintage swing revival and discover what has changed in the world. Have we learned the lessons of the past or are we destined to repeat the same mistakes again and again.

Dreams can be wonderful when fulfilled but terrible disappointments when unrealized. This is a story of how they shape a poor farm boy in the 1920's and 30's and influenced others years later.