04 May Ladies Love to Dance: Wise Words from Tony Verrelli

Anybody who caught the Deep Dark Woods’ twang-tastic, Grateful Dead-inflected set yesterday afternoon (they played “Peggy O” beautifully) noticed this dude rocking in the grass. Tony Verrelli, 88 years old, launched into a shuffling little boogie during “The Place I Left Behind.” Soon enough, a flock of female admirers were dancing with him.

Impressed by this aged, impish Lothario’s mojo, I asked him a few questions after the DDW’s mesmerizing set. Dude was sharp as a greased tack. Here’s what he said.

I don’t mean to brag but I’m a very good dancer. Been dancing since I was 12. Back then it was the jitterbug and the lindy, up in Connecticut, where I was born. I won 8 dance competitions. I’ve been in Florida 14 years, and every year I’ve come here alone and  year and every year I meet people. I just get up and dance and the people come over. Doesn’t matter what kind of music—it’s all just music to me, and I love music.

The thing is, ladies love to dance. You just gotta give ’em a reason.