The Lindy Hop, a classic dance step from the swing era is now the rage among the young set. One of the finest local exponents of the music is the Swing Revue Big Band, fronted by drummer Keith Werner. Werner heads a 16-piece group that performs regularly every Wednesday night at the S.E. Civic Center (a.k.a. the Temple Ballroom/Wedding Chapel), located at the intersection of S.E. Foster and Holgate between 64th and 65th streets.

Werner has assembled a great band that also features regular guest stars like Johnny Martin, a local performer who specializes in Sinatra-style vocals.

Perhaps best of all are the enthusiasts out on the dance floor, especially the large number of young people who really let go out there. It's refreshing to see the kids of today rediscovering the classic styles of the past like swing, which goes to show that there's no statute of limitations on good music. But don't get the idea that it's only the youngsters doing the dancing. There's everyone from middle-school age all the way up to folks in their '80s. Sounds interesting, but you don't know how to dance to swing? No problem. There are free Lindy Hop lessons offered with every paid admission; lessons are at 7 p.m. and the show goes from 8-11 p.m.

Werner, who originally hails from Chicago, has spent a lot of time on the road playing with various bands, but seems to have found a home in Portland. He's excited about the resurgence of interest in swing. "I like what's happening, especially with young people. Sixty to 70 percent of the people at our dances are under 25," he comments.

Werner's main influences are Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Cannonball Adderly, the Jazz Messengers and Stan Kenton. "Buddy Rich is my biggest influence," he states. Werner has played drums since he was 11 years old and has performed with the Woody Hite Big Band and Walter Bridge's Big Band, among many others. He seems tickled pink to have his own crackerjack band behind him.

Werner also loves many of the classic vocal groups, primarily the Four Freshmen. "The Four Freshmen started it all," he says. (They were also a huge influence on the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, who blended Freshmen vocals with a Chuck Berry beat.) He's also a big fan of his hometown's namesake Chicago, who've released an album of big band stan-dards "done in a funky style."

The Swing Revue is a hot bunch and they really get the place moving, with as much punch as a rock band. This writer asked a man in the audience who grew up to the music if it was that loud back then, and he said yes. So take heart teenagers everywhere, tell your parents the music's always been too loud! The lure of the big beat seems ageless. That same fellow asked one of the stylish young hoofers named Jake where he'd seen dancing like that, and he said he hadn't: "I just dance!"

The Temple Ballroom has also taken a unique stand on it's refreshments. Werner notes, "It's kind of a health-food dance - there's no smoking or alcohol - we feature bottled water and organically grown fruit. It's a healthy at-mosphere."

Werner obviously loves playing and seeing everyone enjoying themselves: "It's quite musical when everyone's singing and playing (and dancing)." He's also setting his sights on adding talent to the show: "I started the band to do different things. I'm looking to form a vocal group within the band. I think we'll call them the 16 Freshmen!"

He's also looking forward to possibly adding top dancer Aaron Wheeler and Matt Burton, "a great young magician," to the evening's entertainment on a regular basis. But most of all, it's about pleasing the audience: "It's always been about communicating with people, offering something they want. We're striving to meet the audience halfway."

The Swing Revue's repertoire includes classics like In The Mood and Stompin' at the Savoy, but also includes some "really hip Woody Herman stuff," says Werner. A particular highlight is Flip, Flop, Fly, the rhythm and blues tune done swing style; it had everyone flying around the dance floor. The Swing Revue Big Band is also available for dances and parties. For further information, call Keith at 760-7593.

The Temple Ballroom (also called the S.E. Civic Center) was originally intended to be a youth activity center. Owner Bruce Clark has not only achieved that, but also turned it into a multi-faceted facility. "There's three-and-a-half levels in the building," explains Clark, which includes a banquet hall, a wedding chapel and a banquet room. "We've had exhibits, reunions, hobby shows and even a school prom."

The popularity of the regular Wednesday night swing dances has been impressive: "We expect to double and triple in the next few months. The people are very motivated. It appeals to all age groups," adds Clark. "We've had so many parents come up and say they're so happy about the place."

Clark also envisions a time when there might be regular nights for jazz and ballroom dancing, maybe even live comedy, but that's only in the planning stages. For now, on Wednesday nights, the Temple Ballroom is the place to be, to get up and dance. Even if you don't dance yourself, it's a lot of fun just watching. If you grew up to big band swing and you feel like the world's passed you by, take heart, it hasn't...come on down.