Shakedown #4, 1986-02-22

Described as “WJZ’s nightclub on the air,” Shakedown was a dance show executive produced by Michael Easterling, produced by Earnest Winbourne, and hosted by Harold Anthony. Every Saturday evening, Harold Anthony “invited viewers to hear the hottest music, see the best dancers and some of his favorite people from in and around Baltimore.” The show was seen as a revival of The Buddy Deane Show which aired from 1957-1964 until it was canceled due to integration controversy.

Apart from showcasing dancers and new music, Shakedown had many rotating segments. The “Silver Bullet Pick” featured a local radio personality who chose a top 40 song that they predicted would become number one. The show regularly hosted local Baltimore bands such as Oran “Juice” Jones, The Press Club, Sweet Cookie, and later expanded to host national musicians. The “Nightclub Salute” featured local nightclubs such as Odell’s and Hammerjacks. One or two videos were chosen per episode for the “Video Showcase” and at the beginning of the series, there was a “Rate-A-Video” segment where Shakedown dancers would rate a new video from 1-10. Dancers were interviewed in the “Fireside Chat” and were asked everything from their birthdays to recent accomplishments. The show typically ended with the “Shakedown Show Down” where dancers partnered and showed off their dance moves and outfits.

MARMIA has 57 surviving tapes from the series overall. Re-used labels suggest tape stock may have been recycled, taping over content from earlier shows. They primarily consist of the show’s first season which had a 44-week run in 1986, four tapes from the 12-week 1987 summer special, six tapes from the 1992 summer revival, four tapes of production elements from 1992, and one field tape saluting Odell’s nightclub.