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Mario Lopez will host dance party at Hammerjax

By Amelia Robinson, Staff Writer 2:56 PM Thursday, July 2, 2009

DAYTON — He’s known best these days as the dimpled-face host of TV’s “Extra” and “Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew,” but back in day, Mario Lopez ruled the halls of Bayside High from 1989-93 as Zack Morris’ curly-haired best friendemy.

Oh, how every teenage girl from here to Kanas City dreamed of being the raven-haired Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen) — the girl next door that A.C. Slater and Zack (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) crushed on Betty vs. Veronica-style.

Slater ultimately did not get Kelly Kapowski (he later fell for the high school feminist Jessie), but Lopez has done pretty well for himself.

The television star will host IndepenDance, a pre-Fourth of July bash Friday, July 3, at HammerJax nightclub, 111 E. Fourth St., Dayton

“We thought it would be something special for the Fourth of July, and tie it into his new show,” club manager Philip Stephens said.

There will be a dance contest with prizes during the event, presented by KateWorldwide and VIP Production.

A crowd of 800 to 1,000 is expected to come out to see Lopez, who was recently nominated for a Teen Choice Award for his work on the MTV show “Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew.”

Tickets will be $7 for ages 21 and older and $10 for ages 18-20.

Lopez has long been a showman.

On “Saved by the Bell,” arguably the best show in the history of the world (seriously, argue with us), Lopez’s mullet was out of sight as were his delightful headbands and assortment of sleeveless tops.

A.C. Slater wasn’t the coolest character on the show — that would be school Principal Mr. Belding (Dennis Haskins) — but Slater was super cute in anything from a dance leotard to a football jersey.

Go, Bayside, go!

The muy delicioso child star was a sort of PG showboy long before Elizabeth Berkley (Jessie) clawed her way to the top of a pole in the 1995 campy movie “Showgirls.”

Yes Virginia, Lopez and his muscles grew up and are looking mighty fine.

The runner-up on the third edition of the reality show hit “Dancing with the Stars” has lost the button-up print shirts and stonewashed jeans. Still, he promises a good time in Dayton during a promo shoot for the his appearance. You can watch the promo at www.myspace.com/hammerjax.

“Let’s kick it off with a bang and celebrate Dayton-style,” he says.

For old time’s sake, maybe he’ll show up in a wrestling unitard or play the drums.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2384 or arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com.

How to go

What: IndepenDance hosted by TV star Mario Lopez

Where: HammerJax nightclub, 111 E. Fourth St., Dayton

When: Friday, July 3. Doors open at 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $10 for those 18 to 20 and $7 for those age 21 and older

More info: Call (937) 641-1114 for more information

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