Week of June 29th, 2015

• Wednesday, July 1st: Midsummer Night Swing with Aurora Nealand and The Royal Roses. This singer collaborates with a funky band to bring you New Orleans style Jazz and Swing, perfect for the Lindy Hop.  Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park will be a jumpin'. (Swing)

• Friday, July 3rd: Tour of the Tall Ship, L'Hermione. To celebrate independence day and to highlight Franco-American friendship, a very special Tall Ship docked at South Street Seaport, and the Alumni Association of the LFNY arranged to meet for a tour. This vessel is an exact replica of the 18th century ship that brought the Marquis of Lafayette to the colonies to help them in their fight against the British monarchy. Learn more about this astounding project on their website here. For information about the visit  to L'Hermione, see the Facebook event page here.

• Sunday, July 5th: Gagliardi Family Reunion in Pittsburgh, PA. I spent the holiday weekend in Steeler territory. Hope you all enjoyed the fireworks...

Week of June 22nd, 2015

3 Words: Midsummer Night Swing.

• Tuesday, June 23rd: Midsummer Night Swing with Jonathan Stouts' All-Star Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander. This lively band braved the rain and opened up NYC's beloved tradition of outdoor music and dancing in Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park. Those of us who braved a damp dance floor enjoyed the music and had extra room to show off our moves. Few events incite this much glee in NY's area dancers. Info here.

• Wednesday, June 24th: Midsummer Night Swing with Nikki Hill. From the MNS website: "All no-nonsense, raw heat, Hill and her band pound and roll through classics and vintage-vibe originals with all the soul and power of rock’s wild past. The Carolina fireball purrs, growls, and shouts on par with R&B ladies of old, while adding a fresh twist to American roots music." Dancers had a good time jumping to the music. Info here.

• Saturday, June 27th: Swan Lake at ABT. Marcelo Gomes stole the show as the human form of villain Rothbar in the last performance of Swan Lake of the season.  Hee Seo gave a lovely performance as the white swan, her tiny size lending her an air of delicacy and grace. Unfortunately her stature was a challenge when performing as the black swan, as she lacked the tall regal bearing and hauteur of other ballerinas in the same role. Info here.

• Sunday, June 28th: 50s & 60s Sock Hop at Iguana's. This regular dance organized by Eric Silvey featured rock & roll music perfect to Swing to. Info here.

Week of June 15th, 2015

Thursday, June 18th: 3rd Annual Harlem Swings on the Plaza. 

In honor of the late Frankie Manning, Harlem one Stop! and Harlem Swings, together with the Frankie Manning Foundation, presented Swing Dancing to the tunes of the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra. 5pm.

Link: Info here.

Saturday, June 20th: Swing Remix with Professor Cunningham. 

The Professor's beats schooled you on the dance floor. The last Swing Remix of the season did not disappoint.

Link: Info here.

Sunday, June 21st: the last NYSDS monthly dance of the season.

Join us before the action moves outdoors until the Fall. Margaret Batiuchok, the President of NYSDS will be teaching 2 workshops earlier on Sunday afternoon a few blocks away from the social dance venue.

When: free lesson at 7pm; band starts 8pm

Where: St. Jean-Baptise church basement; 184 E. 76th St.

Link: NYSDS Dance info here; workshop info here.


NB. Skylight written by David Hare and starring Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy closes June 21st. If you are a fan of any of these 3 talented individuals or if you appreciate excellent theater, don't miss it! (I am attending the matinee on 6/10.)

Week of June 8th, 2015

Tuesday, June 9th: Michael Arenella Quartet at the Algonquin 

Michael Arenella and his quartet serenade guests in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel. No cover. This is a very civilized way of spending an evening. He will be there every Tuesday in June.

When: 8-10pm
Where: The Algonquin - 59 W. 44th Street
Link: Facebook page

Wednesday, June 10th: Gotham Jazz Club with the Avalon Jazz Band

Patrick Soluri presented the fabulous Avalon Jazz Band with special musical guest, Gordon Webster on piano, at Bar Urbo in Times Square. It was a splendid opportunity to hear really fine musicians at an optimal price :-)

Link: Facebook Page; grammatical difference between "optimal" and "optimum"

Sunday, June 14th: Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor's Island 

Michael Arenella took over Governor's Island with music and enchantment all weekend.

Link: Facebook Page for the Jazz Age Lawn Party; Jazz Age Lawn Party website

Week of June 1st, 2015

Tuesday, June 2nd: The Michael Arenella Quartet at The Algonquin

The entire month of June, Michael Arenella will perform with a quartet at The Algonquin Hotel. Come channel your inner Dorothy Parker or Alexander Woollcott.

When: 8pm - 10pm
Where: The Algonquin Hotel (59 W. 44th St.)
Cost: No Cover
Link: Event page

Wednesday, June 3rd: Gotham Jazz Club with Grand Street Stompers

Prohibition Production introduced this new Swing event in Times Square at Bar Urbo. The location is convenient for those commuting into NYC.

When: 7pm - late
Where: Bar Urbo - 11 Times Square (42nd & Eighth Ave.)
Cost: No Cover
Link: Event page

Friday, June 5th: Swing dancing Flash Mob

Lindy hoppers met in Times Square to participate in a Swing flash mob, led by Svetlana and the Delancey Five. After the flash mob, we moved on to Big Band Friday headlined by George Gee on W. 43rd.

Link: Facebook Page with photos and video