Week of July 27th, 2015

• Thursday, July 30th: NYASS monthly event: "The Play in the Apartment." Please join us as this month's NYASS event features a play set in an apartment. How convenient! The play, written by Daniel Mitura, features 3 characters in an apartment. A buffet dinner will be served immediately following the play. The playwright and the actors will be in attendance to answer all your questions. Info/Tickets here.

• Friday, July 31st: "Fridays with Fleur Seule at Tavern on the Green"
  Join us as we enjoy the music of singer Allyson Briggs and her combo in the newly renovated Tavern on the Green in Central Park. A lively swing dancing crowd meets there, so you will have dance partners, or simply listen to the wonderful music of Fleur Seule. They will play 1940s Jazz, Swing and Latin beats from around the world on the outdoor deck. Reservations strongly recommended. Meet at 7:30pm. Info:  Fleur Seule Facebook page

Week of July 20th, 2015

• Tuesday, July 21st: Cosmic Cocktails. Astrophysicist Katherine Freese informed and delighted us at the Princeton Club with lots of accessible information on dark matter.

Week of July 13th, 2015

• Monday, July 13th: NYC's official Bastille Day Ball. Held every year under the auspices of the Consul-General of France, this event was held amid great fanfare to celebrate this French national holiday. The AALFNY was represented in full force. More photos here.

Entertainer Adrienne Haan

LFNY Alumni friends

• Saturday, July 18th: Tropicana Nights. Fleur Seule performed at the new Copacabana on W. 47th Street. There repertoire was lovely and varied. Many thanks to Eddie for a beautiful Viennese Waltz!

Week of July 6th, 2015

• Wednesday, July 8th: Midsummer Night Swing with Gordon Webster. The fabulous orchestra was joined by vocalist Brianna Thomas. (Swing) Info here.

• Saturday, July 11th: Midsummer Night Swing with The Harlem Renaissance Orchestra. Once again, HRO closed out the Midsummer Night Swing Festival to a sold-out crowd at Lincoln Center. This is the most popular night every year. (Swing) Info here.

• Sunday, July 12th: Ocean Grove Choir Concert - Prince of Peace. Over 800 choral voices were raised in peace for the 61st Annual Choir Festival, led by Jason Tramm. Ocean Grove, NJ is one of the most historic towns on the shore.It was the perfect place to host this first event in a Trilogy for Peace organized by Maestro Tramm.  Info here.

Midsummer Night Swing 2015

Our annual Midsummer Night Swing Adventure.

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.