Week of June 21st, 2021

Saturday, June 26th, 2020: Gotham Jazz Picnic

A wonderfully stalwart group of Swing Dancers gathered in Central Park's Bridle Path to listen to 5 all-star bands. The lineup included The Hot Toddies, King Solomon Hicks, Eyal Vilner, and Gordon Webster, just to name a few... The music went all afternoon and into the evening, and was only interrupted by a few drops of rain. Here is a photo taken during the gloom.

photo credit: Alex G.

Week of June 7th, 2021

 Saturday, June 12th, 2021: Michael Arenella's Jazz Age Lawn Party

The Jazz Age Lawn Party was back on and in full swing on the oasis-like Governor's Island. Revelers in 1920s attire boarded ferries and went back in time to attend the annual JALP. Michael Arenella's band was top-notch as usual and guest singer Queen Esther delighted young and old spectators alike. The next JALP will take place on Saturday, August 14th. Get your tickets here now.
To see more photos from the JALP click here.

photo credit: Vlad Kfrg

photo credit: Vlad Kfrg

photo credit: Vlad Kfrg

Week of February 10th , 2020

Saturday, February 15th, 2020: Michael Arenella's Sweetheart Soirée

The Norwood Club opened its doors to romantic revelers ready to revel in 1920s style and music. Friends in red enjoyed the music. Michael Arennella was tremendous as usual, and Nicole Renaud presided over the second floor with her accordion.

Photo credit: Gerardo Esquer

Week of July 15th, 2019

Wednesday, July 17th: le Diner en Blanc


Months of preparation culminated in a spectacular -if short-lived- DEB 2019 for the members of the New Amsterdam Exterior Portable Dining Society (NAEPDS) or the maniacs, as I like to call them. The Dinner in White should have been called the Dinner in Wet: the evening was interrupted by biblical rains and storms, but the intrepid revelers took it all in stride as we broke down in 5 minutes what had taken us months to gather and painstakingly set up.

Articles:
Gothamist: Link
Daily Mail: Link

Elena's stunning photo album on Dropbox: Link

Photo credit: Elena Martynova

Photo credit: Eric Vitale Photography

Photo credit: Stephen Adams

Photo credit: Eric Vitale Photography

Photo credit: Stephen Adams

Photo credit: Eric Vitale Photography

Photo credit: Stephen Adams

Photo credit: Stephen Adams

Photo credit: Elena Martynova

Saturday, July 20th: Depeche Mode Cruise

In stark contrast to the Dinner in White, the dress code on the annual DM cruise on NY's Circle Line was mostly black. DJ Lisa Shred spun an all Depeche Mode repertoire in the air-conditioned deck. Another DJ delivered Electro / Synthpop/ Nu Wave stuff to the outdoor decks, and despite the grueling heat, people danced and danced.

I still have lots of questions about the evening. Mostly, why was I wearing a sweater around my waist in 107 degree heat index weather? What Santa Claus was responsible for gifting us the cool light-up flashy necklace things, and where can I get a dozen of them?

Official photo album here: Link

Photo credit: Terry Jones

Photo credit: Terry Jones

Week of July 8th, 2019

Sunday, July 14th: Bastille Day Ball

French expatriates and francophiles gathered at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park to celebrate Bastille Day. This elegant festive gathering was thrown by the French Consulate of NY in cooperation with CAFUSA and a number of French corporate sponsors. Luckily, one of the sponsors was Moet Hennessy, so lots of delicious bubbly was on hand!

French Consulate photo album: Link (Need access to flicker account to view.)

Week of June 24th, 2019

Tuesday June, 25th: Midsummer Night Swing

Our annual tradition of attending Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing continued for the 2019 season. A few soggy nights and infernal heat couldn't stop our dancers from celebrating one of our favorite summer events.

LC photo album: Link

Photo credit: LC Midsummer Night Swing

Week of June 17th, 2019

Wednesday, June 19th: Scottish Dance Practice

An energetic and lively dance lesson was followed by a glass or two at the Tailor Public House. A good time was had by all.

Sunday, June 23rd: N.A.E.P.D.S. Pastiche Regatta

Fashionable and nautical friends gather at the lake in Central Park to have lunch aboard boats. Our little fleet consisted of 3 very well-outfitted boats for a Pastiche Regatta worthy of the Thames. Info and additional photos here.