Midsummer Night Swing
Midsummer Night Swing’s 25th anniversary starts Tuesday, June 25. This annual event is for lovers of dance and good music. Located in Damrosch Park, the area astride of the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center in New York City, the program runs through Saturday, July 13. Every night except Sunday and Monday, you’ll dance to the beat of some of the finest musicians from ’round the country.
The opener on Tuesday featured with JLCO’s
musical director, Wynton Marsalis and his 18 piece orchestra.
The offering was soft jazz, swing, with some salsa thrown in. A huge crowd assembled to hear him play and dance from 7:30pm-to 10pm with only two breaks in between. For those wanting to pick up on dance steps, the night starts earlier after 6:30 pm by a few favored instructors. Whether it’s jazz, salsa, swing, calypso, soul, ballroom, or R&B, this is NYC’s hottest dance party. The series will include the likes of Calypsso Rose on June 29, New York’s own society orchestra, Vince Giordano and the Night Hawks on July 2, Ray Gelato and the City Rhythm Orchestra on July 9, and Arturo O’Farrill and his Afro Latin Jazz ensemble with Tito Rodriquez, Jr., on July 10. And on Saturday, July 13 there’s a special program for the under 18 set from 3-4:30pm. Closing out the bill that evening will be the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra’s salute to jazz superstar Illinois Jacquet, an alum from the past several seasons. But before you leave try your feet at the The Fifth Annual Ambassador Dance Contest. Who know’s you might be a winner.
Tickets are $17 pp or $170 for the entire series. Four and six dance passes are also available. For more info go to:
www.Midsummer Night Swing.org or call 212-721. 6500.
So come early and stay late. This is one of summer’s best venues up front. And don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes. You’ll need ’em.
