Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing: 2016 lineup & schedule
Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing series returns for dancing under the stars from June 21-July 9 at at Damrosch Park (Amsterdam Ave. and W. 62 St.). As in previous years, the events aren’t limited to just swing and feature a variety of genres and dance styles, each including dance lessons. These year’s highlights include Joe McGinty and The Loser’s Lounge covering the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack on June 23; an Allen Toussaint tribute on June 25 with The Allen Toussaint Band featuring guest vocalists Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, and Deacon John; and the U.S. live debut of Cuba’s Septeto Santiaguero on June 28.
Passes are available now as are individual tickets. Detailed lineup and schedule for the 2016 Midsummer Night Swing is below.
—
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S SWING – 2016 SCHEDULE
Tuesday, June 21 at 7:30 pm
Catherine Russell Septet Swing Blues
With her honey-rich vocals, charismatic energy, and royal swing lineage—she’s the daughter of Luis Russell, longtime director of Louis Armstrong’s orchestra, and pioneering bassist Carline Ray—Catherine Russell reigns over the dance floor at this opening night strutter’s ball. When Russell strikes up her seven-piece band, the finger-snapping is an involuntary reflex that soon gives way to a full-fledged party.
Lesson: Evita Arce and Michael Jagger teach Lindy Hop at 6:30 pm
DJ: Dawn Hampton
Wednesday, June 22 at 7:30 pm
Ismael Miranda Salsa
Dancers will feel the full force of classic salsa with one of the genre’s most celebrated icons. Puerto Rico–born and East Village–raised, Ismael Miranda formed his first band at age 11 and joined the legendary Fania All Stars when he was just a teenager. Under the starry New York sky, “El Niño Bonito de la Salsa” will ignite the festivities like only he can with melodious vocals, irrepressible magnetism, and unwavering passion for the music.
Lesson: Carlos König teaches Salsa at 6:30 pm
DJ: DJ Broadway
Thursday, June 23 at 7:30 pm
Thursday Night Fever featuring Joe McGinty and The Loser’s Lounge Disco
Audiences are invited to indulge their shiniest, sexiest disco fantasies with perennial favorites The Loser’s Lounge in a weeknight tribute to the iconic movie that catapulted John Travolta and The Bee Gees to superstardom. Keyboardist and cover song king Joe McGinty leads his band, deemed a part of “essential New York” by Time Out, in everything from “Night Fever” to “Disco Inferno.”
Lesson: Maria Torres teaches Hustle at 6:30 pm
DJ: Bill Coleman, Additional Silent Disco DJs: DJ Rimarkable and Qool DJ Marv
Silent Disco powered by Quiet Events at 10:00 pm
Friday, June 24 at 7:30 pm
Mint Julep Jazz Band 1930s Swing
**New York City debut**
This North Carolina–based “little” big band’s goal is to simply keep everyone on the dance floor. Specializing in the great swing tunes of the ’30s, the eight-piece band has been tearing through the Lindy hop competition circuit, leaving masses of new fans in its wake. Sweet and refreshing with an intoxicating kick, the band makes its highly anticipated New York debut at Midsummer Night Swing.
Lesson: Lainey Silver teaches Balboa at 6:30 pm
DJ: DJ Va Va Voon
Saturday, June 25 at 7:30 pm
The Allen Toussaint Band New Orleans Rhythm & Blues
with guest vocalists Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, and Deacon John
Midsummer Night Swing will pay special tribute to late music icon Allen Toussaint, “one of the master craftsmen of 20th-century American pop” (New York Times). The songwriter and producer behind hits like “Mother-in-Law” and “Working in the Coal Mine,” Toussaint and his signature blend of soul, funk, and rhythm & blues defined the New Orleans sound of the ’60s and ’70s. Irma Thomas, “The Soul Queen of New Orleans” and one of Toussaint’s most revered collaborators; vocalist and part of the legendary Neville Brothers dynasty, Cyril Neville; and New Orleans’s most in-demand bandleader, Deacon John, join Toussaint’s band to celebrate the extraordinary life—and irresistible hooks—of their lifelong friend by keeping the tunes hot and the dance floor packed.
Lesson: John and Shoshana Krieger-Joven teach Blues Dancing at 6:30 pm
DJ: Jonathan Toubin
Tuesday, June 28 at 7:30 pm
Septeto Santiaguero Son **U.S. debut**
Right on the heels of warming diplomatic relationships, the dance floor heats up with the U.S. debut of one of Cuba’s most essential bands. Winner of the 2015 Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Album, Septeto Santiaguero honed its sound at Santiago de Cuba’s famous nightclub Casa de la Trova. Balancing reverence for tradition with an adventurous streak that has sparked collaborations with salsa stars like “El Canario” and Rubén Blades, the band knows how to keep crowds moving wherever they go.
Lesson: Carlos Mateu teaches Son Cubano at 6:30 pm
DJ: Ron McGugins
Wednesday, June 29 at 7:30 pm
Fleur Seule Ballroom
From five-star hotels to secret gin joints, Fleur Seule has been infusing 21st-century New York nightlife with the style and spirit of the 1940s. Fronted by platinum-haired, golden-voiced Allyson Briggs, Fleur Seule channels the romance of European jazz and the moxie of the all-American USO style.
Lesson: Jerry Feldman and Celia Gianfrancesco teach Foxtrot and Waltz at 6:30 pm
DJ: Gene Eagle
Thursday, June 30 at 7:30 pm
Evan Sherman Big Band Big Band Swing
Drum prodigy and bandleader Evan Sherman has been building buzz for his monthly late-night dance parties at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. His 17-member entourage includes jazz stalwarts alongside a fiery new generation of musicians. Together they infuse jazz-age cool with a fresh energy that drives people to the dance floor in a spirit of joy.
Lesson: Jenny Sowden teaches Lindy Hop at 6:30 pm
DJ: Ryan Mascaro
Friday, July 1 at 7:30 pm
Charanga America Charanga
For one night only, the block-party feel of the Boogie Down Bronx blooms in the middle of Manhattan. George and Margie Maysonet, founders of one of the great New York charangas, are giving audiences one last chance to see them live and onstage. They bid farewell to performing by giving their fans one final night of summery bliss and endless dancing. Their sons join for the second set, taking over as bandleaders and beginning a new era of the family’s musical legacy.
Lesson: Jimmy Anton teaches Salsa Pachanga at 6:30 pm
DJ: DJ Andreas
Saturday, July 2 at 7:30 pm
The Black Rock Coalition Get-Down Revue Rock ‘n’ Roll, Rhythm & Blues, Jump Blues
With a stellar lineup of musicians, the Black Rock Coalition travels back to the origins of rock ‘n’ roll. Revelers are invited to join them in a land of 1,000 dances where Ruth Brown reigns and Big Joe Turner dominates as the brawny-voiced Boss of the Blues, while Wilson Pickett, the Drifters, and Sam & Dave crank out the hits.
Lesson: John Festa teaches West Coast Swing at 6:30 pm
DJ: Gaylord Fields, Additional Silent Disco DJs: Connie T. Empress and Monica Sharp
Silent Disco powered by Quiet Events at 10:00 pm
Tuesday, July 5 at 7:30 pm
Gregorio Uribe Big Band Cumbia
Charismatic singer and accordionist Gregorio Uribe and his 16-piece big band spread the love with their “feel-good fusion of funk and Afro-Colombian rhythms” (WNYC). This is a band that loves playing for dancers, so patrons are invited to come early to learn some steps and then spend an unforgettable night perfecting their style.
Lesson: Rodney Lopez teaches Salsa/Cumbia at 6:30 pm
DJ: Mickey Perez
Wednesday, July 6 at 8:00 pm
Bobby Rydell featuring City Rhythm Orchestra Swing, Oldies
One extended live set at 8:00 pm
Everyone is invited to dress sharp and dance the night away with swinging crooner Bobby Rydell. A ’60s teen idol both in real life and on screen in Bye Bye Birdie, Rydell is the consummate entertainer. And with one of Philadelphia’s hottest vintage party bands keeping the beat, even the shyest wallflowers will let it fly when they play “Volare.”
Lesson: Eva Carrozza teaches Lindy Hop at 6:30 pm
DJ: Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus
Thursday, July 7 at 7:30 pm
Astoria Tango Orchestra with Daniel Binelli Tango
New York’s vibrant tango underground bursts into the open air at this midsummer night milonga led by Argentina-born bandoneon star Daniel Binelli and his fantastic tango orchestra. Dancers will learn ballroom’s most sensual steps and then get swept away by the romance of tango under the night sky.
Lesson: Jorge Torres teaches Tango at 6:30 pm
DJ: Amy Wilson
Friday, July 8 at 7:30 pm
Tatiana Eva-Marie & the Avalon Jazz Band Gypsy Jazz, French Jazz
With the Avalon Jazz Band in residence, the dance floor will erupt with the joie de vivre of an impromptu party on the banks of the Seine. Fronted by Tatiana Eva-Marie, “one of the finest rising jazz vocalists” (Vanity Fair), the Avalon Jazz Band infuses the New York swing renaissance with Django Reinhardt–style bravado, zazou boldness, and millennial cool. Dancers are invited to come in their chicest Parisian vintage attire and compete for best-dressed prizes.
Lesson: Roddy Caravella teaches Charleston at 6:30 pm
DJ: Cara Wolinsky
Saturday, July 9 from 3:00–4:30 pm
LC Kids Dance!
Free
Ballroom
Kids will certainly learn how to move with confidence and joy at the popular annual LC Kids Dance, led by the visionary folks behind the social-emotional learning program Dancing Classrooms. Dancers of all ages will master a few merengue, tango, salsa, and swing steps before letting loose on the dance floor during this afternoon of family fun set to music. Plus, dancers will get inspired to practice with a performance by the wonderful Dancing Classrooms Youth Dance Company. Recommended for ages 6–10.
LC Kids is presented by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
Support for LC Kids programs and events is provided by Disney.
Generous support is also provided by Barbara and James Block, Joseph Bae and Janice Lee, Amanda and John Waldron, The Robertson Family, and Joseph M. Cohen.
Saturday, July 9 at 7:30 pm
Harlem Renaissance Orchestra: 12th Annual Tribute to Illinois Jacquet Big Band Swing
Swing is the thing at the season finale. Guardians of Harlem’s jazz past for two decades, the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra summons the spirit of jazz legend Illinois Jacquet with high-octane renditions of tunes by the Count, the Duke, and the King of Swing. Always one of the most popular parties of the season, the night hits fever pitch as New York’s best dancers face off for the Ambassador Prize, an homage to Lindy hop icon Frankie Manning. The contest is open to all ticketholders, and it takes place during the break between sets of the Harlem Renaissance Orchestra.
Lesson: Margaret Batiuchok teaches Lindy Hop at 6:30 pm
DJ: Ryan Swift
