Get us in your inbox

Search

The full lineup for Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center

Written by
Tolly Wright
Advertising
Springtime means it’s time to head outdoors into the sunshine—and to the city’s best outdoor activities. Midsummer Night Swing is the perfect place to make your move, combining one of the city’s prettiest parks with outdoor dancing. From June 28 to July 9, head to Damrosch Park at Lincoln Center to take dance classes in everything from swing to salsa as the sun sets. Want even more? On June 23 and July 2, there’s a bonus silent disco. Check out the full lineup, then get grooving! 
 
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Midsummer Night Swing  
 
Tuesday, June 21
Catherine Russell Septet performs Swing, Blues
Lesson: Evita Arce and Michael Jagger teach Lindy Hop at 6:30pm
The daughter of two swing legends (Luis Russell and Carline Ray), Catherine Russell has a hell of a big, smooth voice and an undeniable charisma. She’s joined onstage by her seven-piece band. DJ Dawn Hampton also spins.
 
Wednesday, June 22
Ismael Miranda performs Salsa
Lesson: Carlos König teaches Salsa dance at 6:30pm
Born in Puerto Rico but raised in the East Village and a member of the legendary Salsa outfit Fania All Star by the time he was a teenager, Miranda will get those hips shaking in no time with his classic delivery of the genre. Afterward, stick around for music by DJ Broadway.
 
Thursday, June 23
Thursday Night Fever: Featuring Joe McGinty and The Loser’s Lounge Disco
Lesson: Maria Torres teaches Hustle at 6:30pm
Break out the sequins and platform shoes when the Loser’s Lounge presents a full tribute to the John Travolta’s Saturday Night Fever. It’ll be near impossible to stop yourself from singing along to “Stayin’ Alive.” DJ Bill Coleman spins.
Silent Disco DJs: Stick around for grooves from DJ Rimarkable and Qool DJ Marv.
 
Friday, June 24
Mint Julep Jazz Band performs 1930s Swing    
Lesson: Lainey Silver teaches Balboa at 6:30pm                                                                        
Cheekily referred to as a “little” big band, this eight-piece jazz ensemble is a favorite among Lindy Hoppers. The aptly named DJ Va Va Voon spins.
 
Saturday, June 25
The Allen Toussaint Band performs New Orleans Rhythm & Blues with guest vocalists Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, and Deacon John
Lesson: John and Shoshana Krieger-Joven teach Blues Dancing at 6:30pm
When Allen Toussaint, the songwriter behind “Working in the Coal Mine” and “Mother-in-
Law,” passed away last November, the music world lost a great figure in American pop history. Lincoln Center pays tribute to his hybrid style that mixes soul, funk and R&B with “The Soul Queen of New Orleans” Irma Thomas and other New Orleans figures. Mega-popular New York DJ Jonathan Toubin spins.
 
Tuesday, June 28
Septeto Santiaguero performs Son                                                                                                             
Lesson: Carlos Mateu teaches Son Cubano at 6:30pm
Now that diplomatic relationships between the U.S. and Cuba have warmed up, the 2015 Latin Grammy–winning Cuban band Septeto Santiaguero can bring their Afro-Cuban son music from Havana nightclubs to New York City in their United States debut. DJ Ron McGugins spins.
 
Wednesday, June 29
Fleur Seule performs Ballroom
Lesson: Jerry Feldman and Celia Gianfrancesco teach Foxtrot and Waltz at 6:30 pm
Front woman Allyson Briggs brings her golden voice (and hair) with her 1940s European jazz inspired band Fleur Seule.
 
Thursday, June 30
Evan Sherman performs Big Band Big Band Swing
Lesson: Jenny Sowden teaches Lindy Hop at 6:30pm
Known for their popular late-night dance parties at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, ace drummer and bandleader Evan Sherman and his 17-piece jazz band overflows with energetic good vibes. DJ Ryan Mascaro spins.
 
Friday, July 1
Charanga America performs Charanga
Lesson: Jimmy Anton teaches Salsa Pachanga at 6:30pm
Since the ‘70s, Bronx-based married couple George and Margie Maysonet have brought charanga to New York stages. Tonight marks their farewell performance, where they’ll be joined onstage by their sons, who will take over as band leaders.
 
Saturday, July 2
The Black Rock Coalition Get-Down Revue
Lesson: John Festa teaches West Coast Swing at 6:30pm
Dance the night away to the sounds of early rock ‘n’ roll with the Black Rock Coalition’s renditions originally made famous by the likes of Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, Wilson Pickett and the Drifters. DJ Gaylord Fields spins, and stick around for the Silent Disco with DJs Connie T. Empress and Monica Sharp afterward.
 
Tuesday, July 5
Gregorio Uribe performs Big Band Cumbia
Lesson: Rodney Lopez teaches Salsa/Cumbia at 6:30pm
Gregorio Uribe fronts his 16-piece big band that delivers a mix of funk and Afro-Colombian grooves that are nearly impossible not to dance to. DJ Mickey Perez spins.
 
Wednesday, July 6
Bobby Rydell featuring City Rhythm Orchestra performs Swing and Oldies
Lesson: Eva Carrozza teaches Lindy Hop at 6:30pm
While it’s been a few decades since Rydell’s days as a teen idol in the ‘60s—he even had a part in Bye Bye Birdie—the crooner still has plenty of charm and a stellar voice. He’s joined onstage with the Philadelphia's popular vintage party band City Rhythm Orchestra. Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus spins.
 
Thursday, July 7
Astoria Tango Orchestra with Daniel Binelli performs Tango
Lesson: Jorge Torres teaches Tango at 6:30pm
Don’t be surprised if you feel particularly amorous when Argentina-born Daniel Binelli and his Tango orchestra bring the most sensual version of ballroom dancing to the night.
 
Friday, July 8 at 7:30 pm
Tatiana Eva-Marie & the Avalon Jazz Band perform Gypsy Jazz and French Jazz
Lesson: Roddy Caravella teaches Charleston at 6:30pm
Dancers are encouraged to break out their vintage Parisian nightlife inspired finery for celebrated jazz vocalist Tatiana Eva-Marie’s bold and unequivocal cool brand of swing. DJ Cara Wolinsky spins.
 
Saturday, July 9 from 3:00–4:30pm
LC Kids Dance!
For this special afternoon edition, kids (ages 6 to 10 recommended) can take their own spin on the dance floor learning how to tango, salsa, swing and merengue.
 
Saturday, July 9 at 7:30pm
Harlem Renaissance Orchestra: 12th Annual Tribute to Illinois Jacquet Big Band Swing
Lesson: Margaret Batiuchok teaches Lindy Hop at 6:30pm
For the grand finale, Harlem Renaissance Orchestra delivers the tunes that made the uptown neighborhood famous and pays tribute to one of the genre’s legends, saxophonist Illinois Jacquet. Between sets, all ticket holders can take part in the swing competition for a chance to win the Ambassador Prize, but be forewarned—some of the best dancers in the city and beyond will also be showing off their stuff.    

Popular on Time Out

    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising