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Summer in Full Swing
Midsummer Night Swing Returns To Lincoln Center
Planning to go to the beach over the holiday weekend? Fuggedaboudit! Jealous of Owen Wilson’s character in Woody Allen’s most recent film ‘Midnight in Paris’? No need to mope. Now you can experience the magic of time travel thanks to the folks at Lincoln Center. Not only is the city’s premier cultural center offering New Yorkers the best of the country’s performing arts, but the famous establishment is giving the public an opportunity to rewind to a much simpler time- back to when sweet patooties get dolled up with their prettiest dresses and mary janes and when the chaps let loose for an evening of dancing during its annual Midsummer Night Swing.
This year’s installment kicks off June 27th with complimentary admission also known as FREE Dancer Appreciation Night. Dance fanatics, old and young alike can enjoy moppin’ and boppin’ on the new dance floor at Damrosch Park; the evening’s soundtrack which will be provided by The Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander. With the group’s hopity, skipity and jumpity rhythms, there’s no doubt that there won’t be an empty spot on the dance floor.
The time travel shindig will revisit the 70s on Tuesday, June 28th for a tribute to Soul Train. Original Soul Train dancer Tyrone Proctor whose trademark dance, ‘waacking’ had been featured in Madonna’s famous Vogue video will be mandating the crowd while DJ, rapper and beatboxer Biz Markie (known for his 1989 hit ‘Just a Friend’) spins the beats. The night’s production will also include smashing performances from saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis and trombonist Fred Wesley (known for their collaboration with James Brown’s ‘Gonna Have a Funky Good Time’) with special guests Martha High (who also had worked with Mr. Brown) and Fred Ross.
On Wednesday, June 29th Lincoln Center travels back to the swing of things with the Swingtime Big Band. The twenty talented individuals who make up the jivin’ group have performed in the city’s finest theaters including Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Radio City Music Hall, New York State Theatre, the Plaza Hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, Tavern on the Green and the Rainbow Room. Guests will then relive the golden days of tango on Thursday, June 30th with the Eternal Tango Orchestra, conducted by bandoneón master Hector del Curto (who has worked with numerous legendary artists including Tito Puente).
As the holiday weekend approaches, Lincoln Center’s sizzling lineup gets even hotter as guests visit Brazil. Former futbol player turned musician Diogo Nogueria turns up the heat with the sounds of his exotic Samba music on Friday, July 1st. The party continues the following day with Aurora y Zon del Barrio, a local group of musicians who loves to incorporate old school to the modern Latin sounds. The evening also features Larry Harlow and the Bronx’s own Yomo Toro. Toro’s music is the ultimate company on a hot summer night under the stars. With music that’s steaming with layers of international flavor, it’s guaranteed to make the crowd dance the night away.
Perhaps the best part of this year’s festivities is that Iron Chef Ed Brown will be catering the feast featuring dishes inspired by the region the music originates from. Visitors can choose from a menu arranged solely by the celebrity chef. Some of the delicious dishes set to be served are: Texas barbecue, New Orleans po’ boys (a hero sandwich), Japanese campfire dogs and tacos (just to name a few).
The journey back in time runs through July 16, 2011.
For more information, check out http://www.midsummernightswing.org