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Gee’s Midnight Swing
George Gee kicks off Midsummer Night Swing
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Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton of Cream once sang that they wanted to “dance the night away.” I don’t blame ‘em. Sometimes you’ve just got to throw your inhibitions and neuroses out the door and, in the words of Lady Gaga, just dance. Luckily, Lincoln Center has got you covered.
From June 29-July 17, Lincoln Center’s 22nd Annual Midsummer Night Swing will be held at Damrosch Park (West 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam). Every evening of the Swing, you’ll be treated to a new genre of music to dance to by some of the hottest names in dance.
According to Bill Bragin, Lincoln Center’s director of public programming, “The series offers an array of dance music styles including salsa, swing, disco, and tango,” meaning no matter you’re favorite kind of music, you’ll find something to enjoy—and maybe introduced to a new favorite.
The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with a dance lesson (included in the price of admission) from some of the best teachers in New York City, with live music happening from 7:30-10 p.m. Every night is promised to be quite the event, but here are some of the highlights:
- Battle of the Bands: The George Gee Swing Orchestra vs. the Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra, June 29—This is Midsummer’s first event of the season and what a beginning! The East Coast Gee takes on the West Coast’s Elliott. I’m tempted to announce Gee the winner because solely on the fact that I’m from New York (well, that and the fact that his 17-piece band is fantastic), but after listening to the Elliot’s Swing Orchestra, even this prideful East Coast’er is throwing bias out the door. Be there and judge for yourself.
-New Orleans Moonshiners, July 6—Thanks to Treme, I’ve been listening to a lot of music from New Orleans lately, but it’s also through my iTunes, not live. That’s why I’m so excited for the Moonshiners. The group brings the sound of New Orleans north with trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, drums, banjo, and upright bass. We apologize in advance for our lack of a good po’ boy.
-Femi Kuti and Positive Force, July 12—By now I’m sure you’re familiar with FELA!, the hit Broadway musical that was recently nominated for 11 Tonys. You know who the son of Fela is? It’s Femi, and considering his fantastic genes, this afrobeat performance is a must-see.
-Kids’ Day, July 17—No dancing to the Jonas Brothers or Miley Cyrus here, we promise. Instead, your children will be taught the basics of ballroom, tango, and swing by Pierre Dulaine, the founding director of Dancing Classrooms. This past school year, Dancing Classrooms taught over 50,000 kids in 19 different cities, and if that’s not enough credentials enough, they were also featured in the 2005 documentary Mad Hot Ballroom. As an added bonus, Kids’ Day will be free thanks to a sponsorship from Target.
Single tickets (and a full list of events) for Midsummer Night Swing can be purchased here and cost $17/person, including a dance lesson. If you’re planning on going multiple nights (dancing is great for the body, after all), you can save money by purchasing a six-night pass for $90 or season pass for $160. http://tinyurl.com/25qf66g