New York’s premier summer dance party, Midsummer Night Swing, returns for its 28th season, June 21–July 9. Tickets and multi-evening passes go on sale on May 18. Midsummer Night Swing brings together people of all ages, at every skill level, and from diverse backgrounds for 15 evenings of social dance. Acclaimed bands will play as dancers Lindy hop, salsa, hustle, Charleston, tango, and more in a gorgeous, open-air ballroom in Damrosch Park (West 62nd Street, between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues). This season opens on June 21 with the Catherine Russell Septetled by Grammy Award–winning vocalist Catherine Russell, daughter of Louis Armstrong’s long-time collaborator and musical director Luis Russell.
Highlights for the season include a celebration of the life and music of legendary artist, writer, and producer Allen Toussaint on June 25. The Allen Toussaint Band, with guest vocalists Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, and Deacon John, will bring the sounds of New Orleans to New York. The audience can look forward to a night filled with Toussaint’s signature blend of soul, funk, and rhythm & blues artistry as a producer and songwriter whose output ran the gamut from Ernie K-Doe’s “Mother-in-Law” to Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade” and so many other 20th century classics.
Latin Grammy Award winners Septeto Santiaguero travel from Cuba to make their U.S. debut on June 28. They have earned international acclaim for their powerful son cubano interpretations. The group recently released an album with celebrated salsa singer José Alberto “El Canario.” Ismael Miranda, one of salsa’s best soneros and a one-time member of the legendary Fania All Stars performs on June 22. Giving their final performance as leaders of the Bronx-based Charanga America, George and Margie Maysonet will say goodbye to fans on July 1 as they hand the leadership of the band over to sons George Jr. and Elliot during that evening’s performance.
The Black Rock Coalition Get-Down Revue, featuring members of the Black Rock Coalition who are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, debuts at Midsummer Night Swing on July 2. Exploring the origins of rock ‘n’ roll, this celebratory evening crafted specially for the series will feature the music of giants Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, Wilson Pickett, and more. Teen idol turned consummate entertainer Bobby Rydell, featuring City Rhythm Orchestra, will bring the sounds of swinging Philadelphia to Damrosch Park on July 6.
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