Author Archive
Swingin’ on the Charles – Saturday outdoor dance!
Boston Swing Central and Community Boating are proud to present the 10th Anniversary of:
Swingin’ on the Charles! Join us in celebrating what summer is all about. Dancing outside, at sunset, on the banks of the Charles River. We Love that Dirty Water! This is a summer classic you won’t want to miss. We’ll take over the docks at sunset, provide a lesson for newcomers and then we’ll dance until 11 pm. *Note: No rate date!
(between the Hatch Shell and the Longfellow Bridge)
Boston, MA 02114
Bryan Brundige and The Piggly Wigglies
Band leader, Bryan Brundige started his journey with trombone when he was ten-years-old in Albany, NY and it has taken him all over country. This Friday he’s bringing three more band members, The Piggly Wigglies (bass, guitar, and drums) to keep us dancing hard all night! They have an upbeat traditional jazz sound and will play the “good ‘ol ones” for your listening and dancing pleasure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bw1cWc_7ekE
Lesson (included in the price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $16
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
John Clark & the Mercenaries
A last minute substitution for the Swing Legacy, who could not make it. John Clark, a member of Swing Legacy and the leader of the Wolverine Jazz Band, along with Deb Larkin, vocalist for Swing Legacy have assembled a crack team of mercenaries to swing the night away!! Join us…
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Wolverine Jazz Band
Since 1995 the Wolverine Jazz Band has been entertaining lovers of Traditional Jazz all over Boston and southern New England in town concerts, private functions and a long residence at the Sherborn Inn. During that time they have also become favorites on the national festival circuit, performing in Arizona, Washington state, Tennessee, Ohio, Colorado and Florida for large audiences – including the swing dances which have become an important part of those festivals. Comprised of up to seven of the finest local players in the idiom, the Wolverine Jazz Band is adept at music ranging from the ragtime era through the late swing period, all played with energy and an informed approach both to presentation and the music itself.
Lesson (included w/ admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Roaring Twenties Lawn Party 2017 – Sunday
Presented by Boston Swing Central and the Trustees of Reservations, The Roaring Twenties Lawn Party is a true celebration of vintage culture! Attracting thousands of guests in Gatsby-esque apparel, this retro picnic features live music and dancing, performances, lawn games, a vintage faire and more!
Saturday features:
Live music by Baby Soda Jazz Band featuring Tamar Korn and Cassidy & The Orleans Kids
Performances by Eight Thirty ACT, Lindy Bomb Squad, The Riff & Divine Providence
For TICKETS, PARKING PASSES and more information roaringtwentieslawnparty.org
Roaring Twenties Lawn Party 2017 – Saturday
Presented by Boston Swing Central and the Trustees of Reservations, The Roaring Twenties Lawn Party is a true celebration of vintage culture! Attracting thousands of guests in Gatsby-esque apparel, this retro picnic features live music and dancing, performances, lawn games, a vintage faire and more!
Saturday features:
Live music by Tamar Korn & A Kornucopia and Cassidy & The Orleans Kids
Performances by Boston Lindy Hop, Eight Thirty ACT, The Riff & Just for Kicks
For TICKETS, PARKING PASSES and more information roaringtwentieslawnparty.org
Special appearance from Tamar Korn and An Orleans Kornucopia
Yes, we’ve combined forces! Some of Tamar’s band, A Kornucopia will join Cassidy’s Orleans Kids to create a unique sneak preview of the Roaring Twenties Lawn Party.
Lesson (included w/ admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $18
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Wolverine Jazz Band
Since 1995 the Wolverine Jazz Band has been entertaining lovers of Traditional Jazz all over Boston and southern New England in town concerts, private functions and a long residence at the Sherborn Inn. During that time they have also become favorites on the national festival circuit, performing in Arizona, Washington state, Tennessee, Ohio, Colorado and Florida for large audiences – including the swing dances which have become an important part of those festivals. Comprised of up to seven of the finest local players in the idiom, the Wolverine Jazz Band is adept at music ranging from the ragtime era through the late swing period, all played with energy and an informed approach both to presentation and the music itself.
Lesson (included w/ admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom (formerly called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dan Fox Foxtet
The Foxtet is a six piece band led by trombonist Dan Fox and comprised of some of the best local musicians who have decades of combined experience playing for swing dancers. Fox has worked as a sideman at Boston Swing Central with Adrian Cunningham, The Lowdown Stompers, the Easy Winners and with Shawn Hershey. Expect a rock-solid beat and sweet, swinging horns playing tunes from the ’20’s and ’30’s at just the right tempos. Joining Dan on vocals for this evening is TBA.
Lesson (included w/ admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Rocco and the Stompers
Get ready to swing out hard ’cause Rocco and the Stompers are back! The 7-piece swing band specializes in the music of Duke Ellington and the bands his notable sidemen fronted, including Johnny Hodges, Cootie Williams, Rex Stewart, Barney Bigard and others. Only from the Stompers will you hear the hottest songs of the swing era brought back from obscurity, covering hip tunes by the Artie Shaw Gramercy Five, and the Count Basie and Benny Goodman small groups. Led by Boston-based arranger/composer Danny Rocco Fratina and stocked with the best local players, Rocco and the Stompers are here to get you on your feet with music for swing dancers of all experience levels.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phil McGowan & The Easy Winners
Phil McGowan & the Easy Winners, BSC favorites, will join us at Q Ballroom for another high energy gig! With their New Orleans inspired hot jazz tunes, they will get you out onto the floor all night! The Easy Winners always get the crowd moving when they play for us and and this Friday will be no exception. Digging deep into their catalog of hits from the past, they’ll light fire to tunes like the 1921 Eddie Cantor hit: “Margie” and Louis Armstrong’s “You Rascal You”.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
DJ Party with DJ Legs Magoo and DJ Loveschak
Join us for a swing dance featuring our local Boston DJs!
Miranda Lank (aka DJ Legs Magoo) became addicted to dancing during her high school days in South Carolina and with DJing soon after. Along with DJing regularly at all three of South Carolina’s swing scenes, she has DJed for several lindy hop and blues events in the state, including Charleston Lindy Exchange, Greenville Lindy Exchange, Holy City Blues Exchange, and Swing Into Spring. Her favorite part about spinning tunes is inspiring people to get on the dance floor.
Paul Loschak (known as “DJ Loveschak” at some of the weekly Boston dances) has been dancing lindy and blues since 2009. He made his DJ debut at the MIT Lindy Hop Society in 2011, and he has been working hard to hone his craft ever since. Paul calls on the talents of the best artists from the swing era and authentic swing jazz bands that are currently active today (with current favorites Chick Webb, Andy Kirk, Mezz Mezzrow, and The Boilermaker Jazz Band). Whether it’s your first night swinging out or you’re a seasoned lindy hopping pro, with Paul in the DJ booth you can expect to find exuberance, playfulness, and expression in your dancing.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $10
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $8
Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
DJ Party with DJ Mike Hibarger
Join us for a swing dance featuring local Boston DJ retroMike (aka Mike Hibarger)!
retroMike (Mike H) is a regular DJ at Boston Swing Central! There are about 86 years of recorded swing music and DJ Mike H dips into his diverse collection to play a little something for everyone from every era. He is delighted when he plays a song and people come up and ask him “what’s that song?” because they want to get the track.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $10
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $8
Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
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Wolverine Jazz Band
Since 1995 the Wolverine Jazz Band has been entertaining lovers of Traditional Jazz all over Boston and southern New England in town concerts, private functions and a long residence at the Sherborn Inn. During that time they have also become favorites on the national festival circuit, performing in Arizona, Washington state, Tennessee, Ohio, Colorado and Florida for large audiences – including the swing dances which have become an important part of those festivals. Comprised of up to seven of the finest local players in the idiom, the Wolverine Jazz Band is adept at music ranging from the ragtime era through the late swing period, all played with energy and an informed approach both to presentation and the music itself.
Lesson (included w/ admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom (formerly called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dan Gabel’s High Society Orchestra
Dan Gabel‘s High Society
Lesson (included in the price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom (formerly called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
DJ Night with DJs Natalie Eringros and Miranda Lank
Join us for a swing dance featuring our local Boston DJs!
Natalie Eringros
An avid dancer, Natalie loves playing music that is contagious and makes it hard to sit down. She is proud to be a big part of Boston Swing Central: teaching, inspiring and supporting a wonderful family of dancers. Known for her joyful energy and playfulness, Natalie is always adding to her collection of songs, to inspire creativity, musicality, fun and keep the dance floor hoppin’!
Miranda Lank (aka DJ Legs Magoo)
Miranda (aka DJ Legs Magoo) became addicted to dancing during her high school days in South Carolina and with DJing soon after. Along with DJing regularly at all three of South Carolina’s swing scenes, she has DJed for several lindy hop and blues events in the state, including Charleston Lindy Exchange, Greenville Lindy Exchange, Holy City Blues Exchange, and Swing Into Spring. Her favorite part about spinning tunes is inspiring people to get on the dance floor.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $10
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $8
Q Ballroom (formerly called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Gordon Webster Meets Hetty Kate
May 19 is an extra special night at BSC! Don’t miss these sought-after jazz musicians while they’re in town! http://
Gordon Webster – Piano (USA)
Pianist Gordon Webster is one of the most sought after musicians in the lindy hop world. His tremendous musicianship and passion, supported by his first-hand knowledge of social dancing, have inspired lindy hoppers at hundreds of dance events worldwide.
Hetty Kate – Voice (AUSTRALIA)
Pure of tone, sweet sounding and dangerously infectious, Melbourne jazz vocalist Hetty Kate has fronted jazz bands across Australia and internationally for many years, and recently has been embraced by Australia’s lindy hop dance community as a swinging vocalist and band leader with a wicked sense of humour and a big repertoire.
Lesson (included w/ admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
Advance Purchase General: $23
Advance Purchase Students & Seniors (with valid ID): $18
LIMITED NUMBERS OF TICKETS WILL BE LEFT FOR PURCHASE AT-THE-DOOR.
ADV TICKET SALES ARE CLOSED.
General Admission: $25 at-the-door
Students & Seniors (with valid ID): $20 at-the-door
Sorry, no passes or coupons will be accepted tonight.
Q Ballroom (formally called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dan Gabel and The Abletones (big band)
Dan Gabel and The Abletones is a full big band, including a female vocalist, specializing in an authentic big band sound thanks to a high level of musicianship and a library of over 2,000 arrangements. The band was founded and is led by trombonist Dan Gabel. Gabel recently returned from a year-long world tour with The Glenn Miller Orchestra as trombone player, soloist, and arranger.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom (formally called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Revenge of the Fifth – with Phil McGowan & The Easy Winners
In honor of International Star Wars Day (May the Fourth), Boston Swing Central is planning a very Wookie dance on May 5th. Let’s celebrate the “Revenge of the Fifth” (A little tribute to the dark side of the Force…) Come dressed as your favorite Star Wars character! (Optional of course)
The evening will include our epic Star Wars themed competitions!
-The Hans Solo Competition (Solo dancing!)
-The Jedi Jack and Jill (Partner dance while blindfolded)
Contests are free to enter! Names will be drawn from a hat to determine who will compete (if the entry numbers are large.)
Phil McGowan & the Easy Winners, BSC favorites, will join us at Q Ballroom for another high energy gig! With their New Orleans inspired hot jazz tunes, they will get you out onto the floor all night! The Easy Winners always get the crowd moving when they play for us and and this Friday will be no exception. Digging deep into their catalog of hits from the past, they’ll light fire to tunes like the 1921 Eddie Cantor hit: “Margie” and Louis Armstrong’s “You Rascal You”.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom (formally called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
DJ Night with DJ Dustin Spicuzza
Join us for a swing dance featuring local DJ Dustin Spicuzza!
Dustin Spicuzza
Shortly after becoming addicted to Lindy Hop, Dustin began to collect Lindy Hop related jazz music to feed his passion for interesting and high energy music that really swings. In the fall of 2011 he began to DJ in Boston, Washington DC, Baltimore, and beyond. The energy and driving swinging rhythm he brings to a dance has been well received by dancers of all levels.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $10
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $8
Q Ballroom (formally called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Moonshine Rhythm Club
Moonshine Rhythm Club brings old-school swing and jazz to life with joyful arrangements and energetic playing that makes this vintage music sound like it was written this morning. The boys seek out deep cuts from the 30s and 40s, take their favorite parts from classic big band recordings, and distill them into their signature sound. That sound draws on the guitar-driven, acoustic fire of gypsy jazz, as well as the slow burn and laid-back groove of later artists like Count Basie and Nat “King” Cole. On top of this lays classy and hip vocals with a lighthearted humor.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $17
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom (formally called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phil McGowan & The Easy Winners
Phil McGowan & the Easy Winners, BSC favorites, will join us at Q Ballroom for another high energy gig! With their New Orleans inspired hot jazz tunes, they will get you out onto the floor all night! The Easy Winners always get the crowd moving when they play for us and and this Friday will be no exception. Digging deep into their catalog of hits from the past, they’ll light fire to tunes like the 1921 Eddie Cantor hit: “Margie” and Louis Armstrong’s “You Rascal You”.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom (formally called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
BSC 9th Anniversary party featuring Beantown Swing Orchestra
Let’s swing out together this Friday to celebrate our 9 year anniversary of Boston Swing Central! We are getting this party started with our beloved Beantown Swing Orchestra AND there will be cake!
The 18-piece Beantown Swing Orchestra specializes in performing big band dance charts from the Swing Era, all transcribed from the original vintage recordings by trumpeter Danny Fratina. Some of their favorite arrangers include Fletcher Henderson and Sy Oliver, whose work was performed by Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Jimmie Lunceford. With most of its musicians in their twenties, Beantown Swing Orchestra is a true representation of the young and energetic big bands of the 1930s.
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom (formally called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
Chelsea Reed and the Fairweather Five
Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five are at home at swing dances. They have played renowned Philadelphia venues like the Kimmel Center and World Cafe Live in addition to touring around the country in a trusty blue van. They love exploring the roots of jazz and finding creative ways to interpret forgotten songs. Drawing upon the influence of artists such as Bessie Smith, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday, Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five bring the intensity and passion of early jazz to every stage they play to put on one heck of a show!
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $17
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Q Ballroom (formally called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138
DJ Night with DJ Alli-Cat (debut) and Mike Hibarger
Join us for a swing dance with our local Boston DJs AND our BRING A FRIEND PROMOTION! Bring a friend to BSC and gain one free admission! Details below.
OUR DJS
Set 1 – Mike Hibarger is a regular DJ at Boston Swing Central! There are about 86 years of recorded swing music and DJ Mike H dips into his diverse collection to play a little something for everyone from every era. He is delighted when he plays a song and people come up and ask him “what’s that song?” because they want to get the track.
Set 2 – DJ Alli-Cat -Allison Wilhelm, or DJ Alli-Cat, has been a swing lover since 2012, when a video game piqued her interest with music from the early to mid 20th Century. It was her interest in the genre that led her to take up swing dancing. Since her interest in old school music is what led her here, it should be no surprise that her sets feature classic swing artists like Cab Calloway, Chick Webb, Artie Shaw, and Ella Fitzgerald, but she also digs the sounds of today’s artists, like Michael Gamble and the Mint Julep Jazz Band. In her DJing, Allison is committed to authenticity, danceability, and diversity – especially this week, where she has planned an all-female setlist for BSC in honor of Women’s History Month.
BRING A FRIEND PROMOTION RULES
1. To be eligible to participate in this promotion, you (the dancer) must:
a. Have attended at least one BSC dance prior to March 24, 2017
b. Bring a friend who has NEVER been to a BSC dance before.
c. Arrive before 8pm so your friend can attend the beginner lesson at 8:00pm.
d. Mention the promotion at the door before 8pm to redeem it.
e. Bring a human friend. Imaginary friends, Lassie, ET, etc. do not qualify.
2. Offer may not be combined with any other promotions or discounts.
3. Eligibility will be at the discretion of the BSC staff.
4. Who gets in for free? Up to you! We recommend treating your friend or settling who pays with an epic dance-off.
________
Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am
General Admission: $10
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $8
Q Ballroom (formally called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138