Join us for the River Street Six band debut at Q Ballroom! This is Boston’s newest swing band, consisting of local dancers, and we are excited to have them return!

*Evening Schedule*
Beginner Swing Dance Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

*Admission Information*
Advance General Admission: $15
Advance Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $10
Advance ticket link: https://bostonswingcentral.wufoo.com/forms/bsc-river-street-six-oct-21/

At-the-door Admission:
General: $20
Student/Senior: $15

*COVID Information*
-Similar to all previous dances, we will have limited attendance and will require all attendees to show proof of full vaccination.
-Dancers must wear fully protective masks for the entirety of the dance (including while dancing). For the time being, cloth masks and gaiters are not accepted.
-We also ask dancers to try to limit attending other large events 3-4 days before attending Boston Swing Central.
-In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout to increase ventilation.

*Q Ballroom Address*
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Join us for a dance as Toni Lynn Washington and her amazing band return to Q Ballroom!

Evening Schedule:

• Beginner Swing Dance Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
• Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

Admission Information:

Advance General Admission: $18
Advance Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Advance ticket link: https://bostonswingcentral.wufoo.com/forms/bsc-toni-lynn-washington-band-oct-14/

At-the-door Admission:
General: $20
Student/Senior: $15

COVID Information:

• Similar to all previous dances, we will have limited attendance and will require all attendees to show proof of full vaccination including booster.
• Dancers must wear fully protective masks for the entirety of the dance (including while dancing). For the time being, “fully protective” means a KN95, N95, or KF94 mask, or surgical mask.
• We also ask dancers to TRY to limit attending other large events 3-4 days before attending Boston Swing Central.
• In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout to increase ventilation.

Q Ballroom Address:
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

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 many bands. Expect a rock-solid beat and sweet, swinging horns playing tunes from the ’20’s and ’30’s at just the right tempos.

Beginner Swing Dance Lesson (included w/ admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

Advance tickets (before day of event) General Admission: $18
Advance tickets (before day of event) Students and Seniors (65+)(with Valid ID): $13

At-the-door (day of the event) General Admission: $20

At-the-door (day of the event) Students and Seniors(65+)(w/ Valid IDs): $15

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Please note: our covid policy still requires proof of full vaccination plus the booster. And masks (please, no cloth ones, N95, KN95, KF94, or surgical masks) while in the building.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT-THE-DOOR TONIGHT!!!!

We are excited to return to the Crystal Ballroom with the local greats Grand Slam Jazz Band on Saturday, October 1st!!! This venue is beautiful, so we’re hoping and encouraging everyone to get all dolled and dappered up! There will also be alcohol available at the bar at this venue, so that is something different, please be sure to tip the staff, and enjoy the beverages in moderation.

The Grand Slam Jazz Band is a local band put together by the amazing Justin Meyer and features the vibraphone. (If you’re not familiar with this instrument, check out some Lionel Hampton recordings on your favorite music streaming service. We’d recommend Hampton’s Jivin’ the Vibres or Till Tom Special for starters.)

TICKETS AVAILABLE at-the-door!

Advanced Beginner Swing Dance Lesson (an extra $6 with admission, see form below) 6:30pm-7:30pm

Beginner Swing Dance Lesson (price included with admission): 7:30-8:30pm
Social dancing: 8:30pm-12:15am

Similar to all our dances right now, we will have limited attendance and will require all attendees to show proof of full vaccination (including at least one booster) and to wear masks (we will not be requiring N95 masks for this dance) the entire time (except while actively drinking) while in the venue (including while dancing!).

Sorry, we are not accepting passes or coupons for this dance.

Crystal Ballroom Address:
55 Davis Square (at Somerville Theater)
Somerville, MA 02144

Cassidy Holden brings his Orleans Kids back to Boston Swing Central!

Evening Schedule
Beginner Swing Dance Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

Admission Information
Advance General Admission: $18
Advance Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13
Advance ticket link: https://bostonswingcentral.wufoo.com/forms/cassidys-orleans-kids-sept-16/

At-the-door Admission:
General: $20
Student/Senior: $15

COVID Information
-Similar to all previous dances, we will have limited attendance and will require all attendees to show proof of full vaccination including booster.
-Dancers must wear fully protective masks for the entirety of the dance (including while dancing). For the time being, “fully protective” means a KN95, N95, or KF94 mask, or surgical mask.
-We also ask dancers to TRY to limit attending other large events 3-4 days before attending Boston Swing Central.
-In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout to increase ventilation.

Q Ballroom Address
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

DJ’s to be announced…

We are still requiring that all attendees show proof of full vaccination including at least one booster and also wear a high-quality mask (no cloth masks or gaiters, but rather an N95, surgical mask or something of that nature) the entire time they are in the venue (including while dancing!) In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout.

Beginner Swing Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Social Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

Advance Tickets (day before dance) (click here):
General Admission: $11
Students (w/ Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $8

At-the-door (Day of Dance) admission: $13
Students (w/ Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $10

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Have you ever wanted to learn to Lindy Hop but don’t have time to commit to a weekly class?  This is your chance! Our next weekend “crash course” workshop is 3 hours on Sunday Aug 21, 11am-2:00pm. Come learn from experienced teachers who are also social dancers in the Lindy Hop scene.

We will cover six count basic (East Coast Swing), basic eight count (Lindy Hop), and Charleston Basic. Moves include swing out, Lindy circle, swing out from closed, and side by side Charleston. At the end of this class, you will be able to attend a social dance and dance to music.

11:00AM – 2:00 PM
$40 advanced on-line registration, $45 at the door (register here.)

Denehy Park in Cambridge, New St parking lot (meet there).

The Roaring Foxes is a new band led by local trombonist Dan Fox. The group plays everyone’s favorite tunes from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s but also throws in a few surprises from the 70’s and 80’s, always keeping a perfect beat and tempo to dance to. 

Fox has worked as a sideman at Boston Swing Central with many bands. Expect a rock-solid beat and sweet, swinging horns playing tunes from the ’20’s and ’30’s at just the right tempos.

Beginner Swing Dance Lesson (included w/ admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

Advance Tickets will be available until 10pm on Thursday before the dance, after that: tickets must be purchased at-the-door.
Advance tickets (before day of event) General Admission: $18
Advance tickets (before day of event) Students and Seniors (65+)(with Valid ID): $13

At-the-door (day of the event) General Admission: $20

At-the-door (day of the event) Students and Seniors(65+)(w/ Valid IDs): $15

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Please note: our covid policy still requires proof of full vaccination plus the booster. You must send one in advance or bring to the dance and show them at-the-door (photo on a phone is acceptible). And masks (please, no cloth ones, just: N95, KN95, KF94, or surgical masks) while in the building. Thank you for your understanding.

Elise Roth and her seven-piece Orchestra the Harvard Squares encapsulates the spirit of the Swing Era. Often compared vocally to Judy Garland Elise embraces the resemblance. You’ll hear plenty of Judy’s repertoire expressively sung by Miss Roth. Loved by dancers and jazz enthusiasts alike, this ensemble is led by vocalist Elise Roth, the “poster girl” for the vintage music and dance scene in Boston and beyond!

Beginner Swing Dance Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Social Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

Advance Tickets (available by clicking here)

General Admission: $20
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID, 65+): $13

Day of Event, at-the-door ticket prices

General Admission: $22

Students and Seniors(with valid ID, 65+): $15

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

DJs Mari Foster and Elizabeth Glavin will be spinning tonight for us!

We will have limited attendance capacity and will require all attendees to show proof of vaccination and to wear masks the entire time they are in the venue (including while dancing!) We recommend testing your mask in advance to ensure that you are able to move and breathe in it without it falling down. In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout.

Beginner Swing Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Social Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

Advance Tickets (days before dance) (click here):
General Admission: $11
Students (w/ Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $8

At-the-door (Day of Dance) admission: $13
Students (w/ Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $10

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

The River Street Six are a new band in town consisting of mostly, if not, all dancers! This dancer created band is a labor of love, but as the band is new, and just getting their feet wet in playing for all of us, so they will only be performing only one set tonight from 10-11pm. Don’t forget to clap hard and make a lot of noise in support of them!

We will have limited attendance capacity and will require all attendees to show proof of full vaccination including booster and to wear masks the entire time they are in the venue (including while dancing!) Please no cloth masks or gaiters. In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout.

Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

Band set: 10:00pm -11:00pm

Advance Tickets (click here):
General Admission: $15
Students and Seniors: $10 (with valid ID, 65+)

At-the-door admission: $18
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID, 65+): $13

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Phil McGowan is back behind the drumkit with Easy Winners!

We will have limited attendance capacity and will require all attendees to show proof of full vaccination including booster and to wear masks the entire time they are in the venue (including while dancing!) Please no cloth masks or gaiters. In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout.

Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am

Advance Tickets (click here):
General Admission: $18
Students and Seniors: $13

At-the-door admission: $20
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $15

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

We’re beyond excited to welcome the Hot Sugar Band on their first US tour! And they’re bringing their full 8-piece band including vocalist Nicolle Rochelle! Check them out in the above video and you’ll get an idea of how special this band is. You don’t want to miss this one! We’re also working on capturing a live recording of this historic Boston Swing Central debut!

Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Dancing: 8:30pm – 11:45am
Advance tickets (before day of dance) click links below:

SOLD OUT: General Admission: $28
SOLD OUT: Students and Seniors(65+) (with Valid ID): $20

Day of dance/At-the-door tickets (there may be a very small number of tickets available at the door, < 10)

We will also let some people in as people leave the dance, but probably not until 10-10:30pm. Sorry.

General Admission: $32

Students and Seniors (65+) (with Valid ID): $25

Note: No passes or coupons are accepted for this event.

Q Ballroom (formerly called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Cassidy Holden is a musician specializing in double bass, guitar, and banjo. He has been playing BSC events such as the Roaring Twenties Lawn Party for the last 5-6 years, on our Casino Stage, as well as leading Florence’s Glad Rags Strut & Stroll procession up Castle Hill and back down. Which is to say, he can play and walk at the same time! If you’re new to BSC, he likely won’t be playing and walking, but he will be delivering us with some fine swing tune mojo via New Orleans, where he also lived for the last several years.

We will have limited attendance capacity and will require all attendees to show proof of full vaccination including booster and to wear masks the entire time they are in the venue (including while dancing!) Please no cloth masks or gaiters. In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout.

Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am

Advance Tickets (click here):
General Admission: $18
Students and Seniors: $13

At-the-door admission: $20
Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $15

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Billy Novick has played with an awful lot of bands that have come through Boston Swing Central, some notables are Gordon Webster Band, Amy Kucharik, and the Swing Legacy. But tonight, Billy steps out of the shade, and into the spotlight: singing and playing reeds tonight. The musicians staying in the shadows, promise to swing really hard for us and Billy.

Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45am
Advance tickets (before day of dance) click links below:

General Admission: $18
Students and Seniors(65+) (with Valid ID): $13

Day of Dance tickets:

General Admission: $20

Students and Seniors(65+)(with Valid ID): $15

Q Ballroom (formerly called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Our DJs will create a sonic landscape that will be a dream to dance in.

We will have limited attendance capacity and will require all attendees to show proof of vaccination and to wear masks the entire time they are in the venue (including while dancing!) We recommend testing your mask in advance to ensure that you are able to move and breathe in it without it falling down. In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout.

Beginner Swing Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Social Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

Advance Tickets (days before dance) (click here):
General Admission: $11
Students (w/ Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $8

At-the-door (Day of Dance) admission: $13
Students (w/ Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $10

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

It’s been a good long while since Sammy D blew into town on a cornet chariot and all the cats joined in got up late.  They’ll be swingin’, we’ll be swingin’…and all will be uplifted!

Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45am
General Admission: $18
Students and Seniors(65+) (with Valid ID): $13

Q Ballroom (formerly called Extreme Dancesport)
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Annie & the Fur Trappers make their Boston Swing Central return!

Annie and the Fur Trappers are a Boston based traditional jazz and blues band which formed in 2016. Originally founded in St. Louis, Missouri, the band currently includes clarinet, trumpet, trombone, bass, banjo/guitar, and washboard. Annie and the Fur Trappers is dedicated to performing and preserving the music of the 1920s and 30s today.

The band relocated to the Boston during the pandemic, and they’re one of our new favorites! They have been working on recording a new album at PBS studios which is expected to be released sometime in 2023.   You can buy and listen to some of their music here.

Please note: must be fully vaccinated and boosted to attend. And must wear a mask, we recommend KN95, N95 or KF94 or surgical masks. Please don’t wear cloth masks or gaiters. We also ask that if you are attending, please try to limit attending other large events 3-4 days before attending Boston Swing Central. Thank you!

Beginner Swing Dance Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm
Advance General Admission: $18
Advance Students and Seniors (with Valid ID): $13

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

This Memorial Day weekend, we will feature DJ’s Natalie Eringros and Elizabeth Glavin. Elizabeth makes her Boston Swing Central DJ debut!

Elizabeth has been sharing her love for early jazz since 2015 as a DJ at dances, exchanges, and events throughout the Southeast. She’s thrilled to be bringing that love up north! A floor in her care can expect to enjoy a wide variety of swing-era recordings from her collection alongside tunes from some of today’s top musicians- and probably at least one killer scat solo.

Natalie is familiar fixture on the BSC dance floor! She’s a high-energy dancer and DJ, and also a Boston Swing Central board member and president!

We will have limited attendance capacity and will require all attendees to show proof of vaccination and to wear masks the entire time they are in the venue (including while dancing!) We recommend testing your mask in advance to ensure that you are able to move and breathe in it without it falling down. In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout.

Beginner Swing Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Social Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm

Advance Tickets (days before dance) (click here):
General Admission: $11
Students (w/ Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $8

At-the-door (Day of Dance) admission: $13
Students (w/ Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $10

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Charlie Christian, and Peggy Lee  – This sounds like a Grand Slam! 

Join us for a really swingin’ night of music put together by Justin Meyer.  With a vibraphone! This is one of our most exciting new bands.

Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am

Advance tickets (before the day of event) General Admission: $18
Advance tickets (before the day of event) Students and Seniors (65+) (with Valid IDs): $13

At-the-door (day of the event) General Admission: $20
At-the-door (day of the event) Students and Seniors (65+) (with Valid IDs): $15

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Note: Proof of full vaccination including the booster required, and we will continue with requiring masks at dances (no cloth masks, please).

Join us for a swingin’ night of dancing to live music with The Easy Winners w/ vocalist Sarah Gardner.   NOTE: we are back on Fridays! This dance is Friday May 6th! Which is also the Friday where we celebrate, the Revenge of the Sixth!! Yes, it’s the return of the Jedi, we’re busting out the lightsabers for a little Han Solo jazz competition!! No entry fee, but you’ll have to pass the first test of the Jedi to earn the right to handle a lightsaber in battle!!

We will have limited attendance capacity and will require all attendees to show proof of full vaccination and to wear masks the entire time they are in the venue (including while dancing!) We recommend testing your mask in advance to ensure that you are able to move and breathe in it without it falling down. In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout.

Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am

Advance Tickets (before day of event) General Admission: $18

Advance Tickets (before day of event) Students and Seniors (65+) (with Valid IDs): $13

At-the-door (day of event) General Admission: $20

At-the-door (day of event) Students and Seniors (65+) (with Valid IDs): $15

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Note: Proof of full vaccination including the booster required, and we will continue with requiring masks at dances (no cloth masks, please).

Mezz (n.): anything supreme, genuine. Ex., “this is really the mezz.”
Cat (n.): musician in swing band. (via Cab Calloway’s 1939 Hepster’s Dictionary.

Amy Kucharik first met trombonist Tim Lewandowski dancing at a Boston Swing Central dance, and the two have been friends ever since. They became musical collaborators over a decade ago and a few years ago founded the Mezzcats along with fellow dancer / pianist Michael Valdez and clarinetist Billy Novick.  Amy and her bands are known around New England for a variety of styles and tempos tailor-made for partner dancers; as Friends With Benefits they have played swing dances at Elm City Exchange and several regional dances. To make this occasion really the mezz, the band will feature BSC favorite guitarist and vocalist Cassidy Holden. These cats will play authentic 1920s and 30s swing with a few modern twists (and a few of Amy’s original tunes) for an evening that’s sure to blow your top!

Please note: must be Fully Vaccinated and Boosted to attend. And must (for the time being) wear a KN95, N95 or KF94 mask or paper surgical mask, please no cloth masks yet, they say these are somewhat worthless. We also ask that if you are attending, please try to limit attending other large events 3-4 days before attending Boston Swing Central. We are still hearing about 1 reported case of a person testing positive after each of our recent dances, so please be vigilant, and also please tell us if you do test positive.

Beginner Swing Dance Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Swing Dancing: 9:00pm – 11:45pm
Advance General Admission: $18 (before the day of the event)
Advance Students and Seniors (65+) (with Valid ID): $13 (before the day of the event)

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138

Boston Swing Central is excited to have DJ Javier Johnson come up from Connecticut to spin for us Saturday April 9th.

Javier Johnson is a rocket scientist by trade. He is well versed in all the swing dances, but specializes teaching in Balboa and soul. From the basics with Basie to hot jazz of Django, he’ll play almost anything as long as it’s good and has a little spice to it. And he’s found a lot of great tunes he wishes to showcase so we’re having him DJ the whole night.

We’re will also be providing another Advanced Beginner class before the dance, and before the beginner lesson. So sign up for that if you’re interested and take your dancing beyond our beginner lesson! Then stick around and angel (assist), or switch roles in our beginner lesson. Or go grab some food or drink.

We will have limited attendance capacity and will require all attendees to show proof of vaccination and to wear masks the entire time they are in the venue (including while dancing!) We recommend testing your mask in advance to ensure that you are able to move and breathe in it without it falling down. In addition to required masking, we will have windows open and fans running throughout.

Beginner Swing Lesson (included w/ price of admission): 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Adv Beginner Lesson ($5) 7:00pm -8:00pm
Social Dancing: 9:00pm – 12:00am

Advance Tickets before dance (click here) currently closed for today but tickets available at-the-door:
General Admission: $11
Students (w/ Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $8
Advanced Beginner Lesson: $5

At-the-door (Day of Dance) admission: $13
Students (w/ Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $10
Adv Beginner Lesson: $5

Q Ballroom
26 New Street, Suite 3
Cambridge, MA 02138