This Week in Swing NYC Dance Events – November 18, 2024

The Empire State building and NYC skyline
The Empire State building and NYC skyline


Swing dancing at Subway swings

This Friday! “Subway Swing” at the New York Transit Museum with 4 incredible vintage jazz bands, beginning swing dance lessons, a cash bar and historic exhibits and artifacts — including actual subway train cars from years gone by. Full details listed under Friday’s events.
Tickets


NYEE Tickets on Sale Tuesday at 12pm,

See December 30th below for information and links


Thursday, November 21

Frim Fram Jam – Third Thursdays
8:30-9pm Intro Lesson
9pm-midnight Open Dancing!

Live Band Night – The Hot Toddies Jazz Band
$25 for band night – ($20 student discount)
Credit/cash accepted at the door

YSBD – 37 W 26th St, 2nd floor, NYC
Door code: 7293#

Beautiful venue! Gorgeous Sprung Floor!
Intense A/C! Huge fans! Epic ventilation!


Friday, November 22

Subway Swing:A Boogie for the Ages

Join us at the Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn for an after-hours boogie for the ages! Triple-step your way through our 1936 decommissioned subway station with live jazz bands, the hottest swing dancing, and the slickest vintage outfits!

Ticket price includes admission to the party at the Museum and one drink. Additional drink tickets will be available at our cash bar for $5 each.

Photography and video recording are permitted. However, tripods, stands, selfie sticks, and external lights may not be used. All photographs taken are for personal use only and permission to photograph may be revoked at any time.

All ticket sales are final. Should you be unable to attend the program on the date you reserved, the full price of unused tickets may be treated as a donation to the Transit Museum and is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Museum is not able to provide refunds or reschedule reservations to another date.

6:00 PM ET / Doors open 5:45 PM ET
General Admission: $35 / Members $30
Tickets
For members the discount is applied at checkout.
Children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Questions? Email programs@nytransitmuseum.org.

99 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, NY

Amazing line up of bands:
Eyal Vilner Band
Danny Lipsitz and the Brass Tacks
Gretta Cavatassi and the Getaway
Phirocious Swing Orchestra

If you’re new to swing dancing, take one of the 30-minute lessons offered throughout the evening by Odysseus Bailer and Candice Michelle Franklin.


Friday, November 22

Chill n’ Fever

Come dance to the sickest wildest 50’s 60’s 45’s you’ve ever heard! Special guest DJ Boppin’ Vic along with your host DJ’s Jukebox Jodi and El Salvaje! Always a fun party!

Otto’s Shrunken Head
536 East 14th Street
9pm- 2am


Sunday, November 24

Central Park Swings

Swing DJ
DANCE LESSON during breaks
FREE ($10 donation suggested)

Event should take place if the weather is good (above 50 degrees and sunshine)
Announcements will be made on the day of if a cancellation/postponement is necessary.
Our King Jagiello statue plaza is a collaborative with Alex’s socials.

Home

King Jagiello Plaza, overlooking Turtle Pond and Belvidere Castle.
East side at 79th St.
4-5:30pm

Eileen’s Note: Check their website before heading out to confirm it’s happening due to last minute cancellations.


Monday, November 25

Back Room Speakeasy Sessions

Rafael and the Rhythm Ruckus
Back Room 102 Norfolk St
Doors at 7:30pm; 9pm-12:30am (Band)
No cover – Vaccination Not Required
Band starts the show – opening it up to a vocal and instrumental jam session! Bring your axe, voice, dancing shoes!

No cover – tips appreciated
Wood floor for dancing!
Prohibition style drinks in teacups
Swing / big band tunes in band breaks!
EVERY MON! NEVER A COVER!!!! ALWAYS GOOD TIMES…
(NO FUR / 21+ / TIPS APPRECIATED)
Presented by Svetlana and the Backroom


Tuesday, November 26

White Heat

White Heat Presents: The Steven Paul Quartet
Get ready to step into a bal night with the Steven Paul Quartet! This group knows how to set the dance floor on fire, bringing together irresistible beats and that high-energy vibe you’ve come to expect at White Heat. Join us for a fun evening as Steven and his crew play their hearts out, mixing classic swing with fresh takes that will have you dancing until the very last note!
##Remember to check in at the door before the dance and show some love to the band with a generous tip!##

9:30pm-12:00am
$20 at the door
You Should Be Dancing…! Dance Center
37 W 26th St. 2nd fl (btw 6th Ave & Broadway)
Door code: 7293#


Wednesday, November 27

Gotham Jazz

HOT TODDIES JAZZ BAND (3x sets 5:30-9:00pm)
w. Tatiana Eva-Marie, Linus Wyrsch, Jake Handelman, Justin Poindexter, Ian Hutchison, Patrick Soluri
free SWING DANCE LESSON at 7:30pm
DJ ANDRIUS

Thanksgiving Eve // 5-9pm!
21 + w ID // No Cover or Minimum!

SOMEWHERE NOWHERE – 112 West 25th Street on 38th fl (btw 6th & 7th ave)
reservation for tables // walk-ins welcome at bar // wood floors & space to dance


Wednesday, November 27

Midtown Swings Social Dance
Changing to a monthly dance for the rest of 2024 – next dance December 18


Thursday, November 28

Frim Fram Jam
Closed for Thanksgiving – Stay Home, Eat Turkey


Friday, November 29

Friday Night Blues

Band: TBA
Price:
$30 lesson and dance
$25 dance only
$15 Late Night (after 11:30pm)
Schedule:
8:30pm – Lesson
Class Title: All Levels Class
9:30pm – DJ’d music
10:00pm – Live music
1:00am – end of night
Venue:
La Nacional
239 W. 14th Street, NY, NY


Saturday, November 30

Saturday Night Swings

Band: Danny Lipsitz & The Brass Tacks
Swing DJ during band breaks

* DANNY LIPSITZ & BRASS TACKS(3x sets 8:20-11:30pm)
* DJ ANDRIUS (8-12 / during band breaks)
* 7:15pm Pre-Party Swing Dance Lesson (Included in price of Admission)
* Refreshments will be available (cash only)

Hosted by Prohibition Productions & YSBD!
$25 in advance / $30 day of

You Should Be Dancing…! Dance Center
37 W 26th St. 2nd fl (btw 6th Ave & Broadway)
Door code: 7293#


December

Molly Ryan and Gordon Au at the Vintage Train Ride


Sunday, December 1

Queer Swing Dance Social\

3-4pm: Beginner Intro Lesson
4-6pm: QSD Social Dance
Christ Church Cobble Hill
326 Clinton St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
No partner or experience necessary
*All events are donation based and require masks
We keep each other safe


Monday, December 2

Back Room Speakeasy Sessions

Evan Hamaguchi & Friends
Back Room 102 Norfolk St
Doors at 7:30pm; 9pm-12:30am (Band)
No cover – Vaccination Not Required
Band starts the show – opening it up to a vocal and instrumental jam session! Bring your axe, voice, dancing shoes!

No cover – tips appreciated
Wood floor for dancing!
Prohibition style drinks in teacups
Swing / big band tunes in band breaks!
EVERY MON! NEVER A COVER!!!! ALWAYS GOOD TIMES…
(NO FUR / 21+ / TIPS APPRECIATED)
Presented by Svetlana and the Backroom


Wednesday, December 4

Gotham Jazz

>> final jazz night this year… back Jan 8th <<
HOT TODDIES JAZZ BAND (3x sets 7:15-11:00pm)
w. Hannah Gill, Linus Wyrsch, Jake Handelman, Justin Poindexter, Philip Ambuel, Patrick Soluri
free SWING DANCE LESSONS by Jaime at 8pm
tap dancer AC LINCOLN
DJ ANDRIUS (5pm to 12am)

every Wednesday 7pm to 12am (doors 5pm)
21 + w ID // No Cover or Minimum!

SOMEWHERE NOWHERE – 112 West 25th Street on 38th fl (btw 6th & 7th ave)
reservation for tables // walk-ins welcome at bar // wood floors & space to dance


Wednesday, December 4

Midtown Swings Social Dance
Changing to a monthly dance for the rest of 2024 – next dance December 18


Thursday, December 5

Frim Fram Jam
8:30-9pm Intro Lesson
9pm-midnight Open Dancing!

DJ’d Dance
$15 ($10 w/ student ID) for DJ nights
Credit/cash accepted at the door

YSBD – 37 W 26th St, 2nd floor, NYC
Door code: 6325#

Beautiful venue! Gorgeous Sprung Floor!
Intense A/C! Huge fans! Epic ventilation!


Wednesday, December 6

Positively Swingin’

NYC / Swing Dance in Bushwick!
7:30 – 10:00 pm
7:30 pm Intro Lesson w/Me! / 30 min. / no partner needed
LIVE MUSIC East Village All Stars
Jazz Jam Session afterwards 10pm til late – bring your instrument!
The Keep
205 Cypress Ave.
Artsy Antique Dive Bar
Tile floor, space to dance, outdoor hang out space
Tip the Teach / Tip the Band / No Cover / 1 Drink Minimum / 21+


Saturday, December 7

Swing Remix

Band: Professor Cunningham & His Old School

The Good Shepherd Church
152 W. 66th St. (Bway & Ams)
Doors open 7:45 PM / Beginner lesson 8 PM
Band hits 8:30 PM / Close: 12:00AM
DJ Odysseus Bailer

Advance Tickets links:
$25 Advance price
Chase Quick Pay/Zelle
SwingRemix@gmail.com

Venmo: @SwingRemix
Tel digits 5286
https://www.venmo.com/u/SwingRemix

ADVANCE TIX TILL 5pm (VENMO SHUT OFF 5PM)
Advance tix avail till 5pm day of!
Door price $30 cash only


Sunday, December 8

Motown Dance Party

6-10pm
The Penthouse
617 West 46th St.

Wood floor
Dance by Appleton Entertainment
Early bird: $25 (by October 21)
Door: $30

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/motown-dance-party-tickets-1022991474037?aff=ebdssbdestsearch


Sunday, December 8

The Bee’s Knees

Shanghai Mermaid: A prohibition repeal celebration
Jazzy: Terry Waldo’s Gotham City Band
Burlesque. Dandy Dillinger
Dancing Girls: The Bathtub Ginnys

Attire: Dressy, vintage or vintage-inspired, high glamour, 1920s, 1930s, feathers, top hats, cocktail, formal, creative attire, character-driven . . . come as your most glamorous jazz age self.

Dress code. Venue has a strict NO REAL FUR policy. No casual attire admited.
Tickets: $35-75 – Check sitefor details and purchase.

The Backroom
102 Norfolk Street, NYC


Monday, December 9

Back Room Speakeasy Sessions

Prohibition Repeal Day Celebration
Back Room 102 Norfolk St
Doors at 7:30pm; 9pm-12:30am (Band)
No cover – Vaccination Not Required
Band starts the show – opening it up to a vocal and instrumental jam session! Bring your axe, voice, dancing shoes!

No cover – tips appreciated
Wood floor for dancing!
Prohibition style drinks in teacups
Swing / big band tunes in band breaks!
EVERY MON! NEVER A COVER!!!! ALWAYS GOOD TIMES…
(NO FUR / 21+ / TIPS APPRECIATED)
Presented by Svetlana and the Backroom


Wednesday, December 11

Midtown Swings Social Dance
Changing to a monthly dance for the rest of 2024 – next dance December 18


Wednesday, December 11

Gotham Jazz
No dance due to private event.


Thursday, December 12

Frim Fram Jam
8:30-9pm Intro Lesson
9pm-midnight Open Dancing!

DJ’d Dance – Claire Lorman / Audrey Au and Andrius Sc
$15 ($10 w/ student ID) for DJ nights
Credit/cash accepted at the door

YSBD – 37 W 26th St, 2nd floor, NYC
Door code: 6325#

Beautiful venue! Gorgeous Sprung Floor!
Intense A/C! Huge fans! Epic ventilation!


Saturday, December 14

Saturday Night Blues

2nd Saturday of every month for dancing at Tada! Youth Theater

Price:
$20 lesson and dance
$15 dance only
$10 late night (after 11:30pm)
Schedule:
8:30pm – 9:30pm: Intermediate Lesson
9:30 – 12:30am: DJ’d music
This is an INTERMEDIATE level class. You should have some dance experience to get the most out of this class.

8:30pm – 12:30am
15 W. 28th Street, 3rd Floor, NY, NY


Monday, December 16

Back Room Speakeasy Sessions

Drew Nugent & The Midnight Society
Back Room 102 Norfolk St
Doors at 7:30pm; 9pm-12:30am (Band)
No cover – Vaccination Not Required
Band starts the show – opening it up to a vocal and instrumental jam session! Bring your axe, voice, dancing shoes!

No cover – tips appreciated
Wood floor for dancing!
Prohibition style drinks in teacups
Swing / big band tunes in band breaks!
EVERY MON! NEVER A COVER!!!! ALWAYS GOOD TIMES…
(NO FUR / 21+ / TIPS APPRECIATED)
Presented by Svetlana and the Backroom


Tuesday, December 17

Balboa Practice

Come join us for our monthly Balboa practice at YSBD! We have a Choose Your Own Adventure format, so bring some things you’d like to work on. You don’t have to be currently taking classes at YSBD to attend. All levels of experience are welcome. The event is free but please tip the DJ.
9:30-11:30pm

You Should Be Dancing…! Dance Center
37 W 26th St. 2nd fl (btw 6th Ave & Broadway)
Door code: 6325#


Wednesday, December 18

Midtown Swings Social Dance

Holiday Dance
Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine Dance Studio
Includes a room dedicated to fast music hosted by Natasha Shevchenko and Michael Tan.

9:00-11:45pm
Includes free 30 min drop-in lesson
Sprung wood floor

Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine Dance Studio
320 West 37th St., 2nd Floor
General admission: $15
Midtown Swings students: $5


Wednesday, December 18

Gotham Jazz
No dance due to private event.


Thursday, December 19

Frim Fram Jam – Third Thursdays
8:30-9pm Intro Lesson
9pm-midnight Open Dancing!

Live Band Night – TBA
$25 for band night – ($20 student discount)
Credit/cash accepted at the door

YSBD – 37 W 26th St, 2nd floor, NYC
Door code: 6325#

Beautiful venue! Gorgeous Sprung Floor!
Intense A/C! Huge fans! Epic ventilation!


Saturday, December 21

Saturday Night Swings

Holiday Bash with Gordon Webster
Saturday Night Swings on Dec 21st:
* GORDON WEBSTER: Holiday Bash (3x sets 8:20-11:30pm)
* DJ ANDRIUS (8-12 / during band breaks)
* 7:15pm Pre-Party Swing Dance Lesson (Included in price of Admission)
* Refreshments will be available (cash only)
Hosted by Prohibition Productions & YSBD!

Join us every month for the best swing bands in town at the gorgeous new YSBD studios… with an amazing floor, plenty of space, cash bar and tons of AC!
* Refreshments will be available (cash only)
$25 in advance / $30 day of

You Should Be Dancing…! Dance Center
37 W 26th St. 2nd fl (btw 6th Ave & Broadway)
Door code: 6325#


Monday, December 23

Back Room Speakeasy Sessions

Holiday Speakeasy – Svetlana & The Delancey Five
Back Room 102 Norfolk St
Doors at 7:30pm; 9pm-12:30am (Band)
No cover – Vaccination Not Required
Band starts the show – opening it up to a vocal and instrumental jam session! Bring your axe, voice, dancing shoes!

No cover – tips appreciated
Wood floor for dancing!
Prohibition style drinks in teacups
Swing / big band tunes in band breaks!
EVERY MON! NEVER A COVER!!!! ALWAYS GOOD TIMES…
(NO FUR / 21+ / TIPS APPRECIATED)
Presented by Svetlana and the Backroom


Wednesday, December 25

Midtown Swings Social Dance

No Dance this week


Wednesday, December 25

Gotham Jazz
Closed for the holiday.


Thursday, December 26

Frim Fram Jam – No Fram this week

No Fram – Happy New Year – See you in 2025!


Saturday, December 28

Lindyland’s Year Ending Dance Party

Lindyland Dance Party
Details to be announced
7:30pm – 11:30pm
Good Shepherd Faith Presbyterian Church
152 West 66th St, NY

Eileen’s Note: Event is definitely happening, more details TBA


Monday, December 30

The Salon: New Year’s Eve Eve

NEW YEAR’s EVE EVE. For our 15th annual extravaganza we’re going all out at a stunning & exclusive midtown private club (across from Rockefeller Center, Radio City, & St Patrick’s Cathedral) from the gilded age of ol’ New York!

The Grand Ballroom (2nd fl)
DANNY JONOKUCHI & THE REVISIONISTS
3x sets from 7:30-10:30pm
and
“Special Surprise” BLUES BAND
You know him & love him… from 11:00-12:30

The Grand Salon (3rd floor)
EYAL VILNER BIG BAND
3x sets from 8:30-12:30pm

The Grand Lounge (4th floor)
CAIT JONES TRIO from 8:30-12:30
ragtime piano master TERRY WALDO from 7:30-11:30

The Library & Lincoln Room (4th floor) VIP Room
ADRIEN CHEVALIER GYPSY JAZZ TRIO from 8:00-12:00

— plus —
* emcee DANDY WELLINGTON
* DJ’s ANDRIUS & ODYSSEUS BAILER
* burlesque by LILIN LACE and VELVETINA TAYLOR
* Free beginner swing lesson by Jaime Shannon
* NYEE tradition continues… countdown at midnight!
* Full Bars on 2nd & 4th floors; plus exclusive VIP bar in the VIP Room.

VIP ROOM
Sip cocktails and lounge in our gorgeous private VIP room featuring a private VIP bar away from the crowds – mingle amongst the VIP guests and performers… not to mention a 3hr open bar from 8:30-11:30pm, and three sets of live music by Adrien Chevalier’s Gypsy Jazz Trio.

Details
For our 15th annual NYEE extravaganza we’re at a stunning and exclusive private club from the gilded age, steps from Radio City, Rockefeller Center, and St Patrick’s… same era as our previous home at The Players Club, but significantly bigger! We continue the tradition with a spectacular lineup with over 30 performers, including five bands throughout The Club for your lounging and dancing pleasure. It’s one of our biggest parties of the year and always sells out… so get tickets now!

THE SALON: New Year’s Eve Eve
Monday, December 30th, 2024
doors at 7:30 / ends at 12:30am
All Ages / to drink 21+ (ID required)

Three West Club
3 West 51st (btw 5th & 6th Ave)
for subway take B / D / F / M to 47-50th Rockefeller Ctr; E or M to 5th Ave 53rd St; 6 to 51st St; A / C or 1 to 50th St; or N / R / W to 49th St

DRESS CODE – Proper attire requested – Retro Chic, Vintage, Suits, cocktail attire, or biz casual… think Boardwalk Empire, Gatsby, Mad Men. No shorts, t-shirts, torn/tattered jeans, workout or warm-up attire, fitness/athletic shoes, and ball/casual caps.

Tickets on sale. November 19th at 12pm: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-salon-new-years-eve-eve-dec-30th-tickets-1086184831069?aff=oddtdtcreator


Monday, December 30

Back Room Speakeasy Sessions

Back Room 102 Norfolk St
Doors at 7:30pm; 9pm-12:30am (Band)
No cover – Vaccination Not Required
Band starts the show – opening it up to a vocal and instrumental jam session! Bring your axe, voice, dancing shoes!

No cover – tips appreciated
Wood floor for dancing!
Prohibition style drinks in teacups
Swing / big band tunes in band breaks!
EVERY MON! NEVER A COVER!!!! ALWAYS GOOD TIMES…
(NO FUR / 21+ / TIPS APPRECIATED)
Presented by Svetlana and the Backroom


Wednesday, January 1

Gotham Jazz
Closed for the holiday.


Eileen’s Note: I’ve been filling in Christmas week as soon as I get information. I am also noting events that are cancelled due to the holiday or private events just to confirm where events are not going on. I’ll keep filling in as we get closer to the holidays.  2025 information coming later this month.


For information on how to swing dance, please check out:Swing Dance Lessons

Match Made in Lindy Hop

Last year, I met Jaime Lynn at Midsummer Night Swing. She shared how she had met her favorite person (Travis) as a result of him reading my blog. Travis wanted to go swing dancing, read my blog and wound up meeting Jaime Lynn at the dance.

Fast forward one year and I met Jaime Lynn and Travis at Midsummer Night Swing with Eyal Vilner where she announced they had just gotten engaged!

While it took much more to get to the engagement, it was sweet to hear that they first met due to Travis reading This Week in Swing NYC.

Congratulations to the happy couple, with many years on the dance floor ahead of you!

Cleveland Junior Jitterbugs

Valerie Salstrom runs the Cleveland Junior Jitterbugs. A fabulous program supporting the kids in Cleveland who learn how to dance. They are trying to get to events this summer to increase their exposure to dance. If you’re able, take a read through Valerie’s note below and support if you can.
Thanks, Eileen


From Valerie Salstrom
Hello Friends,
This is an ask. I hate asking for money. It doesn’t feel good to ask for money. You feel like “less” when you hold out your hand for money. But, I have to do this for the kids. Ugh, my stomach hurts. I put on a good face that this is great, everything is great. This is actually really difficult for me. Ok, Here we go. Think of the kids, think of the kids.
I wish the arts were valued. I wish swing dancing and it’s African American history was valued. I wish more people realized what being involved in a swing dance program means to children and their families.
In the next few months some of the members of the Cleveland Junior Jitterbugs will be making their way to events around the country to take classes, social dance, perform, compete, hang out with other youth who are involved in the dance scene, meet some of their swing dance heroes, and hear stories about the great ones who have passed. We also have three jitterbug relatives traveling with us as chaperones. (We have lots of little bugs whose ages are in the single digits and we need the extra help.)
These efforts require a pretty hefty chunk of change and we are hoping you can help us finish raising the money we need. Our goal is to raise at least $7500 and we have already raised slightly under $3000.
If you would like to donate and have your donation be tax deductible, the Frankie Manning Foundation has kindly agreed to have your donations go through them. You will need to designate your dollars go to the Cleveland Junior Jitterbugs, the Cleveland Kids, the Cleveland Youth Program, or something similar. You may further specify that your funds go for travel only, food only, travel to a particular event, accommodations at a particular event, costumes, food and beverages while training in Cleveland, etc. What your donations will NOT cover are studio space rental in Cleveland, training fees while in Cleveland, event passes, or transportation or meals for chaperones. The Brooklyn Branch of the Cleveland Public Library has been letting us use their community room for practice sessions for free. I donate my coaching, choreography, and transportation services for the youth during their summers in Cleveland. Uptown Swingout, the International Lindy Hop Championships, and Camp Hollywood have all donated passes for our Cleveland group. Some of these events also provide food and accommodations for our youth participants.
Here is a break down of what is happening –
Alexis and Cyle are going to Uptown Swingout in Minneapolis. MN. August 11-13. Uptown Swingout
Alexis, Cyle, Jermaine, Jonathan, Mario, Mariana, Gabi, and Aniyah are going to the International Lindy Hop Championships near Washington, DC. August 24-27. ILHC
Alexis, Cyle, Jermaine, Mario, Mariana, and Gabi are going to Camp Hollywood/National Jitterbug Championships in Los Angeles, CA. September 1-4. http://www.camphollywood.net/
Think of everything they will need. Flights to Minneapolis. Rental of a 15 passenger van to get to DC. Tolls, gas, and food on the way to and from DC. Flights to LA. Hotel rooms in LA. Meals in LA. Costumes. Shoes. In case you didn’t know, a 9 year old is practically capable of eating their own weight in food each day. The bills for food are enormous for this group. Wanna sponsor a pizza party or two? Can we get a poolside picnic organized at Camp Hollywood?
Please email, info@gethepswing.com, or message me here on Facebook for more details on our budget and/or information on how to donate to the Cleveland Junior Jitterbugs through The Frankie Manning Foundation via paypal or check. There are a few things you should know that can help you decide if a check or paypal is better. We can also let you know how to avoid extra fees through paypal.
Frankie Manning Foundation
I would also like to thank Beantown Lindy Hop Camp for continually supporting the Frankie Manning Ambassadors at their camp. Alexis and Cyle have loved every minute of their time spent with you all. Beantown

Welcome to THIS WEEK IN SWING NYC

After starting on Blogspot in 2008 and moving to WordPress, This Week in Swing, has a new home!

I hope everyone finds this to be an improvement to finding out where to dance, where to take dance lessons or where to go out and just listen (yes we can just go listen) in our love of all things swing!

Major shout out to Mandi Gould for helping make this happen.

Please check it out, watch a couple of videos and check back often as we continue to do updates.