September marks a new season of dances and the 22^nd anniversary of Hop to the Beat!

Uptown Swing welcomes back the always fabulous Professor Cunningham and His Old School, performing the most swinging repertoire in the New Orleans tradition — from Sidney Bechet, to Fats Waller, to Professor Longhair and even Fats Domino! The band was formed in 2012 by our favorite Aussie bandleader and reedman, the charming and witty Adrian Cunningham, and consists of some of the most energetic and accomplished musicians on the New York scene. It’s been a regular hit, performing at some of the city’s finest speakeasy shows (Shanghai Mermaid, Gemini and Scorpio, NY Hot Jazz Festival) and regularly performing to packed houses at some of the city’s best Swing venues (Cutting Room, Swing 46, The Back Room).

Guest DJ Natalie Eringros will be featured during the band breaks.

Brennen Ernst & The Roaming Tones are a Jazz band based in Philadelphia, PA, playing music from the ’30s and ’40s with a supremely danceable rhythm. Bandleader Brennen Ernst, originally inspired by swing guitar luminaries such as Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian, has been gaining recognition as one of the hardest swinging guitarists on the scene today. He was the guitarist in Solomon Douglas’ band for the last 2 years when they played at Uptown Swing. With Solomon off working for an Australian cruise line, we are looking forward to having Brennen back with his own band to play for us this year!

KI has given us permission to use their beautiful venue for our dance during Passover week with the stipulation that absolutely no food or drinks be brought into the building. The only exception is bottled water. We will not be able to provide snacks this month or a jug for water. The only drinks for sale will be bottled water. It is permissible to bring your own bottled water. (NOT tap water in a personal water bottle!) It’s important that we respect KI’s restrictions and very much appreciate everyone’s cooperation so that we may have our dance this month. Thanks!

There is a small change to the usual dance schedule for April. The lesson will start at 8:30pm and dancing at 9:10pm.

Guest DJ this month is Stan Yen.

Racky Thomas is primarily a Blues man, although he continues to add to his repertoire, which has grown to be quite eclectic! He has a talent for blending his musicians on different occasions to come up with just the right mix for his audience. Racky loves playing for dancers and is great at keeping a Swing groove to everything played. There is plenty of inspiration for swinging out! His delivery has always been “soulful” and for this dance he’ll be reaching into his bag of tricks to add some classic Soul selections. Racky connects with his audience and his energy is infectious. His fan base keeps growing as it is always a fun night when Racky is on board!

The evening will be starting off with a special lesson with guest instructor Samuel Coleman, joining us from NYC! People all over the world, join hands, start a Love Train as Samuel takes you on a body rocking, hip shaking, hand clapping, head moving and foot stomping journey exploring socially conscious Soul music through movement. A non-partner class that is sure to uplift your spirit as well as challenge your body and mind.

Guest DJ Sarah Elise will be playing some get-up-and-dance Soul music during the band breaks.

Grab a partner and participate in the Soul Competition! No advanced registration and no added fee to enter. This will be a fun competition open to anyone who would like to participate. There will be prizes!

Gordon Webster has grown into one of the most sought after musicians in the Lindy Hop world today. All the tremendous praise he receives is well deserved. His music is exciting, exhilarating and joyful! Our annual dance during the Skye & Sylvia weekend has come to be a major highlight of the year.

This is a not to be missed event!

Guest DJ Andrew Selzer.

Born in Memphis and raised in Atlanta, vocalist Taryn Newborne is rooted deeply in the soil of a rich musical heritage. She has often said that she loves music so much, it hurts her feelings. After years of dancing in her local Lindy Hop scene, one of the major organizers suggested that Taryn put her own group together for dances. Taryn Newborne and The Real Deal was born. She’d finally found her home, situated between her love of singing and Lindy Hop. Since becoming a regular in her home scene, Taryn has had the opportunity to make guest appearances with Falty and the Defects, Ben Polcer, Jonathan Stout and Gordon Webster.

Comprised of some of the most sought after musicians in the world, Taryn Newborne and the Real Deal strive to swing as hard as possible.

Guest DJ this month is Stan Yen.