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 Lindy Hop workshop weekend has come to be a major highlight of the year.

This is a not to be missed event!

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).

Our annual dance during the Skye & Naomi weekend has come to be a major highlight of the year.

Uptown Swing is excited to welcome back the 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 with top swing musicians such as Jonathan Stout, Adrian Cunningham, The Lowdown Stompers and Michael Gamble. Expect a rock-solid beat, an awesome vocalist and sweet, swinging horns playing tunes from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s at just the right tempos. We’re looking forward to a wonderful night of dancing.

• Lesson 8:15–9:00pm
• Dancing 9:00pm–Midnight
• Special performance by Divine Providence
• Guest DJ this month is Katie Piselli
• Location UPB (United Parish in Brookline)

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 numerous guest appearances, including with Jonathan Stout, Gordon Webster, Candy Jacket Jazz Band, Michael Gamble and The Rhythm Serenaders and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band All Stars. 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.

Beantown campers have enjoyed the pleasure of Taryn’s many appearances over several years. This will be Taryn’s 2^nd time at Uptown Swing, and we’re excited to have her back to kick off the new season.

• Lesson 8:15–9:00pm
• Dancing 9:00pm–Midnight
• Guest DJ this month is Jodi Daynard
• Performance with Providence Swings
• Location UPB (United Parish in Brookline)

The Frankie Manning Foundation was established with Frankie’s passing to carry on his legacy. We’ve been honored to have Beantown Camp as part of the Ambassador Program, which provides scholarships to support the growth and development of new ambassadors of Lindy Hop. Recipients are primarily selected from African-American communities throughout the USA as well as areas around the world where Lindy Hop is in a very early stage of development.

The experience is often life-changing, and it is wonderful to watch them grow as individuals and dancers, and begin to help teach future generations. Starting in 2014, Beantown began collecting funds to bring past Ambassadors back to camp, as many do not have the means to do so on their own. There is no charge to attend camp, however funds are needed to cover housing, meals and travel.

From the Frankie Manning Foundation:

Frankie Manning had a long association with Beantown Camp. He would be so pleased to see the amazing job that Beantown has done in creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for African American Lindy Hoppers. No camp has done more to increase African American participation and inclusion in the world swing dance community.

Profits from this dance will be used directly for the Beantown Ambassador Program. As this program has grown, we’re thrilled with the impact the experience has brought. Success would not be possible without the generous donations from our dance community. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Music this month will be provided by guest DJs Kevin Lin and Marta Pedrero!

Kevin loves swing dancing, swing music, and loves listening to the music at all waking hours of the day. He has DJ‘ed at local venues around Boston such as The MIT Lindy Hop Society, Monday Night Practice, and Boston Swing Central. Some of his favorite bands include Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Chick Webb. Kevin’s goal is to keep the energy high and the dancing fun, and he firmly believes in the saying… “It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing!”

Marta had been Djing weekly in her local scene in Barcelona, as well as in international events such as Swim Out Costa Brava and Boston Tea Party. Music is so important when it comes to Lindy Hop; paying attention to the dancers, understanding their mood and generating a good environment are things that Marta ensures while she DJs. If you enjoy dancing to Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald do not miss it because they are always on her list!

Marta started dancing at the age of 4 with contemporary and ballet. She has always loved Jazz music, dancing and singing it! Unexpectedly, 5 years ago, she discovered Lindy Hop in the streets of Barcelona—the city where she was born and raised. Ever since, she has been teaching and improving her dancing, learning other disciplines such as Blues, Balboa, Shag… she is a swing fanatic! Dancing with a partner was a new experience that captivated her and you will always see her dancing with a big smile on her face—“I forget about the rest of the world and I can only listen to the music and enjoy that unique moment with my partner”.

• Swing lesson: 8:15pm (included with the dance)
• Dancing: 9:00pm–12:00am
• Performance with Hop to the Beat!
• All profits go to the Beantown Ambassadors Program
• Shim Sham
• Frankie Doo