A Midsummer Night Swing in the Queen City

The first in a series of New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District-sponsored music on the green and dance lessons got underway Thursday at the beneath a clear sky and comfortable temps free of humidity. In short, the weather was perfect.  

Approximately 100-150 music and dance lovers were present on the green, some bringing along their own lawn and beach chairs to enjoy the dancing, the sounds and the evening.

Before being entertained by the music of the 17-piece Fairfield Counts Big Band with vocals by Michelle Grace, guests and dancers of all levels of experience were able to receive free swing lessons.

Once the sounds of the Counts got underway, guests were free to take to the dance floor and show their swing moves or bob their heads and tap their feet in place—and so many did.

The Counts did not disappoint. With music from Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, Count Basie and others, swing was alive and well in New Rochelle. Bringing those wonderful vintage swing sounds up to date and current in the City of New Rochelle was perfect synergy.

As recalled by New Rochelle Historian Barbara Davis, “Glenn Island Casino in New Rochelle was home of the big bands.”   

Bringing things full circle and current for the evening, Patrick Mediate performed songs by Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr.

Reminiscent of Midsummer Night Swing at Lincoln Center and other outdoor summer dance parties that are gaining popularity throughout the region, this  series is shaping up to be one of the must-attend events of the summer.

Next up: Thursday, July 21, Samba lessons from 6–6:45 p.m. with music at 7 p.m. by the Nanny Assis Trio. Nanny Assis is a master of Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian music. Who knows what the temperature will be that evening, but one can be guaranteed the dancing and music will be hot!

The series will close July 28 with Salsa dance lessons and music by Groupo Latin Vibe, a muy caliente, seven-piece Latin jazz band that brings a high powered energy show to every band stand on which they perform.

So get on your dancing shoes, feel free to dress in accordance with the style of dance, and hustle on over to the Library Green on July 21 and 28. Come with an empty dance card and fill it up by the end of the evening.  

If that’s not enough to get you moving, a free raffle was also a part of the evening. The winner received a dinner for two at a local New Rochelle restaurant.

Editors note: The programs are subject to change. In the event of rain, the music moves indoors to the library’s Ossie Davis Theater.