UPCOMING HCD 1ST-FRIDAY SWING DANCES
Friday, January 5, for our first dance in the new year we’re bringing back the band we danced to last November, Roger Cerisi’s All Starz. Why, you ask? Because they were such a hit then—and every time play for us. For 21 years they’ve been “paying tribute to the greatest music legends of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.” Read about them here, and enjoy their music here.
Friday, February 2, we introduce a new-to-us 12-piece band for your swinging pleasure, the Red Satin Band, “entertaining and thrilling audiences with their unique brand of music and personality since 2010.” Bandleader Frank Pappalerdo, featured vocalist Val Rogers, and their bandmates will have you swinging the night away. Read about them here, and hook up with them on Facebook here.
♦ March 1: Eight to the Bar
♦ April 5: The Cartells
♦ May 3: Roger Cerisi’s All Starz
♦ June 14: Hot Cat Jazz Band
♦ July 12: The Love Dogs
♦ August: No Dance.
♦ September 6: The Cartells
♦ October 4: Eight to the Bar
♦ November 1: Roger Cerisi’s All Starz
♦ December 6: Felix & the Cats
Not enough swing for you? Check out HCD’s other swing-dance events, HCD Swing Jam, held in Wethersfield on the fourth Saturday evening of every month (except July and August). More information here.
In sheer numbers of dancers, the monthly HCD Swing dance, usually held on the first Friday evening of every month, is our most popular event. It’s not unusual to have more than 200 dancers come out for this dance. And for good reasons: we bring in the best bands from New York City, Boston, and all around New England; the air conditioned West Hartford Town Hall auditorium’s wooden dance floor is truly made for swing; and there are always lots of eager dancers waiting to dance with you. The dances are from 8:00–11:00, but if you’re newish to swing dancing, from 7:00–8:00 there’s a free beginner’s workshop taught by a professional dance instructor—also a perfect opportunity to meet lots of other dancers. Swing basics are covered in the first 20 minutes of the lesson, so we ask that you be on time. Those not taking the lesson will be asked to wait upstairs until the lesson is over. See a video of one of our dances here.
ADMISSION
General admission to the dance is $15, except $12 for seniors (62+), $10 for students with a school ID, and free for children 12 and under. To get in free, volunteer your time for 45 minutes. To be included on our roster of volunteers, complete the form below with your name, email address, and “I’D LIKE TO VOLUNTEER” in the Subject field.
NOT JUST FOR DANCERS
HCD 1st-Friday Swing dances are for dancers, sure, but they’re for concert goers, too. We bring in the very best bands from all over New England, and you can enjoy them, even if you don’t dance, from comfortable seating on the balcony overlooking the stage and dance floor.
A free swing workshop taught by a professional dance instructor before the dance begins.
View a video of a typical HCD 1st-Friday Swing dance here.
The HCD 1st-Friday Swing Committee is made up of (l. to r.) Allison, Steve, Pam, Bruce, Kate (chair), Prudence, and Nate.
The HCD 1st-Friday Swing Committee will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Get in touch with them concerning HCD 1st-Friday Swing dances by completing the form below.