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January Uptown Swing Dance with Beantown Swing Orchestra

Beantown Swing OrchestraThe first Uptown Swing dance of the new year will be on Saturday, January 17 with the Beantown

Swing Orchestra. This is Big Band Swing at its finest! Most of the BSO musicians and songwriters/ arrangers are in their twenties and play with the energy and drive to keep everyone moving on the dance floor. We missed this one last year due to a snowstorm. What a special treat to have this wonderful big band back at Uptown Swing!

Full Uptown Swing details on website.
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Join the Facebook event.

Happy New Year!

Frankie 100Another year gone by and here we are in 2015! The past year was full of challenges, amazing high points and the joy that comes with including dance as a way of life. Most of all we are grateful for all the wonderful people we have met, friends we’ve made, and times we’ve shared with our incredible worldwide dance community.

As the year started, we had to deal with a lot of snow, always seeming to fall just in time to disrupt our monthly Uptown Swing dance. We did make up for it at Beantown Camp in June when we had the most beautiful weather ever for our entire week at Endicott College.

All year long we celebrated Frankie Manning’s 100th birthday. The highlight was the celebration in NYC, Frankie 100, bringing together Lindy Hoppers from 47 countries and over 2000 in attendance. It was an absolutely spectacular event, more than we could have imagined. Plus a phenomenal reunion, meeting up with people we had met back in our earliest days and a reminder of so many fabulous experiences we have had over the years. Plus of course immersing in everything Frankie! It was so uplifting, celebrating the life and legacy of a truly exceptional individual.

The first half of the year was largely occupied with preparing for Beantown Camp. Every year brings its challenges, and this one was no exception, especially figuring out how to compensate with the loss of our main dance space and dining hall due to major renovations underway. In addition, we were filled with plans to complete for our own week long tribute to Frankie. One way or another, and with help from some of our wonderful friends, it all worked out to be an absolutely glorious week, embodying all the heart, soul and joy that makes it all worthwhile.

The year closed out with another fantastic Skye-Naomi-Gordon, weekend, somehow seeming even better than ever. We couldn’t have ended our dance year on a higher note, full of friends, fun, inspiration, spirit and sheer bliss!

The new year provides a chance to re-energize and we’re looking forward to the great adventures that 2015 will bring.

Winter/Spring Schedule for Uptown Swing 2015

Uptown Swing DanceUptown Swing is ready to take on a new year! We have an exciting line up of bands confirmed, all 3rd Saturdays, and all at KI in Brookline!

  • January 17, Beantown Swing Orchestra
  • February 21, Special Event!
    Swing & Soul Dance, Racky Thomas Band

    Plus afternoon workshops with Javier Johnson
  • March 21, Shawn Hershey, Josh Fialkoff & The Fried Bananas
  • April 18, Solomon Douglas Quintet
  • May 16, Professor Cunningham and his Old School

Full Uptown Swing details on website.

Swing & Soul Event in February

Swing and Soul DanceOn Saturday, February 21, Uptown Swing will be hosting a special Swing & Soul Dance at KI in Brookline. The dance will feature the fabulous Racky Thomas Band and guest DJ Javier Johnson, bringing a great mix of fun get-up-and-dance music.

In addition to Uptown Swing, there will be 2 workshops on Saturday afternoon with Javier to get the Swing & Soul vibe rolling. Workshops will be held at Ruggles Baptist Church on Beacon Street in Boston, not far from the dance location.

  • A. 3:15-4:15pm Diggin’ on James Brown
    Not only a great bandleader, but a superb dancer, James Brown is a huge inspiration. His funky songs have interesting rhythms and influences which go beyond the standard Swing/Blues formula. We’ll learn to dance like James and really get down.
  • B. 4:30-5:30pm Awesome Sauce
    (noun): The thing which transforms average into awesome. This class will show you how to take simple dance movement ingredients and make them into an awesome partnered dance.

Workshop details and registration.

Register for Javier Johnson Workshops Now

Join the Facebook workshop event.

Skye & Naomi Workshops this Weekend!

Syke Humphries & Naomi Uyama performing at Uptown Swing Dance with Gordon We
Syke Humphries & Naomi Uyama performing at Uptown Swing Dance with Gordon Webster (11/30/2013)

The Skye & Naomi weekend is almost here! There’s a full schedule of activities to keep everyone dancing from Friday evening through Sunday. It will be on awesome overload with the music, classes and plenty of local and visiting dancers. A great way to celebrate so much we have to be thankful for!

Be prepared for a phenomenal weekend of workshops with Skye and Naomi! Classes are scheduled for this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 28-30. There is a wide mix of visiting dancers joining us for this fun weekend and we are looking forward to welcoming returnees and first timers.

Friday, November 28
A. 7:30-8:30pm Rhythm & Timing
B. 8:45-9:45pm  Solo Jazz

Saturday, November 29
C. 1:00-2:00pm  Beautiful Basics
D. 2:15-3:15pm Lindy Hop Vocabulary
E. 3:30-4:30pm  Charleston Foundation

Sunday, November 30
F. 12:45-1:45pm  Styling & Variations SOLD OUT
G. 2:00-3:00pm  Fancy Footwork SOLD OUT
H. 3:15-4:15pm  Lindy Hop Partner Routine, part 1 (partner needed)
I. 4:30-5:30pm  Lindy Hop Partner Routine, part 2 (partner needed)

It will be possible to register at the workshops as space permits. Workshops F and G are sold out.

Register Now

Workshop Location:
Lower Falls Community Center
545 Grove Street
Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462

Parking Information:
Please park in the inside parking lot only (near the entrance to the Lower Falls Community Center). The front and back parking lots belong to the Senior Center. There is plenty of free on-street parking.

Check the website for details.

Join the Facebook event.

Uptown Swing this Saturday, November 29 with the Gordon Webster Band!

Gordon Webster BandCome on out this Saturday, November 29 to Uptown Swing Dance. We are thrilled to have back the very fabulous Gordon Webster Band with the beautiful vocals of Naomi Uyama! Naomi’s first time singing with Gordon’s band was at Uptown Swing during the first Skye & Naomi weekend in 2008. It is a tremendous pleasure to have them back for the 7th year.

Also featured during the evening will be a performance with Skye & Naomi and a surprise opening act! Special for this dance, Uptown Swing has been extended to run until 12:30am.

  • Beginners welcome, no partner needed
  • Location: KI, 384 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446 (Entrance on Williams Street!) 
  • Band: Gordon Webster Band
  • Guest DJ: Paul Loschak
  • Date: Saturday, November 29, 2014
  • Time: 8:15pm-12:30am
  • Swing Lesson: 8:15-9:00pm
  • Admission: $20 ($16 with Student ID  
  • Parking: Town lots and street parking available. Some free after 6:00pm, others free after 8:00pm.

Buy Tickets Now

If you are planning to attend, please respond on the Uptown Swing Facebook Event page. Thanks!

Uptown Swing Dance information and directions.

Last Skye & Naomi Discount this Wednesday!

Syke Humphries & Naomi Uyama performing at Uptown Swing Dance with Gordon We
Syke Humphries & Naomi Uyama performing at Uptown Swing Dance with Gordon Webster (11/30/2013)

Last chance for discount prices for the Skye Humphries & Naomi Uyama workshops on November 28-30, expiring this Wednesday, November 19!

You do not need to do the full weekend as workshops are à la carte. A completed registration with payment must be received by the discount due date. Sending a check postmarked by November 19 will also qualify.

It will be possible to register after that date and at the door at full prices as long as space is available. Workshops F and G are currently close to selling out! There are classes for all levels, all held at Lower Falls Community Center in Newton.

Register Now

The weekend also includes Saturday night, November 29 at Uptown Swing featuring the Gordon Webster Band with Naomi on vocals. Plus a dance performance with Skye and Naomi and a surprise opening act:-)

Uptown Swing will be at KI, a gorgeous venue with an excellent huge dance floor, conveniently located near Coolidge Corner in Brookline.

This amazing weekend with the combination of Skye, Naomi and Gordon has always been a highlight of the year, which is why they’ll all be back for the 7th time! Guaranteed awesomeness!

Check the website for details.

If you are planning to attend, please respond on the Facebook page. Thanks!

Uptown Swing this Saturday, November 15 with the Sax Gordon Band!

Sax GordonCome on out this Saturday to Uptown Swing with the entertaining and energetic Sax Gordon Band. It’s always a good night when Sax Gordon is in the house!

The atmosphere is fun and friendly and beginners are very welcome! KI is a beautiful large space with a smooth wood floor and a convenient location on Harvard Street in Brookline (entrance on Williams Street). For those taking the T, it is close to both Coolidge Corner and Harvard Ave stops on the Green Line. If you want to come early for dinner or a drink, there are plenty of places nearby. Parking is free after 8:00pm (some areas after 6:00pm) and there is plenty of street parking and several town lots in the vicinity.

Bring your friends and introduce them to the joy of dancing!

  • Beginners welcome, no partner needed
  • Location: KI, 384 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446 (Entrance on Williams Street!)
  • Band: Sax Gordon Band
  • Date: Saturday, November 15, 2014
  • Time: 8:15pm-12:00am
  • Swing Lesson: 8:15-9:00pm
  • Admission: $17 ($13 with Student ID)
  • Parking: Town lots and street parking available. Some free after 6:00pm, others free after 8:00pm.

Buy Tickets Now

If you are planning to attend, please respond on the Uptown Swing Facebook Event page. Thanks!

Uptown Swing Dance information and directions.

Jan Marie & the Mean Reds at Uptown Swing this Saturday, October 18

Jan MarieThis month we’ll be back at KI with Jan Marie & the Mean Reds for our first Uptown Swing Dance of the new season! After being a guest vocalist with several other local bands, Jan Marie finally started her own almost 2 years ago. We’ve been trying about that long to get them and are looking forward to welcoming Jan Marie and her band for their first appearance at Uptown Swing.

Uptown Swing is held at KI, which is a beautiful venue conveniently located on Harvard Street near Coolidge Corner in Brookline. There’s AC, a fabulous large floor for dancing, plus nearby town lots and free street parking after 8:00pm. Beginners are very welcome and there is a lesson included at the beginning of the evening to get everyone started. You do not need to have a partner to attend. Bring your friends and introduce them to the joy of dancing!

  • Beginners welcome, no partner needed
  • Location: KI, 384 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446 (Entrance on Williams Street!)
  • Band: Jan Marie & the Mean Reds
  • Date: Saturday, October 18, 2014
  • Time: 8:15pm-12:00am
  • Swing Lesson: 8:15-9:00pm
  • Admission: $17 ($13 with Student ID)
  • Parking: Town lots and street parking available. Some free after 6:00pm, others free after 8:00pm.

Buy Tickets NowIf you are planning to attend, please respond on the Uptown Swing Facebook Event page. Thanks!

Uptown Swing Dance information and directions.

Important News for Uptown Swing

Uptown Swing DanceThis fall will mark 2 years since Uptown Swing moved to KI for our monthly dance. We feel very fortunate to have this beautiful space with one of the largest dance floors in New England, plus an excellent location near Coolidge Corner in Brookline. Starting in July, the rent is going up significantly, almost double the current rate. It would be a shame for the Boston community to lose this exceptional venue. Although this necessitates an increase in our dance admission, we will continue to keep our prices as low as feasible. The price will vary depending on the band, with out-of-town and larger bands at the higher end. With your support, we’ll be able to continue to provide many more fun nights at Uptown Swing!

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