Lincoln Center Announces 2006 Midsummer Night Swing

Get ready to Swing! Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts presents its 18th annual Midsummer Night Swing, Tuesday, June 20, through Saturday, July 22. One of New York City's most anticipated summer festivals, Swing 2006 will offer 25 nights of dancing under the stars on Josie Robertson Plaza, next to Lincoln Center's famous fountain. This year will showcase over a dozen debut acts bringing swing, salsa, tango, western, and disco to the Swing stage. Opening night features one such exciting debut act; the Jonathan Stout Orchestra featuring Hilary Alexander is renowned as one of today's top west coast Big Bands, and will get the season started on June 20th. Other debut performers include QuinTango, Liz Carroll and John Doyle Band, Chino Nunez & Friends, J Street Jumpers, Alex Torres y Su Orquesta, Jo Thompson with the JC Heard Orchestra, Big Bandjo, Sonora Carruseles, Boilermaker Jazz Band, Li'l Ronnie & the Grand Dukes, Bio Ritmo, Gonzalo Grau y Su Timba Loca, and many more.

Highlights of the summer program include special events for kids and families (June 24 and July 8); as well as a Gay Pride Celebration (June 21). Salseros and Swingsters take note and mark your calendar; this year the Swing series will feature Big Band Tuesday and Salsa Saturday to help enthusiasts plan their dance card. Each evening begins with a dance lesson at 6:30 p.m. for all levels with some of New York's foremost instructors. Lessons are included in the price of admission. Live music and dancing begin at 7:30 p.m. All events take place on the Josie Robertson Plaza, Columbus Avenue at 63rd Street.