Rodriguez to Take Part in Midsummer Night Swing Fest

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts 19th annual Midsummer Night Swing will present 25 nights of dancing under the stars from Tuesday, June 19, through Saturday, July 21. 

"One of New York City's most exciting summer festivals, Swing 2007 will bring some of today's most popular dance bands to Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza.  The season will kick off—like never before—with an explosive 'Battle of the Bands!' (June 19) hosted by 'Good Morning America's Sam Champion, and will continue with a diverse program featuring evenings of swing, salsa, disco, lindy hop, samba, Irish ceili, tango, and more.  This season also features a Mad Hot Dance Contest! (July 3), Kids Day! Events (June 30 & July 14), and special Late-Night Acoustic Sets (June 28 & July 12), as well as Lincoln Center's Taste of Summer Benefit (July 12), and a Salute to Gay Pride (June 21) hosted by Broadway and television star Jai Rodriguez ('Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,' The Producers, Rent)," state press notes.

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.

Multi-evening Swing Passes are priced at $78 for six nights, and $225 for the full season.  Tickets for individual evening events are $15, and Kids Day! events are $5. 

The Swing box office is located in the lobby of Avery Fisher Hall, Broadway and 64th Street. Tickets for individual events and passes can be purchased in advance or on the night of the event, all major credit cards will be accepted.  More information, tickets and passes can also be purchased through CenterCharge, 212-721-6500, or by logging on to www.LincolnCenter.org. 

Photo of Jai Rodriguez by Ben Strothmann; second photo by Brian Stanton