Swing into Summer in NYC

Two upcoming events in New York City highlight the growing public appetite for swing dancing and how creativity can be used to draw crowds to hear good jazz. On May 26th, for the third year running, Prohibition Productions will fill the aircraft carrier Intrepid with dancers for a Battle of the Big Bands. This sellout event has become an official part of Fleet Week. It features music on two decks as well as surprises to be found in The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum below A 3,200 square foot wood dance floor will be set up on the flight deck where three 17 piece bands will each play an hour set before battling it out. The bands are the Artie Shaw Orchestra, the Eyal Vilner Big Band, with guest vocalist Brianna Thomas, and the George Gee Swing Orchestra, with guest vocalist John Dokes. The hanger deck will feature smaller hot jazz ensembles, dance competitions, vintage fashion shows and even a barbershop quartet.  May 26th also happens to be World Lindy Hop Day so the professional dancers will be out in force offering choreographed performances. Prohibition Productions is behind a variety of weekly and seasonal events, including a Valentines/Mardi Gras Ball and the Gotham Jazz Festival. There  events draw in a fashionable younger crowd who want good music to be part of a fun night out. The second event is part of the annual Midsummer Nights