SPAC’s “Live at the Jazz Bar” Winter Series to Kick-off 2018 with Latin, Swing and Ballroom Live Music + Dance Lessons
SARATOGA SPRINGS – As part of SPAC’s vision to extend programming beyond the traditional summer months, it announced a new “Live at the Jazz Bar” Winter Series, which will kick-off 2018 with three free evenings dedicated to Latin, swing and ballroom music and dancing. Jazz Bar attendees will have the opportunity to learn salsa and the cha-cha-cha on Latin Night with Alta Havana (2/8); swing, the Lindy-Hop, and the Charleston on Swing Night with Annie and the Hedonists (3/8); and the waltz on Ballroom Night with Golfstrom with Peter Davis (4/12) – all classes led by Diane Lachtrupp and Johnny Martinez, co-directors of Tango Fusion Dance Company. Reservations for these FREE events are recommended; visit spac.org for details.
“A major focus of the 2017 season was creating initiatives that enhanced the accessibility and affordability of the SPAC experience, while also cultivating SPAC’s role as a place where creativity, culture and social connection thrive,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “Following the enthusiastic response that we received from our first winter ‘Live at the Jazz Bar’ event dedicated to swing, we are delighted to launch this new series celebrating a variety of music and dance genres. We encourage social dancers, live music enthusiasts and newcomers alike to join us for exhilarating, entertaining evenings that give us a taste of the summer months ahead.”
Slated for three Thursday evenings — February 8, March 8 and April 12 — the hours for the live music events will be 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The 2018 Winter Series will showcase swing, Latin and ballroom music and dance lessons; a cash bar from Mazzone Hospitality will also be available.
Held in the Hall of Springs “Jazz Bar,” the series began in 2017, revitalizing a unique space that’s evocative of the jazz era that was flourishing when the Hall of Springs was built. “Live at the Jazz Bar” features live music by acclaimed regional and New York City-based ensembles and is part of an effort to provide year-round programming at SPAC, while also creating a dedicated space for social dancers and music connoisseurs.
The bands scheduled to perform at the Jazz Bar are:
Thursday, February 8 – LATIN NIGHT with Alta Havana
Dance salsa and cha-cha-cha with Diane Lachtrupp + Johnny Martinez of Tango Fusion.
Thursday, March 8 – SWING NIGHT with Annie + The Hedonists
Diane and Johnny will teach attendees the Lindy Hop, the Charleston and swing dance.
Thursday, April 12 – BALLROOM NIGHT with Golfstrom w/ Peter Davis
Tango Fusion’s Diane Lachtrupp + Johnny Martinez will lead demonstrations on the waltz.
