Free Latin and Swing Live Music + Dance Lessons in the Hall of Springs “Jazz Bar”
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Freihofer’s “Live at the Jazz Bar” Winter Series, which debuted in February 2018, will return by popular demand for two free evenings dedicated to Latin and swing music, and dancing. Jazz Bar attendees will have the opportunity to learn salsa and the cha-cha-cha on Latin Night with Alta Havana (11/1), and swing, the Lindy-Hop, and the Charleston on Swing Night with Annie and the Hedonists (12/13). Both classes are 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.
“Our Winter Jazz Bar series that we introduced at the beginning of the year was met with incredible enthusiasm from social dancers and connoisseurs of great live music, bringing hundreds of guests to our grounds during the winter and spring months,” said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s president + CEO. “The series, an extension of our summer season, is part of our new vision to bring year-round programming to SPAC and free experiences to the community.”
Slated for two Thursday evenings – November 1 and December 13 — the hours for the live music events will be 7 – 10 p.m. The Winter Series will showcase swing and Latin music and dance lessons; a cash bar from Mazzone Hospitality will also be available.
Freihofer’s “Live at the Jazz Bar” began in 2017, revitalizing a unique space that’s evocative of the jazz era that was flourishing when the Hall of Springs was built. The series features live music by jazz, folk and swing ensembles in addition to dance lessons during the winter months and is part of an effort to expand its offerings beyond the stage, while also creating a dedicated space for social dancers and music connoisseurs.
The bands scheduled to perform at the Jazz Bar are:
Alta Havana – The richness and exuberance of traditional Cuban music and its many variations comes alive in the talented hands of Alta Havana members, Miguel Valdez (congas), Engels P. Contreras-Tortolo (vocals), Oriente Lopez (flute) and Jorge Gomez (keyboard/piano). All highly acclaimed musicians who have performed independently and with other ensembles on major festival stages around the world, the collaboration of their unique styles is a fresh, exciting take on Cuban music.
Annie + The Hedonists – The band interprets the songs of the great female blues artists of the ‘20s, 30s + 40s, led by Annie Rosen (vocals), Jonny Rosen (guitar/vocals), Peter Davis (clarinet/tenor guitar/piano/vocals) and Don Young (upright bass/vocals).
