ALHC Bands for 2023

FRIDAY
Eyal Vilner Swing Band
Eyal Vilnerphoto by Ernest Gregory
8:45pm

Eyal Vilner has become one of the leading new voices in the New York and global swing scene. Born in Tel Aviv, saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, composer and bandleader Eyal moved to New York in 2007 and started his big band the following year. The Eyal Vilner Big Band has been performing widely in New York City’s landmarks such as Lincoln Center, the Guggenheim, Birdland, Dizzy's Club, Smalls, Minton’s Playhouse, Harlem's Jazzmobile and Central Park SummerStage.

Eyal's band performs his original compositions as well as his new arrangements of jazz classics. Their music, which derives from the tradition of jazz, swing and the blues, strives to bring a unique voice to this beautiful art form.

Danny Lipsitz and the Brass Tacks

Friday Late Night (12:00am Saturday)

Danny Lipsitz and The Brass Tacks is an exploration of swing, jump blues, jazz, American theater and rock 'n' roll.

Danny Lipsitz is one of the top established bandleaders, musicians, and entertainers on the scene today in New York City. He leads his band, The Brass Tacks, in captivating, feel-good music for people from all walks of life, performed by some of the top musical talent in the world.

In addition to being a staple on the New York City and international swing dance scenes, Danny has worked with Ronnie Spector, The Hot Sardines, The Losers Lounge, Julian Lennon, Jon Batiste, Avalon Jazz Band, The Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, Billy Vera, Lucky Chops Brass Band, The Gordon Webster Swing Band, and many more.

SATURDAY

George Gee Swing Orchestra

8:45pm

The George Gee Swing Orchestra has a hard-earned reputation as the swingin’-est, blowin’-est, heppest classic big band in New York City. In more than 30 years of playing for dancing feet, it has developed a special bond with lindy hoppers all around the world.

GGSO can't wait to spend the season swingin' with all with its new album,  "Winter Wonderland"  featuring singers John Dokes and Hilary Gardner. A  $20 pre-order will get you a MP3 download of the new holiday album! Click Donate to our Indiegogo album campaign for simple perks, or CLICK HERE to pre-order the album.

Michael Hashim

Saturday Late Night (12:00am Sunday)
Michael Hashim has been a presence on the Jazz Scene in New York for almost 50 years. He has played with too many stars to list here, to the point where he nearly is one himself. He has played for Swing dancing since his teenage years with his Widespread Depression Jazz Orchestra, refining this ability  at the world-famous Roseland Ballroom in the house band on Sundays. He was good friends with both Dawn Hampton and Frank Manning and picked up much knowledge about playing Jazz for dancing thanks to their generosity. Although he has tackled a staggering variety of musical tasks over the years and continues to explore the inner and outer realms of the art, he told me “ I would feel lost and empty if I didn't play for dancers anymore.” So enjoy this all-star group, drawn from George Gee’s superlative band. The Five Avenue Footwarmers can't wait to see ya on the dance floor!
Sunday's ALHC Battle of the Big Bands

Danny Jonokuchi

Photo by Marques Walls

Danny Jonokuchi & The Revisionists are “today’s premier swing band” (Broadway World) from New York City. Fueled by a love of dancing, their music has been described as “smile-inducing” (DownBeat) as well as “crisp, clean, and refreshingly joyful” (Syncopated Times). Their new album, “Together Again” (2022), was released following their headlining performance at Lincoln Center’s Summer For The City Festival.  In 2020, they were unanimously named the WINNERS of the inaugural Count Basie Great American Swing Contest for their virtual performance of “One O’Clock Jump”. Their inspired recording is included in the Late Night Basie album, alongside a star-studded roster of artists paying tribute to the great Count Basie.

Chester Whitmore

Chester onstage during during a Century Masters performance

Chester Whitmore has directed the Opus One Big Band for more than 30 years. Based in Los Angeles, California USA, Opus One is known for recreating the hot Big Band and jazz sounds from the 1920s to the 1940s including many popular tunes from the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom, with musical sources such as Duke Ellington, Jimmy Lunceford, Count Basie, Chick Webb, Andy Kirk, Fletcher Henderson and Cab Calloway. Like their idols from the Swing Era, this is not a sedate, nice dinner crowd Big Band. Opus One does not make appearances dripping with sentimental grease and political correctness -- Opus One is unleashed with usually flamboyant stage shows wherein they play wild solos, prance around on stage, parade on the dance floor to compete for your attention.

Individual parties now on sale! Dances Start at 8:45pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Friday night tickets include both bands. But late night tickets are also available for those arriving late. Sunday's Battle of the Bands starts at 2pm. There will be a 30 minute Beginner Swing lesson prior to each dance's start time.
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