They say seventh time is a charm, as The George Gee Swing Orchestra has been invited back by Lincoln Center to headline their world-renowned Midsummer Night Swing outdoor concert dance series on Thursday, July 6th. The 17 piece Swing Big Band present a musical program in special tribute to their dear, departed friend Dawn Hampton An ultimate and classic NYC experience like nowhere else, don't miss it!
SWING46 Jazz & Supper Club Turns 20!
It's Nice to Have a Home. Thank you SWING46!
An iconic mainstay of Midtown Manhattan’s Restaurant Row, SWING46 Jazz Supper Club will commemorate its 20th year with a month of celebrations
SWING46 is New York’s (and the world’s!) only supper club entirely dedicated to presenting live jazz music for dining and dancing — and from May 26 to June 30, every night will be an anniversary party.
Open nightly, seven days a week, the club will present longtime favorite acts.
“SWING46 prides itself on hosting bands regularly. That mutual loyalty, that love and respect between musicians and management, is so important — we think longtime fans and first-time guests alike enjoy that ‘family’ feeling throughout the house,” said Promotions Director George Gee, who also leads his eponymous Orchestra from the SWING46 stage at least twice a week.
During its anniversary “month” May 26 – June 30, SWING46 will present these favorites:
Mondays: Swingadelic — 10 pieces playing classic Big Band arrangements
Tuesdays: George Gee Swing Orchestra — 10 pieces playing a mix of jazz favorites fromthe American songbook plus new songs and arrangements, with featured vocalists Shenel Johns and John Dokes
Wednesdays: Stan Rubin Orchestra — 17 pieces with guest vocalist Joe Politi playing classic arrangements of top hits from the original Swing Era.
Thursdays: an exclusive rotation of NYC’s top 17pc. Swing Big Bands
Fridays: Rotation of The Ron Sunshine Orchestra and George Gee Orchestra
In respect to and appreciation of the important relationship this music has with swing dancers, SWING46 also presents a beginner dance lesson every night, with instruction by its own teachers or from the club’s official dance studio partner, You Should Be Dancing...!
As club proprietor John Akhtar points out: “Everyone is a dancer at heart — these dance lessons provide a bridge between the musicians on stage and the audience. That’s why we have a nightly dance floor: music, food, cocktails, and dancing…. it’s all part of the scene! We love to keep everybody happy and swingin’!”
In addition to serving up great music, SWING46 is frequently lauded (and Zagat-rated!)for its fine Modern American cuisine. Guests can choose to dine in the showroom, in the bar, or even out on the recessed streetside patio when the weather suits.
This intimate and elegant atmosphere is found mere steps away from Times Square and Broadway’s theaters, right in the heart of Manhattan, at 349 West 46th Street.
SWING46 is also the official nightclub for the new Broadway Musical BANDSTAND!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWING46! To Many More....
Chicago may be a toddlin' town, but Seattle is SWINGIN'!
CENTURY BALLROOM TURNS 20!
HAPPY 20th ANNIVERSARY CENTURY BALLROOM!
Two decades ago, The George Gee Swing Orchestra received an email from a then-fledging ballroom in the Pacific NW requesting we make a stop at their town during one of our regular west coast tours. Our memories recollect jam-packed dance floors and wildly enthusiastic music and dance lovers clamoring for every note and rhythm in our NYC style.. Flash forward to 2017 and The Century Ballroom and owner Hallie Kuperman continues their tradition of honoring musicians and dancers with a month-long celebration this past February. As one of their first nationally touring groups to grace their stage, Hallie arranged for The George Gee Swing Orchestra to travel from NYC to help celebrate their 20th Anniversary on a Sunday, February 26th Swing Dance Extravaganza Finale! One of the few remaining classic ballrooms in the country (NYC's Roseland was recently demolished, Chicago's Willowbrook burnt down last year - leaving rarities such as Catalina Island's Casino Ballroom off the Los Angeles coast. All dazzling displays of dance architecture, which all have hosted GGMI swing dance productions).
The February 26th event was also our return to the Century Ballroom in nearly 16 years, so it especially evoked a warm sense of homecoming after such a long hiatus (it wasn't that we didn't try, but Hallie and we could never get our schedule aligned). With the stars aligned in perfect swing formation, the party was an SRO event with over 450 in attendance being serenaded by the full 12 piece GGSO - complete with a roster of NYC musicians plus the extra special vocals and dancing of John Dokes.
(let's start planning the Quarter Century Bash!)
George Gee Swing Orchestra performs Basie's "Shorty George" for Century Ballroom swingers!
Staten Island Ballet Snowball, Always an Unforgettable Annual Event
Every winter for the past decade, GGMI has been integral in the annual success of The Snow Ball Gala for The Staten Island Ballet at Nicotra's Ballroom in Staten Island, NY. Along with Staten Island Ballet founder, Ellen Tharp and band leader George - the collaboration always result in a fun-filled evening of ballet, swing and rock dancing enjoyed by all. The Staten Island Advance described it the best (click here for article).
The George Gee Orchestra laying down a groove along with singer Shenel Johns
Southern Wedding Hospitality with Alexa and Francesco
GGMI would like to congratulate the newlywed couple Alexa and Francesco Michelassi and best wishes for a continued future of love, swing and warmth. We were so happy and delighted to be part of their December 17th, 2016 stylish wedding celebration in seasonably warm Savannah, Georgia! The party was held at the groovy venue (there was a tree in the middle of the ballroom!) of Savannah College of Arts & Design and the rhythmic couple first danced to "LOVE" sung by our very smooth John Dokes. We originally met the couple at swing dance events at Columbia University a few years ago, SWING does make you HAPPY! :)
The Happy Couple Alexa and Francesco have always been a swingin' pair!
In Rememberance of the Great Dawn Hampton
Last night we lost the great Dawn Hampton. A longtime friend of GGMI, she was a steady supporter of all things musical and spiritual. She let you know if you were great, but perhaps more importantly, she did not hesitate to let you know if you were fake. I could list her extended accomplishments, but you can get all that from her Wiki page. What we will miss the most is her warm smile and a tough outer shell, with a soft gooey interior. At 88, she continued to live life to the fullest - going out every night dancing, dining, and listening to great music. Which is what she did to the very last weekend of her life. Sinatra sang "I did it My Way.' To Dawn's credit, her version goes "We did it Our Way!" Keep on Swingin', Diva Dawn.
It's the dance battle between two amazing performers. The Legendary Dawn Hampton vs. the infamous John Dokes. Featuring the music of George Gee and His Make Believe Ballroom Orchestra. Let's take it to the dance floor!
