NEW YORK HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Century of Swing: Celebrating the Savoy Ballroom at Riverside Church
An evening-length gala in Harlem on March 21 honoring the Savoy Ballroom’s 100th anniversary with dinner, live swing music, Lindy Hop showcases, and awards—useful for travelers who want a historically rooted, community-focused night out.
A Century of Swing: Celebrating the Savoy Ballroom at Riverside Church.
On March 21 Harlem gathers at Riverside Church’s Assembly Hall to mark 100 years of the Savoy Ballroom—the birthplace of Lindy Hop—with live swing music, surprise Lindy Hop showcases, appearances by past Savoy dancers, and a Harlem-inspired dinner that both honors the dance’s legacy and raises funds for its future in the neighborhood.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Big-band swing and DJs keep the floor moving
The evening features live music from the Savoy Ballroom All Star Band and Christopher McBride & The Showtime Crew alongside DJ Odysseus, recreating the soundscape that fueled the original Savoy dance nights.
Surprise Lindy Hop showcases and appearances by Savoy elders
Award-winning Lindy Hop performances are staged throughout the night, and past Savoy dancers—named guests who helped carry the spirit of the ballroom—make appearances during surprise showcases.
A fundraiser honoring originators and investing in the future
The gala includes the presentation of the First Annual Spirit of the Savoy Award and raises proceeds for Harlem Swings and the Black Lindy Hoppers Fund to support the preservation and transmission of jazz dance in Harlem.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
Doors open early evening and the night unfolds as a dinner-dance gala: a curated Harlem-inspired meal, punctuated by live big-band sets and DJ interludes, surprise Lindy Hop showcases from award-winning groups, appearances by elder Savoy dancers, and awards and commendations that tie celebration to a community-focused fundraiser.
THE MUSIC
Big-band swing and DJs keep the floor moving
The evening features live music from the Savoy Ballroom All Star Band and Christopher McBride & The Showtime Crew alongside DJ Odysseus, recreating the soundscape that fueled the original Savoy dance nights.
THE DANCE
Surprise Lindy Hop showcases and appearances by Savoy elders
Award-winning Lindy Hop performances are staged throughout the night, and past Savoy dancers—named guests who helped carry the spirit of the ballroom—make appearances during surprise showcases.
THE LEGACY
A fundraiser honoring originators and investing in the future
The gala includes the presentation of the First Annual Spirit of the Savoy Award and raises proceeds for Harlem Swings and the Black Lindy Hoppers Fund to support the preservation and transmission of jazz dance in Harlem.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening suits—and who might rethink attending.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The gala takes place on March 21 with doors opening at 6:45 PM; the event runs approximately three hours.
Dress to impress; the evening is a formal dinner-dance celebration.
The event is held at Assembly Hall, Riverside Church, 91 Claremont Avenue in Harlem—arrive at the listed address for check-in when doors open.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When and where does the event take place?
The gala is on March 21 at Assembly Hall, Riverside Church, 91 Claremont Avenue in Harlem; doors open at 6:45 PM.
How long is the celebration?
The event duration is approximately three hours.
What will happen during the evening?
Attendees can expect a curated Harlem-inspired dinner, live big-band and DJ sets, surprise Lindy Hop showcases, appearances by past Savoy dancers, and the presentation of the First Annual Spirit of the Savoy Award.
Who performs and appears at the event?
Performances include Harvest Moon Hoppers, Big Apple Lindy Hoppers, Sassy Swing Sisters; live music is by Christopher McBride & The Showtime Crew and the Savoy Ballroom All Star Band, with DJ Odysseus and MC Mr Taptastic.
Where do ticket proceeds go?
Proceeds and donations benefit Harlem Swings and the Black Lindy Hoppers Fund to support the preservation and practice of jazz dance in Harlem.
Is there a dress code?
Attendees are asked to 'dress to impress' for this elegant dinner-dance gala.