Come dance to Mike Lipskin and Leon Oakley’s Harlem Stride Quartet hosted by South Bay Trad Jazz! Join us for a fantastic afternoon of live dance music in Downtown Sunnyvale! Mike Lipskin and Leon Oakley's quartet is bringing hot jazz to the South Bay, and we can't wait. We'll start with a Solo & Striding dance workshop led by Samantha Nguyen, followed by live music from the featured band, and then a jam session afterward. Mark your calendars and get your tickets now!

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Mike Lipskin is a renowned American stride pianist, jazz historian, and producer, known for his expertise in early jazz piano styles. A protégé of the legendary Willie "The Lion" Smith, Lipskin has been a key figure in preserving the Harlem stride tradition, blending it with his unique touch and deep knowledge of jazz history. Throughout his career, he has performed internationally, recorded numerous albums, and educated generations of musicians about the roots of jazz. His dynamic playing, rooted in the swing and stride eras, continues to captivate audiences and keep this classic style alive.

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Leon Oakley is a highly respected American cornetist known for his authentic interpretation of early New Orleans jazz. As a longtime member of the legendary Turk Murphy Jazz Band, Oakley became a leading figure in the West Coast traditional jazz revival, celebrated for his warm, lyrical tone and deep understanding of classic jazz styles. With a career spanning over five decades, he has performed with numerous jazz luminaries and continues to bring the spirit of early jazz to life through his performances and recordings. Oakley's dedication to preserving the original jazz tradition has earned him a prominent place in the world of traditional jazz.

 

Dance Workshop

 

Solo & Striding with Samantha Nguyen

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Come explore some solo jazz movements that can be adapted to different types of jazz! This month, we'll focus on creating moves to fit the tunes of Fats Waller; we'll take his innovations in Harlem Stride and create new solo jazz moves to jam out with.