Big Band Swing Dance, Classical Guitar Concert Coming To Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ - A weekend of live music is coming to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chatham this month, pairing a big band swing dance night with a classical guitar concert by an internationally acclaimed performer.

"Swing into Summer" kicks off the weekend on Saturday, June 27, from 6:30 to 10:15 p.m. The evening opens with a beginner-friendly swing dance lesson led by instructor Nissreen Almazouni at 6:30 p.m., with no experience necessary. The 18-piece Bottle Hill Big Band takes the stage at 7:15 p.m. with the classic sounds of the big band era.

The event is open to everyone, and light refreshments will be served throughout the evening. Tickets are $35 per person and are available at events.humanitix.com/swingdance.

On Sunday, June 28, the James S. Little Memorial Concert Series presents classical guitarist João Kouyoumdjian at 4 p.m. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Kouyoumdjian has performed throughout Europe, Africa and South America, with appearances at venues including Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

The concert series was created by St. Paul's to honor its late longtime organist and choirmaster, whose passion for music influenced the parish for nearly a decade before his death in 2023. Past performers in the series include Jerry Vezza, Merinda Adams, Masters of Hawaiian Music, The Young Performers' Showcase, Circle Round the Sun and The Light Opera of New Jersey.

Tickets for the guitar concert are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and $15 for students. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged at events.humanitix.com/chatham/tickets.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church is located at 200 Main St. in Chatham. For more information, visit stpaulschatham.org.

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