Summer Fun at the Vanderbilt Museum

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum has planned a summer of fun, including two new original events – Mid-Summer Night Dances and the Vanderbilt’s First Annual Clam Bake – along with regular seasonal favorites, a Romantic Evening of Tango and Ballroom Dancing, with Nelson and Madalyn Avila, and Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra.

Mid-Summer Night Dances
Thursdays, July 12 – August 30 (Except August 2)
Vanderbilt Celebration Tent, 7:00 – 9:30 (Gate opens 6:30)

For those who love to dance, and those who’d love to learn, the Vanderbilt will hold a series of dances on Thursday evenings in July and August in its huge white celebration tent on the lawn next to the Vanderbilt Mansion. Ballroom and other popular types of dancing will be featured, and lessons will be included. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner. Tickets: $20.00 per person. Sponsored by Ballroom on the Bay of Huntington. Opening night on July 12 with hors d’oeuvres and wine courtesy of Claudia Dowling Interiors, Huntington.

Vanderbilt Museum First Annual Clam Bake
Saturday, July 14
Vanderbilt Celebration Tent, 6:00 – 10:00

Enjoy an evening of food, music and dancing under the stars at the Vanderbilt estate on Northport Bay. The benefit event, featuring a menu of unlimited seafood-lovers’ favorites – from whole steamed lobsters, clams, mussels and clam chowder to barbecued chicken, burgers, hot dogs and corn-on-the-cob – plus wine and beer, will take place in the Vanderbilt’s celebration tent on the west lawn of the mansion. Proceeds will support museum education programs. Tickets: $100 per person (includes beer, wine and soda).  Purchase tickets online at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org, or call the Vanderbilt at 631-854-5579 (Monday-Friday, 10:00-4:00).

A Romantic Evening of Tango and Ballroom Dancing
Saturday, July 21
Vanderbilt Mansion Courtyard, 6:30 –10:30

Legendary Argentine dancer Nelson Avila – star of the world-renowned Broadway show Tango Argentino – and his wife Madalyn will return to the Vanderbilt estate for a third summer. Joining the popular program this year will be champion dancers Karen Lupo and Mark James, who will bring spellbinding dance selections including salsa, hustle and acrobatic adagios (lifts and drops). Each couple will give a featured performance during the evening.

The mansion’s elegant Spanish-Revival courtyard will open at 6:00. Guests are invited to bring a picnic dinner. Tango and ballroom fundamentals will be taught from 6:30 to 7:00. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tables for four or more can be reserved. Purchase tickets online at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org, or call the Vanderbilt at 631-854-5579 (Monday-Friday, 10:00-4:00).

Spicy Sounds for a Hot Night: Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra
Friday, August 3
Vanderbilt Celebration Tent, 6:00 – 10:00

Latin music, dancing and romance will fill the night when Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra return for their sixth summer at the Vanderbilt. This very exciting evening will take place in the grand celebration tent overlooking Northport Bay and the Spanish-Revival Vanderbilt mansion. Estate grounds open at 5:00. Professional instructors offer club-style Latin dance lessons 6:00 to 7:00; performance is 7:00 to 10:00. Sponsored by Ballroom on the Bay of Huntington, www.ballroomonthebay.com.

The orchestra, which has performed five times to sold-out Vanderbilt audiences, has played a spicy mix of salsa, merengue and Latin jazz throughout North and South America and has released 10 critically-acclaimed CDs. Visit www.alextorres.com.

Advance tickets are $25; at the gate, $30, Members are $25. Dance lessons are $5 per person. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and enjoy it under the stars. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. Purchase tickets online at www.vanderbiltmuseum.org, or call the Vanderbilt at 631-854-5579 (Monday-Friday, 10:00-4:00).