(Sarasota, FL) —Rounding out the Summer Cabaret Season, FST presents The Swingaroos by Kimberly Hawkey and Assaf Gleizner, beginning in the Court Cabaret on August 18. Inspired by the sounds and imagery of vintage Soundies and Golden-Age films, The Swingaroos blend past and present through the sweet sound of the swing era. This energetic, six-piece group combines New Orleans hot jazz with comedic storytelling and down-home influences. Single tickets range from $32-$36 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (941) 366-9000 or by visiting floridastudiotheatre.org.
The Swingaroos are New York City’s underground jazz band with a suitcase full of original songs and Hit Parade covers from the 1920s to the 2010s. A little kitschy, a little classy, and a lot of fun, The Swingaroos continue the tradition of the swing-era Territory bands.
Lead singer, Kimberly Hawkey speaks to the original inspiration behind the creation of
The Swingaroos stating, “I fell in love with the music of the 30s and 40s when I was preparing for a vocal competition a few years ago. I found the melodies rich, the subject matter lighthearted, and the rhythms irresistible. Jazz was synonymous with popular music at that time, and I loved the balance of dance ability, lyricism, and utter joy with the astounding level of musicianship.”
The band recently released their debut studio album, “All Aboard!” New York Music Daily called it an “Irrepressibly cheery update on 30s and 40s sounds.” A jazzy, jiving, juke box come to life, The Swingaroos are known for their energetic performances and the soothing, seductive vocal mix of their classic, yet modern swing sound.
Performing for Sarasota audiences for the first time, Hawkey adds, “I’m so excited for our FST performances where I’ll be joined by five incredibly talented, young jazz musicians who share my passion for swing and irreverent humor. We’ll tell our story through original music and lyrics as well as some of the greatest tunes in the American Songbook. Your only job is to forget about time and place while you enjoy a true hot jazz party hosted by a rogue bunch of musical misfits. We can’t wait to introduce you to our 1940s alter-egos!”
Beginning August 18, audiences can shimmy, sway, and sing along with The Swingaroos in FST’s Court Cabaret. Single tickets range from $32-$36 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (941) 366-9000 or by visiting floridastudiotheatre.org.
About Florida Studio Theatre
Known as Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company then acquired the former Woman’s Club building, becoming the first permanent venue. Shortly after Richard Hopkins arrived, the building was purchased and renamed The Keating Theatre. In the years that followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American Theatre, presenting contemporary theatre in its five theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Gompertz Theatre, the Parisian style Goldstein Cabaret and John C. Court Cabaret, and Bowne’s Lab Theatre.
Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dynamically changing world. As FST grows and expands, it continues to provide audiences with challenging, contemporary drama and innovative programs.
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