Swing Dance with The Rock-A-Sonics

This event is a swing dance night at BlackRock Center for the Arts, featuring live music from The Rock-A-Sonics and a beginner-friendly dance lesson. The evening begins with a thirty-minute swing dance lesson taught by Gottaswing instructors, included in the ticket price, making it accessible even for those with no prior experience. The band then performs for two hours, playing rockabilly, vintage country, and atomic-age rock ’n’ roll in an authentic style. The Rock-A-Sonics are a longtime favorite of the DC swing dance community, with a lineup that includes Willie Barry on vocals and acoustic guitar, Eric Hurtt on electric guitar and vocals, Louie Newmyer on upright bass and vocals, Tommy Bowes on drums and vocals, and Kim Reynolds on piano, steel guitar, and saxophone. The venue’s BlackBox theater hosts the event.

When: Friday, August 28, 2026

Showtimes: Beginner swing lesson from 8:00pm to 8:30pm, followed by dancing from 8:30pm to 10:30pm.

Tickets: General Admission tickets are $20.00 per person, plus a 4% service fee intended to cover credit card and system management fees. The service fee is waived for cash or check transactions completed in person at the box office.

Lineup: The Rock-A-Sonics — Willie Barry (vocals, acoustic guitar), Eric Hurtt (electric guitar, vocals), Louie Newmyer (upright bass, vocals), Tommy Bowes (drums, vocals), and Kim Reynolds (piano, steel guitar, saxophone).

Lesson: A beginner swing dance lesson is included in the price of admission, provided by Gottaswing instructors. No partner is needed, and all ages are welcome.

Ages: All ages are welcome.

Venue: BlackBox theater at BlackRock Center for the Arts.

Note: Gottaswing also offers eight-week beginner and intermediate swing dance classes on Thursday nights at the same venue, with no partner required.