ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern State University Jazz Ensembles will host a Spring Swing Dance at the Aberdeen Eagles on Friday, April 27.

Doors for the event will open at 6 p.m., with music beginning as early as 6:30 p.m. NSU students will perform jazz standards from the musical “Sondheim on Sondheim,” which is currently showing in the NSU Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater.

Then the NSU Jazz Combo will take over, directed by Frederic Hemke, NSU professor of woodwinds. Next will be the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Wendy van Gent, with backing from the 2 O’Clock Jazz Ensemble, which is directed by Dr. Grant Manhart. The 2 O’Clock Jazz Ensemble will go on to perform a set, playing big band jazz standards with a roaring 17-piece big band.

After the 2 O’Clock set, the student-run group "Jet Lagged" will take over and play jazz, funk and rock tunes for a set. The night will conclude with one more set from the 2 O’Clock Jazz Ensemble, swinging dance music to their ultimate closer, a multi-drummer version of Benny Goodman's famous "Sing Sing Sing.”

Vocalists with the band include NSU music faculty members Dr. Darci Bultema, making her NSU Swing Dance debut singing a nightclub version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," and Dr. Marla Fogderud, singing a smoky rendition of “Tenderly.” NSU vocal majors will also perform alongside the bands throughout the evening.

“The large Eagles main dance hall should provide a great atmosphere for dancing, watching and listening, coupled with bar service all evening and food service until 10 p.m. It should be a non-stop spectacle of swing, dancing and great fun!” mentioned Manhart, NSU professor of music in trumpet/jazz.

Tickets are $10 for all who attend and will be available at the door, beginning at 6 p.m.

The Aberdeen Eagles is located at 316 S. 2nd St., Aberdeen.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.