Entries by DJ Coordinator

Classical Music Inspires Swing

At this year’s Balboa Experiment, Kate Hedin played a set of Swing music that was “classically” inspired, meaning it had many riffs and themes lifted from or inspired by classical music.1 Mike Guzzo, a dancer from the East Coast and excellent DJ in his own right, kicked off an excellent Facebook discussion based around Kate’s […]

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DJ Round Robin

On October 24th, 2019, four DJS will be presenting the best music for your dancing pleasure in a unique format where they’ll riff off of, one-up, or just compliment each other throughout the evening trading mini-sets. It’s going to be an exciting night of dynamic DJing, awesome music and great dancing! Come listen to and […]

It’s Sham Sham Time

Frankie Manning, Ambassador of Lindy Hop, member of Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers and the Harlem Congeroo Dancers, Tony Award Winner for Black and Blue (at the age of 75!), and beloved mentor to hundreds of dancers throughout his instruction in the latter part of the 20th century and early Aughts, is also one of the notable godfathers […]

DJ Battle of the Bands, Fourth Edition

31 January 2019, Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs, Austin, Texas The Austin Swing Syndicate held its fourth semi-annual Battle of The Bands (via recorded music), with Lionel Hampton1 going head to head with his former bandleader, and second time Syndicate Battler, Benny Goodman2. Tommy Dorsey3 made his debut in the dance hall to make this […]

DJ Battle of the Bands, Third Edition

20 September 2018, Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs, Austin, Texas On March 7th, 1937, Chick Webb and His Orchestra were defeated by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra. Duke’s drummer, Sonny Greer, later stated “We tore them up, man!” But the defeat was not to last. In an epic rematch, Chick (DJ Lian) squared off against […]

Awesome Mix – 19 July 2018

As promised, we’ll be sharing set lists or highlighted songs for the various DJs from each Main Room evening. Below are the sets from the 19th of July. Please note that DJing is a skill and each set is created in real time based on the needs of the floor. The exact same songs could be […]

The Track Podcast

Ryan Swift is a photographer, dancer, and DJ based in NYC. He’s been dancing since 1998 and DJ’d around the world, DJing for numerous Lindy Hop exchanges, dance camps, weekend workshops, and competitions, including national events such as the International Lindy Hop Championships, Stompology, Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown & Frankie100, and at NYC events like Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing. He has […]

DJ Battle of the Bands, Second Edition

January 2018, the Syndicate held its second Battle of the Bands for another energetic night of Swing greats! This time, Chick Webb battled Jimmie Lunceford and Andy Kirk, brought to life through the best recordings by DJ Lian, DJ Keli, and DJ George, respectively. Andy Kirk was a surprise hit, but it was a close call between […]

First Ever DJ Battle of the Bands!

In May of 2017, three historic bands took the stage at the Fed for the Syndicate’s first ever Battle of the Bands! Chick Webb, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman squared off in a “battle royale”, winner-take-all head to head event! How was the Syndicate able to pull off such a feat? Three talented and eager DJs took […]